Scripture Blog

This weblog is my personal online scripture journal. I try to read the scriptures each morning as I exercise on my cross-trainer. It has a great impact on my life and my testimony of the Savior and his restored church. The journal is really for my own benefit but I have set it up as a web log in hopes to benefit anyone else that may be interested. "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost..." 1 Nephi 10:19

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Joseph Smith - History 1

The prophet Isaiah prophesied -

"...the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.
11 And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed:
12 And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned."  (Old Testament | Isaiah 29:10 - 12)

Obviously, Isaiah was prophecying concern prophets writings that were covered up or unknown.  The Prophet Joseph Smith related the fulfillment of this prophesy as he tells us that -

"...immediately after my arrival there I commenced copying the characters off the plates. I copied a considerable number of them, and by means of the Urim and Thummim I translated some of them, which I did between the time I arrived at the house of my wife's father, in the month of December, and the February following.
63 Sometime in this month of February, the aforementioned Mr. Martin Harris came to our place, got the characters which I had drawn off the plates, and started with them to the city of New York. For what took place relative to him and the characters, I refer to his own account of the circumstances, as he related them to me after his return, which was as follows:
64 "I went to the city of New York, and presented the characters which had been translated, with the translation thereof, to Professor Charles Anthon, a gentleman celebrated for his literary attainments. Professor Anthon stated that the translation was correct, more so than any he had before seen translated from the Egyptian. I then showed him those which were not yet translated, and he said that they were Egyptian, Chaldaic, Assyriac, and Arabic; and he said they were true characters. He gave me a certificate, certifying to the people of Palmyra that they were true characters, and that the translation of such of them as had been translated was also correct. I took the certificate and put it into my pocket, and was just leaving the house, when Mr. Anthon called me back, and asked me how the young man found out that there were gold plates in the place where he found them. I answered that an angel of God had revealed it unto him.
65 "He then said to me, 'Let me see that certificate.' I accordingly took it out of my pocket and gave it to him, when he took it and tore it to pieces, saying that there was no such thing now as ministering of angels, and that if I would bring the plates to him he would translate them. I informed him that part of the plates were sealed, and that I was forbidden to bring them. He replied, 'I cannot read a sealed book.' I left him and went to Dr. Mitchell, who sanctioned what Professor Anthon had said respecting both the characters and the translation."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:62 - 65)

Another recorded history of this event is referenced as follows -

“According to previous arrangement, Martin Harris visited Joseph in Harmony sometime in February of 1828. By then the Lord had prepared Martin to assist Joseph in his mission. According to his own testimony, Martin was instructed by the Lord in 1818 not to join any church until the words of Isaiah were fulfilled. Sometime later, it was revealed to Martin that the Lord had a work for him to do. In 1827 several manifestations convinced Martin Harris that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that he should assist Joseph in bringing the Book of Mormon to this generation. Therefore, Martin went to Harmony to obtain a copy of some of the characters from the plates to show several noted linguists of the time, which fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 29:11–12 to help convince an unbelieving world.

“Martin visited at least three men with reputations as able linguists. In Albany, New York, he talked with Luther Bradish, a diplomat, statesman, world traveler, and student of languages. In New York City he visited Dr. Samuel Mitchell (sometimes spelled “Mitchill”), vice president of Rutgers Medical College. He also visited a man who knew several languages including Hebrew and Babylonian. This was Professor Charles Anthon of Columbia College in New York City, who was perhaps the most qualified of Martin's contacts to judge the characters on the document. He was among the leading classical scholars of his day. At the time of Martin Harris's visit, Charles Anthon was adjunct professor of Greek and Latin. He knew French, German, Greek, and Latin, and was familiar, if books in his library are evidence, with the latest discoveries pertaining to the Egyptian language including the early work of Champollion.

“Charles Anthon was a professor of classical studies at Columbia College (now Columbia University) in New York for forty-seven years. According to Martin Harris, Professor Anthon examined the characters and their translation and willingly gave him a certificate stating to the citizens of Palmyra that the writings were authentic. Anthon further told Martin the characters resembled Egyptian, Chaldean, Assyrian, and Arabic, and expressed his opinion that the translation was correct. Martin put the certificate in his pocket and was about to leave when Anthon called him back and asked how Joseph Smith found the gold plates in the hill. Martin explained that an angel of God revealed the location to Joseph, whereupon Charles Anthon asked for the certificate, which Martin gave to him. ‘He took it and tore it to pieces, saying, that there was no such thing now as ministering of angels, and that if I [Martin] would bring the plates to him, he would translate them. I informed him that part of the plates were sealed, and that I was forbidden to bring them. He replied, ‘I cannot read a sealed book.’”

“Martin Harris's trip was significant for several reasons. First, it showed that scholars had an interest in the characters and were willing to give them serious consideration as long as an angel was not part of their story. Second, it was, in the view of Martin and Joseph, the direct fulfillment of prophecy relative to the Book of Mormon. Third, it was a demonstration that translating the record would require the assistance of God; intellect alone was insufficient (see Isaiah 29:11–12; 2 Nephi 27:15–20). Finally, it built up Martin's own faith. He returned home confident that he had evidence to convince his neighbors of Joseph Smith's work. He was now ready to wholeheartedly commit himself and his means to the bringing forth of the Book of Mormon” (Church History in the Fulness of Times, p. 46)

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Joseph Smith - History 1

After being visited by the messenger three times over the entire evening of September 21st, 1823 and again the following day, Moroni instructed Joseph to tell his father.  So the Prophet -

"...returned to my father in the field, and rehearsed the whole matter to him. He replied to me that it was of God, and told me to go and do as commanded by the messenger."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:50)

That tells a great deal concerning father Joseph and Joseph junior and their relationship with each other.  So Joseph -

"...left the field, and went to the place where the messenger had told me the plates were deposited; and owing to the distinctness of the vision which I had had concerning it, I knew the place the instant that I arrived there.
51 Convenient to the village of Manchester, Ontario county, New York, stands a hill of considerable size, and the most elevated of any in the neighborhood. On the west side of this hill, not far from the top, under a stone of considerable size, lay the plates, deposited in a stone box. This stone was thick and rounding in the middle on the upper side, and thinner towards the edges, so that the middle part of it was visible above the ground, but the edge all around was covered with earth.
52 Having removed the earth, I obtained a lever, which I got fixed under the edge of the stone, and with a little exertion raised it up. I looked in, and there indeed did I behold the plates, the Urim and Thummim, and the breastplate, as stated by the messenger. The box in which they lay was formed by laying stones together in some kind of cement. In the bottom of the box were laid two stones crossways of the box, and on these stones lay the plates and the other things with them.
53 I made an attempt to take them out, but was forbidden by the messenger, and was again informed that the time for bringing them forth had not yet arrived, neither would it, until four years from that time; but he told me that I should come to that place precisely in one year from that time, and that he would there meet with me, and that I should continue to do so until the time should come for obtaining the plates.
54 Accordingly, as I had been commanded, I went at the end of each year, and at each time I found the same messenger there, and received instruction and intelligence from him at each of our interviews, respecting what the Lord was going to do, and how and in what manner his kingdom was to be conducted in the last days."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:50 - 54)

That is all that is recorded in this history of these following four different returning visits other than the Prophet stated that he "received instruction and intelligence from him".  Who knows the magnitude of instruction and knowledge the Prophet learned and how he learned it. 

We do have a history by Joseph's mother in which she wrotes -

 “During our evening conversations, Joseph would occasionally give us some of the most amusing recitals that could be imagined. He would describe the ancient inhabitants of this continent, their dress, mode of traveling, and the animals upon which they rode; their cities, their buildings, with every particular; their mode of warfare; and also their religious worship. This he would do with as much ease, seemingly, as if he had spent his whole life among them.” (History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, p. 83)

Even one of his visits was not necessarily an enjoyable experience -

“On the twenty-second of September, 1824, Joseph again visited the place where he found the plates the year previous; and supposing at this time that the only thing required, in order to possess them until the time for their translation, was to be able to keep the commandments of God—and he firmly believed he could keep every commandment which had been given him—he fully expected to carry them home with him. Therefore, having arrived at the place, and uncovering the plates, he put forth his hand and took them up, but, as he was taking them hence, the unhappy thought darted through his mind that probably there was something else in the box besides the plates, which would be of some pecuniary [monetary] advantage to him. So, in the moment of excitement, he laid them down very carefully, for the purpose of covering the box, lest some one might happen to pass that way and get whatever there might be remaining in it. After covering it, he turned round to take the Record again, but behold it was gone, and where, he knew not, neither did he know the means by which it had been taken from him.

“At this, as a natural consequence, he was much alarmed. He kneeled down and asked the Lord why the Record had been taken from him; upon which the angel of the Lord appeared to him, and told him that he had not done as he had been commanded, for in a former revelation he had been commanded not to lay the plates down, or put them for a moment out of his hands, until he got into the house and deposited them in a chest or trunk, having a good lock and key, and, contrary to this, he had laid them down with the view of securing some fancied or imaginary treasure that remained.

“In the moment of excitement, Joseph was overcome by the powers of darkness, and forgot the injunction that was laid upon him.

“Having some further conversation with the angel, on this occasion, Joseph was permitted to raise the stone again, when he beheld the plates as he had done before. He immediately reached forth his hand to take them, but instead of getting them, as he anticipated, he was hurled back upon the ground with great violence. When he recovered, the angel was gone, and he arose and returned to the house, weeping for grief and disappointment.

“As he was aware that we would expect him to bring the plates home with him, he was greatly troubled, fearing that we might doubt his having seen them. As soon as he entered the house, my husband asked if he had obtained the plates. The answer was, ‘No, father, I could not get them.’

“His father then said, ‘Did you see them?’

“‘Yes,’ replied Joseph, ‘I saw them, but could not take them.’ “(History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, Lucy Mack Smith, pp. 83–85)

The Lord and His representatives obviously will "reprove betimes with sharpness" as necessary to leave an important learning and lasting experience.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Joseph Smith - History 1

The Prophet Joseph Smith recalled that Moroni repeatedly quoted multiple scriptures during his first visits.  One being -

"He also quoted the second chapter of Joel, from the twenty-eighth verse to the last. He also said that this was not yet fulfilled, but was soon to be..."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:41)

Those verses being -

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.
32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call."  (Old Testament | Joel 2:28 - 32)

We know now the Spirit has be poured out upon on flesh.  We know that many have prophesied and dreamed dreams.  We know that mount Zion or temples have been established.  In October, 2001 General Conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley said -

“The era in which we live is the fulness of times spoken of in the scriptures, when God has brought together all of the elements of previous dispensations. From the day that He and His Beloved Son manifested themselves to the boy Joseph, there has been a tremendous cascade of enlightenment poured out upon the world. The hearts of men have turned to their fathers in fulfillment of the words of Malachi. The vision of Joel has been fulfilled wherein he declared: (President Hinckley then read Joel 2:28–32.)”

Friday, November 22, 2013

Joseph Smith - History 1

I think one of the boldest statements one could make was the one that Joseph Smith recalled the Angel Moroni said -

"...that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:33)

I don't believe that this was the first time the a poor, obscure boy, the Prophet Joseph Smith told others of these words.  In my mind, he must have mentioned it years before.  But nonetheless, as the time this history was recorded, he was about 33 years of age and the membership of the Church was very small.

I think this is significant in that that statement has proven true in every aspect.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Joseph Smith - History 1

Like any young man would do having a marvelous experience, he would naturally share it with whom he considers his friends.  I find it interesting that a -

"...few days after I had this vision, I happened to be in company with one of the Methodist preachers, who was very active in the before mentioned religious excitement; and, conversing with him on the subject of religion, I took occasion to give him an account of the vision which I had had. I was greatly surprised at his behavior; he treated my communication not only lightly, but with great contempt, saying it was all of the devil, that there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days; that all such things had ceased with the apostles, and that there would never be any more of them."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:21)

I know lots of young men who are around the age of 14.  I one of them told be a far fetched experience that I thought was ridiculous, I would definitely blow it off and I strongly doubt that I would persecute him for it. But in the Prophets case he recounts -

"I soon found, however, that my telling the story had excited a great deal of prejudice against me among professors of religion, and was the cause of great persecution, which continued to increase; and though I was an obscure boy, only between fourteen and fifteen years of age, and my circumstances in life such as to make a boy of no consequence in the world, yet men of high standing would take notice sufficient to excite the public mind against me, and create a bitter persecution; and this was common among all the sects—all united to persecute me.
23 It caused me serious reflection then, and often has since, how very strange it was that an obscure boy, of a little over fourteen years of age, and one, too, who was doomed to the necessity of obtaining a scanty maintenance by his daily labor, should be thought a character of sufficient importance to attract the attention of the great ones of the most popular sects of the day, and in a manner to create in them a spirit of the most bitter persecution and reviling. But strange or not, so it was, and it was often the cause of great sorrow to myself."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:22 - 23)

If it had been a fabricated story, you would expect with all the persecution, that the fabricated story would end or he would give up telling such a far fetched story.  I am always touched that as the Prophet Joseph Smith testifies -

"However, it was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. I have thought since, that I felt much like Paul, when he made his defense before King Agrippa, and related the account of the vision he had when he saw a light, and heard a voice; but still there were but few who believed him; some said he was dishonest, others said he was mad; and he was ridiculed and reviled. But all this did not destroy the reality of his vision. He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the persecution under heaven could not make it otherwise; and though they should persecute him unto death, yet he knew, and would know to his latest breath, that he had both seen a light and heard a voice speaking unto him, and all the world could not make him think or believe otherwise.
25 So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:24 - 25)

I testify that I have received a witness by the power of the Holy Ghost that his testimony is true.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Joseph Smith - History 1

As the Prophet Joseph Smith recalls the religious events of his youth, he also recalls the efforts of the ministers of the different faiths to convert these early settlers to their faith.  Joseph Smith then recalls -

"For, notwithstanding the great love which the converts to these different faiths expressed at the time of their conversion, and the great zeal manifested by the respective clergy, who were active in getting up and promoting this extraordinary scene of religious feeling, in order to have everybody converted, as they were pleased to call it, let them join what sect they pleased; yet when the converts began to file off, some to one party and some to another, it was seen that the seemingly good feelings of both the priests and the converts were more pretended than real; for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued—priest contending against priest, and convert against convert; so that all their good feelings one for another, if they ever had any, were entirely lost in a strife of words and a contest about opinions."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:6)

We see much of this in our day.  He then recalls -

"During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit. In process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt some desire to be united with them; but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong.
9 My mind at times was greatly excited, the cry and tumult were so great and incessant. The Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists, and used all the powers of both reason and sophistry to prove their errors, or, at least, to make the people think they were in error. On the other hand, the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and disprove all others.
10 In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?"  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:8 - 10)

I love the words "What is to be done?"  Or what should I do and how shall I know.  He then explains -

"While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
12 Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:11 - 12)

The more one thinks about it, the counsel of James is by far the secret to know the mysteries and will of God.  Obvioulsy, the Bible isn't the sole source of answers because there is so much conflict concerning its teachings.  This is the same counsel we give to everyone that desires to know the truth for we -

"...would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."  (Book of Mormon | Moroni 10:4 - 5)

The truth from the Holy Ghost will be the truth over any counsel received by man.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

JST - Matthew 24

As we read the words of the Savior on the Mount of Olives, we begin to understand the difference between references of the "world" and the "earth".  As pertaining to the world, the Savior -

"...as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying: Tell us when shall these things be which thou hast said concerning the destruction of the temple, and the Jews; and what is the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world, or the destruction of the wicked, which is the end of the world?"  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:4)

The apostles understood that the destruction of the wicked would be the end of the world.  We know that this destruction will take place with His second coming as He ushers in the Millennium.  Reference to the world then would be concerning life on this planet, but more in line with the self-proclaimed "god of this world" even Satan.  Thus when the world is referenced, it is the in reference to the carnal, self-gratifying nature of those on the earth.

But in answer to their questions, the Savior would later respond -

"...thus cometh the end of the wicked, according to the prophecy of Moses, saying: They shall be cut off from among the people; but the end of the earth is not yet, but by and by."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:55)

Reference to the earth then is more in reference to the entity and eternal nature of the planet earth.  Brigham Young taught -

“When the Savior has completed the work, when the faithful Saints have preached the Gospel to the last of the spirits who have lived here and who are designed to come to this earth; when the thousand years of rest shall come and thousands and thousands of Temples shall be built, and the servants and handmaids of the Lord shall have entered therein and officiated for themselves, and for their dead friends back to the days of Adam; when the last of the spirits in prison who will receive the Gospel has received it; when the Savior comes and receives his ready bride, and all who can be are saved in the various kingdoms of God—celestial, terrestrial and telestial, according to their several capacities and opportunities; when sin and iniquity are driven from the earth, and the spirits that now float in this atmosphere are driven into the place prepared for them; and when the earth is sanctified from the effects of the fall, and baptized, cleansed, and purified by fire, and returns to its paradisiacal state, and has become like a sea of glass, a urim and thummim; when all this is done, and the Savior has presented the earth to his Father, and it is placed in the cluster of the celestial kingdoms, and the Son and all his faithful brethren and sisters have received the welcome plaudit—'Enter ye into the joy of your Lord,’ and the Savior is crowned, then and not till then, will the Saints receive their everlasting inheritances” (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 17, p. 117)


Monday, November 18, 2013

JST - Matthew 24

The Lord tells us why we are given the signs of the times of the last days explaining -

"Behold I speak for mine elect's sake..."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:29)

And then He adds -

Now learn a parable of the fig-tree—When its branches are yet tender, and it begins to put forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh at hand;
39 So likewise, mine elect, when they shall see all these things, they shall know that he is near, even at the doors..."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:38 - 39)

That is why His work has been hastened for -

"...this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come, or the destruction of the wicked..."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:31)

And those that are not deceived but overcome the world, shall be gathered and saved for, using a parable  -

"...Behold, wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together; so likewise shall mine elect be gathered from the four quarters of the earth."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:27)

Where -

"Then shall be fulfilled that which is written, that in the last days, two shall be in the field, the one shall be taken, and the other left;
45 Two shall be grinding at the mill, the one shall be taken, and the other left..."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:44 - 45)

That is seeking our the righteous where ever they may be. 

And as a word of warning -

"...again shall the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, be fulfilled."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:32)

I don't know if this prophesied "abomination" is one type of iniquity or an accumulation of iniquities, but as a warning, the wicked will become desolate.  My intuition is because -

"...the love of men shall wax cold..."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:30)

Where all they think about is their own gratification.

Friday, November 15, 2013

JST - Matthew 24

As I began to study the Joseph Smith translation of of Matthew 24 this morning and prophesied events after His death and before His second coming, I decided to share a talk I have recently shared this year as I spoke in multiple wards.  I seems to touch on much that is recorded in this chapter:

"...as [the Savior] sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be?  and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"

But before He would tell them any signs of His coming, He first warned them –

"...Take heed that no man deceive you."  (New Testament | Matthew 24:3 - 4)

And so that they might not deceived, the Savior then taught –

"Now learn a parable of the fig-tree—When its branches are yet tender, and it begins to put forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh at hand;

39  So likewise, mine elect, when they shall see all these things, they shall know that he is near, even at the doors..."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:38 - 39)

And in this dispensation, as the early saints also inquired concerning the signs of His coming, the Lord said –

"Wherefore, hearken and I will reason with you, and I will speak unto you and prophesy, as unto men in days of old…as ye have asked of me concerning the signs of my coming..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:15 - 16)

Therefore, just as he had done many years before with His disciples, He again promised –

"...unto you it shall be given to know the signs of the times, and the signs of the coming of the Son of Man..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 68:11)

And again, in our day, before He would give the signs of the times, He has warned us also to not be deceived for –

"...the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night—
5  Therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 106:4 - 5)

Referring back, “in those days of old”, while on the Mount of Olives with His disciples, as the Savior prophesied concerning many of the events and tribulations that would come in latter days, He made an interesting statement concerning our day, saying –

 "...except those days should be shortened, there should none of their flesh be saved; but for the elect's sake, according to the covenant, those days shall be shortened."  (Pearl of Great Price | JS-Matthew 1:20)

As I read His words, that the days before His coming would have to be shortened lest that no flesh may be saved, I couldn't help but stop and ponder what He really meant, for the Lord went on to tell His disciples that in the last days –

"...plagues shall go forth, and they shall not be taken from the earth until I have completed my work, which shall be cut short in righteousness—"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:97)

As I have pondered the words, “shortened” and “cut short”, I have come to believe that the timing of His coming seems to have, not only a great deal to do with the righteousness of the saints, but even more, how the the work of salvation is progressing.  It seems to me then that without an increase in righteousness of His people and a greater intensity and progress in the work of salvation, the consequence would be that His second coming might be delayed.  And if delayed, the results might be devastating where no flesh could be saved.  This sounds much like the word of warning given by Moroni to the Prophet Joseph Smith –

"If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 2:3)

Thus an essential and significant sign of the times of the coming of the Son of Man, would be the apparent evidence that His work is being shortened or cut short in righteousness.  Another synonym for His work being shortened or cut short would be, as the Lord prophesied to the early saints –

"Behold, I will hasten my work in its time."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:73)

There is great evidence today that His coming must be near, for His work has greatly hastened or in other words, that His work is being cut short in righteousness.

Before I layout a few of these evidences, Again, I refer back to the Savior’s counsel –

"...when ye shall see parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors."  (New Testament | Matthew 24:32 - 33)

A few recent evidences that "summer is nigh" or that His work is being hastened or cut short  in righteousness is the Preach My Gospel manual for missionaries where there are no more formal, memorized missionary discussions as there were in the day that many of us served our missions.   The method of preaching His gospel today is only an outline doctrines and principles that are to be taught, as guided by the Spirit, for as the Lord has specifically instructed His elders –

"...Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 43:15)

For the missionaries today –

"...shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit.
14  And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 42:13 - 14)

Evidence that His work has been hastened is also that teachers in the Young Women, Young Men, and Sunday school auxiliaries, Seminary, and even parents are being introduced to "Teaching in the Savior's Way" with the "Come Follow Me" – Learning Resources for Youth. 

In the same manner as the teaching methods of "Preach My Gospel" for missionaries, in the "Come Follow Me” program, there are not prepared manuals and lessons as in the past, but outlined doctrine and principles to be taught by quorum and class teachers or better said "facilitators", as directed by the Spirit, where the focus is not only on learning and receiving testimonies, but on true conversion.

Both Preach My Gospel and the Come Follow Me programs raises the bar in teaching the gospel, teaching as the Savior would, being dependent upon and guided by the Holy Ghost.

Another apparent hastening of the work is the recent advent of Family Search/Family Tree.  It is in Family Tree; family research can be easily done online and in your own home and easily shared with family members.   Sources, photos, and stories may now be uploaded to family member records.  Online discussions, wiki's, searches, and other helps are available online.  And probably one of the greatest evidence to the hastening of the work, where our progenitors previously had to physically visit libraries and sites to verify research, now more and more worldwide historical records and images are being digitally indexed and searchable, and again, from right in our own homes and family history centers. 

With an easy click of a button, in many cases, we can find digitized census, migrations, military, draft, and birth & death records, as well as digital gravesites, newspaper articles to name a few, all of which has greatly accelerated the work of salvation related to temple ordinances for the dead.

And with the advent of Family Tree, there is also an emphasis for the youth to be involved with Family History work, online indexing and temple work.  It seems that this younger generation has been much better prepared and qualified to use the modern technology the Lord has prepared for the work of salvation of our day.

We also see this integration of technology in missionary work.  In a recent Seminar for New Mission Presidents, in which members of ward and stake councils, as well as interested members were also invited to attend in a satellite broadcast, Elder L. Tom Perry outlined the adapting of missionary work to the digital age explaining –

“...during less-productive times of the day — chiefly in the mornings — missionaries will use computers in meetinghouses and other church facilities to contact investigators and members, work with local priesthood leaders and missionary leaders, receive and contact referrals, follow up on commitments, confirm appointments and teach principles from (the missionary guide) 'Preach My Gospel' using Mormon.org, Facebook, blogs, email and text messages." (Seminar for New Mission Presidents, June 23, 2013)

Sounds like a far cry from the missionary methods used in my mission days.

In addition in using new technologies, there has now been given the charge to each youth to be worthy to hold a special, annually renewed, youth temple recommends.  The youth are being taught to not only do family history work but to be worthy to perform temple ordinances for their own ancestral dead.  No question there is great evidence that the work of salvation is being hastened with our youth.

And then, most recently, the announcement that worthy and prepared 18- year-old young men that have graduated from high school as well as 19-year-old young woman can now serve missions.  Could there be greater evidence that the work of the righteous is hastening.

I recently read this posting online on the Church's website –

" … some of the 347 existing missions will be divided to form an additional 58 missions...The new missions will function in the same areas covered by existing missions...These creations will bring the total number of Church missions to 405. (News Release —  22 February 2013  Missions to Be Created to accommodate Influx of New Missionaries)

This hastening of the work is not limited to the youth of the Church.  The Lord has stated that all members are –

“…to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.”  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 138:56)

We call this the “Work of Salvation”.  The brethren have stated that –

“This work of salvation includes member missionary work, convert retention, activation of less-active members, temple and family history work, and teaching the gospel.”  (HB2 – 5-The Work of Salvation in the Ward and Stake)

The Lord has said in regards to missionary work and personal sacrifice –

"...I, the Lord, require the hearts of the children of men..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:22)

"Wherefore, if ye believe me, ye will labor while it is called today."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:25)

That labor as described in modern revelation includes –

"The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 65:2)

If our hearts are really turned to the Lord, we will participate in the gospel being rolled forth to the world, much like a –

"... a voice crying—Prepare ye the way of the Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make ready for the Bridegroom..."

Of which the Lord has specifically instructed each member –

"Pray unto the Lord, call upon his holy name, make known his wonderful works among the people." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 65:3 - 4)

Therefore, in regards to missionary work we are not only to pray for His work to roll forth throughout the world as we hear much in public prayers, but each of us had an obligation to hasten His work by making known His wonderful works to all people...in other words,  we too are to participate in "preaching my gospel".

President Monson said this past recent general conference –

“Some of you here today will yet remember the words of President David O. McKay, who phrased the familiar “Every member a missionary!”

To their words I add my own. Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him. He has prepared the means for us to share the gospel in a multitude of ways, and He will assist us in our labors if we will act in faith to fulfill His work.”  (Welcome to Conference - By President Thomas S. Monson, October 2013)

And just very recently, priesthood leadership has received instructions from the Presidency of the Seventies that the purpose of missionary work, including full-time missionaries is being expanded to include teaching those that are inactive or less active in the Church. And with that instruction, all members of ward councils are to participate in missionary work and work of salvation and not just their own auxiliaries and priesthood quorums.

In this work of salvation, we may be fearful or apprehensive, and may feel greatly unqualified to participate in the work of salvation.  I add the words of Elder M. Russell Ballard spoken in this past general conference –

“Brothers and sisters, fear will be replaced with faith and confidence when members and the full-time missionaries kneel in prayer and ask the Lord to bless them with missionary opportunities. Then, we must demonstrate our faith and watch for opportunities to introduce the gospel of Jesus Christ to our Heavenly Father’s children, and surely those opportunities will come. These opportunities will never require a forced or a contrived response. They will flow as a natural result of our love for our brothers and sisters. Just be positive, and those whom you speak with will feel your love. They will never forget that feeling, though the timing may not be right for them to embrace the gospel. That too may change in the future when their circumstances change.”  (Put Your Trust in the Lord by Elder M. Russell Ballard Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2013)

As we continue to contemplate a few of the other signs of the times given by the Savior, He revealed in this dispensation –

"And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men's hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth.
27  And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:26 - 27)

"And there shall be earthquakes also in divers places, and many desolations; yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the sword, one against another, and they will kill one another."   (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:33)

Where Enoch –

“…saw great tribulations among the wicked; and he also saw the sea, that it was troubled, and men's hearts failing them…”  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 7:66)

Even such that –

"...there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:31)

No wonder we want these terrible events to be cut short or shortened!

Such forewarnings and signs of the times may cause worry and discouragement for many of the saints.  But His disciples and especially the youth are being taught how we may be protected and remain safe from these signs and prophesied events, in that the Lord instructed –

"...my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:32)

This is the theme this year for our youth...that is we are to stand in holy places and be not moved.  If we are to stand in Holy Places, we have to ask ourselves, "What then are holy places?"  Obviously, holy places are plural and suggest that there is more than one place that may be considered a holy place.  No question the temple is a holy place. 

The bible dictionary teaches of the temple –

"A temple is literally a house of the Lord, a holy sanctuary in which sacred ceremonies and ordinances of the gospel are performed by and for the living and also in behalf of the dead.  A place where the Lord may come, it is the most holy of any place of worship on the earth.  Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness."  (Bible Dictionary | T Temple:Entry)

The home then may also qualify as a Holy Place.  As we are to stand in Holy Places, many might ask, "what determines whether a place is holy or not?"  I believe I found the answer to that question.  After the Kirtland temple was dedicated, the Savior visited that temple and said –

"...behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.
8  Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 110:7 - 8)

His words would then suggest to me that a holy place would be a place where those that enter therein "keep His commandments" and " do not pollute the place or location".   To pollute would mean to make impure or to defile it.  The Lord Himself defined pollution as –

"...jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires…”  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:6)

Pollution would not only suggest personal unworthiness, but would also refer to allowing physical and temporal items and those things that would defile the sacredness of a place such as inappropriate or unworthy posters, pictures, music, entertainment, and worldly things that may defile or make impure a potential holy place.  In my mind, this would suggest that almost any place may qualify as being a holy place dependent upon 1) if those present keep His commandments and 2) and the surrounding environment is not spiritually or temporally polluted or defiled.

The promises are great if we choose to stand in Holy places and are not moved for –

“…great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve…”  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 7:61)

Such scriptural promises include that the –

"...gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 115:6)

That is, actively attending ward and stake meetings and events, where –

"...all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

14  In righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far from oppression for thou shalt not fear, and from terror for it shall not come near thee."  (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 22:13 - 14)

And –

"That no weapon formed against them shall prosper...
26  That no combination of wickedness shall have power to rise up and prevail over thy people upon whom thy name shall be put in this house [or I would argue, a holy place]..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 109:25 - 26)

For we are promised that if we are standing in Holy Places, we –

"...shall not be burned at his coming."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:23)

Of all these great promised blessings given to those that stand in Holy Places, it would be a little bit misleading if I did not add a word of caution by the Savior, where He said –

"I have sworn in my wrath, and decreed wars upon the face of the earth, and the wicked shall slay the wicked, and fear shall come upon every man;
34 And the saints also shall hardly escape..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:33 - 34)

Of the words “hardly escape”, the Prophet Joseph Smith taught –

“It is a false idea that the Saints will escape all the judgments, whilst the wicked suffer; for all flesh is subject to suffer, and ‘the righteous shall hardly escape;’ still many of the Saints will escape, for the just shall live by faith; yet many of the righteous shall fall a prey to disease, to pestilence, etc., by reason of the weakness of the flesh, and yet be saved in the Kingdom of God. [He even adds] so that it is an unhallowed principle to say that such and such [or so and so] have transgressed because they have been preyed upon by disease or death...’” (History of the Church, Vol. 4, page 11.)

But even with this explanation by the Prophet, the Lord declared –

"He that is faithful and endureth shall overcome the world.
...and his works shall follow him, and also a reward in the world to come.
49  Yea, and blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, from henceforth, when the Lord shall come, and…they shall rise from the dead and shall not die after, and shall receive an inheritance before the Lord, in the holy city."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:47 - 49)

 But no matter what happens, the Savior reminds us (and I would suggest, He also commands us), therefore

 "Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:35)

 Therefore, of the signs of the times -

 "These things are the things that ye must look for...they are now nigh at hand, and in a time to come, even in the day of the coming of the Son of Man."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:53)

"Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom—
18  For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I come quickly"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 33:17 - 18)

I testify that the prophecies and signs of His coming are true and coming to fruition. I know His work is being hastened…being cut short in righteousness.  Therefore, may we be an active participant in the hastening the work of salvation as well as, May we Stand in Holy Places and be not moved.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Abraham 5

In Abraham's revelation concerning the creation, there were two verses that I wanted to comment on this morning.

I blogged yesterday concerning all the planning, design, and preparation that took place in the creation.  I note that Abraham wrote that after their planning and preparation -

"...the Gods watched those things which they had ordered until they obeyed."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 4:18)

Again, I compare this to construction.  There is no question that for each project, there is a great deal of planning, designing, engineering, scheduling, procuring, etc., but at some point, the designers and planners have to sit back and watch the construction of their design.  I perceive this is the case with the creation.

I would add that even in parenting, the same takes place as parents must exercise patience and watch in hopes that their children obey.

The second verse I wanted to comment on was that Abraham, having learned a great deal about so called "astronomy" wrote -

"...the Gods took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden, to dress it and to keep it.
12 And the Gods commanded the man, saying: Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat,
13 But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the time that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die. Now I, Abraham, saw that it was after the Lord's time, which was after the time of Kolob; for as yet the Gods had not appointed unto Adam his reckoning."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 5:11 - 13)

Abraham makes a special point the while Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden, the day or time was after the time of Kolob.  This would suggest that time or a day according to our time had not come to pass.  This would suggest that the earth at that time was adjacent to where God lives and according to His time.

If that is the case, the that when Adam and Eve fell, so did the earth into our present solar system and time frame.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Abraham 4

My profession has been in the construction industry.  No project is actually constructed with out a great deal of planning, design, engineering, procurements, preparations, and scheduling.  As Abraham writes of his revelation concerning the creation, we begin to realize that even with the creation, the same pattern seemed to be followed.  In this chapter, it becomes apparent that this is more of a record of planning than the actual creation, even though it is recorded that "the Gods" reference that in the real creation it was done.  We see this type of chronological order in Isaiah.

We see this pattern with references such as -

"...they went down at the beginning, and they, that is the Gods, organized and formed the heavens and the earth."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 4:1)

I see this organization and formation as creating, planning and designing much as a architectural drawing such as

"...the Gods ordered..."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 4:7)

"Ordered" could be defined as -

"...the arrangement or disposition of people or things in relation to each other according to a particular sequence, pattern, or method..." The New Oxford American Dictionary

"...the Gods said: Let us prepare the earth to bring forth grass; the herb yielding seed; the fruit tree yielding fruit, after his kind, whose seed in itself yieldeth its own likeness upon the earth; and it was so, even as they ordered."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 4:11)

Again, there was great deal of preparation and planning on how things would develop and happen.  Abraham even tells us this was the planning stage writing -

"...the Gods prepared the waters that they might bring forth great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters were to bring forth abundantly after their kind; and every winged fowl after their kind. And the Gods saw that they would be obeyed, and that their plan was good.
22 And the Gods said: We will bless them, and cause them to be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas or great waters; and cause the fowl to multiply in the earth."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 4:21 - 22)

He even states that their plan was to "bless them".  And in the planning stage, Abraham calls this a day or "time".  We can also tell that we are still in the planning stage as -

"...the Gods took counsel among themselves..."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 4:26)

...stating over and over that they "will" do it.

In summary, I add the following testimony of this planning period as  -

"...the Gods said: We will do everything that we have said, and organize them; and behold, they shall be very obedient."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 4:31)

"...the Gods said among themselves: On the seventh time we will end our work, which we have counseled; and we will rest on the seventh time from all our work which we have counseled.
3 And the Gods concluded upon the seventh time, because that on the seventh time they would rest from all their works which they (the Gods) counseled among themselves to form; and sanctified it. And thus were their decisions at the time that they counseled among themselves to form the heavens and the earth."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 5:2 - 3)

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Abraham 3

Before Abraham went to Egypt (verse 15), he writes of talking with the Lord -

"...face to face, as one man talketh with another..."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:11)

I believe that in order to teach Abraham concerning the divine nature of man He begin with -

"...the works which his hands had made;
12 And he said unto me: My son, my son (and his hand was stretched out), behold I will show you all these. And he put his hand upon mine eyes, and I saw those things which his hands had made, which were many; and they multiplied before mine eyes, and I could not see the end thereof."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:11 - 12)

As the Lord describes the order and governing of planets and the universe, He says -

"If two things exist, and there be one above the other, there shall be greater things above them..."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:16)

Now He compares this same order or structure to men and the spirits of men saying -

"...if there be two spirits, and one shall be more intelligent than the other, yet these two spirits, notwithstanding one is more intelligent than the other, have no beginning; they existed before, they shall have no end, they shall exist after, for they are gnolaum, or eternal.
19 And the Lord said unto me: These two facts do exist, that there are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:18 - 19)

Thus there will always be those that are more and those that are less intelligent than ourselves.  God is God because He is more intelligent than all.

I blogged a couple days ago concerning the "ministering of angels" and that according to Jacob's ladder, they come and go.  But I found it interesting that Jehovah tells us -

"I dwell in the midst of them all; I now, therefore, have come down unto thee to declare unto thee the works which my hands have made, wherein my wisdom excelleth them all, for I rule in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath, in all wisdom and prudence, over all the intelligences thine eyes have seen from the beginning; I came down in the beginning in the midst of all the intelligences thou hast seen.
22 Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;
23 And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:21 - 23)

"Come down" would suggest being on earth.  I note that He came down in the beginning with all the spirits (used the term intelligences) here on earth.  Therefore these spirits at that time were on the earth most likely participating in the creation of the earth.  It is then the Lord describes the very purpose of the creation of the earth for our growth and blessing -

"...there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell;
25 And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;
26 And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:24 - 26)

I interpret these words that space is "something" and was the material by which He created the earth.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Abraham 2

Due to a famine in the land of Canaan, Abraham and Sarai decided to move to Egypt for a period.  Abraham then writes -

"...it came to pass when I was come near to enter into Egypt, the Lord said unto me: Behold, Sarai, thy wife, is a very fair woman to look upon;
23 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see her, they will say—She is his wife; and they will kill you, but they will save her alive; therefore see that ye do on this wise:
24 Let her say unto the Egyptians, she is thy sister, and thy soul shall live.
25 And it came to pass that I, Abraham, told Sarai, my wife, all that the Lord had said unto me—Therefore say unto them, I pray thee, thou art my sister, that it may be well with me for thy sake, and my soul shall live because of thee."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 2:22 - 25)

Obviously, the Egyptians, even Pharoah would kill a husband in order to be able to marry his wife.  Some have wondered why the Lord would have Abraham "lie" to save his life.  First of all, I think any commandment by the Lord is justified and should be obeyed.  But I also noted in Abraham's own record that years before, a -

"...famine to wax sore in the land of Ur, insomuch that Haran, my brother, died; but Terah, my father, yet lived in the land of Ur, of the Chaldees.
2 And it came to pass that I, Abraham, took Sarai to wife, and Nahor, my brother, took Milcah to wife, who was the daughter of Haran."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 2:1 - 2)

In verse 2 saying "it came to pass" would suggest that the following events did not take immediately after the death of Haran.  Admitting that I do not necessarily understand the customs of the that day, it would sound reasonable to me that Terah easily could have adopted Sarai, Milcah, and even Lot as his children.  Thus, calling Sarai his wife would be very much true for we read that later that Abraham -

"...also brought again his brother Lot..."  (Old Testament | Genesis 14:16)

So even Lot was referred to as Abraham's brother.

Friday, November 08, 2013

Abraham 2

In the temple, we witness priesthood authority promising individuals all the blessings of Abraham.  Thus, in my mind, we wear two hats...one receiving all the blessings of Abraham and another, being the seed of Abraham.  By covenant, Jehovah promises Abraham -

"...I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee above measure, and make thy name great among all nations, and thou shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee, that in their hands they shall bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations;
10 And I will bless them through thy name; for as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed, and shall rise up and bless thee, as their father;
11 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee; and in thee (that is, in thy Priesthood) and in thy seed (that is, thy Priesthood), for I give unto thee a promise that this right shall continue in thee, and in thy seed after thee (that is to say, the literal seed, or the seed of the body) shall all the families of the earth be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 2:9 - 11)

I also believe that these blessings extend through the eternities or life eternal.  Thus, we are promised now and in the eternities that He will make of us a great nation.  We will be blessed immeasurably.  That we will be great or preside over our own nation or posterity.

As we take on the role as Abraham's seed, it is our responsibility to bear the ministry and carry the gospel and priesthood authority to all other nations.  And it is by being his seed, we will bring the gospel to many individuals and families who will repent and receive the blessings of salvation and exaltation.  Is it any wonder that our names will be great amongst earthly and eternal nations and families forever?

Thursday, November 07, 2013

Abraham 2

For many generations, the Lord directed the righteous to flee settlements of wickedness with the promise of a blessed land.  We see this with the Jaredites, Nephites, and even modern day pioneers.  With the wickedness in Chaldea, the Lord said to Abraham -

"...behold, my name is Jehovah, and I have heard thee, and have come down to deliver thee, and to take thee away from thy father's house, and from all thy kinsfolk, into a strange land which thou knowest not of..."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 1:16)

And -

"...the Lord had said unto me: Abraham, get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 2:3)

And after leaving Chaldea, the Lord instructed -

"...go into the land of Canaan; and I took Lot, my brother's son, and his wife, and Sarai my wife..."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 2:4)

And after settling for a period in Haran -

"...the Lord appeared unto me, and said unto me: Arise, and take Lot with thee; for I have purposed to take thee away out of Haran, and to make of thee a minister to bear my name in a strange land which I will give unto thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession, when they hearken to my voice."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 2:6)

This land ended up being in the general area of Palestine.  I find it interesting that the land was given "unto they seed" which we know not only includes the Jews but the general people of Arab.  But I note that there was a condition "when they hearken to my voice".   No wonder it is such an volatile area.

In our day there is no land to flee from wickedness, so we are commaned to -

"...stand ye in holy places, and be not moved..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 87:8)

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

Abraham 1

In humility, Abraham writes -

"...finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 1:2)

Obviously, he is not boasting concerning his own faithfulness, he trying to explain why and how he received the priesthood.  It is apparent that he understood that -

"...this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:19)

Which  -

"...power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church—
19  To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 107:18 - 19)

Abraham had been faithful, obedient and righteous and thus wanted to receive the mysteries of the kingdom or heaven, even the knowledge, commandments, and ordinances of God.  And he knew the only way he could receive this blessing was by obtaining the priesthood.  Thus he pursued being ordained as such so -

"I sought for mine appointment unto the Priesthood according to the appointment of God unto the fathers concerning the seed."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 1:4)

The accepted pattern or "the appointment of God" was through "the fathers concerning the seed" or by fathers to their posterity.

But -

"My fathers having turned from their righteousness, and from the holy commandments which the Lord their God had given unto them, unto the worshiping of the gods of the heathen, utterly refused to hearken to my voice..."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 1:5)

So

"...this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him..."  (New Testament | Hebrews 7:1)

In other words, Abraham was able to get Melchizedek to give him the priesthood which was not the typical pattern -

"Which Abraham received the priesthood from Melchizedek, who received it through the lineage of his fathers, even till Noah;
15 And from Noah till Enoch, through the lineage of their fathers..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:14 - 15)

And it was through Abraham and his seek that some of the greatest promises were given.  This should be of great consolation for those faithful saints that were preceeded by unfaithful fathers.

Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Moses 8

As I read the record concerning Noah and his day, I couldn't help but again compare the happenings at that time to our time.  First of all we know -

"...Noah and his sons hearkened unto the Lord, and gave heed, and they were called the sons of God."  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 8:13)

As blogged recently, "sons of God" are those that are righteous becoming His sons and daughters.  Then we learn of their offspring that -

"...these men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, the sons of men saw that those daughters were fair, and they took them wives, even as they chose.
15 And the Lord said unto Noah: The daughters of thy sons have sold themselves; for behold mine anger is kindled against the sons of men, for they will not hearken to my voice."  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 8:14 - 15)

Moses used the term "sold themselves" as the daughters of men lowered their standards.  What I find interesting is that as they continued to lives of wickedness even as Noah preached the gosple to them, they responded -

"Behold, we are the sons of God; have we not taken unto ourselves the daughters of men? And are we not eating and drinking, and marrying and giving in marriage? And our wives bear unto us children, and the same are mighty men, which are like unto men of old, men of great renown. And they hearkened not unto the words of Noah."  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 8:21)

Is this attitude not much different today.  But it seems as men reject righteousness for carnal, sensual, and devilish desire, to satisfy their selfish desires, they seem to spiral to more and more wickedness as we read that -

"...God saw that the wickedness of men had become great in the earth; and every man was lifted up in the imagination of the thoughts of his heart, being only evil continually."  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 8:22)

Is that not apparent in our day and entertainers, movies, and media sees to imagine an increase in carnality and sensuality?  This is a serious matter as -

"...God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted its way upon the earth.
30 And God said unto Noah: The end of all flesh is come before me, for the earth is filled with violence, and behold I will destroy all flesh from off the earth."  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 8:29 - 30)

The same will happen to us if we do not repent.

I must add one more thought.  Even in the days of Noah, he taught the doctrine of Christ as he preached -

"Believe and repent of your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, even as our fathers, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, that ye may have all things made manifest..."  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 8:24)

Monday, November 04, 2013

Moses 7

As Enoch was shown the things that were yet to come -

"...Enoch also saw Noah, and his family; that the posterity of all the sons of Noah should be saved with a temporal salvation;
43 Wherefore Enoch saw that Noah built an ark; and that the Lord smiled upon it, and held it in his own hand; but upon the residue of the wicked the floods came and swallowed them up."  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 7:42 - 43)

This must have really bothered Enoch knowing that many of his family would be lost in the flood for he cried unto the Lord -

"...I ask thee, O Lord, in the name of thine Only Begotten, even Jesus Christ, that thou wilt have mercy upon Noah and his seed, that the earth might never more be covered by the floods..."  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 7:50)

"And the Lord could not withhold; and he covenanted with Enoch, and sware unto him with an oath, that he would stay the floods; that he would call upon the children of Noah;
52 And he sent forth an unalterable decree, that a remnant of his seed should always be found among all nations, while the earth should stand..."  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 7:51 - 52)

I'm sure Enoch was worried for his posterity, those that would remain righteous and those that may have not had the opportunity to sufficiently repent before the flood.  So the Lord continues to teach -

"...Blessed is he through whose seed Messiah shall come; for he saith—I am Messiah, the King of Zion, the Rock of Heaven, which is broad as eternity; whoso cometh in at the gate and climbeth up by me shall never fall; wherefore, blessed are they of whom I have spoken, for they shall come forth with songs of everlasting joy.
54 And it came to pass that Enoch cried unto the Lord, saying: When the Son of Man cometh in the flesh, shall the earth rest? I pray thee, show me these things.
55 And the Lord said unto Enoch: Look, and he looked and beheld the Son of Man lifted up on the cross, after the manner of men;
56 And he heard a loud voice; and the heavens were veiled; and all the creations of God mourned; and the earth groaned; and the rocks were rent; and the saints arose, and were crowned at the right hand of the Son of Man, with crowns of glory..."  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 7:53 - 56)

Even then adding concerning those that who had not been given sufficient opportunity to repent -

"And as many of the spirits as were in prison came forth, and stood on the right hand of God; and the remainder were reserved in chains of darkness until the judgment of the great day."  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 7:57)

Peter taught the same -

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water."  (New Testament | 1 Peter 3:18 - 20)

It becomes apparent that the Lord will be fair giving all mankind an opportunity to repent.

There is one somewhat hidden doctrine in the teaching of the Savior..."whoso cometh in at the gate and climbeth up by me...".  It is also apparent that in addition to His grace, we have an obligation to repent and be baptized and climb or grow by Him for as Amulek taught -

"...he shall not save his people in their sins".  (Book of Mormon | Alma 11:3)