tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23379889651907613522024-02-19T08:07:55.644+01:00reclaiming the restorationMy attempt to pull the weeds of untruth, incorrect ideas, faulty concepts, disobedience, precepts of men, scriptures mingled with the philosophies of men and traditions of my fathers from my flowerbed of faith.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-74911845959845300182017-07-02T03:00:00.000+02:002017-07-02T03:00:22.257+02:00GOD'S IMAGE: The Full Measure of Our Creation - Chapter 3<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />“And thus they become new creatures”</span></span></h1>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'</i></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoSubtitle" style="margin: 0cm 77.95pt 0.0001pt 78pt; text-align: right;">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>– John 3:7</i></span></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The fall brought about the need for
redemption. The Book of Mormon teaches that Jesus brings mankind back into the
presence of God.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Adam and Eve <i>lived</i> with God in the
garden, so why would God be interested in providing them with a chance to eat
forbidden fruit and thereby giving way for their fall, just to sacrifice his
son in order to get them back?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">After being
driven out from the garden, Adam and Eve received the word of God and were
obedient to it.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
As a consequence of this, they were given further light and knowledge by an
angel. They were baptized by water and subsequently “with fire, and with the
Holy Ghost.” To Adam, God said, “Behold, thou art one in me, a son of God; and
thus may all become my sons.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Here, Adam and Eve were born again. Because of the addition of light and
knowledge and their increased ability to comprehend the things of God, they
could prophecy and rejoice in their fall and God’s redemption.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> God
created us without the characteristics of the fall and a desire for the </span><span lang="EN">acts of the flesh: “sexual
immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred,
discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and
envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like</span><span lang="EN-US">.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
All of this, or anything that is beneath or outside of the image of God, wasn’t
put in us by him. It has to be put off if we are to fulfill our purpose and
fill the measure of our creation. This is repentance. An essential part of
repentance is to understand who and what we are and what parts of us that we
shouldn’t identify with and definitely must not value or prefer above the
characteristics of God, which are our inheritance. Being born again, like Adam
and Eve were, means that we give up what we, deep down, are not. We were
created in his image, fell and now need to be reborn into what we initially
were designed to be. </span><span lang="EN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">Why, then, didn’t
God just let Adam and Eve stay in the garden? They were right there, and now we
have to get back there? The gain, after having experienced this dark and dreary
world, is that we will have a clearer view of <i>what</i> we are saved from
and <i>who</i> and <i>whose</i> we are saved to be. This knowledge
changes everything. Without it, God’s glory wouldn’t be so great, for what can
be greater than raising a fallen, dead and lost mankind unto light, love and
life eternal? For God, the fall was a chance for glory and an increase in love,
and for mankind, a chance to anew become one with God, but this time with the
experience, wisdom and humility gained by tasting both sweet and bitter,
spirituality and carnality and highs and lows. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">As a response to
the pharisaical objection to the fact that Jesus “welcomed sinners and ate with
them,”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Jesus shared the parable of the prodigal son. The son who came to his senses
and chose to return learned that nothing, except his own pride and attachment
to his sins, could keep him away from the arms of his father. From his own
experience, he knew of his father’s love, and that no matter what he had done
to sin against heaven or his father he would receive the honor of feeding on
the fatted calf and being clothed in a robe and a ring. This is a story about
the benefits of falling and returning. It’s also another witness to the fact
that</span></div>
<div class="MsoQuote">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN">that neither death
nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor
any powers, <b><sup> </sup></b>neither height nor depth, nor anything else
in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is
in Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[7]</span></span></a></span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Spiritual rebirth is the process by which
we move from our fallen state to a state of redemption. “Entering the kingdom
of God” is the image used in scripture for expressing the end of this initial ascension
from the fall. Jesus said that, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless “they
are born of water and the Spirit”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
or “be converted, and become as little children.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
In another instance, again employing the imagery of a
child-parent-relationship, Jesus cautioned that, “Whosoever shall not receive
the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Whatever imagery used to describe the need for repentance and interaction with
the Spirit of God, the scriptures are adamant that it happens. Mankind <i>must</i> be born again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Even
though God is the father of our spirits, he wants to give us new birth so that
we, like Adam, can be called a son or daughter of God. Children rarely carry
their own agenda. They follow their parents wherever they go. They do ask, “are
we there yet?” but they seldom propose a different route than the one chosen by
their parents. This is one of the characteristics of those who are born again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The
reason to be born again is the rebirth itself. We sometimes set our sight on
heaven and the return to God’s presence in the eternal world. To once again
become “good”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
in the sight of God, however, we need to be created anew by him and,
metaphorically, be brought back to paradise, or have the paradise within us
restored. Another way to express this same idea is that when we are born again,
God takes up his residence with us and we become a part of heaven here on
earth. Only those who during this life are made partakers of heaven will be
allowed to enter therein. <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> In
the Book of Mormon we read of Alma the younger. He was brought to an awakening
of his awful situation by an angel of the Lord and fell to the earth as if
dead. In this state, he repented and was taught by the Lord.</span></div>
<div class="MsoQuote">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US">And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that
all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people,
must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen
state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons
and daughters; And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this,
they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[12]</span></span></a></span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The wording is strong and unequivocal–we <i>must</i> be born again! In the spiritual
rebirth, our carnal and fallen state, the natural man, is lifted off of us and
we are changed to a state of righteousness. God lets his spirit change us and
make <i>us</i> into new, righteous and
redeemed creatures. This rebirth is not of <i>our</i>
doing, but a gift from God. We must be <i>born
of </i>God, becoming new creatures!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Helaman 14:17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Moses 5:1-8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Moses 6:64-67<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Moses 5:9-12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn5">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> </span>Galatians 5:19-20<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div id="ftn6">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Luke 15:1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn7">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> </span>Romans 8:38-39<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div id="ftn8">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> John 3:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn9">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Matthew 18:3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn10">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Mark 10:15<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn11">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> After the creation of man, God called his creation “very<i> </i>good.” Since then, God has invited us
to again come into his good graces. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn12">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> </span>Mosiah 27:24-27<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-63638424453253539962017-06-25T07:07:00.000+02:002017-06-25T07:07:23.107+02:00GOD'S IMAGE: The Full Measure of Our Creation - Chapter 2<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">“Carnal, sensual and devilish”</span></span></h1>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>Because of the
fall our natures have become evil continually. </i></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoSubtitle" style="margin: 0cm 77.95pt 0.0001pt 78pt; text-align: right;">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>– Ether 3:2</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As reported, Adam and Eve ate of the fruit
of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They did this, coaxed into it by
the serpent who urged them to seek to know good from evil, thereby becoming
like the gods, Consequently, God sent them out of his presence to till the
ground and bring forth children, putting in force the warning he had given
them. They also became mortal, all according the word of God. This incident is
called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the fall</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">In scripture, the
fall is said to be the cause of much evil and depravity. For example, the fall brought
upon mankind a spiritual and temporal death<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
and caused mankind to become carnal, sensual, devilish.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
On the other hand, “because of the fall of man came Jesus Christ, even the
Father and the Son; and because of Jesus Christ came the redemption of man and
because of the redemption of man, which came by Jesus Christ, they are brought
back into the presence of the Lord.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Because of the fall, we need redemption. Knowing this from before the
foundation of the world, God sent Jesus Christ to work it out on the behalf of
mankind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">After Adam and
Eve were driven out of the garden, they “called upon the name of the Lord” and
heard his voice, but having been shut out from his presence, they saw him not. As
an answer to their petition, the Lord “gave unto them commandments, that they
should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their
flocks, for an offering unto the Lord.” They obeyed and, after many days, Adam
and Eve were visited by an angel of the Lord. The angel commended them for
their obedience to the Lord’s commandments and explained that the commandments
they had received were “a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of
the Father, which is full of grace and truth.” Adam and Eve was also charged to
do all things in the name of the Son, and to “repent and call upon God in the
name of the Son forevermore. And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">Technically, in
this instance, Adam and Eve were fallen. It is hard, however, to accuse them of
being carnal, sensual and devilish. After all, they did call upon the name of
the Lord who spoke to them and gave them commandments to which they were obedient.
This resulted in an angelic visitation and a subsequent baptism of fire and the
Holy Ghost. Through this, they were born of the Spirit and became quickened in
the inner man–they became reconciled with God, a born-again son and daughter of
God.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Once born again, Adam and Eve had their eyes opened.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US">Adam blessed God and was filled, and began
to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the
name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this
life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God. And Eve, his
wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our
transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good
and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth
unto all the obedient.</span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">From this moment on, “Adam and Eve blessed
the name of God, and they made all things known unto their sons and their
daughters.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">One would imagine
that the field was white already to harvest<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
as they began proselytizing among their own children. Satan, however, came
among them and provided the needed opposition. Juxtaposing himself to Adam and
Eve, and maybe even Jesus himself, Satan said that he also was a son of God and
commanded their children, saying: “Believe it not.” We are not given a
full-scale report of their respective success, but the scriptures inform us
that the sons and daughters of Adam didn’t believe their parents “and they
loved Satan more than God. And men began from that time forth to be carnal,
sensual, and devilish.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">When God warned Adam and Eve of eating the fruit, he never mentioned
a carnal, sensual and devilish nature as one of its consequences. </span><span lang="EN-US">Here, after Satan won the hearts of the children of Adam and Eve, we
see the appearance of the consequences normally attributed to the fall. God did
forgive </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #181100; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino;">Adam and Eve’s transgression in the garden of Eden<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #181100; font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
but still had to let their children be affected by and experience its consequences.
God said that,</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US">thy children are conceived in sin, even so
when they begin to grow up, sin conceiveth in their hearts, and they taste the
bitter, that they may know to prize the good. And it is given unto them to know
good from evil; wherefore they are agents unto themselves.</span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #181100; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #181100; font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[10]</span></span></a></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Being agents unto ourselves, we either
choose “liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or … captivity
and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
In a revelation to Joseph Smith, Jesus explained that,</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US">Every spirit of man was innocent in the
beginning; and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again, in
their infant state, innocent before God. And that wicked one cometh and taketh
away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and
because of the tradition of their fathers.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[12]</span></span></a></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A
carnal, sensual and devilish nature is the indirect result of the fall and a
direct result of yielding to the temptations of the devil and living in
unbelief, “in a carnal state, in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of
iniquity”, thereby living without God in the world.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">The choice of
Satan over God isn’t always intentional. Through our own disobedience, and
through traditions<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
handed to us from our fathers, we lose light and truth. The choice to love
Satan isn’t always based on a clear understanding of what he is and wants, nor is
a corresponding desire to see all men as miserable as he is necessary.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
It requires, however, a desire for the things of the flesh. If Satan can keep
us occupied with the things of this world, he has won our hearts, the only
thing we really had to give to God and the thing God actually wants. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don't need to behave satanically, or even
be evil (as it is normally understood), nor do we have to desire evil to keep
ourselves from God's presence. Ironically and paradoxically, religious
overzealousness is enough to effectively keep us out of heaven.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn16;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">False traditions
are truly dangerous and will surely claim its victims. When we, for any reason,
believe false traditions instead of the truth, we run the risk of not believing
in the redemption of God. This unbelief will put us outside of its embrace. It
will be like it didn’t happen. The Book of Mormon teaches that,</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US">It is by faith that miracles are wrought;
and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if
these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of
unbelief, and all is vain. For no man can be saved, according to the words of
Christ, save they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if these things have
ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are
as though there had been no redemption made.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn17;" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[17]</span></span></a></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">False beliefs lead to unbelief and a lack
of faith. The consequence of this is mankind’s non-redemptiveness. This means
that, “the wicked remain as though there had been no redemption made, except it
be the loosing of the bands of death.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn18;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Everyone will be resurrected and brought “back into the presence of the Lord,”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn19;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
thus overcoming the physical death caused by the fall of Adam and Eve. The Book
of Mormon teaches that,</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US">he that persists in his own carnal nature,
and goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against God, remaineth in his
fallen state and the devil hath all power over him. Therefore he is as though
there was no redemption made, being an enemy to God.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn20" name="_ftnref20" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn20;" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[20]</span></span></a></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In general, mankind labors in sin. We are constantly
under the influence of the temptations if the devil. If we don’t get out of its
grip, we will die in our sins and “shrink from the presence of the Lord into a
state of misery and endless torment” from which we cannot return.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn21" name="_ftnref21" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn21;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[21]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Sin makes us unclean, and when that fact is presented to our minds in an
unmistakable way, we “would be more miserable to swell with a holy and just
God, under a consciousness of [our] filthiness before him, than [we] would to
dwell with the damned souls in hell.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn22" name="_ftnref22" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn22;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[22]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">We can either
persist in our sin-prone and carnal nature<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn23" name="_ftnref23" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn23;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[23]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
or give way for repentance and belief. In the words of an angel of the Lord, “men
drink damnation to their own souls except they humble themselves and become …
as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit
to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child
doth submit to his father.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn24" name="_ftnref24" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn24;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[24]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">Being weighed
down by sin, standing without the redemption of God, we will be unaffected by
the enlightening and ennobling power of God and continually move to a higher
state of spiritual disorder.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn25" name="_ftnref25" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn25;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[25]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
If we don’t believe that God can and that we desperately need him to, God
cannot change our lives and characters. We can still walk about and do good<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn26" name="_ftnref26" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn26;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[26]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
for all kinds of reasons, but we won’t have the gift of charity and our motives
won’t be pure. To God, a good deed isn’t better than the motive behind it.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn27" name="_ftnref27" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn27;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[27]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">Through the fall,
Adam and Eve not only lost their existence in paradise and the presence of God,
but also opened up for the risk to neglect and lose the paradise, light and
truth God put within them when he created them in his own image. The measure of
our creation, “the image and likeness of God,” was lost as man fell and yielded
to the enticings of the devil,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn28" name="_ftnref28" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn28;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[28]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
chose unbelief and love of evil and thereby became carnal, sensual and
devilish. The fall has put us in a place where we are lost<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn29" name="_ftnref29" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn29;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[29]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
from the arms and presence of God, forced to experience good and bad and taste
sweet as well as bitter.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn30" name="_ftnref30" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn30;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[30]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
We live amidst constant opposition.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn31" name="_ftnref31" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn31;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[31]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
We are free to choose to believe or not to believe.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US">And they that believe not [will be raised in
immortality] unto eternal damnation, for they cannot be redeemed from their
spiritual fall, because they repent not, for they love darkness rather than
light, and their deeds are evil, and they receive their wages of whom they list
to obey.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn32" name="_ftnref32" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn32;" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[32]</span></span></a></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The message of the Lord hasn’t changed. Today,
just as in the times of Adam and Eve, the Lord calls “upon men by the Holy
Ghost everywhere and commands them that they should repent.” The promises tied
to this must be fulfilled:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US">As many as believed in the Son, and repented
of their sins, should be saved; and as many as believed not and repented not,
should be damned.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn33" name="_ftnref33" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn33;" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[33]</span></span></a></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Being born again is how we are lifted from
the fall and the means whereby we stop identifying with our fallen nature. Those
who are born again belong to Jesus and they “</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">have crucified the flesh with its passions
and desires.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn34" name="_ftnref34" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn34;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[34]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
If we believe and repent, God will redeem us and make us into </span><span lang="EN-US">new creatures,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn35" name="_ftnref35" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn35;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[35]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
created anew by God into what we were intended to be in the first place. Together
with Paul, we can testify that</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">I have been
crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The
life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved
me and gave himself for me.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn36" name="_ftnref36" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn36;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[36]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></blockquote>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Alma 42:9-10; Helaman 14:16: Moses 6:48<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Mosiah 16:3; Alma 22:13; Moses 5:13, 6:49; D&C 20:20<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Mormon 9:12-13</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Moses 5:4-9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Moses 6:64-68<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Moses 5:10-12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: SV;">D&C 4:4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Moses 5:13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn9" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Moses 6:53<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn10" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Moses 6:56<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn11" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> 2 Nephi 2:27<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn12" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> D&C 93:38-39<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn13" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Alma 41:11<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn14" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> These traditions include religious rituals, ideas, beliefs and such
things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn15" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> 2 Nephi 2:27<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn16" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn16;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Jesus said: “I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses
that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter
the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn17" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn17;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-ansi-language: SV;"> Moroni 7:37-38<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn18" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn18;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-ansi-language: SV;"> Alma 11:41<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn19" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn19;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-ansi-language: SV;"> Helaman 14:17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn20" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref20" name="_ftn20" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn20;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[20]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Mosiah 16:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn21" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref21" name="_ftn21" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn21;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[21]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Mosiah 3:25<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn22" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref22" name="_ftn22" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn22;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[22]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Mormon 9:4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn23" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref23" name="_ftn23" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn23;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[23]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> The prophets Nephi and Alma both expressed that “sin easily beset
us” (2 Nephi 2:18 and Alma 7:15).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn24" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref24" name="_ftn24" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn24;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[24]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Mosiah 3:18-19<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn25" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref25" name="_ftn25" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn25;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[25]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> In other words, we will be in the grip of entropy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn26" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref26" name="_ftn26" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn26;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[26]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Acts 10:38<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn27" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref27" name="_ftn27" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn27;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[27]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: SV;">Moroni 7:5-11<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn28" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref28" name="_ftn28" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn28;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[28]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Mosiah 3:19<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn29" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref29" name="_ftn29" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn29;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[29]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Alma 12:22, 42:6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn30" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref30" name="_ftn30" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn30;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[30]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> 2 Nephi 2:11, 15; D&C 29:39<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn31" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref31" name="_ftn31" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn31;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[31]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Alma 36:21; Moses 6:55<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn32" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref32" name="_ftn32" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn32;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[32]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> D&C 93:44-45<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn33" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref33" name="_ftn33" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn33;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[33]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Moses 5:14-15<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn34" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref34" name="_ftn34" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn34;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[34]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Galatians. 5:24<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn35" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref35" name="_ftn35" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn35;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[35]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Mosiah 27:25-26<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn36" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref36" name="_ftn36" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn36;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[36]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Galatians. 2:20<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-86669961210421369052017-06-12T19:45:00.000+02:002017-06-12T19:45:26.792+02:00GOD'S IMAGE: The Full Measure of Our Creation - Chapter 1<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: large;">“In the image and likeness of God”</span></span></h1>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>God saw all that
he had made, and it was very good. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>And there was evening, and there was
morning--the sixth day. </i></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US">
</span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoSubtitle" style="margin: 0cm 63.75pt 0.0001pt 2cm; text-align: right;">
<span lang="EN-US"><i>- Genesis 1:31</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The creation story in Genesis plays out
during six days of work and one day of rest. God considered all the work he had
done, whether it pertained to the light, the seas, seed-bearing and
fruit-yielding vegetation, the sun, moon and the stars, animals of the sea and
earth, to be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">good<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[1]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></i>.
After the sixth day, when he “</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #181100; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino;">created mankind in his own image, in the image of God
he created them; male and female he created them</span><span lang="EN-US">”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>,
he said that what he had made was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very
good<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[3]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></i>.
The creation of mankind evidently crowned the creative work of God, which
continued with the planting of a garden “eastward in Eden.” In this garden, God
made “to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the
tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good
and evil.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
The last of these two trees, the tree of knowledge of good and evil, came to
play a central role to the rest of the creation story, which we all know; the serpent
told Eve to eat of the fruit, she did and talked Adam into doing the same, God
found out and drove them out of the garden to till the earth, eat bread in the
sweat of their brows and bring forth children in sorrow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">This story raises
some questions, for sure. First, is it a truthful, but simplified, retelling of
actual events? In other words, did this really happen? The scriptures are clear
and cannot really be misunderstood–it’s a true story! For example, Nephi
reports that the brass plates, among other things, contained an “account of the
creation of the world, and also of Adam and Eve, who were our first parents,”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Lehi taught Jacob about the creation and Adam and Eve,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Job gave reference to the incident of the fig leaves,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Luke gave the genealogy of Jesus all the way down to Adam,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Paul gave reference to Adam in his letters to the Romans,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
the Corinthians<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
and to Timothy.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Aside from these examples, we find about a hundred or more references to the
creation of Adam and Eve and the trees of life and knowledge of good and evil in
the Book of Mormon, Lectures on Faith, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of
Great Price. If we take the scriptures as our standard of what is true there
can be no doubt as to the veracity of the story of Adam of Eve. That is, as
long as we don’t consider all of scripture as a metaphor and not as something
to be taken at face value. As in almost every other thing, it’s hard to take an
all or nothing approach to this question; some parts of scripture clearly are
allegorical whereas others are historical accounts. The question of the
veracity of the scriptures is, in the end, a matter of belief. Much can be said
on the topic, but this is not the place where this question will be settled
once and for all. In this volume, the scriptures will be my staff and I will
lean unto it for truth about the things of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">A second question
that arises from the story of the creation of Adam and Eve is what it means
that they were created in the image and likeness of God. The Hebrew words
translated as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in our image</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">after our likeness</i>, tselem and demûwth,
are defined as in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">resemblance of
something</i>, in this instance, God. The definition of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tselem</i> is a phantom that is figuratively illusion hence a
representative figure.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
In other words, there is an element of figurative use in these words. It’s like
they were created as the same species as God, but without the full
characteristics of a god. Adam and Eve were <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">like
</i>God, but not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">as</i> God. This might
seem like a play with words, but consider this. Newly created, Adam and Eve
were “good”, “righteous”, and “perfect” enough to dwell with God. They hadn’t
yet acquired any knowledge of good and evil, nor did they have experience with
bitterness, sin and death with the accompanying appreciation of life,
forgiveness and sweetness, and they weren’t fallen (yet) so they were in no
need of a Savior or faith in God. Even though they didn’t keep the commandment
to multiply and replenish the earth, they were still allowed to be in the
presence of God. If Adam and Eve had not eaten of the fruit, they</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US">would not have fallen, but [they] would have
remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have
remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they
must have remained forever, and had no end and they would have had no children.
Wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for
they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[13]</span></span></a></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Adam and Eve would have, as the Book of
Mormon informs us, lived on forever as a lone couple in the garden of Eden
doing no good nor experiencing joy. We therefore have to ask whether God had to
plant a tree with a forbidden fruit? Or, why did he designate the fruit of one
of the trees planted in the garden as “lethal”? I guess it depends on whether
God was happy with the state of mankind right after the creation. Since he did
plant the tree, or said that the fruit was to be avoided, we must conclude that
he wasn’t done with his plan when Adam and Eve were safely in the garden. Why then
did he do it? God could have not planted a lethal tree, or he could have not
forbidden them from eating of its fruit. But, he didn’t. And why is that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">The answer to
this brings us back to the question of the qualitative difference between God
and Adam and Eve. In the Book of Mormon, we read that</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US">it must needs be, that there is an
opposition in all things. If not so … righteousness could not be brought to
pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad.
Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should
be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor
corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor
insensibility.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"> <span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[14]</span></span></a></span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Without opposition, earth and mankind would
have been “created for a thing of naught; wherefore there would have been no
purpose in the end of its creation.” A consequence of this would have been a
lack of law and sin, sin and righteousness, righteousness and happiness and
opposing punishment and misery, and consequently no God, mankind or earth. But,
“there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the
earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be
acted upon.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
This God had a different purpose with his creation than it being a thing of
naught and without purpose.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US">And to bring about his eternal purposes in
the end of man, after he had created our first parents, and the beasts of the
field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it
must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in
opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter. Wherefore,
the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could
not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the
other.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn16;" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[16]</span></span></a></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The opposing forces that are an integral
part of God’s purpose in creating the earth and mankind can’t be had unless
mankind can act for himself. Or, there is nothing for man to act upon without
opposition, for “man could not act for himself save it should be that he was
enticed by the one or the other.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn17;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
In the garden, God needed to create a choice for Adam and Eve. Since God wanted
mankind to enjoy his fullness, not only from without but also from within, this
was a dilemma he needed to solve. By making the choice to eat of the forbidden
fruit, Adam and Eve opened the door for law, sin, righteousness, happiness,
punishment and misery as well as the chance to develop and be transformed into
a being not just like God, but to become <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">as</i>
God also. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">By losing their
innocence, Adam and Eve won the chance to continue their journey according to
the purposes of God. On this theme, Joseph Smith taught that</span> </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US">God himself, finding he was in the midst of
spirits and glory saw proper to institute laws whereby the rest, who were less
intelligent, could have a privilege to advance like himself.<span style="mso-text-raise: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -6.5pt;"> </span>The
relationship we have with God places us in a situation to advance in knowledge.<span style="mso-text-raise: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -6.5pt;"> </span>He has power
to institute laws to instruct the weaker intelligences,<span style="mso-text-raise: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -6.5pt;"> </span>that they may be exalted with
himself,<span style="mso-text-raise: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -6.5pt;"> </span>so
that they might have one glory upon another,<span style="mso-text-raise: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -6.5pt;"> </span>and all that knowledge, power, glory,<span style="mso-text-raise: 6.5pt; position: relative; top: -6.5pt;"> </span>and
intelligence, which is requisite in order to save them in the world of spirits.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn18;" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[18]</span></span></a></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Book of Mormon explains that, “all
flesh is of the dust; and for the selfsame end hath [God] created them, that
they should keep his commandments and glorify him forever.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn19;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
These commandments are a part of the laws God has instituted whereby which we
could have the privilege to advance like God himself. This plan of salvation
and attaining of godliness will move us from being in God’s image in appearance
only to possessing “the principles which God possesses.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn20" name="_ftnref20" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn20;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[20]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
The principles God possesses are an integral part of his image. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">What, then, is
God that we should desire to emulate him? What principles does he possess and
why should we seek them? First, a discussion about the character of God isn’t
voyeurism. John reports Jesus as saying, “Now this is eternal life: that they
know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn21" name="_ftnref21" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn21;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[21]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
This settles that question–we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have </i>to
know God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A discussion about who and
what God is should therefore be in our deepest interest. Joseph Smith talked
about the effort we need to put into this endeavor. He said:</span><span style="text-indent: 65.2pt;"> </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US">the things of God are of deep import; and
time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only
find them out. Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must
stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the
darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity—thou must commune with God.
How much more dignified and noble are the thoughts of God, than the vain
imaginations of the human heart!<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn22" name="_ftnref22" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn22;" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[22]</span></span></a></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The Lectures on Faith further promotes this
idea of the need to know God by stating that, “a <i>correct</i> idea of [God’s]
character, perfections and attributes” is a prerequisite for “any rational and
intelligent [to] exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn23" name="_ftnref23" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn23;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[23]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Before addressing (some of) the attributes of God, the Lectures on Faith
explains that,</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US">the real design which the God of heaven had
in view in making the human family acquainted with his attributes, was, that
they through the ideas of the existence of his attributes, might be enabled to
exercise faith in him, and through the exercise of faith in him, might obtain
eternal life. For without the idea of the existence of the attributes which
belong to God, the minds of men could not have power to exercise faith on him
so as to lay hold upon eternal life. The God of heaven understanding most
perfectly the constitution of human nature, and the weakness of man, knew what
was necessary to be revealed, and what ideas must be planted in their minds in
order that they might be enabled to exercise faith in him unto eternal life.</span><i style="text-indent: 65.2pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The attributes of God discussed in the
Lectures on Faith are: knowledge, faith (or power), justice, judgment, mercy
and truth. As God’s offspring, we should seek these attributes, primarily by
faith and grace, but also through diligence and discipline. We should
understand, however, that we are to be creatures of God and not of our own
efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">The Lectures on
Faith are silent on the love of God. This, however, shouldn’t cause
consternation. The scriptures are clear about the fact that “God is love.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn24" name="_ftnref24" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn24;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[24]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Peter states that Jesus “was chosen before the creation of the world”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn25" name="_ftnref25" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn25;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[25]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
and John adds that the Lamb also was “slain from the creation of the world.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn26" name="_ftnref26" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn26;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[26]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
In the revelations of Joseph Smith, we read that, the atonement, the redemption
of Christ and the plan of redemption were <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #181100; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino;">prepared from the foundation of the world, through
Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name.</span><span lang="EN-US">”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn27" name="_ftnref27" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn27;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[27]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
In the Book of Mormon, a pre-mortal Jesus proclaimed, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 35.45pt; margin-right: 14.15pt; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">Behold, I am he
who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my <span class="CitatChar">people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son.
In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall
believe on my name; and they shall</span> become my sons and my daughters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The scriptures are clear on the point that God
didn’t make up Jesus and his redemption after Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden
fruit, but rather something that God had in his heart from the very start, even
before the creation of the world. Since God sent Jesus because of his love of
his creation,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn28" name="_ftnref28" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn28;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[28]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
we know that God must have loved us immensely before we ever had a chance to
show our devotion to him.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn29" name="_ftnref29" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn29;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[29]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
The first love we received was totally undeserved. This points us to a
beautiful trait of the God–to love where no love is deserved. No one deserves
forgiveness and without this unconditional love, there would be none of it.
Forgiveness is an enactment of the concept of releasing those who rightfully
should be imprisoned. It’s letting mercy reign instead of justice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<br />
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Genesis 1:27<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Genesis 1:31<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Genesis 2:8-9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> 1 Nephi 5:11<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> 2 Nephi 2:11-25<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Job 31:33<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Luke 3:23-38<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn9" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Romans 5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn10" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> 1 Corinthians 15<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn11" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> 1 Timothy 2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn12" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Strong’s No.: H6754<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn13" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> 2 Nephi 2:22-23<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn14" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> 2 Nephi 2:11<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn15" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> 2 Nephi 2:12-14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn16" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn16;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> 2 Nephi 2:15-16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn17" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn17;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> 2 Nephi 2:16; see also Doctrine & Covenants (D&C) 29:39<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn18" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn18;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (TPJS), p. 354; see also
Words of Joseph Smith (WJS), p. 341, 346, 352, 360<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn19" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn19;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Jacob 2:21<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn20" style="mso-element: footnote;">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref21" name="_ftn21" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn21;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[21]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> John 17:3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn22" style="mso-element: footnote;">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref22" name="_ftn22" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn22;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[22]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> TPJS, p. 137; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn23" style="mso-element: footnote;">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref23" name="_ftn23" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn23;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[23]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Lectures on Faith (LF) 3:2, 4; italics in original.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn24" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref24" name="_ftn24" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn24;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[24]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> 1 John 4:8, 16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn25" style="mso-element: footnote;">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref25" name="_ftn25" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn25;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[25]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> 1 Peter 1:20<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn26" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref26" name="_ftn26" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn26;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[26]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Revelations 13:8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn27" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref27" name="_ftn27" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn27;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[27]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Mosiah 4:6-7, 18:3; Alma 22:13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn28" style="mso-element: footnote;">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref28" name="_ftn28" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn28;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[28]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> John 3:16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn29" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref29" name="_ftn29" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn29;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%;">[29]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> 1 John 4:10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-60036274496232300002017-06-11T06:54:00.001+02:002017-06-11T06:54:50.113+02:00GOD'S IMAGE: The Full Measure of Our Creation - Introduction<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/Xcode/Reference/xcode_markup_formatting_ref/Art/MFR_symbol_horizontal_rule_2x.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="578" height="181" src="https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/Xcode/Reference/xcode_markup_formatting_ref/Art/MFR_symbol_horizontal_rule_2x.png" width="320" /></a>In general, humans are fond of rules. They
make life predictable and help them hold reasonable expectations on the people
around them. Rules also function as a help to attain a feeling of correctness
and belonging, since rules create an us vs. them paradigm (at least for those
who obey the rules). One thing that all Swedes, or Americans, have in common is
that they are subject to the same rules and laws. The idea for a sovereign
state is that there should be no exceptions to this general rule. Society, as
we know it, would take a hard toll if one part of it wasn’t expected to live by
the rules established and, in consequence couldn’t be held accountable for
violations of them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">Man-made rules
are horizontal in nature. The purpose of rules and law is to regulate behavior;
to promote behavior the law-maker desires and proscribe undesired behavior.
They apply to human interaction and that between man-made institutions
(companies, governments, churches and other organizations). John Adams, the
second President of the United States, stated that, “Our Constitution was made
only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the
government of any other.” In this sphere of existence, rules do have a place.
If a moral and religious people would have need to be governed, then what kind
of people would be in no need of an outward set of rules? What’s the role of
rules and law in the vertical relationship between man and God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">Through Jeremiah,
the Lord said that, in a future day, “I will put my law in their inward parts,
and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my
people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his
brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of
them unto the greatest of them,”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 20px;">[1]</span></span></span></a>The Lord’s people are those who have no need to be told to know the Lord, for
they already know him, and the will have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his</i>
law written in their hearts. What then is this law?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">In a revelation
given to Joseph Smith in December of 1832, Jesus alluded to a law he previously
had given which would sanctify those who adhered to it, calling it “the law of
Christ.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
This side note finds itself in a discussion on the laws of the celestial,
terrestrial and telestial kingdoms, and that a person will find themselves
blessed in accordance with the law they have been able to abide. The revelation
also mentions the earth, stating that, “it must needs be sanctified from all
unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for celestial glory” and eventually be
inherited by the meek. The earth will be crowned with this glory, even with the
presence of God the Father, “after it hath filled the measure of its creation.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
The revelation goes on, pronouncing that, “the earth abideth the law of the
celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation. … Wherefore, it
shall be sanctified.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">From this we
gather that the law of Christ is the same as the law of the celestial kingdom,
which is to fill the measure of one’s creation. A man-made tool or instrument
that doesn’t fill its purpose will be discarded, and one that fulfills the
expectations of its owner will be kept and cherished and used over and over
again. The same goes for the human race; can we do better than what we were
created for? Can we rise above God’s intentions? The answer to these questions
is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">no</i>. We can, and most of us do,
however, live far beneath our divine and spiritual privileges. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US">As we strive to
prepare for celestial glory, what are we to do and aim for? What is our vision?
What is the law we should give place for in our hearts? What did God create us
to be? Or, in other words, what is the measure of our creation?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> Jer. 31:33-34<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 125%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: SV; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> D&C 88:21<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-34921430284581848642017-01-30T19:08:00.001+01:002017-02-07T20:44:31.445+01:00WHAT LACK I YET? - my new book<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">As of late, I haven't been heavily involved in writing new posts on the blog. The reason for this is that I've been busy writing a book. In August of last year, the Lord put it on my heart to turn my focus to a great quote by Joseph Smith and write a few words on that. And so I've done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Uy8uxwcNL._SX322_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Uy8uxwcNL._SX322_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="207" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The book will in a non-confrontative way help Mormons to a new way of looking at our doctrine and what Joseph was all about. Hopefully, the book will motivate its readers to repent, and thereby letting God take from them what they don't need and give them what they do need.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In short, the book is a<span style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US">n attempt to learn </span></span></span><span style="text-align: center;">what we have to know </span><span style="text-align: center;">in order to desire </span><span style="text-align: center;">what we must have. If you find it valuable, please share with friends and family.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A physical copy of the book can be ordered on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/What-lack-yet-Christian-H%C3%A4gglund/dp/1542653282/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1485799534&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you prefer the pdf-version, you can access that <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_z-TGm_JB73RGRyQWoxLUlqdm8" target="_blank">here</a>. A smaller sized pdf is found <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_z-TGm_JB73TWJhTUxyOHEwVFk" target="_blank">here</a>.</span>Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-34418130981745107022017-01-08T20:12:00.002+01:002017-01-08T20:12:28.161+01:00The choice of faithI've frequently heard people say that we should place our burdens on the Lord. The <i>how-to</i> of this enticing proposition has unfortunately eluded me–until last week!<br />
<br />
I listened to an interview with a woman who had gone through difficult times. At on time, fear and worry almost paralysed her. In this depth of despair, she decided to give her fears to Jesus. Before she made her point, I understood that this is all about the choice to live in faith rather than fear.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>It's a choice to trust the Lord and just let go of the fear. </li>
<li>It's a choice to trust in life/God/your journey and not make your problems and challenges into permanent hinders or stumbling-blocks, but to let them be stepping-stones on your path. </li>
<li>It's a choice to trust that God will make the bitter into sweet and sanctify our heartache. </li>
<li>It's the choice to not carry every tough decision or step at the same time, but to allow God work his magic and timetable and accept whatever he puts on our plates, whenever he chooses to do so.</li>
<li>It's the choice to not worry about tomorrow, and rest in the knowledge that one step and day at a time is enough.</li>
<li>It's the choice to trust that salvation isn't ultimately worked out by us, but rather God's work and glory in and through us.</li>
</ul>
<div>
This song captures it beautifully!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-85871483277111581452016-11-13T19:32:00.002+01:002016-11-13T19:32:29.835+01:00TESTIMONY OR FAITH?<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A testimony is having a conviction of the fabulous view provided by a nearby mountain to. Faith is to believe the view is great and worthwhile and making the effort to climb the mountain.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'd rather have testimony of one thing and hundred percent faith than testimony of hundreds of things and lack faith to pursue any of them for myself.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If we accept payment in testimony when only the currency of faith is legal tender, we will short change ourselves. Instead of worshipping the true God, we send with the low quality copy and become of idolaters.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It's notable that Jesus often spoke of belief and faith in him but never about having a testimony.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Let me remind us about this: <a href="http://reclaimingtherestoration.blogspot.se/2015/09/a-parable-pit-village-and-mountain.html" target="_blank">A parable: The pit, the village and the mountain</a></i></span></div>
Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-47472481204898292472016-11-04T16:57:00.000+01:002016-11-04T16:57:12.905+01:00DAVID WHITMER - DESCENDANT TALK (edited version)<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">DAVID WHITMER,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">DESCENDANT TALK,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">NOVEMBER 18, 1993<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="http://ak-cache.legacy.net/legacy/images/cobrands/saltlaketribune/photos/mou0036830-1_20141119.jpgx?w=130&h=180&option=1&v=0x000000002e8f3558" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ak-cache.legacy.net/legacy/images/cobrands/saltlaketribune/photos/mou0036830-1_20141119.jpgx?w=130&h=180&option=1&v=0x000000002e8f3558" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><i><span style="color: #16191f;">This is an edited version of a transcript from a talk by David Whitmer (1942-2014). Unedited version </span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2Z3jxi8hRQYNHpGX0tTaVBlNzA/view" style="color: #16191f;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="color: #16191f;">. Obituary </span><a href="http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?pid=173219418" style="color: #16191f;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="color: #16191f;">. Transcript of K-Star Radio interview <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h1xIfDg95nE2XudlslIvHTj81_raOL9Y8HR0_7hWAK8/edit" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;"><o:p><i><br /></i></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">After 2.5 years we taught 112 people and
baptized 112. We never even taught a lesson to anybody except they got
baptized. I mean, we even hit the number one atheist in Tacoma who was a 19
year old kid that had an IQ of over 200.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When he was 14 he had challenged every major religion to a big debate.
He challenged the Catholics, Baptists and they would meet in a large hall that
seated<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">300 or 400 people. He had won every
debate but he couldn't get any Mormons to come and debate. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The full-time missionaries would come
and teach him but they wouldn't discuss Adam-God theory, or polygamy, and all
that. He had slipped in to one of our baptisms where we were baptizing a
couple, and he had heard there was going to be a baptism and he wanted to see
what it was like. Right after the baptism he slips out the door. Arly and I
were getting dressed and we usually baptize one or the other and then we would
switch on the confirmation.When I go to confirm them I can't find Arly, so I
confirm them both and we get all through and I go out into the parking lot and
there is Arly.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He had slipped out and
the Spirit had said go get him. So Arly had headed him off and he said
"What I want to do is learn about the Adam-God theory, polygamy, and all
that stuff".<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Arly said, "We
will teach you anything you want to know." And he said "OK, come over
to my house Thursday night” So starting Thursday night on we taught him. Arly
took my watch, I had one with the hand on it, going around. He took my watch
and he says, "John is there any elements in that watch that you couldn’t
find out here in the earth?” John
says "No". Arly says, "What are the chances of all them coming
together and actually working?” And John goes, he figures it all out,
"Really there is no chance of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">that happening." Arly then says,
"someone had to make it, huh?” "OK, I finally believe there is a God."
There is no way I can get passed that one. Then with tears in his eyes John
says, "Now teach me about God." He ended up joining the Church and
then he went on a mission, then he came to BYU and I haven't heard much from
him since.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Arly would head off people all over town. I learned on that fifth stake
mission how you do it by the Spirit. If you don't have revelation you have to
knock on every door. If you have the Spirit you just pass up the ones that
aren't ready even if they make an appointment. He is the one that opened the
door on it. So when I moved back from Tacoma up to Salt Lake here the first
week I went to church as a Seventy they said "Our group instructor isn't
here. Here is the lesson manual would you mind teaching us lesson number such
and such?" I stood up first time in the ward and taught the lesson and
after that they set me apart as the Seventy instructor. The second week the
High Priest group instructor wasn't there and they asked if they could come in.
And about three years later they made me a High Priest and I still teach in all
the Seventies and High Priests and I was there as years teaching them. Two and
a half years working in the River Jordan temple in the baptistery every
Wednesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">I had a goal that took me fifteen years to reach. I wanted to be able to
speak to the Church of the Firstborn and the resurrected beings. Even going on
a mission I needed personal revelation of some kind that said, "Yes, I
want you to go on a mission, and here is where I want you to go, this is what I
want you to do". Rather than just assume I am supposed to be going where
the Church told me to go based on there was an opening that happened to be
there. I wanted to be more. I went for fifteen years fasting, praying filling
every position that I had, doing everything I could by the Spirit until I
started receiving my first visions and revelations. That would have been eight
years ago now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">My first vision I had Jesus taking me by the hand and we were sailing
over, what turned out to be, most of the state of Utah. We were at an incline
about like this. We are about two or three hundred feet in the air and He is
showing me all the destruction that is going to happen to Utah. He kept saying,
"I will clean my house first". My house meaning those that are the
closest, those that have the most, will be where I clean first. There was a
woman climbing up over rubble. She was all beat up, she had dried blood on her,
scabs, everything was a mess on her. She was digging thru rubble like it was
her home. She was saying, "Oh God, I've lost everything, I've lost
everything", and just a wailing. And Jesus said, "No, you've lost
everything that you thought would save you. Unless all of you turn your hearts
to me, and come to me, this is what's going to happen to you." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't know how long this vision took but
when it finished I was sitting on the end of my bed. I went downstairs and walked
around for about 45 minutes. I came back up and just sat on the edge of the bed
and was just starting to lean back onto the pillow when the vision started again.
It was exactly the same thing, exactly, same words, everything perfect. When I
got thru I was sitting on the edge of the bed again so I went down and walked
around for a little over an hour. I went back up and was just starting to sit
on the edge of the bed when it started for the third time.<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>After the first one I remember
thinking, when my wife wakes up in the morning I am going to tell her we've got
to move away from Salt Lake. After the second one we've got to move away from
the Wasatch front and after the third one we've got to move out of Utah because
then I remember seeing Logan, St. George, Vernal, and everyplace in Utah. I
remember seeing headlines, like news headlines, saying, "Look what has
happened to Utah. These were God-fearing, family-oriented, upright, clean
living people. If that can happen in Utah what is going to happen to the rest
of us?" I was seeing newscasters saying the same type of thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Was that an earthquake
type of thing, or nuclear? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: There wasn't much standing.
I remember seeing the temple but it was like the temple was sticking out of
some water. I could only see the top spires of the temple.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The rubble was mostly upon the benches but
it looked like there was a lot of water here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Since then I have found out that there is a 200-300 foot shelf of salt
underneath<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the whole Salt Lake valley. A
geologist at the University of Utah was telling me that that salt in the last 20
years has been dissolved and most of it is gone now and it is just a hollow
cavern down there. When they drill they can hit an area of 300 feet thick with
nothing in it, it is just empty. So it is like the earthquake shakes and this
falls down and then the water from the Great salt Lake rushes in. The Indians I
talk to say that in their prophesies it is something like the salt woman, they
call this the salt woman and the salt woman is going to raise up and clean the
valley. But all I can tell you is what I saw which was a lot of destruction and
when this woman says, "I've lost everything", all He answered was,
"You've lost everything you thought would save you."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">I don't think I've told you this but I saw a couple of visions where I
could see me standing on a corner in Salt Lake and I'm telling people that now
is the time to repent, now is the time to get your life in order. I remember a
guy coming up with a threepiece suit on and a briefcase and he asks if he can
go home and tell his family about this? And I say, "Yes." I see
myself there a few days later saying the same things and another guy in a
threepiece suit and a briefcase comes up and asks if he can go home and warn
his family and I answer, "No, there isn't time." I can see myself
turn and like I was heading west and when I got somewhere out on the desert, I
could see a lot of people behind me and a lot of people out in front of me, all
traveling, but I felt like a big whoosh behind me. It was just like something
brushed the back of my head, and the back of my shoulders and my pants and the
heels just went whoosh like something fell down. I turned around and it was
like I was looking through glass or plastic. Everything was swirling. There
were people, cars, trees, and houses swirling up in the air and they had a
horrified look on their face. That's when my wife says, "We want to be in
front of you." (We moved right out to Vancouver, WA).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">I had an angel come and say, "You're now ready to be rebaptized in
preparation to receiving further ordinances".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Did the angel give a
name?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: He eventually did but
he didn't when I first met him. I went and told my Bishop, told my Stake
President, told the first councilor in my stake Presidency who lived in my
ward, and I told them all everything that was happening. I thought that they
would line me up an appointment at the temple or something to go get baptized. It
was stuff I didn't know much about, the ordinances for rebaptism. I asked the
angel, "What is this about? What do I need to do?" "I want you
to go up to the Church archives and get a copy of David Whitmer, the witness,
his patriarchal blessing. The next day I went up and requested a copy and they
punched in the computer and said, "There is none." So that night this
angel shows up again and says, "I want you to go up and get ·a copy of
David Whitmer's blessing". I say there isn't one and he says, "Yes,
there is". I went up again and they had a supervisor gal there that kept
putting it in the computer and saying, "There isn't one." So I went
home and the next night here he comes again. I am thinking that this guy is a
broken record. There is one or there isn't. I wasn't arguing with him but I
just said, "They tell me there isn't one. The angel says, ''There_ is one.''
''OK, I'll go.'' I go up and just make another request and they say,
"There isn't one." I said, "Do you have somebody that knows why
there wouldn't be one?" There is a guy that has worked here for 45 years. He
looked like he was 80 years old. He kinda looked like Joseph Fielding smith. He
looked like he had worked in the archives all his life. He tried the computer
also and then said he would look in the actual stacks. He came back out and
said, "Yea, there is one back there but it's a file that's got all three
edges taped together with red tape and red tape across the front. Written on the
red tape across the front is "Do not open except in the presence of the First
Presidency." The old man says, "The only way you can get a copy is by
requesting it with this form." He helped me till out the form. I put down
that he is an ancestor and I want a copy to put in my book of remembrance. He
says, "That is a valid reason." Two weeks later I get a letter from
Dean Larson, the general authority in charge of historical department of the
church. After deliberation, the First Presidency has denied your request for a
copy of David Whitmer's patriarchal blessing. The next night the angel comes back.
I said, "I am sorry I could not get a copy of the blessing." The
angel said, "I just wanted you to know there was one." I said,
"I· believe that there is one". The angel then said, "I am going
to tell you who I am now. I am David Whitmer and Joseph Smith gave me that
blessing. I am now going to tell you what was in that blessing." A lot· of
the same stuff that he told me (he shifts directions here for a while) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Now let me jump back; When I was 2.5 years old my mother ran over me in
a car. They rushed me over to the Sanford (?) clinic. I had 68 bones broken and
I swelled up and they had to cut my clothes off. The doctor said he wouldn't
make it to Phoenix and we can't save him here so just take him home because he
wouldn't make it thru the night. My grandfather, the one who grew up with
Spencer Kimball, (more background about his grandfather). My grandfather-had a
little boy that drowned. The little
boy had been stuck in a head gate of an irrigation ditch for 4 hours. The
family members couldn't find him and they finally went and got granddad. He
jumped off the tractor and knelt down and he could see in a vision right where
the kid was. He ran over and jumped a few fences and ran right up to this headgate
and jumped in and the water was up to his chest. Even though the water was
muddy, granddad could see where the boy's hand was because of the vision that
was shown to him. He pulled him out, put his left hand on his head and his
right arm to the square and commanded the Lord to make him live. Water shot out
of his mouth about fifteen feet straight in the air. Every year on his birthday
he gives granddad a book or a little present. My grandmother passed away one
day and the relief society had taken her over to the church house to get ready
for burial. Granddad had come home and found out she had died. He said, "No
she hasn't, she has a family to raise." He went to the church, took her
hand with his left, raised his right arm to the square and commanded her to
rise, and she did. He dragged her all the way home (sounds rougher than it was)
and she had to take the stitches out when she got home. She still had the scars
from where they had sewn up her lips and eyes. They had five more kids after
this. I am giving you an idea what my grandfather was like.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">So he gave me a blessing when I was 2.5 years old and was ran over. Everybody
knew that I was going to die, but he told me I wasn't so I didn't. I still have
a big scar on my leg that reminds me of it. When I was 19 Spencer Kimball gave
me a blessing and the blessing really scared me. I think I was on my fifth
stake mission in Tacoma when my grandfather passed away in Arizona. He passed
away for about 17 minutes. He had had a heart attack and the paramedics had
rushed him to the hospital and they were preparing an operating room for him. He
was all hooked up to the machines and had left him alone in a dark room and
when they came back the machines showed he was dead flat for 17 minutes. Grandfather
said he had met the Lord and had talked the Lord into letting him come back. He
wanted all of his posterity to come down and hear his testimony. The whole
family went to Arizona. I would have been about 30 years old. (I could have
been anywhere from 28 to 32). Grandfather told everyone how he had met the
Lord, what it was like, and how long he knew his wife would still be here. Grandfather
told everyone that he had come back to bear his testimony that the Lord lives
and has been resurrected, etc. That afternoon he came and took me by the hand
and took me out around the house where there are no windows on one side and
where a trampoline is, which they leaned on. Grandfather said, "The only
reason I came back is to repeat a blessing to you. The Lord told me to repeat a
blessing to you. Do you remember the blessing I gave you when you got ran over?"
I said, "I remember that you gave me a blessing but I don't know what was
in it." He said, "No one has told you what was in it?" I said,
"No." When he started talking about the third word I knew it was,
word for word, the same blessing that Spencer Kimball had given me in his
office when I was nineteen. It had some of the same stuff in it that David
Whitmer's patriarchal blessing had that he was given by Joseph Smith. The one
that is sealed at the archives that can't be opened except the First Presidency
is there. Every time I’ve heard the blessing it scared me. It is mainly dealing
with family though. From the church standpoint it deals with family. I have a
mission with my family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">(1985) The Lord took me on those three trips of destruction, preaching
on the corner, and then my two grandfathers appeared to me. They had both died
since then. They appeared to me in my bedroom. My dad's father and my mother's
father. My mother's father didn't say anything but he would nod his head
whenever my other grandfather would talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(background) Both grandfathers served full-time missions, both married
in the temple, both had four sons and four daughters each, all their sons and
half the daughters of each served full-time missions, they all married in the
temple and served in bishoprics and stake presidencies. Three sons are stake
patriarchs now. They are both real straight arrow type families, real solid. One
grandfather has 63 grandchildren and the other has 64 and all of them married
in the temple. Both of them served full-time missions with their wives after
they retired. One worked 20 years and the other worked 22 in the Mesa Temple
and the Salt Lake Temple. With that background here they are telling me,
"Where we are we can't progress until you, on the path you are on,
continue on that path and receive the Patriarchal Priesthood, and the sealing
power of Elijah and seal us into your family." I said, "What, say
what?" They told me this three times that night, "You need to go on
your path, and stay on it, and obtain the Patriarchal Priesthood and the
sealing power of Elijah and seal us into your family or we can't
progress." I went through two months of searching everything trying to
figure out what they are talking about. They have done everything that I hoped
to do, they covered all their bases, they have done everything by the numbers. I
am wondering what they missed, or what they say they have missed out on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">The next Sunday, after they visited<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>me, I got up to teach the High Priests and Seventies and I prepared
whatever the lesson was, and when I opened my mouth the Spirit had me give a
whole lesson on the Patriarchal Priesthood and none of it I had ever heard
before. I was just like a spectator in the room listening to the same lecture
on Patriarchal Priesthood. I couldn't believe it. On the Aaronic level men hold
the Priesthood because they need to learn how to serve others. Women don't need
the Priesthood because they already serve others, they already know how so they
don't need to learn it. On the Melchizedek level the women share in the
Priesthood with their husbands, but they don't need their husband there to do
it. They can anoint with oil, they can bless, they did it back in Joseph Smith's
time, and in Brigham Young's time. On the Patriarchal level they hold the
priesthood independent of their husband and some can have a higher Priesthood
than their husband has but it is all independent. I am saying all this and
saying where is all this coming from? I have never heard this, never saw it,
don't even have a whisp of it. I get the whole thing out and afterwards, out of
32 men in the class, at least 20 come up and say we have never heard anything
about this. Where did you get this? I said, "I have no idea." That
was Sunday and on Wednesday we had stake temple night. Out of those 32 men 30
went to the temple but I did not go. I got two phone calls at 11:00 that night.
The Bishop and the first councilor both called and said, "Boy, you wouldn't
believe what happened to us tonight. We went to the temple and had an hour set
aside for a question and answer time to talk about things you can't talk about
except in the temple. When we got there and the temple President came in and
said, "We have a letter from the First Presidency saying that we cannot
give these question and answer periods anymore. We are only supposed to give
you a lecture on the importance of coming to the Temple." He introduces
his first councilor who is going to give us the lecture and then the President
left. When the first councilor opened his mouth, out comes every word that you (David)
said on the Patriarchal Priesthood but the first councilor also had all the
footnotes, he had every place that you go to get that information. Right after
the lecture the bishop made an appointment with him for you and I to go to his
house. He is a stake patriarch and he is the first councilor in the River
Jordan temple. Saturday at 8:00 a.m. he will show us where he got all this. John
Taylor, Brigham Young Joseph Smith, Wilford Woodruff were all quoted. The two
brethren from his ward stated that this was a second witness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">It was a Sunday or two after that that I was told to resign from my job
as teacher of the High Priests and Seventies and concentrate on my family. I
told the High Priest group leader that I wanted to be released and he asked
why. I told him that I was supposed to concentrate on my family. When I got
home that day the stake president calls me and comes rushing over to my house. He
had been the president for two months. Prior to that time he had served in the
presidency for eight years. He went through a lot of scriptures but his bottom
line was; "When I was in seminary my seminary teacher showed me these
scriptures and told me that I need to develop my own personal relationship
with· the Lord, that I need to have communion with the Church of the
First-Born, and the resurrected, and righteous, and just saints. I need to have
ministering angels.” He listed them all. Then he continued by saying, “I went
on a full-time mission, I got married in the temple and I was put right in the
bishopric, then I was made the next bishop. Then I went right into the stake
presidency and I was the first councilor for eleven years and now I am the
stake president. This has not happened to me and it can't be happening to you. I
have to excommunicate you because I don't want anybody following you, I don't
want anybody coming over and talking with you and if I don't excommunicate you
then everybody will." That was the most devastating thing I have heard
about in my life. Number one I can tell you that if you say that membership in
the church is more important to you than a personal relationship with the Lord,
I can tell you what you are going to end up losing because that is one of the
first things that will go. I went through a week and a half of horror. I plead
with the Lord, I prayed, I would do anything. My whole goal up until that time
was to become wealthy in construction and then teach seminary for a $1.00/yr
wherever they wanted me to. That is all I actually wanted to do and I only had
a half of a year of college to finish. I just wanted to teach for a dollar a
year and then take my students during the summer and put them in my
construction crew and teach them how to work and how to be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a son or daughter of God all the time you are
working and enjoy it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: So they went ahead with
the action?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Yes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">The stake president said, "I don't even want you at the trial, it
won't make any difference, I'm going to excommunicate you anyway."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Did they give you any
reasons? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: The stake president
said, " I'm just going to put down that you have departed from the
doctrine of Christ."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">I actually went over and drove around the church house, at least five
times, when the trial was going on because I wanted to go.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> I actually had angels that kept me from
going but I wanted to go anyway just so I could say I listened to it and see
how it was. I had three high council men come over to my house afterwards and
say, "Every time he would ask for a vote we would all vote “no”, we saw no
reason to excommunicate you. Then he finally read a letter from one of the
Seventies. It was a Poulson, or something like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he read a letter from a General Authority
and in the letter it said something about following the advice of your
Priesthood leaders. I don't know the wording of it. I kinda had their versions
so I won't get into because I wasn't sure but in it it said that if ·your
Priesthood leader chooses the way to go you have to sustain him. After the
third 'no', and the stake president was the only one to vote to excommunicate
me, he read this letter from one of the General Authorities and then said,
"I as your stake president have chosen to excommunicate him so therefore
to sustain me you all have to vote yes." Then we all voted yes because we
wanted to obey our Priesthood leader. I said, "That's fine it doesn't
bother me a bit." The reason it didn't bother me was because the Lord, in
one of the nights I was in this anguish, came and said, "David, what man
gives you man can take away. Let them. Now what I'm going to give you no man
can take away. Now which one is it you want? What is that you want to hang on
to? I’ll take whatever you going to give me." That was the bottom line and
so from then on it didn't bother me. Since then, I'll just run through the next
year or two, I was baptized by John the Baptist into the Church of Christ. Not
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints but into what they call the
Church of Christ, that level.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then I
was baptized into the Church of Enoch and then I was baptized into the Church
of the Firstborn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: I don't understand what
the Church of Christ is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: It is part of the
Kingdom of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: You can't go directly
from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints to the Church of the
Firstborn. Is that what you are saying? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: I can't even envision
how that would happen. You have seven levels; the Book of Revelations is
primarily for just these people in the last-days. The elect people in the
last-days can read the Book of Revelations and it is just for them. When John
keeps saying 'let him who hath an ear, hear' what he is saying is if you can
hear what I am saying this is just for you. It isn't for anyone else. It hasn't
been for anyone else in the entire ages until right now. There is seven
churches in there that they talk about; Ephesus, Smyrna, Thyatira (see
Revelation 1:11). All they represent is the seven levels you personally have to
go through getting into the presence of God. There is the Church of the setting
in Order; that is the first one. The church of the Restoration, the Church of
Christ, the Church of Noah, the Church of Abraham, the Church of Enoch, and then
the Church of the Firstborn. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: They are not called
that in the Book of Revelations? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: No, but the Spirit will
teach you what it is all about. John has written it in such a way that nobody
by their reasoning power can figure out what he is talking about. As you
progress through those levels, basically what it means is, you have to prepare
your body for the I AM spirit in you to now fill that temple with the Spirit of
God - which it is. When that spirit, the I AM of you, receives its glory it
will burn the carnal body up because the carnal body hasn't been prepared yet. You
have to prepare your body so that every physical cell in your body matches the
spiritual cell of your spirit body. When the spirit is in control and every
cell of the spirit of you is in control of your physical body. It will go
through that seven-year process of replacing every cell to match perfectly, DNA
and everything, with that spirit body. Then, and only then, will that body be
able to withstand the Glory of God. The Second Coming of the Lord is just
talking about the spirit of you coming forth and taking over. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: In order to do this you
have to be baptized into the Church of Christ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: That is just one of the
levels. It isn't that you have to be baptized in it, it's that the Church of
the Setting in order means the physical part of you and your mental mind has to
let the Spirit start setting yourself in order. Then you have to restore all
things. You have to restore everything so that the spirit has all the power.
Then the Christ level of Church means that the I AM part of you is now taking
over everything. Not just beating your heart, which it already does, the spirit
part of you controls beating your heart, and your eyes blinking. If you had to
think about it and do it yourself your mind would wander and your heart would
stop. You have to obtain a faith in Christ enough that you say, 'I know you're
beating my heart' so I know that you can control the rest of my life. You can
control what I eat, when I sleep, what I think, where I go and what I do. I'll
turn my life over to you and let you control it. That's· putting faith in
Christ. You believe it will take care of you. Then God feeds you, God clothes
you, and God takes care of you. Now you're putting yourself into His hands. As
that spirit now renews your body and replaces those cells (pause) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">I'll go to the Sacrament level. On the Aaronic level the sacrament is
bread and water. On the Melchizedek level the sacrament is red wine and
unleavened bread. On the Patriarchal level the sacrament is everything you eat
becomes your flesh; It becomes the flesh of the I AM spirit part of you which
is the same as the spirit I AM part that's in Jesus. The part of Jesus that's
the Christ is the I AM part that’s in Him so therefore the I AM part that's in
you can become the same in Christ. As the spirit takes over and you eat
something you sanctify it because it becomes your flesh. That's taking upon you
His name you're becoming that Christ. As you eat you sanctify it and it becomes
your flesh, you drink and sanctify it and it becomes the blood in you. Have you
been washed by the blood of the Lamb means let the blood in you, as you drink
this it becomes your blood, let that blood cleanse and as the spirit casts out
of each cell that which is unclean - it can be preservatives or whatever is in
there - but as it cleanses every cell it puts it in the blood and the blood is
what’s washing you clean. As that blood washes you clean and as what you eat
keeps replacing your body you become a body that matches perfectly the spiritual
body that's already in there. Then you'll be able to withstand Jesus's presence
or the Father's presence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: You had this vision
where Jesus came to take you before you had this? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">:The Holy Ghost can cover
you and do all that. They can take you to the city of Enoch to baptize you in
the Temple there and they just clothe you in the Holy Ghost and take you there,
that's all that amounts to. It's like a spiritual person stands right behind
but you're enveloped in their aura so then as you go through it can't bother
you.What does Nephi say; ‘the Holy Ghost will tell you all things whatsoever
you should do.' The Holy Ghost, all it means is that it is complete. A complete
whole, w-h-o-l-e. As your spirit becomes whole and in charge of the whole body
it’s a Holy Spirit - it's complete and that's all they're talking about. Now
the Holy Ghost out there is anyone of the sanctified, any of the Church of the
Firstborn, any righteous and just person who hasn't been resurrected yet, or
who hasn't even come down and got their body yet can officiate in the office of
the Holy Ghost. In the temple when the Father says, "Jehovah go down and
tell the man Adam," Jehovah turns and says, "Peter, James, and John
go down and tell the man Adam." Jehovah is in the office of the Son (Father,
Son) and Peter, James and John have just been assigned, in the office of the
Holy Ghost, to go tell Adam something but it could be your grandfather, it
could be your great-grandson who hasn't even been born yet, these could be ones
assigned to you and when Jehovah turns and he tells someone (shall I tell them
who?), Joseph Smith and Joseph Smith assigns the one that is assigned to you,
your guardian angel, that guardian angel can come and testify to something you're
reading, or something you're praying about. He's coming in the office of the Holy
Ghost (to specifically???) but he does not add anything to the words or He
doesn't take anything away. Whatever the Father says, and whatever the Son
says, and whatever Joseph says that is exactly what you end up getting. It is
the words of Christ that you're hearing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: What you are telling me
is that the endowment we are watching is personal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: There you go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">If you take everything personal, if you say the earth itself has to go
under a big cleansing change now to get ready for the coming of the Lord,
they're not talking about the earth they're talking about your body. Get it
ready. Get it cleansed. It's going to have to have earthquakes, it's going to
have to have tornadoes in it to get out all the parts. All the earth is is a
symbol representing what has to happen to your body. When they say, "I
have a mansion in heaven" the mansion in heaven is your body. Where is
your spirit going to dwell and live through all eternity? In your body!! So
renew it. Your whole purpose in coming here was to get a body. Don't leave it
in the grave and go up there and say now what am I going to do? They're saying
you got to go resurrect your body in the grave. How do I do that? It is a lot harder
now then it was while you were still in it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">You let the physical part of you stay in control. When it said 'I'm
hungry,' what did you do? You ate. Who does that give power to? The physical
part. Who was in control? The physical part. Now you've got to go get it back.
You've got to go raise it up. You're not going to get a mansion in heaven unless
you take it with you there. This is the time to prepare to meet God.That is
basically it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: When I am talking
personal I am talking Patriarchal, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Right. Let’s go
Patriarchal. When Ezra Taft Benson comes into any of your homes he knows who
presides when he gets there. The father of whatever the family is presides. Doesn't
even matter if they're Mormon or not, they don't even have to be Mormon, but
they still preside because the father has the first level of the Patriarchal
Priesthood already sealed on him by God before he even comes here. That much
Patriarchal Priesthood is greater than the highest level in the Church. So even
the President, Prophet, Seer and Revelator of the church, when he enters any
home, he immediately goes under the direction of the Father because that's a
greater Priesthood. You take that Priesthood, which came from God, and that's
the Priesthood that God has to continue giving you. Remember Abraham said,
"Melchizedek ordained me to become a King and a Priest" but the Lord
came and put His hands on my head and sealed me a King and a Priest after I was
willing to sacrifice Isaac. Then, and only then, did he say now I have a
Priesthood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: We are introduced to
the Patriarchal order? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">What the sealed portion of the gold plates are are ramblings about the
Patriarchal order. There's pieces of that that will pertain just to you. When
you get to the Patriarchal level and find someone on the other side of the veil
who takes you under their wing, you might say, then they'll instruct you and
slowly guide you so that you slowly become aware of what you need to do on the
Partriarchal level. The women have an independent - they have to get their
revelation and their inspiration on what their path is and what they need to do
because they receive Priesthood too. It hasn't that the men had the Priesthood
and the women had nothing it's that the women didn't need to have it because
they didn't have the natural man instincts of 'me first’. All my kids would
know that if they came up to me and asked for a bite off of my plate I never
stuck in their mouth the one I was saving for my last bite. Do you know what I
mean? There is the best part of any steak. The wife will always give that to any
kid. They'll even give the best steak to their husband, won't they? Naturally,
that's because they already know how to serve others. Men have to learn that so
they're given the Priesthood in order to put a harness on them and make them do
it. Make them go home teaching, make them pass out fast offerings. They've got
it all twisted around here they say, 'gee, look at me I've got power. I'm up
here passing the sacrament. All it is, is that this is the only way we can get
you to learn to do what the women already know. They don't need it, they don't
have to do· it. All you get from that point on isfurther instructions pertaining
to what you need to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">When a husband teaches his wife what the Lord or your Patriarchal father
tells you to teach her. The Lord knows what your wife needs to learn, or what
she needs to know about you. That you do care and you do appreciate her. The
Lord will have you tell, her that. When you get home from work, if you have
four kids, you go hug all four kids. Some of them are thinking 'oh geez, here's
dad again. He's just going to hug me and I don't need a hug right now'. But
there's one of them that's going to say, "Oh dad, hug me, little longer,
longer. I needed it all day." The Spirit is going to say, "Go take
that one and go sit down and spend a whole hour."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The others don't care so it doesn't matter
right now. When their time comes, that they're weepy or something has happened
during that day, and you come home that's when the Spirit says take them aside and
spend some time. When you do it by revelation you fill all their needs. You
fill all of their needs. You don't need Primary; All the church function is for
is we are going to teach these fathers, wives, and children what the fathers
aren't teaching them and should've been. That's all it amounts to. Every time
Moses, or anybody, says the Lord wants a nation of Priests, Holy Priests,
that's what he's talking about. We want the fathers to get their own
revelation, get their own instructions and teach their own. When they finally
come up to their wife's level, which is Patriarchal, then the wife can get
hers. But if the Lord says, "Look, you guys have been together for 20
years now. I'm going to go ahead and start giving your wife all this
Patriarchal Priesthood authority and she's going to be in charge of this and this
and you just keep coming. What would most men think right then? She's got more
authority than I do. What would most men do? Quit, that's right. So the Lord
says let's just wait until he actually gets there. I met Moroni, the brother of
Jared, seven different Jaredites, about six or so Nephites, including Moroni,
two of the three Nephites that are translated. All of them gave me different
things, different things to do with the Patriarchal Priesthood and what I need
to do just for my family. Joseph Smith and Joseph Smith Sr. came and-that was
the first time I actually saw the Lord - in person and not just in a vision. They
ordained me to what they called a probationary Patriarchal Priesthood and then
sealed me as a son to Joseph Smith Sr. I was puzzled then as to why Joseph
Smith Sr but since then I've found in the 'Teachings of the Prophet Joseph
Smith', on page 38{I think), it's where Joseph Smith gives his father a
patriarchal blessing. In that he actually gives him the keys to stand as Adam
on the earth in the last-days. He is Adam to this last dispensation. He will be
able to sit at AdamOndi-Ahman with of all these Patriarchal sons adopted to
him. Everyone on the Patriarchal level will be adopted to him and he'll sit at
Adam-Ondi-Ahman and then turn them all over to the (???) original Adam. Anyway,
at the time, all I knew was that I was assigned, as a son, to Joseph Smith Sr..
Then he gave me by revelation every step I had to do. Basically, everything it
was was how to get me prepared so that I could meet the Lord himself. In a
sense, he was functioning on the Holy· Ghost level to me and I received a lot
of instructions through him and other people on the Holy Ghost level. I
received instructions from King David, the King David of Israel. He was one of
my guardian angels. David Whitmer, the Book of Mormon witness. Brigham Young,
John Taylor, two of the translated Nephites, the brother of Jared, and Moroni.
All these weren't all on that same level. There was a period of time from when
I was assigned to him, and the impression I had was I was sealed to him
forever. If you talk to anybody that knows Patriarchal stuff they say your
Patriarchal father is your father forever but when he released me and
introduced me to the Lord he said, “I'm releasing my sealing to you and now you
will be sealed to the Lord. Then I was sealed as a son to Jesus himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">From that moment on I didn't have anymore visitations on the Holy Ghost level.
There rarely would be a day that He didn't come but when he didn't he'd assign
someone else to and someone else could that was on His level who is already a
joint heir with Him. That would be when I met Abraham, and some of the guys
that are on that level. How long was I at that level? 8 months. In that eight
months all He was trying to find out was if He said jump would I jump or would
I discuss it and try to find out why I'm jumping? He was trying to get me to a
point when I would stop saying why. I want to know why - kind of thing. The
nearest thing I can describe it to is if you take a broken horse, like a
cutting horse, when you get that cutting horse to where you can just hang onto
the saddle horn and not do anything except pick out which calf it is the horse
is not going to say 'why is it that calf?', 'why not that one with the limp?'. The
horse doesn't do any of that though we all do naturally. You point to the calf
and then hang onto the saddle horn and the horse does everything. That's what
He wants. That's when He says a broken heart and a contrite spirit. He's saying
broken so that I can just hold onto the saddle horn and you do whatever I
already pointed you to. Don’t keep saying 'Well how long do we have to do
this?”, “Can I quit after ten jumps?”, “Can I jump back and forth ten times and
then quit?” That horse doesn't ask.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>
He'd do it for four hours if you didn't pick up the reins again, wouldn't he?
{Yes} OK, that's what He's trying to get,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">When He gets you to that point. then He says I'm going to introduce you
to my Father. Which He did. I'd have to say, up until now, that is the best thing
that ever happened to me. It was like I am going to go meet Him{the Father)
Jesus is going to introduce me and now and then when I really have a special
reason maybe I'll get into another meeting where I can see Him (Father) again.
Jesus takes me up and says, “Father here he is This is my son David in whom I'm
well pleased. He's yours.” Then Jesus takes my hand and puts my hand in His Father's
hand and then He leaves. I'm going, “whoa, wait a minute here now, what's the
deal?” The Father seals me to the Father as a literal son.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: The Father seals you to
the Father? Who is the first Father? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: It is Jesus's Father. He
actually sealed me to Himself first and then He introduced me to my Father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: The second Father is
your spiritual Father?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Right. You come out of
your spiritual Mother as a set of twins a male and a female. The male happens
to come out first but it doesn't have anything to do with who is better than
the other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Were we created
spiritually by sexual intercourse?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: That is true. You are
born as a male and a female at the same time. It just happens that the male
comes out first and he holds the hand of the female. When you come out and now
you are twins. A brother and a sister as full twins. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">He introduced me to my Father and told me what His name was. Theoretically,
there are no names on the other side of the veil you're only known by your
title of whatever office you're working in right now. So if they call someone
Samuel that means whatever the office of Samuel is that's what they're doing
right now. Adam is a title. Even though they had the title of Adam when they came
down here each one of them had separate office's in the council or the quorum
of the Adam's. Technically there were 144,000 of them. Jesus's Father is the
spokesman for the 144,000 fathers. They don't say fathers and mothers because
when you say father you're talking about both your Father and Mother. The title
father includes both.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: The title father means
parent?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Elohim is technically feminine. That's because most of the Elohim that
visits and talks to people like Abraham if it's in a feminine form he says
Elohim which is the feminine form of it. Or he will say Father if they're both
there. You can meet just the Father without the Mother but if you meet the
Mother it is the same thing as if your're meeting them both. They're both one.
Anyway, He introduced me to my Father who told me His name was Seth. From then on
all I've dealt with is Seth. I can get daily instructions from Him. I can ask
for something specific and get that from Him or He'll just come daily and see
how I'm doing and what's happening and tell me here's what you need to work on
and things like that. I rarely get anymore visitors on any of the other levels
but I can have a visitor of any one of the 144,000 fathers and it's the same as
if Seth himself came. Jesus's Father is the spokesman for that group but
they're all exactly the same. Whichever one He assigns to do something it's the
same as if He were doing it. Jesus is the spokesman on this next level, or
generation. All those that become joint heirs with Him (and Jesus says,
"My sheep hear my voice, my sheep will follow me, my sheep are numbered,
and my Father hath promised that I'll not lose one.") What Jesus is
talking about is the 144,000 that are going to be on His level.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">There are multiple mortalities. If they came down and rode around on
their motorcycle and didn't do what they were supposed to they might have to do
it again. I don't want to open up a whole can of worms on that either. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">You have to have a real good reason to do anything but everything is done
for a good reason. Jesus's sheep He’s looking for are the 144,000 which means
the first born spiritual son of each Father. We can play all kinds of numbers
games. I'll go with you through a numbers game. You take Jesus's father who He
says, "This is my·Father. I have done nothing but what I've seen my Father
do and I have said nothing but what I've heard my Father say."<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> There are 144,000 of them on that
level. Jesus is now the spokesman for 144,000, which happens to be the first
born son of each one of the fathers. Each of the fathers had 144,000 sons. Why
is He interested in finding His firstborn? So that He can get His Firstborn
busy finding the rest of them. Why is He looking for the first born, what is
the Church of the Firstborn? Every birth has two, a male and a female. Which is
the male? The first born. That's what they're talking about. Ephraim wasn’t the
first born, Jacob wasn't the first born, Isaac wasn't the first born, you can
go on and on. Abraham wasn't the first born, Heron was older than him. Nobody
was the first born but how come they're all in the Church of the Firstborn?
Because they were born to their spiritual Father first, before their sister
was, is basically all it means. If I don't do what I'm supposed to as my
Father's firstborn He can take any one of the other 144,000 of His sons and
seal him into the same position. He doesn't take any of my free agency away
because I can say, "no, I am not interested."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Here is the one mighty and strong; Everybody is looking for one mighty
and strong. Any one of the 144,000 Fathers are one mighty and strong. Any one
of their sons are one mighty and strong. Anyone that does and uses any of the
power that they have is the one mighty and strong. Now if anyone claims to be
the one mighty and strong, all I can tell you is, he isn't. If he was the one
mighty and strong he would never say it. If he says it this is what he is
saying to all the rest on his level, "I'm better than you, and I'm higher
than you." That's really what he's doing so he would never do that because
he knows that he is only one of 144,000. Therefore, they can say are you one
mighty and strong? and he won't say. If he does say it, it means that somewhere
he got a revelation that says you can be one of the one mighty and strong. In
other words, we are going to bring you up to this level but before he gets
there he starts claiming it. He starts saying, "I jumped to a conclusion
on what someone said way back here and that's why I know I'm the one mighty and
strong." All that means is "I don't understand what I am
saying." Everyone who does, knows he doesn't, because he didn't finish his
ordination, he didn't go on. Therefore he's out claiming all this but he isn't.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Does that happen?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Yes, there are at least
three in the valley, right now; all claiming it. They've all short circuited
their own progress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: If someone wanted to
get on the straight and narrow and get started, how would you advise them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Just do what God tells
you to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: With the strife that's
going on in the Church right now{incomplete) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Sstay in until God
tells you to leave. What I'm trying to say is don't do anything until God talks
to you personally and if God is not talking to you personally then do whatever
it takes to get him to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">I can already tell you He already can talk to you. It’s that you're not
in tune yet or you're not ready yet. Get ready. Say, "What do I need to
do? Take away from me everything that's keeping me from you. That's a real
dangerous{???) one to write. I guarantee He'll do that. In other words, what is
there about me that's keeping me from coming to you?<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> He'll say are you willing to give it up then? Most of them
it is a picture of a guy hanging on a cliff, hanging onto this branch, and he’s
saying Lord save me. I don't know what's down there but it is a swirling mist
and I don't want to fall into it so please save me. The Lord says, "OK, I’ll
save you, let go." After a few years of pleading this is how he changes
his plea, "Lord, please save me and this branch." The Lord says,
"I can't save the branch, just let go." Then he says, "Please
save me and the branch and get me up there we're safe and then I’ll let go of
whatever it is, the church, my job, my house, my wife." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">When I started this I had a good job in the church, I had a good wife,
good children, good income, good house, good everything and I lost every bit of
it. Not one thing did I end up with. I ended up giving it all to the Lord. Now,
He has given me back, my wife followed me to Arizona. I said, "What do I
do now? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God said, "Go get a
carpenter job and feed them." Why do I have to feed them I gave them to
you, they're yours. God said, "Yes, but you said you would feed whoever I
told you to feed, you would clothe anybody I told you to, any of my children."
I said, "Yes." God said, "Here are my children. Feed them."
I said, "I'll feed any of yours but these were mine, I gave them up."
He says, "I know you did and now they are mine. Now I am telling you to
feed them." I went and got a carpenter job and started feeding them. Then
we moved back to Utah and then I moved up to Washington and they stayed here.
As soon as they found out where I was here they came again. He says, "Go
get a carpenter job and feed them." I said, "Are they going to follow
me everywhere?" God said, "That is their choice but if they choose
to, you get to feed them. So get feeding them." I said, "You want me
to go get a job?" God said, "What's wrong with being a
carpenter?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Another time, I thought I was being sanctified and I had this big sliver
go through my thumb. How can that happen to me? I tried and tried to pull it
out but it had broken off and wedged back against the bone. I had pulled it with
pliers until I'd nearly pass out. Well, I had better go to the doctor. I am sitting
in the doctor's and they gave ma a shot and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>then he slices it open and pulls this big thing out and then he leaves.
I am thinking how could this happen to me? I mean me of all people. I see this
hand come through the veil and it has this big (nail) mark in it. God said,
"Look what happened to me." I said, "Oh well, mines not that
big." God says, "You wanted to know how that could happen, just be
more careful." I said, "You had slivers when you were a carpenter?”
And He said, "Yes," God said, "Stop whining about it, see
mine?" He (God) brings me up short all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">I literally had to go through a lot of things to get rid of greed, get
rid of pride, and get rid of ego (my wife helped me with this also).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Was any more said about
when the First Presidency wouldn't let you read David Whitmer's blessing?
(first cousin fifth removed his ·grandfather is my fifth great grandfather.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: He came to me because I
was the only one in the whole family (he said) that was on the path and willing
to continue on the path. He said what was in the blessing was that he, David
Whitmer, had been given all of the keys for the gathering of Israel in Jackson
county for the building up of the temple. As the Lamanites came with all their
materials to build the temple he would just coordinate things with Ephraim and
any whites that wanted to help. He wasn't in charge. No one has the authority
to tell the Lamanites what it is they'll be doing and when and trying to
organize them. He is to coordinate anyone else's efforts with what the
Lamanites were doing. He was given all the keys that's why he was the president
of the stake of the New Zion in Jackson county. When the church left Jackson
county he just moved across the river and stayed right there until he died
because he was waiting for people to come back. His mission didn't have to do
with anything but the New Jerusalem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: What about the
spiritual partner that was created<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">at the same time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’ve seen where even a guy in the stake presidency runs into
his spiritual sister twin. He had such a marvelous spiritual experience just
being in her presence that he just knew he had to some way be sealed to her. He
ends up having an affair with her and ends up getting excommunicated and he
can't understand why. I said because you were having an affair with your
spiritual sister, your twin, and it wasn't meant to have an affair you just
happened to run into her. She is sealed to someone else. It doesn't mean that
when you get next to them you won't know. You will know that here is someone
special. It might not be your exact twin sister, it might be the your next
brother and sister. But it might be the same spiritual Father and the same
spiritual Mother. You're going to have a real close tie there. You will run into
people that you know is your brother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Abraham's promise, the church's view is that everyone that is the
literal seed of Abraham is going to be blessed, going to be holy people, and
they are going to benefit the rest of the population. What it really meant was
that anyone of his seed, which could mean you, that finds out who he really is -
that the I AM in him is the key to everything and let's the I AM in him take
over and control over everything. In other words, as he develops into a God he
becomes that it is HE All. He begins to be what Jesus began to be, the Son of
God that He was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Did you notice that when
it started happening to you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Yea, but my father
Joseph, and a lot of them would take me to a scripture and have me read it and
I would say 'No, that's not what that scripture means. Oh, that's what that
scripture means and then it started to dawn on me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Anyone of his seed who realizes and develops into a complete being like
Jesus did now will bless all the population of the earth and they're the elect.
That’s all it's saying. If you happen to be from someone who wasn't Abraham you
can be adopted in and it's exactly the same as if you were anyway. Even if you run
into someone who is a direct descendent of Joseph Smith, or David Whitmer, or
Parley P. Pratt it isn't any different than if you just get adopted in anyway.
There's no difference. [All it means is in other words if I were a literal
descendent of Joseph smith and now Joseph was now going to pass me onto the
Lord it would be harder.]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Another key is going to women. If you took just 10,000 women in this
valley and said meet the Lord .Jesus Christ and they met Him and they felt the
love that He had for them and He put His arm around each one of them. Every
cell in their body would just be in ecstasy, I guarantee you. And Jesus said,
"Come and I'll seal you mine." These women, out of the 10,000, I
would really be surprised if even one of them said, "Let me go call my
husband and tell him I not be coming back." They're going to go with who
they find that they know can take them all the way to the celestial kingdom. That's
why a lot of women would try to get sealed to Joseph Smith in the temple after
he was dead. After Brigham Young died hundreds went down and got themselves
sealed. The men stopped doing that because they didn't want their wife, after
they were dead, to run and get sealed to somebody else that they knew had a
better chance. Technically, all Joseph has to say is, yes I accept you or. Jesus
to say, yes I accept you. It doesn't do any good to center on your wife and say
I'm going to try to save you with me because if you don't make it and she gets
a chance she's gone anyway because she is already qualifying and you're not.
I've had men say, Heber c. Kimball says I'll do anything you want Lord except I
don't want to lose my wife, Vilate. It's right in his journal. So what does the
first revelation that comes through Joseph say? It says, go tell your son Heber
he is supposed to bring Vilate over and give to you as one of your plural
wives. He tells Heber. Heber goes three days, can't sleep, can't eat, anything.
Vilate saying what's the matter? <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She goes and prays and an angel tells her that
he's being tested from God and he’s supposed to do it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She goes right out and grabs him and says, “You
do, whatever it is, you do it.” So he marches over to Joseph's house in Nauvoo and
his tracks look just like two skiis because he dragged his feet. When he gets
over there he knocks on the door and Joseph comes and he takes Joseph's hand
and Vilate's and puts them together. Joseph let's go of Vilate and hugs Heber,
tears running down his face. They are hugging for 15, 20 minutes. Then he takes
them in the parlor and seals them as the Holy Spirit of Promise, he seals them
for all eternity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Now what did he have in order to get her for all eternity? He had to
give her up. But he only had to give her up because she was the only thing he
wouldn't do for the Lord. Just tell the Lord I'll go on a mission for you as
long as it's not cold and let's just see what happens. You'll end up where you
need lots of long johns. My dad did that and he still can't understand why he
was in Winnipeg, Canada, when he asked for someplace warm. It's because the
Lord can't find out if you will serve Him doing what it is you want to do. He
is trying to find out if you will do all things whatsoever He commands you.
All. So if He can find something that you might not do that's the first thing
He will ask you to see if you will do it. As soon as He realizes, that it
doesn't matter what I ask, this guy he is going to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Justification is when you reach a point that the Holy Ghost, the
guardian angel that is in that office for you, will take you before Joseph
Smith and the Lord, put his left hand on you and put his right arm to the
square and say, "I justify everything this man has done." That's all
justification is. When the Holy Ghost will do that that's when he will turn you
over to the Lord. That's when you get your second endowment, that's when you
get your calling and election made sure. That's justification, that's all it is
when he'll justify everything you have done, meaning - The Spirit told me, I
did it. When Nephi killed Laban he was justified. If you say, "No, I won't
kill anyone." You can make the list anything you want that says this is
what won't do. You have a guardian angel writing it down. I can guarantee you
that it is on your list of what to do because that's the only way they can test
you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: What about the earthly
ordinances, Holy of Holies, second anointing, washing of the feet. Baptism is a
requirement to enter the celestial Kingdom, is it a symbolic baptism?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: It is symbolic. What
the baptism of water really means is you need to be washed, and completely
immersed in the love of God. When that's happened to you you come out pure as
you think you are when you come out of the baptism, you've been completely
immersed in water. That just represents the love of God that you have to be
completely immersed in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you're
immersed in the love of· God you have no anger<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>or hatred in you. Every cell in your body is filled with the love of
God. That's what has to happen to you that the baptism of water is just a
symbol of. Joseph smith said if you don't get that love in every cell of your
body you might just as well be baptized in bags of sand. You can do that in the
temple too if the people don't get immersed in the love of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Now the baptism of fire, and the Holy Ghost, is being baptized with the
Light of Christ. Every cell in your body has to be in the control of the Light
of Christ, or the I AM that's in you shining forth with its glory. When that
happens, the more light you get the less clothes you have to wear. All the
garments represent is the light that you used to have. When you can turn that
light on you don't need the garments anymore. The garments aren't there to
protect you they're just there to remind you that there's something you still
need to get, you need to get clothed in the Light of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Everything is a symbol,
right? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: The temple is a temple
made by hands representing the Temple of God that's made without hands, which
is your body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: The question I had was
specific to the Holy of Holies, is that a necessary ordinance?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: No, none of the outward
ordinances are, they're just representative of what you have to go do. They're
all the Aaronic level. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">When someone doesn't do what God wants them to do, personally, then He
gives them something to do just to keep them busy. If you’re not going to
sanctify everything you eat then let's at least sanctify something so that
you'll think it's sacred, the sacrament. We'll sanctify this little piece of
bread and this little cup of water seeing that you are not going to do it to
everything else you eat. If you are not going to live the one law of loving God,
then let's break it, that's what Moses did, he broke it, ground it up, mixed it
with water and made them all drink it so they would all be taken it upon
themselves, their own curse. Then he comes back with the lessor law which has
ten commandments but the people keep getting worse and worse. The worse the
people become the more rules you end up with. If you go down to the prison and
you are really a bad guy, they will let you know when you wake up, when you go
to sleep, how you dress, when you eat, and everything in your life is
controlled. That is no different than the Jews became when Jesus was in Jerusalem
when he was growing up. They went from 1 to 10, and from 10 to 300,000
commandments when Jesus was born. These commandments told them how to bake
their bread, how to grind their wheat, how to sacrifice animals, how to butcher
animals, how to prepare the meat, how far to walk, who they had to help, who
they didn't have to help, what they had to pay, every seven years they do this,
and every 50 years you have this, and every feast. If your wife was on her
period and she sits on the bed and you sit down on the bed then you had to go
through seven days of purification. On and on, 300,000 commandments. Which
gives you an idea how far you can go if the people say, "We want to know
what to do." He will keep giving them things to do. He even started the
Word of Wisdom by “this is not by way of commandment” yet they wanted it as a
commandment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Is this what the Church
is doing with us now?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Exactly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Is it because we are so
rotten? <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: No. It is because the
role of the church changed, I don't know what section it's in, but it's where
it says, "the whole church is now under condemnation" and in that
same scripture it will say something about, "but not the individual".
In other words, the church is under condemnation, it can't save you from now
on, it's no longer even going to get the ordinances that can save you but
individually you can come to Me and come on up. That's all that scripture was
trying to say and from that point on there's nothing in the church that<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>can save you. That was clear back in 1843
or 1844.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Are you talking about
the Manifesto?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Even polygamy is not
going to save you. Polygamy is not a Celestial law it is Telestial. The
Celestial level of the Patriarchal Order of Marriage or the Plurality of Wives
means that until you blossom in your Patriarchal Priesthood you are viewed by
the Gods as being female, meaning you have: no Priesthood, which female means
you don't even need to have Priesthood. When my wife and I get sealed to become
a King and a Priest, and Queen and Priestess, we get sealed and now we make a
covenant with Jesus. There is no place in the scriptures that I've found yet,
there might be, but whenever they refer to a bridegroom they're always talking
about one person - Jesus. If Jesus is the bridegroom, who are we? We are the
bride. If I'm a bride and my wife is a bride and the two of us covenant with
Jesus and we obey our husband in righteousness. I've never run into a wife in
this valley yet that can actually say her husband is righteous, and everything
he has asked me to do is righteous therefore I obey him. There's some that
don't understand that and they might think they are. The first covenant I make
in the temple is obedience to Him. The first covenant she makes is obedience to
her husband. On a lesser level she assumes that's me. On the Celestial level
it's Christ, He is still the Bridegroom. If she obeys Him and I obey Him what's
Jesus going to do? Bring us closer and closer. You draw near to Me and I draw
near to you. Now as I become one with Him and she becomes one with Him and we
become one with each other, what happens? Now the Holy Spirit of Promise seals
us but only when we get to that point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Now you can say the Godhead is a triangle pointing down, and you and
your wife and Jesus are the triangle pointing up and as the two becomes one
there is the star of David. The star of David is just for Israel meaning in
God's reality you have become real to Him, you've blossomed into what it is you
are. Same as a mustard seed blossoms into what it is. If you have the faith, as
a grain of mustard seed, you become what you are like it will become like it is
and that's all you have to do. I become that and I become a Star of David
meaning I am one with God therefore I am real to Him and that's Israel. So I've
become Israel. Israel is not a tribe or a group of people it is whoever does
that. That's how they become Israel, Israelites. The Star of David is my
symbol, my wife and I are one with Jesus and we can go on now into the
Patriarchal Order. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Plurality of Wives - How many wives does Jesus end up with when you do
it that way? A bunch. That is the Patriarchal Order of Marriage and Plurality
of Wives. That's God's program. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Let's find out who else has a program out. Satan has a program that goes
like this; if were not going to make this covenant with God then let's, at
least, we'll put the man in the position of the Lord and we'll tell the woman
that you have to obey him. He can have other women but they all have to obey
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is their lord and master. As
they all obey him, and all their children obey him, if you've ever known any
polygamy groups how many of the children or wives have any free agency? Any
free agency at all? Dress like they want? Play when they want? See what I'm
saying? They take away all their free agency. In other words, Satan's plan is
I'll save all of you but you have to be sealed to me, and you have to do
everything I tell you, and then I'll save you. Otherwise you'll be cast into
hell fire and damnation. That's his plan. As I am their lord and master, let's
say another guy shows up and says, "I like what you're doing with your
family. What I really like is how you have seven wives and forty kids. I want
the same thing." The new guy can't do it by going to God and finding out
what he is supposed to do with God because the original guy already knows. The
original guy says, "I'll make you my patriarchal son and now you are my
lieutenant. Now I tell you who you can marry, and I tell you what to do with
them. It is still Satan's plan and now he has lieutenants. What happens to the
whole group? This is how it comes from our Father's perspective. If I am in
charge of one of these groups I go to Father and say all of these people are
sealed to me, I claim them all. If you accept me you can have them all. That is
exactly what Satan is going to do at the very last of the Judgment Bar. He is
going to say, "All these are mine. I’ve sealed them all to me. I’m their
father." There is going to be a lot of people there that are going to be
real surprised that they are even in that group. Then Satan will say, "If
you accept me you can have them all." That is Satan’s plan. What does
Jesus say, "They are all yours. This is my Father's glory. I will pass
them on. Develop your own relationship. Find out yourself what you are supposed
to be doing." One has free agency and the other doesn't.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">That is the Patriarchal order and the Plurality of Wives. I never ran
into a polygamist yet that even understood it yet they can see it. I like to
talk to a polygamist with at least two of his wives there. You· might be able
to keep a secret with one of the wives, you can bribe her enough that she won't
tell, but you get two of the wives in there and there's no way you’re going to
keep it secret from the whole rest of the group. I'll take the man, step by step,
right down through the process of His intention, as he meets with me, is that I'm
going to teach Bro. Whitmer, that he has to live polygamy or he can't go to the
Celestial kingdom. I ask, "Why are you living polygamy?" Because of
Joseph Smith was and then he quotes D&C 132. Harvey Allred has this 'Leaf
in Review' which is merely all their arguments right in there. There is a lot
of pamphlets that they give out. I haven't run into any new arguments yet but
the argument is that Joseph Smith was commanded unless you live that you're not
going to go to the Celestial Kingdom. Do you know what 'Simon says” means as
compared to 'Father may I?' If the Father initiates it and it comes down
through the Son and to the Holy Ghost and to you, this is 'Simon says'. In
other words, to play the game you have to do everything that 'Simon says' but
unless it's 'Simon says” you can't do it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">In D&C 132 it says Abraham did all things whatsoever he did by
commandment, and by My word, by revelation. (D&C 132:37) And Abraham, and
also Isaac and Jacob did none other thing than that which they were commanded. Therefore,
they sit upon thrones and are Gods, not angels. The key there is you do
everything that 'Simon says• and don't do anything that isn't 'Simon says'. Now,
'Father may I', the best example is D&C 132:1 "Verily, thus saith the
Lord unto you my servant Joseph, that inasmuch as ye have inquired of my hand
to know and understand wherein I, the Lord, justified my servants Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob had many wives and concubines I'll tell you." That is not
'Simon says”. Inasmuch as you were asking, inasmuch as you were trying to find
out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why was he trying to find out? Why
would the Lord think you would be asking why all these guys get polygamist
wives? That is want he wants. So it isn't 'Simon says”. Even if God tells you
do to something you're still OK if you do it. The polygamists say God told
Josephto live it so therefore I'm living it. Then I say, "Show me your
ark." They'll go, what? Show me your ark. God told Noah to build an ark,
show me yours. I don't have one. Why not? God didn't tell me to build one. I
said, "Then why are you living polygamy? God hasn’t told you to." I’m
not going to buy the argument unless you show me your ark because I can prove
to you that God told Noah to build an ark. Just go out and start it. Put a
couple of 2X4's together and say here it is. Then you have to do everything. Get
your first-born son ready to be sacrificed. You can go on and on with, 'because
God said it to somebody I have to do it. If God tells me, ‘simon says', I do
it. The polygamists get down to I fasted and prayed for a year and a half
before I finally got the Lord to tell me I could do it. That's 'Father May I'
isn't? After a year and a half he told you to go ahead but why did you pray for
a year and a half to live it? I could tell what was in his heart anyway, but
right from his heart comes this, "I wanted to see what it was like to live
with more than one wife and have sex with more than one wife." That's the
bottom line right there. His two wives sat there with their mouths open. They
looked at each other and said that's not what he told us.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He was saying that he had to or God would cut
it off. Today they are not married anymore. He and his seven wives are all
divorced because they found out real fast. The women say, "We're out here
doing all he wants us to do in his program." And he isn't using the
Father's program he is using Satan's. It is easy to show that it's Satan's
program. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">You show me a father that exercises unrighteous dominion, which is just
merely putting the child in a position where they don't have free agency. How
easy is that to do? You either do this or else. You either go on a mission or
I'm not going to pay for your college. Any, 'this or’, is taking<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>away free agency and when they do that, amen
to the Priesthood of that brother. Take any fourteen year old kid, and it can
be a girl or a guy, and unless they are really brow-beaten and have no concept
of what free agency is, they can recognize in their father, or any other man, whether
they have authority or not. A fourteen-year-old, think about it. You can be
over at church and He can look you right in the eye and he knows you're a
phony. You have exercised unrighteous dominion on your own kids or even on him.
They can see it in your eyes, that you're hollow, you're sound like brass, on
the right(?), you're a whitened sepulcher. They understand this but they don't
know why. They've gone through a seven year cycle of being trained and they are
baptized at eight. Then they go through a seven year cycle of experimenting,
trying things, and seeing how the consequence is. Put your hand on the stove
and it gets burned. How grab that kid by the hand and try to put: it on the
stove, he'll pull back because he knows but yet people say keep hands away from
the stove because they'll get burned, no, that's the best thing for them. If
they get burned once there's no way on earth you can get them to again. Let
them taste the evil whereby they know to prize the good. In other words, let
them, with their free agency, taste. Taste the sweet, taste the bitter, taste
the sweet, taste the bitter. They'll come back but it will be with their free
agency. Now you use Satan's plan, "I am going to save all my kids."
They're all going to have to go to church, they're all going to have to do
this. But you take any fourteen year old and he can recognize authority. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">I'll put this to you: If all your kids were wandering around downtown
and Jesus came and sat in the park and started reading, telling them parables,
and your kids got just within' earshot, they would recognize and say, "Here's
someone who isn't a phony." They would recognize the authority so fast,
first the children and then the women. Here's somebody with something that my
husband doesn't have. They recognize it without even knowing what they're
recognizing. They would be right there listening. When you become like Him and
you start telling them they will recognize it too. Men, today, are drowning and
they're trying to save everyone else from drowning and they're doing it by
trying to climb up on top of the others and saying, "I am in charge, I am
the head." There is only two plans, one of them has free agency. Wouldn't
you rather have free agency?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">They have a quote in a newspaper that Joseph Smith said, "No one
will ever be excommunicated from this church by differing on doctrine with
me." Brigham Young said the same thing too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">(After we started breaking up the meeting some good questions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">were raised. Most of what is left is
harder to hear but I will give you all the pieces, whether or not thy make
sense or are complete.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">As to what I will be willing to do for
you. In other words, until now I've been afraid that if I say, "Lord, if I
turn my life over to you you’re going to have me down in Guatemala preaching on
a corner and my wife and kids will wonder where I'm at." Really that's
what you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>think about it because as soon
as it becomes 'Simon says', you don't get to choose. You are saying,
"Right now I am choosing." Then we'll test you, here go! And you're
gone. You don't say how long. You become the horse. Now He can use you for what
He wants but until you get your own information (incomplete).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Your danger is finding an answer from something (someone?) else and then
start following someone else. That guy can call you to the gutter real fast.
Satan's helper will say, "the first thing the Lord wants you to do is take
out your check books and whatever your balance is write a check for that amount
and put my name on it. Then I want you to sell your homes and give me that
money and the Lord is going to bless you." That is the first thing that
can happen because he (Satan's helper) has to start a whole group. The guy (the
helper) is going to put himself in place of the Lord, who is resurrected and
already here, but you guys all look at me, ask me, give me your money. That's
the thing that I will never do because I don't want all you guys to be my servants.
When you get your calling and election you have to pay for your own sins. I
would end up in the Celestial Kingdom and say, "I claim all these. They
didn't do what they were supposed to because I stopped their progress but now I
want him to wait on me, and I want him to take care of my yard, see what I
mean? Every time you bring me my plate of food you will slap it down there like
saying, "You turkey, look what you did to me;"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: How do we not be
deceived from the angel of light? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: (Big sigh) How to take
the Holy Spirit for your guide and be not deceived? That means that you can be
deceived by the spirit but how can you be deceived. If I have the Patriarchal
Priesthood and I tell my guardian angel, "Go tell his guardian angel that
if he reads this testimony, that it's true." Now you go pray and as you
are asking, "Is this true?" what is your guardian angel going to say?
"Yes." Then you say, "I want to be specific, who told you to
tell me that this is true?" "The father." All patriarchs are the
father, so he: says "the father". Now what do you assume? That his
Heavenly Father told him to say that. That's how easy it is to be deceived. All
he can testify to is truth so if I write something and it is true and I hand it
to you and you read it and ask (if it is true) and I say, "Tell him it's
true." Is he telling the truth? Yes. And if you say, "Who told
you?" and his answer is "The father." Is he telling the truth?
Yes. There are people that can do that. Find out (where the answers are coming
from) when you start getting answers. When you say, "I need to know."
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">It took me fifteen years to get my first answers and in the last eight
years I've had 10,000 answers. You can't get into as much trouble for not doing
as you can for trying. Even if you're trying you're saying, "If I put my
hand on this stove will it burn me?" Let's say an evil spirit says no. Put
your hand on the stove and jerk it back and say, "Gee, here I trusted you
and you told me it wouldn't. Why did you tell me that?" Eventually you're
going to find out, "Who told you to tell me to put it on the stove?"
Did this come from who? who?, who?, and find out where it originated. You will
find out that Satan is in there. What I use as my key is: "Jesus is the
Christ and the only way to the Father." (answer should be yes) Evil
spirits will admit that Jesus is the Christ but they won't ever say He is the
only way to the Father. Then I would say, "Is the Book of Mormon a second
witness of Christ who is the only way to the Father." (answer should be
yes) Then "Does Joseph Smith hold all the keys to the last
dispensation" (answer should be yes) I get those three answers then I ask
the question again, "lf I put my hand on this stove will it burn me?"
Answer is yes. Ahhhh, it's a little different. It's a different answer of 'yes'
than the other three yeses. I go back and ask the three questions again and
then I ask, "Should I put my hand on the stove?" Yes. Ahah, get thee
hence Satan. I find out that the spirit that was trying to tell me to put my
hand on the stove was the evil spirit-and so I'd say, "Ahah." Whenever
somebody says something I'd say, "Oh, well what's the answer?"
"Yes." "Is Jesus the Christ and the only way to the
Father?" No answer. "Get thee hence, Satan." You have (emphasis)
to learn how to find out where it is coming from.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">You can get a lot of tangents, you get off the razor's edge. If you want
to find keys of finding out if things are from your Heavenly Father or not. Your
Heavenly Father is always going to be this nature of answers: You're my son,
I'm well pleased, I forgive all yours sins. When you read from the D&C and
you read any of that stuff you know that it is right from the Father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Does He ever ask you a
question? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You ask a question and he will
through one back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Yes. Like, why do you
want to know? or why do you this? Here is the Father's program so you can use
it as a guide to see how but first you have to believe what I am telling you about
it but you can test that. The Father's program is this; My son Keith, if you
plant corn I'll cause it to grow. If you plant weeds I'll cause weeds to grow
but you are going to have to eat whatever one you plant. In other words, you
plant hatred;·you plant love, you plant forgiveness, whatever you plant I'll
cause to grow and you'll end up eating it. That's the only law of God there is.
What you sow, you reap. There is no other law.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Mark E. Peterson and a lot of them say there are a lot of laws. Ellie
Scaron(?) there's only one law and then she says here's a law, and that there's
a law irrevocably decreed in heaven for every blessing. That means a lot of
laws. No, what it means is; whatever you plant that's what you get. That's the
only law there is. 'The Father is going to say, "What it is you want,
plant. I can cause it to grow but whatever it is you have to eat it."
Basically that's all He is going to say. He'll say, "If you do this this
is what you'll get, if you do this this is what you get." But He will never
tell you which one to choose. He wants you to test it and find out. Now Satan
will step in and give you a revelation and his revelations are: You either do
this or I turn you over to the buffetings of Satan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Now, take those two keys and go read the D&C and find out. Take a
highlighter, a yellow one and a pink one. If you can tell that's coming from
the Father - if it's love, forgiveness, and it deals with the law of the
harvest - do it yellow. When you run onto something saying, "You either do
this-or else." Start doing pink. You can be right in mid-sentence when all
of a sudden it will switch· back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">When Joseph is receiving a revelation in the D&C and the revelation
is coming to Him from the Father, and the Holy Ghost is there saying repeat (?)
and Joseph's mind - here's the scripture, my favorite one, "Be still and
know that I am God.'' Be still means stop thinking, your natural man mind must
stop, it's an enemy to God, has been from the beginning, so stop thinking.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> In other words, be still and know, know that
what I am telling you is coming from me. Don't get off the razor's edge, one
way or the other, just stay right here, know. Now God only has one time and
that is now so knowing means you are in the now state. So as the revelations
come in and Joseph is thinking "Oh", and starts thinking a tangent, the
Lord stops talking and Satan steps right in. I mean, before you can blink your
eye, and Satan finishes the sentence and now it switches over to "You
either do this or else." As soon as Joseph's mind stops thinking the
Lord's takes over. He doesn't go back and redo what Satan just did, He lets (?)
you go. When I first found this out I said, "I'm going to go through and
straighten all these out. Take out all of Satan's out and put in what was
actually supposed to be because I could see the revelation coming that Joseph
got and I could see right where Joseph had started thinking and how Satan now
puts his little piece in there and then the Lord, then Satan. I was thinking I
am going to edit this and I was into it about two months and I get "Who
told you to do this?" Uhhhhh, I wanted to. I knew that I was in trouble.
"Why did you want to do this?" I wanted all these people out here in
the valley to see where you can get deceived by the Spirit. "How did you
find out?" By the Spirit. "Why don't you let them find out like you
did? So they'll have a testimony of the Spirit instead of a testimony of
you." That's pretty good and I haven't done anything with it since.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Question</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: When you first started
this day you pointed out to us that there was a gentleman that taught you a
beginning. There has always got to be someone, somewhere along the way that
teaches the beginning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">Answer</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">: Find out if he'll claim
that Jesus is the only way to the Father. Satan claims he's a way to the
Father. If he can get a 99.999% of everybody what does the Father have to do sure
I'll accept you, come on back. You will find that I will never tell you
anything that you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">can’t eventually go find out yourself.
If anyone wants help from me I'll help hold them under water until they reach
the point they say, "Lord, save me." Or if they are hanging on the
cliff I'll just grab them and chuck them off, To me there is no love in
prolonging their misery. I'd rather just chuck you over the cliff and you either
say, "Lord, save me, completely." Turn your whole life over to God
because you know you are going to lose it all anyway, rather than help you back
up and say let's get started again because then you end up with crutches and
hobble along.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #16191f; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Systemtypsnitt;">I had a guy in one of the last meetings ask me, "Where do you think
we're at right now here in the valley?" I said you are all decorating and
repainting your deck chairs on the Titanic. You think you have to get
everything in order but it is all going down and it isn't going to matter what
color it is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-26160569973561004912016-11-01T07:28:00.003+01:002016-11-01T07:28:51.078+01:00RELIGIOUSLY LUKEWARM<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPGCY18qXFm8xohVoaDpfYHmDL-HRTpZwXIs0i-qvfE-Le7nevIDylKFZcG-OqTKQAcDhq10_pgkL2eeohw0VFFwC2FkLCE_cLLgolIB9if0cIRAl6Q3bHZy6bIumwXQjlWZiD008PDs/s1600/Ska%25CC%2588rmavbild+2016-11-01+kl.+07.24.21.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPGCY18qXFm8xohVoaDpfYHmDL-HRTpZwXIs0i-qvfE-Le7nevIDylKFZcG-OqTKQAcDhq10_pgkL2eeohw0VFFwC2FkLCE_cLLgolIB9if0cIRAl6Q3bHZy6bIumwXQjlWZiD008PDs/s320/Ska%25CC%2588rmavbild+2016-11-01+kl.+07.24.21.png" width="320" /></a>Last Saturday, I spent the evening at a Christian event organised under the name of "<a href="http://www.awakeningeurope.com/" target="_blank">Awakening Europe</a>". I listened to Jake Hamilton sing and Todd White preach. Later on, there was also a session of prayer for the Holy Spirit and healing of people. Some people testified that they were healed. It was an interesting and inspiring evening, for sure.<br />
<br />
As I woke the next day, I was given a revelation: I don't believe in miracles. I'm a sceptic and a doubter. Somehow, in my ability to doublethink, I believe it can happen for others, but not for myself. I'm to rational. And this is damning.<br />
<br />
James said that we have to have faith and doubt nothing to receive liberally from God. I haven't received anything close to liberally from God, so I either don't have faith or I'm a doubter. I guess I'm a both. When I thought of this, I want to ascribe it to religion.<br />
<br />
I also noted that Todd White, as he related his story, had been truly lost and was found, truly blind but now can see, and dead, but now is alive. Jesus has really come into his life and totally changed it. He was cold, but is now hot. The same thing cannot be said of me. In my religious experience, I've believed that I'm hot, but I've been lukewarm. I've been a believer of many things, and I've been taught (by tradition and culture) that this equals faith and trust in God. Now, when I've woken up to the fact that faith is altogether something different, it's hard to step it up.<br />
<br />
The danger of being lukewarm is that it's hard to see that you're not warm enough. It's hard to let God heat you up for it will cause a lot of commotion.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-29346416695734522402016-09-03T20:48:00.000+02:002016-09-03T20:48:37.533+02:00RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PRIESTHOOD<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Two scenarios</span></b><br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRYOXvU0FXbDcS0E_-LijAfVcmnXb_1xz6eP9UQTSNxxs0LXjFWIQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRYOXvU0FXbDcS0E_-LijAfVcmnXb_1xz6eP9UQTSNxxs0LXjFWIQ" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1) An 18 year priest in the Church baptized his younger sister on Saturday. The day before, he broke the law of chastity with his girlfriend. Years pass and the sister gets married in the temple and afterwards learn about what happened the night before her baptism. Is her baptism valid? Her endowment? Her sealing? Does she have to do it all again?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2) Two young lovers were sealed in the local temple on Saturday. The day before, the sealer commits an act of domestic violence against his wife. Years pass, children are born to the couple and tragic strikes–the husband is killed in a traffic accident. At the same time, the sealer is tried in court and convicted for his crimes against his family. Was there even a <i>sealing</i> performed? Was there an actual covenant under which the children were born? Is the family eternal?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">These scenarios aren't extreme nor unthinkable. Tough questions arise when we ponder them. We'd like the answers to be simple, and maybe they are. But we can't dodge the issue of whether righteousness is a prerequisite for priesthood power, the use of priesthood "keys" and the efficacy of ordinances.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(I've written about ordinances <a href="http://reclaimingtherestoration.blogspot.se/2015/12/saving-ordinances-letter-of-law-killeth.html" target="_blank">here</a>. You might want to check that out before we move on.)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To be [righteous], or not to be [righteous], that is the question!</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In my mind, it's hard to argue that righteousness isn't required for priesthood. If we say that you don't have to be <i>perfect</i> to have and with power use the priesthood, how bad can you be before you're too bad? If we say that righteousness isn't required, why is the Church putting so much focus on the avoidance of porn and other moral issues?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If we say that a priesthood holder has to be righteous to use it, then, as in the scenarios above, what happens to the ordinances performed by <i>un</i>righteous priesthood holders? The effect can be quite scary since the Church trace priesthood authority through lines going back to the three witnesses and Joseph Smith. What if something was amiss in the early 1900's when someone was ordained to priesthood? The effects grow exponentially. We might, by this reasoning, have a big chunk of members who might not have been properly baptized. From an eternal perspective, this is most likely a pretty big deal.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This would create a disorder that feels antithetical to the order we believe that God's house is in and we therefore must revert to the opinion that righteousness <i>isn't</i> required. But, hey, that doesn't feel right! Welcome to a disturbing paradox and conundrum.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sorting things out</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There are different priesthoods - a lower and a higher. I don't know remotely close to everything about this. As a matter of fact, I know very little. What I share here is what I've picked up from reading the scriptures and pondering the questions.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyhow, a higher and a lower priesthood.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The lower priesthood - preparatory</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Simply put, the lower performs rituals that point to and invite the participants to a real interaction with God. For example, the endowment means nothing if we don't follow it where it points us - to the veil where we can truly converse with the Lord. It's like acting a part in a play and rehearsing a lot but never go to the actual premiere. We learn the part but never act it out on stage in front of an audience and therefore don't get the <i>full</i> experience. In the book of life, only those who actually perform on stage will be mentioned...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We read that the "<span style="color: #201500;">lesser priesthood […] holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the <i>preparatory</i> gospel; </span><span style="color: #201500;">Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb." (D&C 84:26-27) </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #201500;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #201500;">We also read that,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #201500;"> "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #201500;">The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel, the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and commandments." (D&C 107:20)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #201500;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #201500;">The preparatory and symbolical ordinances belongs to the lower priesthood, whereas the higher priesthood circumscribe the spiritual blessings of God.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #201500;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The higher priesthood - a relationship with the powers of heaven</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />The higher priesthood reaches a lot higher than the lesser priesthood. It seems that there's no only a difference in quality, but in quantity as well–it's a much larger priesthood that reaches into the heavens. We read, </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul class="versesblock" style="-webkit-margin-after: 0px; -webkit-margin-before: 0px; -webkit-padding-start: 0px; color: #201500; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75em;">
<li class="" id="sec_107.18" style="display: block; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0.3em; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church–To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. (D&C 107:18-19)</span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It should be clear to us that the privileges of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, goes vastly beyond anything that we've heard anyone in church testify of (please let me know if your experience differ from mine).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When incarcerated in Liberty Jail, Joseph penned these immortal words.</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #201500;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. (D&C 121:36)</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If any man tries to use "his" priesthood "<span style="background-color: white; color: #201500;">in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man." (D&C 121:37)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #201500;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #201500;">The qualities needed to use priesthood power and authority with the blessings of heaven include, but are not limited to, </span><span style="color: #201500;">persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness and meekness, love unfeigned, </span><span style="color: #201500;">kindness, pure knowledge, without hypocrisy, and without guile. (D&C 121:41-42)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To receive and use the higher priesthood after the order of Jesus, a person has to have a heart like his. Like Nephi, who sought not his own life, but the will of Jesus to such a degree that Jesus knew that he would "<span style="color: #201500;">not ask that which is contrary to my will." (Hel. 10:4-5) Or like those who were "</span><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">approved of God [and] ordained an high priest after the order of the covenant which God made with Enoch" and who had faith, and the will to "</span><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">do all things according to his will, according to his command" and also "by the will of the Son of God [this points to the fact that they had a clear line of communication and did what they did on his invitation or command]." (JST Gen. 14:27-32)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The higher priesthood consists of a relationship (a brother-, or priest<i>hood)</i> with the divine and is not based on transferring of authority from man to man. The Lord gives it "</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333;">by mine own voice out of the heavens." (D&C 84:42) This authority to do God's work on earth is </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">fragile, for only a person with a godly mind, actions and heart can wield it's power.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My guess is that the ordinances of the higher priesthood aren't very like the ones performed in the temples. Any person who meets the qualifications set by the church can enter the temple, receive their endowment and be sealed. This means nothing, as long as the Holy Spirit of Promise doesn't seal them up. Those who <i>do </i>have the sealing power act through revelation. God would tell/show them that there is, for example, a couple who are ready to be sealed for real, and they do it. What's done in the temples of the church is, at best, an invitation to seek an actual sealing.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Conclusion</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Those who truly represent God are like him, for unto no one else is the authority or the charge given to do his work. There is room for imperfections, but not for unrighteousness. This might cause us to believe there is no order. But, there is, it's called <span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the Holy Priesthood, after the <u><i>Order</i></u> of the Son of God</span></span></span></div>
Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-36345111519359479592016-08-14T09:41:00.003+02:002016-08-14T09:41:42.167+02:00FREE WILL - the talk I never gave<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>This is a talk I prepared for, but never got around to present at the Nordic Remnant Conference held yesterday (13th of August) in Göteborg (Gothenburg), Sweden.</i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>-----------</i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://screenrobot.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/the-matrix-red-pill-blue-pill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://screenrobot.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/the-matrix-red-pill-blue-pill.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The concept of free will can be summed up with these
words from the Book of Mormon:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
30 And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free.<br />
31 He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you. (Hel. 14:30-31)</blockquote>
What are some of the implications of free will?<br />
<br />
We are free to start world wars and kill others and free to lay down our life for others and all that’s between these two extremes. <br />
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We are free to turn the other cheek when warred against and worship God as we perish under the sword. <br />
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In essence and in short, there is no limit on what God will let us do with the gift of free will.<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Free will - to God it's sacrosanct. For man,
it's tolerable a best. At least in others. What makes it hard for us to
grant others the same benefit we take for granted for ourselves? </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">1. We take it for granted and don't see that it truly
is a gift. If we would do that, we would recognize that it's given to everyone
and that we can’t, nor should want to interfere with how anyone is using it (of
course as long as they aren’t hurting anyone).</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">2. We want everyone else to do and believe as we do.
Let's admit it, it's hard to stand alone. There’s power in numbers. Neither
truth, correctness nor righteousness are dependent on numbers. Sometimes it
seems that we’d rather have company in hell than be alone in heaven. When we
seek for the company and affirmation or confirmation of mortal men and women,
we put our trust in the arm of flesh. Heaven isn’t a place of solitude and we
should seek for company. We must be careful to choose the right company and
also seek for pats on the back from the right place - that of God and his son.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">3. We miss the fact that we're all on a journey, at
different speed, with different vehicles, at different pace and from different
starting points. At best, we're heading towards the same goal. It's hard to see
how one's own journey will develop. How much harder is it then to pass judgment
on someone else's.</span></blockquote>
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In C.S. Lewis´ second book of the Narnia series, “The
Horse and the Boy”, we read about Shasta, the young man who left his custodian
to travel north to Narnia. On the way, he had close encounters with several
different lions, as he supposed. Later on, he met with someone who seemed to
know quite a lot about all of this lion-business.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">"There was only one
lion," said the Voice. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">"What on earth do you
mean? I've just told you there were at least two the first night, and-" <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">"There was only one:
but he was swift of foot." "How do you know?" <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">"I was the
lion." And as Shasta gaped with open mouth and said nothing, the Voice
continued. "I was the lion who forced you to join with Aravis. I was the
cat who comforted you among the houses of the dead. I was the lion who drove
the jackals from you while you slept. I was the lion who gave the Horses the
new strength of fear for the last mile so that you should reach King Lune in
time. And I was the lion you do not remember who pushed the boat in which you
lay, a child near death, so that it came to shore where a man sat, wakeful at
midnight, to receive you." <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">"Then it was you who
wounded Aravis?" <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">"It was I" <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">"But what for?" <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">"Child," said
the Voice, "I am telling you your story, not hers. I tell no one any story
but his own." <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">This Voice was Aslan, the symbol of Jesus Christ that
have made the Narnia series a profound religious experience for me. He tells us
about ourselves and not about others. In January, I met Jesus in a dream in a
dream. In the dream, I asked him about our collective insecurities. He answered
me about mine. But then, as a sidenote, he mentioned that he’s on Facebook (and
let me draw the conclusion that he was fully aware of all of our insecurities).
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">What can we learn from Jesus’ way of relating to other
people’s use of their free agency?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Jesus found himself on earth some two thousand years
ago. He was a man with a mission to teach and show the way to the Father among
the vilest of self-righteous religious pricks. Think about it. Jesus had given
the Jews their scriptures, their ordinances, their feast days, he had liberated
their ancestors from slavery and bondage. He had loved them and already given
them the chance to come into his presence, but they would not. As it turned
out, the Jews had taken all they had been given, corrupted, twisted and
perverted it, supplanted it with traditions of men, mistaken symbols for the
actual saving ordinances and made the temple into a house of merchandise. They
had a lot but were living spiritually empty handed and empty hearted. Oh,
contemplate the frustration, the disappointment, the anger, the feeling of
betrayal and the desire for revenge and to withhold future blessings … that we
would have had to struggle with being in Jesus´ place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">But what did Jesus do? He taught them the truth, not
only about himself and the Father, but also about themselves. He was willing to
forgive of the pride and self-righteousness, and eventually, he lamented from
the bottom of his heart that he would’ve gathered them as a hen gathers her
chickens, time and time again. His long suffering is astounding. To me, the
biggest miracle from Jesus´ life isn’t the walking on water and the bread and
the fish, but the fact that he didn’t give in to the temptation to strike this
people with lightning and end the charade and divine disrespect and mockery.
But then again, that’s me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">What can we learn from Jesus in handling people who
might be termed Latter-day Pharisees? Many things, of course. I want to shortly
mention three.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">1. Consider yourself a fool before the Lord.<br /> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">It will help you extend the same privilege to others.
You don't expect yourself to be in possession of all truth, so let others join
you in being in the wrong, but don't demand them to be wrong in the same
way as you are. Diversity is a blessing, in truth as well as in
error.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p> </o:p></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">2. What you need is more love - from others as well as
from yourself. The golden rule compels you to give ex<span style="background-color: white;">actly this to those around
you. But don’t expect them to reciprocate. In fact, expect nothing from man, nothing at all. Love them
instead. All expectations placed on mortal man will disappoint in the long run.
Every expectation has to be “made and entered into and sealed by the Holy
Spirit of promise” (D&C 132:7) in order for it to be worthy our hope
and faith.</span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">3. Follow <u>your</u> heart, for there is no other
heart that beats for you the same way as your own does. Until God tells you in
detail what to do, you should pursue what the best part of yourself guides you
to. No one except God can say what your divine potential and divine nature will
have you do and be.</span></blockquote>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">In conclusion:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I find that what I’ve said is a part of the concept
presented by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount about loving our enemies and praying
for our persecutors and forgiving all men (and religious institutions)
everything. This is a component of the charge from the D&C (93:30), to be
”independent in that sphere in which God has placed” us. When we don’t let the
actions of others hedge up or limit our christlikeness, we are truly
independent for we give no man any power over what we will do. If we are
willing to love our enemies, bless them that curse us, do good to them that
hate us, and pray for them which despitefully use and persecute us, turn the
other cheek, walk the second mile, give to those who ask, respond to a lawsuit
with a desire to settle generously, we might be played every now and then. But,
and this is important, no one will have any power over us to drag us down to
the pit of despair or into the false sense of justice the legal system
provides. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Our hearts need to be unencumbered by the things of
this world, and that includes the false sense of justice and vindication. Jesus
will at the last day vindicate the ones with a broken heart and a contrite
spirit, and that promise should give us strength to seek for the best our heart
wants us to have. Therefore, we need to teach our heart what it wants, but also
give God place to touch it and plant therein a deeper hunger after himself and
his Son.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">It all boils down to taking up the yoke of
Christ. His yoke is all about love, compassion, empathy, forgiveness,
salvation and the heart. It's all about taking up our cross and carrying
it to our Golgatha were the Father, as Jesus taught to the Nephites, will lift
us up like the Son was lifted up (3 Ne. 27:14). We will need to crucify all
that binds us to this world, or else we can't be taken to heaven. It's been
said that if you want to go to heaven you need to bring a piece of it with you.
I believe there's some truth to that. I also believe that we need to let go of
all worldly possessions and aspirations and empty our pockets from even
the smallest piece of dust belonging to this world. This kind of thorough
cleaning is what Jesus will do with us if we let him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">This is my belief, my small but growing faith and my
fragile desire. I want Jesus in my life.</span></div>
Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-86728327382705068142016-07-03T09:05:00.000+02:002016-07-28T21:24:39.943+02:00ARE WE LED ASTRAY?<div class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.cathtatecards.com/graphics_cache/8/0/1660-bbastray-3-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cathtatecards.com/graphics_cache/8/0/1660-bbastray-3-600.jpg" height="200" width="165" /></a>During a recent FAIR conference in Sweden, one of the speakers addressed the issue of blacks and and the priesthood. He stated, rather emphatically, that the prophets had been wrong all these years and that the leaders of the Church (apparently) <i>can </i>lead us astray.</div>
<br />
For some of the participants in the conference, this opens up a can of worms. If the leaders of the Church was so wrong before, can they be so now? If yes, what are they wrong about. What should I do if I learn what they are wrong about? Can I be open about the truth, or do I have to support my leaders when they are leading us astray?<br />
<br />
These are all difficult and important questions.<br />
<br />
When we talk about leading others astray, we need to first determine how things <i>should</i> be. If you're walking through the forrest, having lost your way, you might've gone astray. But you won't sense that you've gone astray if you have no sense of where you should've been. If you lacked knowledge about where you ought to be, and just believed that you're okay as long as you are among trees, then it would be hard to convince you of being astray out there in the forest. The question <i>are we led astray?</i> must therefore be asked and answered against the backdrop of how things ought to be.<br />
<br />
It should therefore be duly noted, that if you should meet someone you might suppose that they are lost to. The chance is, though, that they live there, out in the forest. What is astray for one person might not be astray for someone else.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
To put it in context, if we believe that the Church and we as its members are exactly where we should be, then the question of being led astray is not only irrelevant, but also insulting. On what grounds could we believe that we are in the right path? Well, the most obvious answer would be that the leaders can't lead us astray (we've already covered that ground and found that they indeed <i>can</i> lead us astray and have done so historically). From this on, the arguments get worse and worse.<br />
<br />
How can we determine where we should be as a church and people, and thereby getting a sense of if we're led astray? The scriptures are a good standard to meet against. Few verses that point to the purpose of the restoration (and also to how we could reclaim it) are found in Doctrine and Covenants Section 1. We read that,<br />
<blockquote>
<span style="color: red;"><span class="verse" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 17 </span>Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called uponmy servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments;<br /><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352" name="18" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">18 </span>And also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets—<br /><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352" name="19" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">19 </span>The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh—<br /><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352" name="20" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">20 </span>But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;<br /><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352" name="21" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">21 </span>That faith also might increase in the earth;<br /><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352" name="22" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">22 </span>That mine everlasting covenant might be established;<br /><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352" name="23" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">23 </span>That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers.</span></blockquote>
If we are right where we should be, that which is written by prophets of old should be fulfilled, i.e. not trust in the arm of flesh (if we believe that the leaders can't lead us astray, is that trusting in the arm of flesh?), every man speak in the name of Jesus (is this something other than putting Jesus' name after <i>everything </i>we do, no matter if Jesus would approve or not?), great faith (do we see the fruits of faith among us?), establishment of the everlasting covenant (do we even know what this is?) and the preaching of the <i>fulness</i> of the gospel (can we be doing this when the concepts of calling and election and the Second Comforter is downplayed in the Church and nonexistent from the missionary manual?).<br />
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The best way to approach these questions should be to ask God to lead us to <i>him</i> and help us see things as they really are. I believe that he will do this in the way that suits us the best. This doesn't mean, though, that he will make it comfortable.<br />
<br />
I want to recommend <a href="http://barerecord.blogspot.se/2011/08/we-will-never-go-astray.html" target="_blank">this post</a>.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-86106043379846876992016-06-26T22:14:00.001+02:002016-06-26T22:14:48.973+02:00Chapter 2: Part A - Two Keys to My Awakening and Faith<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352" name="_Toc322803902"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Two
Keys To My Awakening</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></a></h1>
It’s been said that there are no silly questions. That might be true. On the other hand, there exist many difficult questions that require us to think new and maybe unpleasant thoughts. That’s how I started to wake up from my deep sleep. Just like it’s important to turn unto the Lord when we wake up in the morning it’s important to seek the Lord early in a spiritual awakening and relying on Him. The words from Psalms give comfort in these situations.<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“The Lord is
my shepherd; I shall not want.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He maketh me
to lie down in green pastures:<br /> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">he leadeth
me beside the still waters.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He restoreth
my soul:<br /> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">he leadeth
me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Yea, though
I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:<br /> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">for thou art
with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Recently I saw the following question and
answer on Facebook: “This blog seems to say that we’ve been wrong all along? Is
this reasonable?” The answer was great: “That’s possible. We’ve thought that we
go to the chapel each Sunday but we’re not, we go to the meeting house.”</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This book is about this–to wake up to the fact
that we might’ve been wrong, if not all of the time, during a sufficiently long
period of time that we’ve lost the ability to recognize it. Some wrongs are
small, like what we call the building in which we meet, while other mistakes
have a direct effect on our salvation, like the fact that we confuse the
baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost with the confirmation, that an invitation to
the party is the party itself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What I present here is an invitation to wake
up–awake from a deep sleep<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>,
awake and start hearing the words of the Lord’s true servants<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>,
awake and no longer be burdened by sin<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>,
awake to being up and doing<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>,
</span>awake to a sense of our awful situation, because of this secret combination
which shall be among us<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">, </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom</span><sup><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span></sup><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">, awake to righteousness<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>,
in short, awake to God<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>.
Awaking in this way is like when you wake up in a place you haven’t before been
to. It takes some time for you to accept the fact that you’ve been in
transition and to reorient and map out a new direction. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Many shy away from this awakening because it’s
too painful. This feeling of pain is very real and is born out of the
realization that the map you’ve been handed has been shown to give a false view
of reality.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The pain isn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">too</i> great (even if it initially might feel that way). It’s possible
to get through it and come out victorious on the other side. For those who
experience this pain, I hope that this book might help. And for those who
haven’t awakened it can function as an alarm clock. No matter where you are on
your journey, it’ll be necessary for you to exercise <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i> in perhaps new ways with unexpected results.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Faith and </span>whatsoever
thing is expedient in the Lord<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Shortly before his death, Joseph gave a “The
King Follet Sermon”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>.
In it, he says,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN-US">“It is the first principle
of the Gospel to know for a certainty the Character of God, and to know that we
may converse with him as one man converses with another, and that he was once a
man like us; yea, that God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth,
the same as Jesus Christ himself did”</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[11]</span></span></span></span></a></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></span></a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Despite that the fourth Article of Faith states
that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel, I
don’t believe we’re dealing with a contradiction. These concepts go together.
One thing my awakening has taught me is the fact that without <i>faith</i>, we can’t do anything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">One of the biggest problems caused by being <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">one mile wide and one inch deep</i> in ones
spirituality and beliefs, is that there is a lack of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i>. There’s a huge difference between <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">belief</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i> and it’s
important to keep these concepts separated. While <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">belief</i> is about holding something, a worldview consisting of
distinct facts, for true, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i> is a
reliance on God that results in power and miracles. Maybe too many beliefs and
a lack of faith is the ingredients in making you<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> one mile wide and one inch deep</i>. It’s like being “</span>ever
learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
I felt that this is where I’d landed in my spirituality. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Faith</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> is a principle of action. We have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i> that we will reap if we sow and
that we will end up at work if we take the commuter train into town. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Faith</i> causes us to act. To take a step
over the railing and walk on water like Peter, requires <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i>, albeit not in the natural consequence of a certain action,
but rather in God. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Faith </i>in God is,
aside from a principle of action, also a principle of power.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Jesus has shown and taught that if we have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i> in him, we “</span>shall have
power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in [him].<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>,
even miracles like raising the dead to life, </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">put at defiance the armies of nations, and so forth</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Conversely, we won’t be able to do any of this if he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">doesn’t </i>find it expedient. The determining factor, aside from our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i>, is whether Jesus wants it to
happen or not. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Through miraculous means, Jehova helped Israel
flee out of Egypt. Eventually, Moses and his people found themselves on the
shore of the Red Sea. The Egyptians were closing up on them. God spoke to Moses
and said, “</span>But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the
sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through
the midst of the sea.<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; line-height: 150%;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Moses obeyed, and the Isrealites crossed the Red Sea on dry ground. Was it the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i> of Moses or the power of God that
caused this miracle? I’d say, both. If Moses hadn’t spoken to the water it
wouldn’t have parted. On the other hand, if God hadn’t told Moses what he
(Moses) should do and what he (God) would do, Moses would’ve kept quiet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The
key to the salvation of the Israelites on the shore of the Red Sea, and other
miraculous and divine interventions we hear testimonies of, is that God found
it expedient in him to exercise his power in this way and revealed this to someone
in possession of faith and a desire to “</span><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">to do all things according to
his will, according to his command</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn16;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Faith</i> in God requires that we have a
sure knowledge that God wants what we are called to do. When we desire
something but lack this surety, we no longer act in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i>, but rather with hope.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When Moses’ trust in the word of God met with
the will and promise of God, a miracle occurred. Moses spoke and the powerful
arm of God was revealed in accordance with his words. Peter stood in the boat
and didn’t leave it until Jesus invited him to come. With <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i> in the words and invitation of Jesus, Peter was able to walk
on water. Without this, he would’ve doubted the expediency of him walking on
water. If God doesn’t invite us to action, we can’t exercise <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i> in him. If we act on our own
ideas, there’s no power in our faith, for there’s no miracles wrought through
faith focused on something other than God.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn17;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">In this we find the power of faith – by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i> solely on the word of God, we act
with an assurance that God will assist us and that he will finish our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn18;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>.
Our faith will be imperfect and without fruits<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn19;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
without the assurance that we are doing the will of God. The Lectures states it
this way.</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Let us here observe, that three things are necessary, in
order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto
life and salvation. First, The idea that he actually exists. Secondly, A <i>correct</i>
idea of his character, perfections and attributes. Thirdly, An actual knowledge
that the course of life which he is pursuing, is according to his will.—For
without an acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every
rational being must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding,
it can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness unto the praise
and glory of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.<span lang="EN-US">”<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn20" name="_ftnref20" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[20]</span></span></a></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: left; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If we know that we are
doing the will of God, we will always be able to act with full confidence in
him and his power. “This is the state and place the ancient Saints arrived at
when they had such glorious visions—Isaiah, Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of
Patmos, St. Paul in the three heavens, and all the Saints who held communion
with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn21" name="_ftnref21" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn21;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[21]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
and those who were ordained to ”</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">the
Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn22" name="_ftnref22" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn22;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[22]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: left; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A person arrives at this
stage of <i>faith</i> step by step, row by
row and commandment by commandment. The example of Moses can illustrate this
principle. In Exodus chapter 3 and 4 we read about how the Lord taught Moses in
the principle of revelation. Through the tutoring of the Lord, Moses got to the
point where he could stretch forth his hand over the Red Sea and together with
God part it for the salvation of the Israelites. In the Doctrine and Covenants,
we read,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1.0cm; margin-right: 28.05pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US">”Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy
Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now,
behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which
Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.”</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn23" name="_ftnref23" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn23;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[23]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Joseph said that,</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">”</span>The
Spirit of Revelation is in connection with [the blessing of receiving your
First and Second Comforter]. A person may profit by noticing the first
intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure
intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that
by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; (i.e.) those
things that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God, will come to
pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow
into the principle of revelation, until you become perfect in Christ Jesus.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">”</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn24" name="_ftnref24" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn24;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; line-height: 150%;">[24]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoQuote">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Since we can’t see the complete picture and
lack knowledge of what kind of results God will cause through our actions, the
promptings God gives us are invitations to <i>faith</i>.
If we focus on and give the Spirit of Revelation the needed conditions for
growth in our lives and follow the promptings we receive, we live by <i>faith</i> and trust in God. We will grow in <i>faith</i>, not only in <i>belief</i>, for we will time and time again note how God’s always true
to his word and that he won’t leave us alone. Hereby, we will attain unto the
knowledge that Enos had.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are
forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed. And I, Enos, knew that God could not
lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away. And I said: Lord, how is it done? And
he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before
heard nor seen.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn25" name="_ftnref25" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn25;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[25]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoQuote">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Signs will
follow those who believe</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Real <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i>
in God bears fruit. This is not the same thing as in the fact that many members
of the Church believe in many things (for example that God exists, that Jesus
is the Christ, that Joseph was a prophet, that the Church is true, that the
temple is the house of God, that the scriptures are the word of God). These are
oftentimes the things we bear testimony of. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
expressed it this way:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 49.65pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: left; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">”A testimony of the
restored gospel of Jesus Christ will always include these clear and simple
truths:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 49.65pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-align: left; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->God lives. He is our
loving Father in Heaven, and we are His children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 49.65pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-align: left; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Jesus Christ is the
Son of the living God and the Savior of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 49.65pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-align: left; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Joseph Smith is the
prophet of God through whom the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored in the
latter days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 49.65pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-align: left; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The Book of Mormon is
the word of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 49.65pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt 36.0pt; text-align: left; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #262626;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">•<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->President Gordon B.
Hinckley, his counselors, and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
are the prophets, seers, and revelators in our day.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn26" name="_ftnref26" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn26;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[26]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It’s not wrong to espouse these convictions. On
the other hand, it’s wrong to mistake them for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i>. The kind of testimony president Uchtdorf was talking about
is nothing more than a declaration of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">belief
</i>(that is, the belief that a set of assertions are correct and true), and
this is what we often hear during our testimony meetings. It’s almost like the
Book of Mormon story about the Zoramites was included in the book just to warn
us about this. They, like we, met every Sunday to share their “testimonies”
from the Rameumpton, the holy stand.</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">”Holy, holy God; we believe that thou art God, and we believe
that thou art holy, and that thou wast a spirit, and that thou art a spirit,
and that thou wilt be a spirit forever. Holy God, we believe that thou hast
separated us from our brethren; and we do not believe in the tradition of our
brethren, which was handed down to them by the childishness of their fathers;
but we believe that thou hast elected us to be thy holy children; and also thou
hast made it known unto us that there shall be no Christ. But thou art the
same yesterday, today, and forever; and thou hast elected us that we shall be
saved, whilst all around us are elected to be cast by thy wrath down to hell;
for the which holiness, O God, we thank thee; and we also thank thee that thou
hast elected us, that we may not be led away after the foolish traditions of
our brethren, which doth bind them down to a belief of Christ, which doth lead
their hearts to wander far from thee, our God. And again we thank thee, O
God, that we are a chosen and a holy people. Amen.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn27" name="_ftnref27" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn27;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[27]</span></span></span></span></span></a></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoQuote">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When this was done, they all went their own way
and never spoke about God until they met again the following week to repeat the
procedure. The Zoramites were believers, all right, but to say that they had <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i> would be an insult.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">How do we know if we have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i>? Just like true prophets are known by their fruits, so is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i>!</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">”</span>For
if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among
them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith. Behold, it was
the faith of Alma and Amulek that caused the prison to tumble to the earth.
Behold, it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the change upon the
Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost. Behold,
it was the faith of Ammon and his brethren which wrought so great a miracle
among the Lamanites. Yea, and even all they who wrought miracles wrought them
by faith, even those who were before Christ and also those who were after. And
it was by faith that the three disciples obtained a promise that they should
not taste of death; and they obtained not the promise until after their faith.
And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith;
wherefore they first believed in the Son of God. And there were many whose
faith was so exceedingly strong, even before Christ came, who could not be kept
from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had
beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad. And behold, we have seen in this
record that one of these was the brother of Jared; for so great was his faith
in God, that when God put forth his finger he could not hide it from the sight
of the brother of Jared, because of his word which he had spoken unto him,
which word he had obtained by faith. And after the brother of Jared had beheld
the finger of the Lord, because of the promise which the brother of Jared had
obtained by faith, the Lord could not withhold anything from his sight;
wherefore he showed him all things, for he could no longer be kept without the
veil. And it is by faith that my fathers have obtained the promise that these
things should come unto their brethren through the Gentiles; therefore the Lord
hath commanded me, yea, even Jesus Christ.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn28" name="_ftnref28" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn28;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[28]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There’s a similar enumeration in the New
Testament. The composer of the epistle to the Hebrews,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn29" name="_ftnref29" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[29]</span></span></span></a>
after having commented on the miracles and mighty works performed through <i>faith</i> by Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Jacob,
Moses, his parents and the harlot Rahab, we read:</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span lang="EN-US">”</span>And
what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and <i>of</i>
Barak, and <i>of</i> Samson, and <i>of</i> Jephthae; <i>of</i> David also, and
Samuel, and <i>of</i> the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms,
wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched
the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made
strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women
received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not
accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others
had trial of <i>cruel</i> mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and
imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were
slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being
destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they
wandered in deserts, and <i>in</i> mountains, and <i>in</i> dens and caves of
the earth.<span lang="EN-US">”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn30" name="_ftnref30" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[30]</span></span></span></a></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn30" name="_ftnref30" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn30;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoQuote">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span>The same concept is presented in the Inspired
Version of Genesis chapter 14.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">”For God having
sworn unto Enoch and unto his seed with an oath by himself; that every one
being ordained after this order and calling should have power, by faith, to
break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their
course;</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">To put at defiance the
armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand in the
presence of God; to do all things according to his will, according to his
command, subdue principalities and powers; and this by the will of the Son of
God which was from before the foundation of the world.</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">And men having this faith, coming up unto
this order of God, were translated and taken up into heaven.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">”<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn31" name="_ftnref31" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn31;" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[31]</span></span></a></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mormon taught that,</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">”</span>It
is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear
and minister unto men<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">.”<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn32" name="_ftnref32" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn32;" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[32]</span></span></a></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Moroni, the son of Mormons, wrote that,</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">”</span>And
these signs shall follow them that believe—in my name shall they cast out
devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if
they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the
sick and they shall recover; And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting
nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn33" name="_ftnref33" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn33;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[33]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoQuote">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If miracles, ministering of angels and other
wonders are the fruit of faith, it’s no surprise to read the following words
from the Book of Mormon.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">”</span>If
these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of
unbelief, and all is vain.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> … </span>And
the reason why [God] ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is
because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know
not the God in whom they should trust<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn34" name="_ftnref34" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn34;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[34]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span>In “Lectures on Faith” we read that,</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">”</span>Let
us here observe, that three things are necessary, in order that any rational
and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation. First,
The idea that he actually exists. Secondly, A <i>correct</i> idea of his
character, perfections and attributes. Thirdly, An actual knowledge that the
course of life which he is pursuing, is according to his will.—For without an
acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every rational
being must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding, it can
become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness unto the praise and
glory of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn35" name="_ftnref35" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn35;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[35]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span>When these words from the Book of Mormon and
Lectures on Faith are juxtaposed, it becomes clear upon what real and fruitful <i>faith</i> is based.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<br /></div>
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<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" width="149"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 3.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">”Lectures on Faith”, 3:2-5<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" width="149"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 3.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mormon 9:20<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" width="149"><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The idea
that he actually exists</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" width="149"><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dwindle in unbelief.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" width="149"><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A <i>correct</i> idea of his character,
perfections and attributes<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" width="149"><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Know not the God in whom they should trust.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" width="149"><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">An actual knowledge that the course of life which
he is pursuing, is according to his will.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" width="149"><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Depart from the right way.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" width="149"><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">= <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i> unto miracles and salvation<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" width="149"><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 2.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">= no miracles and no salvation<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
</td>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was through this kind of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i> Abinadi was able to defy the
murderous king Noah and his priests, because he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">knew</i> that he was exactly where God wanted him to be. Without that
surety, everything else considered, it’s impossible to have faith.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When I look around, and at myself, and search
for the fruits of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i>, I see a lack
of miracles. This is my experience, and if yours is full of miracles, then be
happy for that. I believe that he who dares to honestly assess our collective
level of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i> will reach the same
conclusion. What’s the problem? Well, Moroni said it – we </span>dwindle in
unbelief, have departed from the right way, and know not the God in whom we should
trust.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt; text-indent: 1.0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus said
that, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoQuote">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">”</span>Yea,
wo be unto the Gentiles except they repent<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> … </span>For it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that at that day
whosoever will not repent and come unto my Beloved Son, them will I cut off
from among my people, O house of Israel<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn36" name="_ftnref36" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn36;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[36]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The final words of the “Lectures on Faith” sums
it up well.</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">”</span><span style="color: #262626; line-height: 125%;">T</span>his is the reason that the
Former Day Saints knew more, and understood more of heaven, and of heavenly
things than all others beside, because this information is the effect of
faith-to be obtained by no other means. And this is the reason, that men, as
soon as they lose their faith, run into strifes, contentions, darkness and
difficulties; for the knowledge which tends to life disappears with faith, but
returns when faith returns; for when faith comes, it brings its train of
attendants with it—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, gifts,
wisdom, knowledge, miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc.
All these appear when faith appears on the earth, and disappear when it
disappears from the earth. For these are the effects of faith and always have,
and always will attend it. For where faith is, there will the knowledge of God
be also, with all things which pertain thereto—revelations, visions, and
dreams, as well as every other necessary thing in order that the possessors of
faith may be perfected and obtain salvation; for God must change, otherwise
faith will prevail with him. And he who possesses it will, through it, obtain
all necessary knowledge and wisdom until he shall know God, and the Lord Jesus
Christ, whom he has sent: whom to know is eternal life: Amen<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">.”<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn37" name="_ftnref37" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn37;" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[37]</span></span></a></span></span></span> </span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We need less of what put us in this predicament,
instead we need more repentance.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn38" name="_ftnref38" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn38;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[38]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">After having read this book, I believe that you
will have a clear view of what we need less of (and also what we need more of).
If you’ve read the book and still can’t get a clear view of it all, I refer you
to the blogs and the books I’ve recommended.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<br /></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br clear="all" />
</span><br />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<br />
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Ps.
23:1-4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> 2 Ne.
1:13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Mosiah 3:3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> 2 Ne.
4:28<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Alma
60:24<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Eth
8:24<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
L&F 133:10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> 1
Kor. 15:34<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn9" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Alma
5:7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn10" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> This
sermon wasn’t given during a royal funeral, but the first given name of the
deceased man was King.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn11" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
TPJS, s. 345-346<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn12" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> 2
Tim. 3:7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn13" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Moroni 7:33 - And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have
power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn14" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> More
examples of the consequences of real <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i>
will be given later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn15" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Exodus
14:16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn16" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn16;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> JST Gen.
14:31<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn17" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn17;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
serious student of the scriptures will note that the priests of Pharao
performed ”miracles” in the duel with Moses. I propose that there is a
difference between miracles. The devil has power to cause supernatural
phenomena, but miracles are reserved for God. We also have the example of Moses
striking water from the rock instead of commanding it with his voice. The
result was the same, but Moses lost through his disobedience the right to lead
the children of Israel into the Promised land.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn18" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn18;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Moroni 6:4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn19" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn19;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The fruits of faith will be the theme for the next part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn20" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref20" name="_ftn20" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn20;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[20]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Lectures
on Faith, 3:2-5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn21" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref21" name="_ftn21" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn21;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[21]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> TPJS,
s. 151<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn22" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref22" name="_ftn22" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn22;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[22]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> D&C
107:3; this order of priesthood shouldn’t be mistaken for the ordinations to
the Melchizedek priesthood we perform in the Church today; read more about this
in the part ”The Fulness of the priesthood”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn23" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref23" name="_ftn23" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn23;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[23]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
L&F 8:2-3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn24" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref24" name="_ftn24" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn24;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[24]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> TPJS,
s. 151<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn25" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref25" name="_ftn25" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn25;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[25]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Enos
1:5-8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn26" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref26" name="_ftn26" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn26;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[26]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, ”The Power of a Personal Testimony”, General conference,
October 2006<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn27" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref27" name="_ftn27" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn27;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[27]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Alma
31:15-18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn28" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref28" name="_ftn28" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn28;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[28]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Eth.
12:12-22<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn29" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref29" name="_ftn29" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn29;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[29]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>Paul
is oftentimes believed to have written this epistle. Bible scholars, however,
haven’t agreed on this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn30" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref30" name="_ftn30" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn30;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[30]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Hebr. 11:4-38<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn31" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref31" name="_ftn31" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn31;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[31]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> JST
Gen. 14:30-32<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn32" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref32" name="_ftn32" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn32;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[32]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Moroni 7:37<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn33" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref33" name="_ftn33" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn33;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[33]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Mormon 9:24-25<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn34" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref34" name="_ftn34" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn34;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[34]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Moroni 7:37 och Mormon 9:20<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn35" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref35" name="_ftn35" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn35;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[35]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Lectures on Faith, 3:2-5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn36" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref36" name="_ftn36" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn36;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[36]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> 3
Ne. 21:14, 20<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn37" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref37" name="_ftn37" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn37;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[37]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Lectures on Faith, 7:20<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn38" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref38" name="_ftn38" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn38;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[38]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Rita
Mae Brown: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting
different results.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-57280819732032678922016-06-26T09:17:00.001+02:002016-06-26T09:17:15.253+02:00THE TESTIMONY TRAP - being blindsided by men<a href="http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/powerlisting/images/a/ad/Trap-image.png/revision/latest?cb=20160113212524" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/powerlisting/images/a/ad/Trap-image.png/revision/latest?cb=20160113212524" width="320" /></a>In a recent multi-stake youth-only fireside (<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1if0SFyuPseQKNyIrFOOFDLxiXPAVfuxTNCqTRZ7f5LY/edit" target="_blank">transcript,</a> <a href="https://soundcloud.com/mormontalk/elder-oaks-youth-fireside-01-23-2016" target="_blank">recording</a>), one of the attending youth directed the following question to elder Oaks.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"What should we pray for to receive the same testimony and/or conversion that Alma the Younger experienced, for our friend who are not members?"</i></blockquote>
The question is good, but not great. It could've been better. As now phrased, it focused on how we can apply the scriptures on people around us. That's certainly appropriate at times. Most of the times, though, we ought rather to "liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning" (1 Ne. 19:23).<br />
<br />
Elder Oaks, to his credit, answered the question in this way, likening it to ourselves. He said:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"I don't think you're likely to have an experience like Alma the younger had, remember he had a miraculous appearance with an angel and really got hit over the head spiritually. Most of us don't have that kind of experience but I interpret your question […] as how can we get the kind of testimony that he received. I don't think we'll get it like Paul did on the road where an angel appeared to him or where Alma the younger had a startling experience. The Lord gives a few of those kinds of experiences and they are recorded in the scriptures to catch our attention. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"I’ve never had an experience like that and I don’t know anyone among the 1st Presidency or Quorum of the 12 who’ve had that kind of experience. Yet everyone of us knows of a certainty the things that Alma knew. But it’s just that unless the Lord chooses to do it another way, as he sometimes does; for millions and millions of His children the testimony settles upon us gradually. Like so much dust on the windowsill or so much dew on the grass. One day you didnt have it and another day you did and you don’t know which day it happened. That’s the way I got my testimony. And then I knew it was true when it continued to grow."</i></blockquote>
<div>
As we see, elder Oaks, to his discredit, had the chance to inspire the attending youth to seek to be born again, but instead presented a great example of the "testimony trap".<br />
<br />
<b>Alma's experience</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Together with the sons of Mosiah, Alma went about trying to destroy the church. Eventually, as an answer to his the prayer of his father, an angel appeared, shook the ground and warned Alma that he, if he continued walking this path of rebellion, would be "cast off". Alma was struck dumb and lay motion- and speechless for three days. When he awoke, he said that,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I say unto you, unless this be the case, they must be cast off; and this I know, because I was like to be cast off. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Nevertheless, after wading through much tribulation, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I rejected my Redeemer, and denied that which had been spoken of by our fathers; but now that they may foresee that he will come, and that he remembereth every creature of his creating, he will make himself manifest unto all. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him. Yea, even at the last day, when all men shall stand to be judged of him, then shall they confess that he is God; then shall they confess, who live without God in the world, that the judgment of an everlasting punishment is just upon them; and they shall quake, and tremble, and shrink beneath the glance of his all-searching eye." (Mosiah 27:24-31)</i></blockquote>
The (most) important part of Alma's experience wasn't the appearance of the angel, but rather what he went through in his motion- and speechless state. It's hard to misunderstand him - this experience HAS to be ours. If it's not, then we will be cast off. Elder Oaks is right that all of us might not see an angel like Alma did, but to miss out on teaching about the necessity of being born again has to be an apostolic misconduct and huge disservice to the youth listening and seeking guidance from under his hands.<br />
<br />
<b>The "testimony trap"</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The need we have of being born again is downplayed in the church today. Instead, there's an increasing focus on the acquiring of what's termed as a testimony.<br />
<blockquote>
<i><b><a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/testimony?lang=eng" target="_blank">What is a testimony?</a></b><br /><br />A testimony is a spiritual witness given by the Holy Ghost. The foundation of a testimony is the knowledge that Heavenly Father lives and loves His children; that Jesus Christ lives, that He is the Son of God, and that He carried out the infinite Atonement; that Joseph Smith is the prophet of God who was called to restore the gospel; that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Savior's true Church on the earth; and that the Church is led by a living prophet today. With this foundation, a testimony grows to include all principles of the gospel.</i></blockquote>
According to the Church, a testimony is a spiritual witness of a certain set of facts. Facts won't save you, neither is gaining a testimony the same thing as being born again. The testimony trap hinders unsuspecting and trusting members of the Church from being born again, basically because they are told that they don't have to. If this isn't a clear example of how someone, who's called "prophet, seer and revelator", leads others astray, I don't know what is.<br />
<br />
After reading Alma's words, how can we believe that the most miraculous part of Almas experience was the visiting angel and not the spiritual rebirth? How dare we focus anyone of gaining a spiritual witness of facts when a rebirth is required? How can we go on believing that an institution can or will save us, when the Lord wants to make us into new creatures? How can we sing follow the prophet when we need to become the sons and daughters of Jesus? The testimony trap is vicious, for it blinds us.<br />
<br />
If our leaders, the ones who are supposed to lead us to Christ, won't focus our eyes on the doctrine of Christ as it's presented in the Book of Mormon, what need have we of them? I guess we're better off staying at home searching the scriptures and deepening our prayers.</div>
Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-8210031613536923252016-06-13T13:04:00.001+02:002016-06-13T13:04:14.890+02:00COMPARING MAN'S WAYS TO THOSE OF GOD = foolishness<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/Finnish_driver's_licence,_front.jpg/238px-Finnish_driver's_licence,_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/Finnish_driver's_licence,_front.jpg/238px-Finnish_driver's_licence,_front.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Finnish driver's license</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As a missionary in Finland roughly ten years ago, when teaching investigators about the Church and <br />
its authority and the need for us all to acknowledge it and receive the saving ordinances from under its hands, I oftentimes used an analogy of how we get a drivers license. We discussed what would happen if you drove your car, got pulled over by the police and showed up a non-valid driver's license. We all agreed on the fact that authority/license to drive had to be handed down through the right channel and that there was only one way to do it right.<br />
<br />I now totally reject this idea. The Lord said the following:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."</i> (Isa. 55:8-9)</blockquote>
With this concept in mind, how dare we compare the priesthood and authority of God to a man made system of dispersing the right (but not the competence) to drive a vehicle responsibly and the checks and balances put on this system? Isn't this in direct contradiction to the word of the Lord? Didn't he say that his ways are <i>not </i>our ways? Shouldn't we therefore conclude that we <i>can't</i> compare his ways to our ways?<br />
<br />
If we would apply the way God distributes his authority to the way we get a driver's license, there would be no human institution anywhere near it. God would sit in his heaven and reach out to those few who actually showed that they'd learned the concepts of restraint, humility, kindness, love, patience, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness and so forth (go read Hel. 10 and D&C 121 for more on this). Those few are given their driver's license directly from God. What do they do when someone pulls them over? They've got no paper. They've got no credentials. They only got their relationship with God and his testimony of their right to drive.<br />
<br />
Are there other areas where we compare our ways to God's and we're mislead by our conclusion? Instead of taking pride in how the Church compares so well to other man-led institutions, we should be cautioned by it and instead search for something vastly different.<br />
<br />Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-67993285230330253362016-06-05T20:23:00.000+02:002016-06-05T20:23:03.516+02:00HEY, DON'T LEAVE ME HANGING!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0E-BMlqr5ZfBZHbbt-b0uC28-Z7lRh7Jh1CTie480cWxd_a6ODz3M0bBIayHXFILoOpC20SRGIxu1VJ8JAjBc6I5EtLMqZN_BcD96vx25a0KTT__q67rZxQlEivHptc1oC_AaoE6KaW4/s1600/hangin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0E-BMlqr5ZfBZHbbt-b0uC28-Z7lRh7Jh1CTie480cWxd_a6ODz3M0bBIayHXFILoOpC20SRGIxu1VJ8JAjBc6I5EtLMqZN_BcD96vx25a0KTT__q67rZxQlEivHptc1oC_AaoE6KaW4/s1600/hangin.jpg" /></a>Oftentimes we hear people who have tried hard for years to get answers to their prayers and communicate with God without success. The problem might not be the effort they've put in, but rather the modell they've been working after. If you get a model of communing with God from someone who never got it to work, the risk is the model is faulty in one way or another (or in several ways).<br />
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Instead of cursing God for not answering, the model should be questioned. We should seek teachers who know what they are talking about, who can witness of the interaction they've had with heaven. In Church, we get awfully few of those witnesses.<br />
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We often blame God when we don't hear from him. We say, if God truly wants to communicate, why is he so bad at it?<br />
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If I were to try to get a hold of you on your cell phone, but you didn't carry yours with you, or didn't answer my call and or left it uncharged in a box in your house, who's to blame? Not me. Communion is a joint effort.<br />
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<br />Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-4983893896519433162016-06-05T06:34:00.000+02:002016-06-05T06:34:02.484+02:00THE FIRST FRUIT OF REPENTANCE<a href="http://www.familyradio.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/scripture_search.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.familyradio.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/scripture_search.png" /></a><br />
In Moroni, we read that "the first fruits of repentance is baptism" (Moroni 8:25). Maybe this has a dual meaning, not only pointing to baptism by water and fire/the Holy Ghost.<br /><br />In Jacob, we read: <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
"And it came to pass that peace and the love of God was restored again among the people; and they <u>searched the scriptures</u>, and hearkened no more to the words of this wicked man." (7:23; emphasis added)</blockquote>
In Alma, we read:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"And it came to pass after he had made an end of speaking unto the people many of them did believe on his words, and began to repent, and to <u>search the scriptures</u>." (14:1; emphasis added)</blockquote>
The baptism which is the first fruits of repentance might be baptism in water, fire and the Holy Ghost as well as a baptism in the word of God itself. I find that interesting.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-33667180176783417422016-06-01T09:25:00.000+02:002016-06-01T09:25:05.161+02:00IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT! - An example of finally getting it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UYa6gbDcx18/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UYa6gbDcx18?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
I recently watched "Good Will Hunting" for the first time. It was great! One scene that really affected we was at the end [*SPOILER ALERT*] when Will talks to his therapist Sean about the abuse Will suffered at the hands of his father as a young boy. What happens, and how it happens is so beautiful, and also profound.<br />
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Now, watch the clip.<br />
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Done? Let's move on.<br />
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Isn't this how it works with life in general? We <i>understand</i> something, but in reality, we don't. There are so many things I <i>know </i>or <i>believe I understand</i>, but I now expect that one day it will finally click and all parts of me will <i>get it</i>!<br />
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Oh, how I long for that day. Let's get through the repetitions with patience in preparation for the day of illumination.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-70840796214239394412016-05-23T20:56:00.003+02:002016-05-23T20:56:32.114+02:00LATTER-DAY WITNESSES - some must-listen-tos!<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">These three podcasts are a must-listen-to! Great for anyone interested in seeking the face of the Lord.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<h1 class="entry-title" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<a href="http://latterdaywitnesses.com/interview-with-matt-crocket-shares-his-personal-witness-of-jesus-christ/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Matt Crockett shares his personal witness of Jesus Christ</span></a></h1>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<h1 class="entry-title" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<a href="http://latterdaywitnesses.com/interview-with-robert-smith-shares-his-life-journey-and-witness-of-christ/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Robert Smith, Shares his life Journey and Witness of Christ</span></a></h1>
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<h1 class="entry-title" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<a href="http://latterdaywitnesses.com/elizabeth-jensen-shares-her-experience-with-christ-and-his-wife/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Elizabeth Jensen shares her experience with Christ and his Wife</span></a></h1>
<br />Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-446144154849684382016-05-15T20:20:00.002+02:002016-05-15T20:20:33.633+02:00Chapter 1: How God awoke me from ”a deep sleep”<b>How God awoke me from ”a deep sleep”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn1">[1]</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn1"></a><a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/toddler-awake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.scarymommy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/toddler-awake.jpg" height="182" width="320" /></a></b></div>
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My father baptized me on my eigth birthday. Shortly thereafter he confirmed me a member in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Roughly ten years ago, I returned home from having served a two-year mission in Finland. Since then, a lot has happened–education, wife, child, a job, and more children.<br />
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During this ten-year period, I served in the Church as elders quorum president and counselor, young mens president and Sunday school president. Against this backdrop of having had and faithfully served in callings in the Church, I believed that my standing before God was a good one. Now, when I look back, I have a hard time not calling myself naive and ignorant.<br />
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My life started to change in the aftermath of a nocturnal 10K race in downtown Stockholm in the fall of 2013. The preparation for this race consisted of moving my family across the country, a new house, some renovation, pregnant wife, intense triathlon training, a new job and to little sustenance for body and soul. After this race, I continued my preparations for a Half Ironman<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn2">[2]</a>. Instead of performing well during this race, I was worn out. My triathlon dream was crushed and I was sorrowful. It might seem banal and almost childish, but it was a necessary first step for what was coming. From the ashes of my earlier life filled with training and other similar activities a new life started to sprout inside of me, like the phoenix rising<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn3">[3]</a>.<br />
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In my sorrow, I understood that training hade become my religion and triathlon my god. This realization caused me to ask myself what my real religion meant to me. Not very much, was the answer I found. My world view was definitely deeply influence by everything I’d been taught in Church over the years, what I taught others as a missionary and what I’d read in books. Nevertheless, I came to understand that I didn’t know the Father nor the Son<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn4">[4]</a> and my spirituality was one mile wide and one inch deep and more concerned about form than content. The words of Jesus described me almost to a T.<br />
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“They draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn5">[5]</a></blockquote>
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<i><b>A hunger after light and truth</b></i><br />
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The mistake I’d made can be summed up with these words: I believed I had everything when I was active in Church and had a testimony of its truthfulness. Clearly, despite this something was missing me. What I’ve come to painful realization of is that I was “without God in the world”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn6">[6]</a>. I learned that whatever I’m in possession of, Church membership and testimony included, it’s far from everything God wanted to give me and what I needed to receive. I started to realize that what I thought was a finish line in reality was a starting block.<br />
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God didn’t leave me hanging in this faith crisis. He blessed me with a hunger after a closeness to the divine. My heart was filled with and I started acting on this hunger in the only way I knew – more prayer, fasting and serving in the temple. This continued for a few months. In retrospect, I can easily see that the (rote) prayers, the fasting and spending time in the temple didn’t bring the closeness to God I sought for. Rather, it was his tender touch of my soul, heart and mind and the hunger after himself he planted there. The outward manifestations of my inner transformation weren’t wrong, but they lacked power in and of themselves.<br />
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Before this experience I was neither evil, nor a big sinner or an overly selfish person. From the standards of the Church, I was a person destined for salvation–I had made covenants in the waters of baptism and in the temple, I prayed, studied the scriptures, attended meetings, the temple, fasted and provided for my family. God showed me in different ways that his was a faulty conclusion on my part. I needed to repent of my dead works and start living, and in essence, waking up to God. To be without God in the world doesn’t mean that you’re evil. It just means that your heart is attached to something other than God, and this thing becomes your god.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn7">[7]</a> We oftentimes believe that we can live in a gray zone where we don’t do bad things, we keep ourselves on good terms with the Church and its standards<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn8">[8]</a>. It’s challenging to realize that grey only exists at a distance, for if we come close enough, there’s only black and white.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn9">[9]</a><br />
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In which direction does the bird fly? Where the beak points it. The same is true for us. Where we focus our eyes is ultimately where we will end up. Think about that the next time you watch that movie, read that book, watch that show or pull those jokes. Jesus knew how important this is, and might have had it in mind men he charged the members of the early Church to “look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn10">[10]</a> and !if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn11">[11]</a>. He definitely had it in mind when he said “if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, 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.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn12">[12]</a><br />
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Inside of me, a hunger after light and truth started to develop. The result of such a hunger is that there will be no place for darkness. You can’t accept the grey, no matter how light the nuance, for “that which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn13">[13]</a>. Such a person can’t look upon darkness with “the least degree of allowance”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn14">[14]</a> and won’t “give place … for the enemy of [his] soul”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn15">[15]</a>. I want to be such a person, and I realize that I need to become one. It might be radical, but so was Jesus. He wasn’t a man who preached laziness even if he did everything in love. He told Joseph that his Church in the last days would be called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and not Latter-day Second-raters.<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The field of my heart</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I remember distinctly my thoughts when I heard
about the couple who left the Church over historical issues: “I don’t want to
read what they’ve read, for I can’t bear the risk of falling away from the
Church!” As a faithful member of the Church, I was scared for what I viewed as
anti-Mormonism and could sometimes feel a crippling fear. I was fully invested
in the Church. Preserving my identity, social context and family was very
important. After my awakenings, this has all changed drastically.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jesus oftentimes used parables.</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">”The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good
seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among
the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought
forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder
came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from
whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The
servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he
said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with
them. Let <o:p></o:p></span>both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn16">[16]</a></blockquote>
In the parable, it wasn’t clear what the enemy had done until some time had passed and the wheat started to mature and grow closer to harvest. The servants wanted to get rid of the tares right away. The owner of the field preferred patience. They were told to wait until harvest time, but then be merciless. ”Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them”, he said.<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The owner of the field also had a vineyard
which he dealt with in the same, direct way. We read:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino;">”And now, behold,
notwithstanding all the care which we have taken of my vineyard, the trees
thereof have become corrupted, that they bring forth no good fruit; and these I
had hoped to preserve, to have laid up fruit thereof against the season, unto
mine own self. But, behold, they have become like unto the wild olive tree, and
they are of no worth but to be hewn down and cast into the fire; and it
grieveth me that I should lose them. But what could I have done more in my
vineyard? Have I slackened mine hand, that I have not nourished it? Nay, I have
nourished it, and I have digged about it, and I have pruned it, and I have
dunged it; and I have stretched forth mine hand almost all the day long, and
the end draweth nigh. And it grieveth me that I should hew down all the trees
of my vineyard, and cast them into the fire that they should be burned. Who is
it that has corrupted my vineyard? And it came to pass that the servant said
unto his master: Is it not the loftiness of thy vineyard—have not the branches
thereof overcome the roots which are good? And because the branches have
overcome the roots thereof, behold they grew faster than the strength of the
roots, taking strength unto themselves. Behold, I say, is not this the cause
that the trees of thy vineyard have become corrupted? And it came to pass that
the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: Let us go to and hew down the
trees of the vineyard and cast them into the fire, that they shall not cumber
the ground of my vineyard, for I have done all. What could I have done more for
my </span></span>vineyard?”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn17">[17]</a></blockquote>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Th</span></span>e purpose behind the work of the master of the vineyard and his servants was to get the trees to bring forth fruit worthy of preservation</div>
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There’s great symbolism in this. Just like the kingdom of heaven, our heart and faith can be likened unto a field and a vineyard. These parables are deeply relevant for our lives. From a young age, God has tried to sow good seed in the field of our heart. Because we’re blessed with free will, we are able to hinder God from reaching us<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn18">[18]</a> and succeeding. The good seed that’s been able to grow roots in our heart has been forced to pick a fight with tares planted by the enemy of our soul<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn19">[19]</a>. This hasn’t been done solely through media, books and entertainment, but also through false teachers who’ve mingled the scriptures and philosophies of men and persuasively presented it as the doctrine of God.<br />
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”Because of pride, and because of false teachers, and false doctrine, their churches have become corrupted, and their churches are lifted up; because of pride they are puffed up. They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries; they rob the poor because of their fine clothing; and they persecute the meek and the poor in heart, because in their pride they are puffed up. They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of pride, and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men. O the wise, and the learned, and the rich, that are puffed up in the pride of their hearts, and all those who preach false doctrines, and all those who commit whoredoms, and pervert the right way of the Lord, wo, wo, wo be unto them, saith the Lord God Almighty, for they shall be thrust down to hell!” <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn20">[20]</a></blockquote>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nephi was hard in his condemnation of the
churches of the last days. It’s important to understand the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-d</span></span>ay Saints is one of these churches. Read Nephi’s words once again and apply them to the Church. They’re quite intriguing, aren’t they?</div>
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Jesus quoted Isaiah when he accused the Pharisees with teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. He said:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
”Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn21">[21]</a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I’m convinced that some parts of what I’ve been
taught at Church are true. I’m equally convinced of the opposite–that some
things I’ve been taught are false. This can be a concept hard to accept. For
those who’ve built their lives around the Church, a lost belief in the Church
can feel like loosing a parent, or a child. This shouldn’t be minimized.
Despite the hopelessness that might be experienced, there is an interesting
road ahead. If you get through the whole book, I believe that you will be able
to see that there is.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">One thing that might help in handling the new
ideas that this book gives is to compare your heart and faith to a field. God
wants to grow wheat there, and fruit that might be gathered into the barns. The
enemy, on the other hand, wants to fill the field with rocks, harden it or
spread tares and weeds among the wheat that’s been sown. To the enemy, the
means are not important if it results in a minimal harvest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The weed that was sown in the parable was so
similar to the wheat that it couldn’t be distinguished at first. A weed like
that has the potential to wreak more havoc than one that is distinctly
different from the wheat. The servants could’ve detected such a weed early and
removed it before any harm was caused. The owner of the field wasn’t that lucky
in the parable, and unfortunately, neither are we.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The tare that most easily is mistaken for wheat
is the most dangerous. The same goes for the idol who best succeeds in
infiltrating our image of God. The traitor who’s gotten closest to us can cause
us the biggest damage. Ask yourself the following: could the Church, the temple
and its ordinances or the leaders of the Church be idols? It might be hard to
imagine that the answer to this question might be <i>yes</i>. The reason for this is that these things are so closely linked
with our view of God that we can’t separate them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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As dangerous as idol worship is, there is, in my view, something that’s even more dangerous-believing that we are immune to the weeds of false doctrine and traditions, that all is well in Zion when that’s not true<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn22">[22]</a> and that we don’t worship idols. The person who can’t recognize his own idol worship will never repent of it. The physical is a parallel of the spiritual–if you can’t accept that you are or can contract an illness (some kind of reversed hypochondria) you run a greater risk of harvesting the full consequences of the illness. All severe illnesses must be diagnosed before the correct treatment can be put in place.<br />
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<br /></div>
The closer we come to God, the clearer we see the distance we still have to go and that God has many competitors for our hearts. If we are to become an elect of God, it won’t happen because we are better than other people, but rather because we know we are not<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn23">[23]</a>. Joseph taught that,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US">”</span>We
consider that God has created man with a mind capable of instruction, and a
faculty which may be enlarged in proportion to the heed and diligence given to
the light communicated from heaven to the intellect; and that the nearer man
approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his
enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire
for sin; and like the ancients, arrives at that point of faith where he is
wrapped in the power and glory of his Maker and is caught up to dwell with Him.
But we consider that this is a station to which no man ever arrived in a
moment.<span lang="EN-US">”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn24" name="_ftnref24" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[24]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nephi, who performed mighty works and was shown
great things, exclaimed,</span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US">”</span>O
wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul
grieveth because of mine iniquities.<span lang="EN-US">”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn25" name="_ftnref25" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">[25]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span></span></blockquote>
Sooner or later, God will want to reap the field of our heart. At that moment, we can’t blame the enemy of our soul for a meager harvest. As Lehi said, we need to take our role as subjects seriously and be something that acts instead of something that is acted upon<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn26">[26]</a>. My experience is that God is preparing me for harvest by teaching me what to sow and what not to sow. According to this, I’ve started to nourish the things given me by God, and it’s been starting to grow. Like in the parable, I’ve realized that not everything that’s been planted in my heart be myself and other people has been good, true or from God. I look forward to the day when I’m truly ready for harvest and with full purpose of heart and faith can ask Jesus to bring me in to the barn. Until then, I need to take full responsibility for my field and weed it thoroughly.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Especially two insights have been instrumental in and have made it possible for me to start weeding my field: 1) faith in God and the Gospel are for real and 2) the Church is neither true nor false, but something in between. These insights gave me the chance to entertain a nuanced and balanced approach to the Church and its truth claims. Before we move on to discuss specific weeds (and truth claims), I will in the following chapter expound on these insights.
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
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</span><br />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<br />
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Alma
5:7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
1920 m swimming, 90 km biking, 21 km running<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(mythology">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(mythology</a>)
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
Joh. 17:3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
Joseph Smith’s history; comp. Matt. 15:8-9, Isa. 29:13-14, Hez. 33:30-31,
D&C 45:29, 2 Tim 3:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
Alma 41:11<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
2 Ne. 9:30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
Maybe this is what Nephi talks about when he said: ”And there shall also
be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he
will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage
of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in
this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are
guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in
the kingdom of God. Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this
manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines, and shall be puffed up in their
hearts, and shall seek deep to hide their counsels from the Lord; and their
works shall be in the dark.” 2 Ne. 28:8-9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn9" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
”There Are Save Two Churches Only”, D. Christian Markham, p. 2, <a href="http://www.twochurchesonly.com/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.twochurchesonly.com/</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn10" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
D&C 6:36<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn11" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
D&C 88:67-68<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn12" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
Matt. 5:30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn13" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
D&C 50:24<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn14" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
D&C 1:31<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn15" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
2 Ne. 4:28<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn16" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn16;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
Matt. 13:24-30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn17" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn17;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
Jacob 5:46-69<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn18" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn18;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
2 Ne. 33:1; note that the Holy Ghost brings the word of God ”unto” and not
”into” the hearts of men.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn19" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn19;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
2 Ne. 4:28<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn20" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref20" name="_ftn20" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn20;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[20]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
2 Ne. 28:12-15<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn21" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref21" name="_ftn21" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn21;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[21]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
Matt. 15:8-9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn22" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref22" name="_ftn22" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn22;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[22]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
2 Ne. 28:21; Nephi explained that the devil, the enemy of our soul, in the last
days will ”<span style="color: #262626;">pacify, and lull [others] away into carnal security,
that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well.”
Hereby, ”the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down
to hell.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn23" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref23" name="_ftn23" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn23;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[23]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><a href="http://blog.77truths.com/?p=835"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">http://blog.77truths.com/?p=835</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn24" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref24" name="_ftn24" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn24;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[24]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, selected by Joseph Fielding Smith, 1958,
(TPJS for short), p. 51<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn25" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref25" name="_ftn25" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn25;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[25]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
2 Ne. 4:17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn26" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref26" name="_ftn26" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn26;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[26]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
2 Ne. 2:14</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-90578599888580454402016-05-08T09:07:00.002+02:002016-06-26T22:15:11.141+02:00"AWAKING TO GOD" - THE TRANSLATION<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-line-height-alt: 1.25pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">During the following weeks and months, I will post the translation of my book "Att vakna för Gud" ("Awaking to God"). The book, in Swedish and the Google translated version, is found <a href="http://reclaimingtherestoration.blogspot.se/2016/04/a-book.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>You will find links to the different chapters below as soon as they've been translated:</i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://reclaimingtherestoration.blogspot.se/2016/05/awaking-to-god-introduction.html" target="_blank"><i>Introduction</i></a><br />
<i><a href="http://reclaimingtherestoration.blogspot.com.tr/2016/05/chapter-1-how-god-awoke-me-from-deep.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Chapter</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> 1: How God awoke me from a "deep sleep"</span></a></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://reclaimingtherestoration.blogspot.se/2016/06/chapter-2-part-two-keys-to-my-awakening.html" target="_blank">Chapter 2: Part A - Two Keys to awakening and Faith</a></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Chapter 2: Part B - The all-or-nothing doctrine</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Chapter 3: The Fulness of the Gospel - in short</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Chapter 4: Spiritual weeds</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Part 1: The Book of Mormon talks about us</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Part 2: The Power and Gift of the Holy Ghost</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Part 3: Fruits of the Spirit</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Part 4: The truth will make you free</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">- Part 5: The Doctrine of Infallibility</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>- Part 6: Putting your trust in man</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>- Part 7: Prophets, seers and revelators</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>- Part 8: The Fulness of the Priesthood</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>- Part 9: Saving ordinances</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>- Part 10: The Handbook and the lost soul</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>- Part 11: The Fate of the Church</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Chapter 5: What are we to do with the Church</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Chapter 6: Continued reading and studies</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Introduction</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When Jesus heard that Herod had had John, who was called the Baptist, decapitated, he sought to be alone his grief. A great multitude wouldn't leave him alone followed him. Jesus' time alone quickly turned into teaching, healing and the miraculous feeding of up to 10 000 men, women and children. Afterwards, Jesus sent away his disciples and went up in the mountains to pray.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"[Later that night,] the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on th</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">e water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret." </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[1]</span></span></span></a></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Peter was a seasoned fisherman. He knew that a storm tossed sea only offered one safe place–the boat. His request to come to Jesus on the water was contrary to his experience, reason, knowledge and fears. Despite this, when Jesus called to him "Come!", he was ready to straightway leave the man made safety behind. As it seems he took a step over the railing without hesitation and walked on the water. Standing next to Jesus, Peter must've understood that the only truly safe place on that sea was with Jesus, the man who's obeyed by the winds and the sea.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title="">[2]</a> From now</span></span></span> on, Peter would choose Jesus ahead of the most impressing ship man could build.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 1cm;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">To those who serve Mammon, live in Babylon and have made the world and its corruptibility their god, the teachings of Jesus is madness. To jump overboard on a stormy sea like Peter is crazy. Throughout all ages, man has been invited to follow Jesus and be saved. This has always required a step over the railing, with eyes single to Jesus, with faith in his words and God's power to save.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: 1cm;">The question I hope this book will inspire you to ask is, which ship must I leave in order to be able to come to Jesus in faith? It's a question only you and God together can answer. It's my wish that we together seek for the answer to this question and that we'll have the courage to follow the answer that will come. If we liken our soul to a cabin in the woods, we might have a vision and will sufficient to make som superficial remodeling while God wants to and has the know-how to turn us into a palace</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="text-indent: 1cm;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[3]</span></span></span></a><span style="text-indent: 1cm;">. Letting God do his work will bring with it growing pains as well as a ditching of our petty plans. It takes courage, a lot of courage, to take on a remodeling of godly proportions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 1cm;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Are we to be save through him who calls himself the Truth, the truth has to be more important than our comfort, our traditions and even our most cherished practices and beliefs. I don't want to tear down the truth, only build it up. If this is done at the expense of untruth, unbelief, false traditions and disobedience, it's ok, for that's the price we have to be willing to pay to get to know God and his son.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: 1cm;">I don't </span>believe that I'm in possession of all truth and I should be willing to reevaluate every conclusion I present in this book when I receive more light and knowledge. Anything else would be hypocritical. This is a challenge and struggle for me as it is for you. This book is therefore more of a splinter in my mind than anyone else´s.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">What I now believe in is the truest beliefs I've found. Line upon line, precept upon precept, a little here and a little there seems to be the only road forward when it comes to light, truth and knowledge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I believe in God and Jesus. I believe they performed a great work through Joseph Smith Jr. I also believe that they would've performed a still greater work if the early saints would've shown faithful. I believe that what Joseph taught and tried to get into the heads of the early saints largely has been forgotten and distorted. In the place of pure doctrine, weeds have grown and they are choking the truth. Truth is from God, and if we want to get closer to him, truth has to be our focus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The basis for this book is simple–all is <i>not</i> well in Zion and won't be until we rediscover the restoration and fulness of the gospel as it was taught by Joseph, and thereby get to know God. As Alma put it, we need to "awake to God" <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="text-indent: 1cm;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[4]</span></span></span></a><span style="text-indent: 1cm;">. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: 1cm;">Alma the younger told the members of the church in Zarahemla about the people his father had taught and baptized in the waters of Mormon. He explained that they were save and asked rhetorically, on what grounds this was so. "</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);"><span style="color: #333333;">Yea," he asked, "what grounds had they to hope for salvation? What is the cause of their being loosed from the bands of death, yea, and also the chains of hell?" </span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="text-indent: 1cm;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[5]</span></span></span></a><span style="text-indent: 1cm;"> He answered the questions himself.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">"A mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">trust</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"> in the true and </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">living God</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">. And behold, they were faithful until the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">end</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">; therefore they were saved."</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[6]</span></span></span></a></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's my sincere wish that something similar can be said about me, and about you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Those who've tried to plant flowers know that a flowerbed first has to be weeded. The same is true for our faith. The truth won't have a place in us if our heart and minds are full of false traditions and teachings, commandments of men and unbelief. It might seem harsh, but that's how it's played out in my life. As I've come to put more trust in the "true and living God", he has helped me identify weeds that've grown roots in my soul.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This book is my answer to the Lord's invitation to "g<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">o home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;">compassion</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333;"> on thee." </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="text-indent: 1cm;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[7]</span></span></span></a><span style="text-indent: 1cm;"> I hope to inspire you to something similar for I know how important it is to me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-indent: 1cm;">It's important to understand that you shouldn't trust me to know what's true. </span>Doing that would cause you to miss the mark. At the last day, you and no one else is responsible for the condition of your flowerbed of faith and the amount of light and truth you posses. If your flowerbed is full of weeds and your soul filled with darkness, you have to put the blame on yourself.</span></div>
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</span><br />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
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<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
Matt. 14:22-33<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
Matt. 8:23-27<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At
first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains
right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs
needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the
house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense.
What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a
different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here,
putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You
thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a
palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.” C.S. Lewis, ”Mere Christianity”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
Alma 5:7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
Alma 5:10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a>
Alma 5:13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2337988965190761352#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 150%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Mark.
5:19</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-4461310267911772382016-04-29T05:37:00.002+02:002016-04-29T05:37:52.480+02:00EXPERIENCING GOD'S LOVE<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2010-09-09-CARKEYSSHUTTER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2010-09-09-CARKEYSSHUTTER.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lost car keys! Has anyone seen them?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We often talk about feeling and experiencing God's love. This happens when we find lost car keys, when we feel encircled in the arms of love as an answer to prayer, or when we help someone in need.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Where do we really find this love? In the Gospel of John, Nicodemus is taught the following now famous words.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)</span></blockquote>
The love of God is epitomized and personified and consummated in the birth, life, mission, suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Giving his only begotten Son as a ransom for the vileness and unbelief and pride of the world was a total act of love. No living thing in this world deserves Jesus Christ. He is a gift from God. <br /><br />Receiving gifts is hard for the self-sufficient modern man and woman. We are independent and free to walk our own way and rarely acknowledge or become aware of our dire need for other people, even more so with regards to Jesus Christ. This is true, even though "he comprehends all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth ... The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things" (D&C 88:6, 13)<br /><br />Since God's love is most perfectly expressed in Jesus, the best way to experience this love is through trust Jesus, believe him and come unto him. Jesus was sent so that we might be saved, not that we might feel all warm and fuzzy. Being saved is then the ultimate reception of the love of God. Forgiveness, therefore, is at the heart of God's love.<br /><br />The highest manifestation of the love of God is salvation. So, maybe the best way for us to experience this love is through the redemptive relocating of lost keys, or having our prayerful petition mercifully answered, or saving someone else from their distress, big or small. This we do well in remembering until the perfect day when we see as we are seen, and know as we are known, having received of his fulness and of his grace. (D&C 50:24; 76:94)Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-89634639525958387392016-04-23T21:35:00.002+02:002016-04-24T07:45:38.176+02:00A BOOK!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTeYc6EoyKyYP7uZ7jlwF0N5dfjKW68IoIFc-jgk0Kbf0wjiev4BdDv7RynVS1LM26DpHwt04Z6gd-FL3cKVx3SadSp1gvKqgF2suP73exp2D4F0_tLgGDAhepxD45gOgPRPRrs5yLgk/s1600/ChristiansBok20160423-A5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTeYc6EoyKyYP7uZ7jlwF0N5dfjKW68IoIFc-jgk0Kbf0wjiev4BdDv7RynVS1LM26DpHwt04Z6gd-FL3cKVx3SadSp1gvKqgF2suP73exp2D4F0_tLgGDAhepxD45gOgPRPRrs5yLgk/s320/ChristiansBok20160423-A5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
For the last month or so, I've been kind of absent from the blog. The explanation - I've spent my time writing a book.<br />
<br />
Or, since it's written in Swedish - Jag har skrivit en bok. (More English follows below.)<br />
<br />
<br />
Boken heter "Att vakna för Gud" och handlar om hur jag upplever mig ha blivit väckt och vaknat till Gud och många "nya" sanningar. Jag har även vaknat till insikt om många falska traditioner och människobud jag tidigare trott var från Gud. Utöver detta har jag även vaknat till en förståelse för hur någonting som varken är helt sant eller helt falskt faktiskt kan vara användbart.<br />
<br />
Boken hittar du <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_z-TGm_JB73LTlHR0s0bVgtRkU" target="_blank">här</a>. För den som hellre läser boken i pappersformat kommer även den möjligheten att finnas. Den kommer då endast betinga ett självkostnadspris (i dagsläget är det oklart vad detta blir, men den som är intresserad får helt enkelt höra av sig).<br />
<br />
Om du finner något i boken användbart och uppbyggande - prisa Gud och dela med dig till någon vän. Om du inte tyckte den var något att ha så tar jag gärna emot din (konstruktiva)<br />
feedback.<br />
<br />
Trevlig läsning!<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>And now</i>, in English.<br />
<br />
I've written a short book about my awakening to some of the lost truths of the restoration and some of the all too cherished untruths and false traditions of the Church. But I've also come to appreciate the importance of the Church, albeit for whole different reasons than before. It's a book about my journey thus far.<br />
<s><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></s>
<s><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There are
no plans at this point to have the book translated. So, if you're really
interested, I'd point you to Google translate. Please note, though, that some
of the nuances might get lost in translation.</span></span></s><br />
<s><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></s>
I had no plans to translate. A friend did a Google translation. You find it <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_z-TGm_JB73NHZpMHFxblJ0MEU" target="_blank">here</a>. The Swedish version is found <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_z-TGm_JB73LTlHR0s0bVgtRkU" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-74919655751442774362016-04-18T07:34:00.002+02:002016-04-18T07:34:11.620+02:00THE DANGER OF A MODERN APPROACH TO THE THINGS OF GOD<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken notunto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God." (2 Ne. 9:28-29)</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This verse took on a slightly different meaning this morning as I saw it in the context given by Denver Snuffer in a <a href="http://denversnuffer.com/2010/03/the-word-of-god/" target="_blank">blogpost</a> from March of 2010. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We have a whole different mindset than did the ancients. We view things through the prism of Aristotle. We think that “reality” is what we can observe and touch and measure. However, there was once a mindset where what is “reality” was what God said. The Word of God alone was enough to make the reality."</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jacob wasn't talking about solely the dangers of scholarly learning, but also that of cultural conditioning and the mindset given us from the modernistic society we live in. It's so easy for us to discard of ideas and concepts in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ because they don't fit the modern frame of mind and learning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Since some of these concepts hasn't been taught in the Church, we oftentimes find us unequipped to handle them constructively and put them in the larger context as a preparation for more understanding down the line. Instead, we toss them out as preposterous and not coming from God. This we do, despite the fact that his ways are said to be so much higher than ours. But this may be one of those ideas that we, as enlightened and modern human beings, reject because it challenges our assertions of our own understanding and power to grasp the will and ways of God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We should judge righteous judgments. This is true of people, behaviors as well as ideas and concepts.</span>Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2337988965190761352.post-52065796281553345472016-03-12T10:26:00.001+01:002016-03-12T10:26:35.278+01:00THE GREAT AND SPACIOUS BUILDING - maybe not so unfamiliar after all<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Lectures on Faith are great. So is the Book of Mormon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The past week I've been sick and decided to listen to the Book of Mormon instead of reading. I listened to 1 Ne. 12 and made a connection I haven't made before. We read (or, I heard):</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"And the large and spacious building, which thy father saw, is vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men." (1 Ne. 12:18)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This together with these sobering words from the Lectures on Faith gives me a new take on what groups of people are in the large and spacious building.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs with those, or can be heirs with them, who have offered their all in sacrifice, and by this means obtained faith in God and favor with him so as to obtain eternal life, unless they in like manner offer unto him the same sacrifice, and through that offering obtain the knowledge that they are accepted of him." (Lectures on Faith 6:8)</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">According to this, most of Christianity (the Church included) is caught up in the vain imagination that salvation is achieved by just "being good" (as that is taught in the different denominations). Whereas it's a great start to be a good person, according to the Lectures on Faith, it cannot be the end goal for someone who is desirous to "obtain eternal life".</span><br />
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Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472278874852515384noreply@blogger.com8