tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79511787620330913602024-03-05T20:30:55.112-07:00Turning Leaves Over......Scenes of my young years were warm in my mind,
Visions of shadows that shine,
One day I returned and found they were,
Victims of the vines of changes...Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-91758701460501625112019-01-06T12:52:00.000-07:002019-01-06T12:52:03.806-07:00The Sowing of SeedIn the <a href="http://scriptures.info/scriptures/nt/matthew/7.1-4#1">parable of the seed to be sown</a> the Lord points out that to be fruitful, one must have good ground, consisting of an insufficient presence of stones that might prevent the roots to grow, and prevent the over abundance of growing of all manner of weeds (thorns) from choking out the good seed.<br />
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He points out that good ground means having understanding. For one cannot act in faith without having a correct understanding of how to act. If we just go around doing whatever we think might be a good thing to do, we have no assurance that this will ever produce faith unto salvation. For salvation is given alone by Christ to those who have Faith in Jesus Christ (see <a href="http://scriptures.info/scriptures/nt/galatians/1.6#6">Galatians 1:6</a>). Faith requires that one act, for faith without works (action) is dead (see <a href="http://scriptures.info/scriptures/nt/1jacob/1.11-12#11">Jacob 1:11-12</a>).<br />
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<h3>
<u>Composition of Good Ground</u></h3>
So how does one have good ground? Good ground is the result of the presence of 3 different types of soil: Clay, Sand and Silt. An over abundance of any one of those elements, and the ability of the ground to produce is diminished. <br />
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Clay helps retain water and distributes heat. Sand counteracts by allowing the movement of water and reflecting heat with little retention. Silt gives life to growing plants through the death of previous plants. <br />
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We posses the traits of clay in our lives when we value what the Heavens send down upon us in love and mercy. The degree to which we treasure what Heaven sends is the degree of the amount of clay present in our souls.<br />
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We posses the traits of sand by allowing for flexibility in our life for the Lord’s voice to guide us and when we allow for time to ponder over the things Heaven sends to us. If all we do is focus on retention but do not allow for time to allow those things that we retain to sink deep into our hearts -through solemn, careful and ponderous thought- then even though we retain it, it only stays on the surface and does not sufficiently help. <br />
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Silt is not something which soil naturally possesses but rather is deposited in soil as the soil allows for the abundance of fruitful growth in its midst over an extended period of time. Certain soils may not naturally allow for such growth initially, but with the help of the Heavens, through the process of wind and water movement, silt from one land may flow to an area of another and be deposited in such abundance to allow for the establishment of ‘good ground’. Such is the case for the gentiles. <br />
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An over abundance of silt generally produces a very acidic level of soil, and so too much silt can be a bad thing. This presents itself in soil by causing death to the growing plants because they cannot process the soils nutrients quickly enough. <br />
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For this reason the Lord, usually does not send to us more words of Life, until we are prepared to receive them by acting on them. We demonstrate this ability by our faithfulness (implementation by our acts) to what He has already sent (see <a href="http://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/3nephi/12.1#1">3rd Nephi 12:1</a>). <br />
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The adversary of our souls however, is eager to attempt to foil the plan of our Father by either increasing the pH level of our soil composition through taking away the light that we possess, (see <a href="http://scriptures.info/scriptures/tc/section/93.11#11">T&C 93:11</a>) or by decreasing the pH level through flooding us with commandments which we are not yet strong enough to abide. We may see this in extreme teachings of piousness which produce zeal without knowledge (see <a href="http://scriptures.info/scriptures/oc/proverbs/2.271#271">Proverbs 2:271</a>). Additionally the adversary of our souls has always been willing to provide information devoid of sufficient understanding. King Solomon suffered such an overload of information, and paid a terrible price for it throughout his life (See <a href="http://scriptures.info/scriptures/oc/1kings/2.85-86#85">1st Kings 2:85-86</a>).<br />
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Providing that any certain type of soil is not overly rocky and thus preventing the necessary root growth, a soil may yield in abundance with the appropriate level presence of these 3 soil composition types. <br />
<h3>
<u>
Problems for the Gentiles</u> </h3>
As I said regarding the gentiles, we have not produced a sufficiently amount of righteous men among us to be able to establish the soul composition type represented in silt. We may have an abundance of clay or sand, but silt has not been a soil composition type typically found among gentiles (see <a href="http://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/2nephi/15.1#1">2nd Nephi 15:1</a>). As a result, God in His mercy has sent to us the testimony of righteous men in the form of scriptures. Those righteous men have historically been long since dead, but potentially we can reap the benefit from them, because in their words one finds Life! (see <a href="http://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/2nephi/14.1#1">2nd Nephi 14:1</a>)<br />
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Yet the Savior warned us in the parable that soil that maybe good, (having the proper ratio of clay, sand and silt) can allow for the growth of thorns (weeds). As any gardener knows, allowing the presence of weeds will allow for the choking out of the fruitful plants that the gardener desires to grow. <br />
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The Savior clarified that the deceitfulness of riches and the cares of this world were the weeds which choke out the fruitful plants which are desirable to grow. Riches are deceitful because in this world they give the illusion of stability. However, in eternity (things which exist before and after this mortal life) we shall see that only through living by the words of Life, can we ever find stability, security or peace. <br />
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If we go through the process of preparing our heart (soil) to adequately have the appropriate levels of clay, sand and silt, how do we then, as soil, prevent the growth of weeds which naturally thrive in this world? <br />
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We must pay them no heed. We must take the time to discipline ourselves to divorce ourselves from the cares of this world. By hungering and thirsting after righteousness (the fruitful plant) instead of just having possessions (weeds) to measure our worth or eternal value. We must prioritize the things which God values: His children; one another. (see <a href="http://scriptures.info/scriptures/oc/isaiah/20.7#7">Isaiah 20:7</a>) Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-21153618571605688232016-12-08T09:00:00.000-07:002016-12-09T00:40:16.264-07:00If Ye Had Known MeIn the most recent (October 2016) General Conference, under the topic of <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Following Him</u>, Elder David A. Bednar had this to say, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica light"; font-size: 18px;"><i>Following the Savior also enables us to receive “an actual knowledge that the course of life [we are] pursuing” is in accordance with God’s will. Such knowledge is not an unknowable mystery and is not focused primarily upon our temporal pursuits or ordinary mortal concerns. Rather, steady and sustained progress along the covenant pathway is the course of life that is pleasing to Him.</i></span>"<br />
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The scripture that Elder Bednar is quoting here is from the 1835 version of the Doctrine and Covenants. That portion that he quotes from has also come to be known as '<i>The Lectures on Faith.' </i>The promulgated title change was an effort made to mask the reality that a committee removed scripture from the Latter-Day Saint canon without a revelation and without a vote by the church. To this day, that decision has never been ratified by a vote by the church, and therefore this document remains scripture -even if it is little known.<br />
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From that same source of scripture, I quote a part of Lecture 6th in the 2nd verse, "<i>An actual knowledge to any person that the course of life which he pursues is according to the will of God, is essentially necessary to enable him to have that confidence in God, without which no person can obtain eternal life."</i><br />
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And in the same lecture verse 5, "<i>For a man to lay down his all, his character and reputation, his honor and applause, his good name among men, his houses, his lands, his brothers and sisters, his wife and children, and even his own life also, counting all things but filth and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, requires more than mere belief, or supposition that he is doing the will of God, but actual knowledge...</i>"<br />
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Sacrificing your character, reputation, honor, applause and good name all could happen in a steady and sustained progress. I do not believe that sacrificing your house, lands, brothers and sisters, wife and children and your own life could ever be described as steady or sustained by you. And yet that is exactly what Joseph Smith taught would be necessary. <br />
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Would Abraham have considered God asking him, to sacrifice Isaac a steady or sustained progression? If so, how come we don't hear of more people building sacrificial altars to sacrifice their children on?<br />
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From verse 4, "<i>Such was and always will be the situation of the saints of God, that unless they have an actual knowledge that the course that they are pursuing is according to the will of God, they will grow weary in their minds and faint..." </i><br />
And then verse 8,"<i>It is 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."</i><br />
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Do not be misled to fancy to yourself that you are or can be heirs with them, who have offered their all in sacrifice, when you have not. Elder Bednar's prescribed notion is for you to suppose that you have received a knowledge of things that you have not, simply because you are steadily going down a sustained road. Joseph Smith's testimony is that doing so will only result in your growing weary in your minds and fainting under the pressure that will come upon you. <br />
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Elder Bednar is correct in asserting however, that such knowledge is not an unknowable mystery. Rather you have the promise of all the authors of scripture that you can obtain this knowledge. However, you have the word of one who has been in the presence of God, and recorded in scripture no less, that such knowledge comes by your sacrifice of all things.<br />
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God bless you in your endeavor to do just that!<br />
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Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-83530351062151917042016-09-24T12:43:00.001-06:002016-09-24T13:12:03.540-06:00A Response To: Baptism Will Not Save YouI recently read a <a href="http://upwardthought.blogspot.com/2016/09/baptism-will-not-save-you.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FIBwvTY+%28Upward+Thought%29">blog post</a> by Rob Smith, in which he denounced the idea that preaching repentance through baptism by water would be very effective in holding off a prophesied coming destruction. Now, I don't want to come off as being against Rob Smith's overarching point. I actually think that Rob makes a very valid point in his post that our focus should be on Heaven ratifying our faith rather than pridefully proclaiming something that we have little evidence of. However, due to principles advanced in his post and also in response to conversations that I have had with others recently, I felt the importance of giving a -hopefully- persuasive different view of this very important topic.<br />
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To parse these ideas it is going to be necessary to differentiate between different terms being used. In this example I want to point out that there is a difference between 'Saved' eternally and being 'Spared' of some destruction that God wants to pour out at a certain time. <br />
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After the death of our Lord, God saw fit to inflict mass destruction upon those who lived among the descendants of Lehi. Not only were many lives lost, but whole cities suffered incredible destruction. So much so, that those who remained after, marveled at the extreme changes that had occurred at the time of the destruction. (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/11.1?lang=eng">3rd Nephi 11:1</a>) Yet through this incredible destruction that involved whole cities being buried in water, earth and fire, there were a remarkable number of people who did survive. <br />
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After the destruction had ended the Lord, decided to speak to those who had been spared. In doing so, He disclosed to those who remained that they had been spared not because they were righteous but rather just more righteous than the others who had been destroyed. (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/9.13?lang=eng#12">3 Nephi 9:13</a>) <br />
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Now to anyone who has desires for their own well-being, the question should be asked, "<i>What is the definition of 'More Righteous</i>'? Is the Lord referring to people who swore, but didn't say the REALLY bad words? Perhaps these were people who over-ate, but didn't ever let alcohol touch their lips? Or perhaps those who would ogle the women in the red-light district of Zarahemla, but never allowed themselves to go in unto them?<br />
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The good thing is that within the account the Lord provides the answer: <i style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Pahoran, Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18px;">And it was the more righteous part of the people who were saved, and <b>it was they who received the prophets and stoned them not; and it was they who had not shed the blood of the saints, who were spared</b>— (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/10.12?lang=eng#10">3 Nephi 10:12</a>)</i><br />
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The definition of being '<i>More Righteous'</i> seems to then be: receiving the true messengers that have come from the presence of the Lord with a message of repentance. But then that brings up the question of what does it mean to '<i>Receive'</i> these prophets of the Lord? <br />
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In the Book of Ezekiel there is a recorded conversation between the Lord and Ezekiel wherein the Lord informs Ezekiel about the people of his day saying, <br />
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"<i><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, "</span><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;"> </span><span class="smallCaps" style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">.</span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "pahoran" , "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px;">"</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #0091bc;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333;">And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee </span><span class="clarityWord" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">as</span><span style="color: #333333;"> my people, and they hear thy words, <b><u>but they will not do them</u></b>: for with their mouth they shew much love, </span><span class="clarityWord" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">but</span><span style="color: #333333;"> their heart goeth after their covetousness.</span></i></div>
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<i>And, lo, thou <span class="clarityWord" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">art</span> unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not. And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.</i>" (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ezek/33.30-33?lang=eng#29">Ezekiel 33: 30-33</a>)</div>
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In this excerpt the Lord demonstrates that neither hearing the words of a true messenger, nor even believing that the message originates from the Lord, is sufficient to escape His condemnation of having not 'received' one of His servants. The Lord points out that the hearers -in addition to believing the message- must DO the words of the servant. <br />
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Now previously in the Book of Ezekiel the Lord condemns as idolatrous, the Elders of Israel for looking unto a man -even if that man is a worthy, true servant of God- and treating the counsel of that man as higher than the revelation that should be had in a personal connection with God. (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ezek/14?lang=eng">Ezekiel 14</a>) So on one hand the Lord hands out condemnation to people for not respecting enough the words of His servant, and on the other He condemns people for only respecting the words of that same, true servant. <br />
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This line is fine, but in order to understand the difference between why the Lord sometimes spares and why sometimes He destroys, it should be parsed. <br />
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A true messenger from God will always come to draw you closer to Him. If anyone teaching you does not bring you closer to Christ, you can know that they are not a dully authorized teacher from God. The verification of whether a man is a true messenger from God, is found in his message. When a messenger sent by Christ to testify speaks, you will hear/feel/resonate with the voice of Christ that is contained therein. This can not be duplicated by another source. An attempt can and always will be made to copy it, but it is not nor can not accurately/precisely be duplicated. <br />
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Now a true messenger almost always, will be commanded to ask you to be baptized as a sign to Christ that you have heard/felt/resonated with His voice in the message of the true messenger. This is a wise purpose in the Lord that baptism is the sign chosen to demonstrate a persons willingness that he/she has not only heard the voice of Christ but is willing to follow it by following Him in to the water. Of course the mechanics of this ordinance can be duplicated as well. However the requisite first part of hearing the Voice of Christ can not be and we should trust that. When hearing it, we should receive baptism when it is offered to us. <br />
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Now to demonstrate this principle I will use several examples from the Book of Mormon. The first example that I will use is that of Alma the Younger when he begins his ministry as a traveling minister to the people in and around Zarahemla. He gives a great sermon of repentance to the listeners which included both members and non-members of the church in his day. What is REALLY interesting is that he concludes by commanding the members of the church and only inviting the non-members to repent and BE BAPTIZED! (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/5.62?lang=eng#61">Alma 5:62</a>)<br />
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This indicates that even though the members of the church had received baptism by Alma's father, who was the founder of their church (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/29.47?lang=eng#45">Mosiah 29:47</a>); because of the message of repentance obtained by Alma the Younger, they would need to be re-baptized purely because Alma the Younger came with another message from God for the people to repent!<br />
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Next lets point out that Joseph Smith revealed that prior to the ministry of John the Baptist, the jews had already been practicing baptism. (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/jst/jst-matt/9.18-21?lang=eng#17">JST-Matthew 9:18-21</a>) However, notice that the Savior rejected their baptism. Why? If it was because of their lacking the keys, the problem with that idea is that Joseph Smith taught that, "<i>[John the Baptist] wrested the keys, the kingdom, the power, the glory from the jews, by the Holy anointing and decree of heaven,</i>" What was the '<i>holy anointing' </i>by which John wrested the keys? <br />
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In <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/84.27-28?lang=eng#26">Section 84</a> of the Doctrine and Covenants, Joseph revealed that John was ordained at 8 days old to that work! The question is then, does that mean that the jews had no choice about losing the keys? Were the keys lost the minute that John was ordained/anointed at 8 days old? Could they have not repented and retained the mandate/keys the Lord had directed them with? Of course they could, but by the time that John came, they needed to receive his message of repentance, following it by being baptized, in order to retain what the Lord had initiated with them. <br />
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This is what is meant in the Joseph Smith Translation of <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/jst/jst-matt/9.18-21?lang=eng#17">Matthew Chapter 9</a> when the Savior said that He rejected the baptism offered by the Pharisees. He explained that it was because they did not keep the law. And what was the part of the law that most largely kept them from being accepted? "<span style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>if ye had kept the law, <u>ye would have received me</u>, for I am he who gave the law.</i></span><em style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"</em><br />
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This does not only mean that because He is God that we have to receive Him, but this statement was made while He was a mortal man acting in the capacity of a True Servant, delivering a message of repentance from His Father. The Pharisees did not receive Him, because if they would have, they would have been baptized by Him! (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/3.22?lang=eng#21">John 3:22</a>) <br />
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So John baptized, and it was recognized by Heaven because he was anointed and by obedience to the mandate given to him, pointed the people to Christ. (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/3.11-12?lang=eng#10">Matthew 3:11-12</a>) The Lord baptized and it was accepted by Heaven for the same reasons. But the Pharisees baptized, and our Lord rejected it, because they did not receive Him as a messenger from Heaven. <br />
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So if receiving true prophets means to do what they teach, and if they teach that we must be baptized; then using the Book of Mormon as a case scenario, the precedent exists that there were people who despite not having their faith adequately ratified by heaven in order to be made clean/righteous, they were spared because they received true messengers from heaven! And this means they received the baptism of water that the messengers are always commanded to give.<br />
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Now this does not mean that at that point they received anything greater than temporal salvation to be spared for a time until they could receive greater truth which would enlighten their path back into the presence of Christ. <br />
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Furthermore, this does not mean that after being baptized by an authorized servant of God, we should lose focus of all else which the messengers of God have taught us about the importance of seeking the face of God. It does not mean that we are authorized to teach that after baptism of water, all is well, anymore than we are authorized in teaching that receiving ones <i>Calling and Election</i> is anything other than a first rung on a ladder. <br />
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So although it doesn't mean those things, nobody should take the liberty of definitely and absolutely pre-claiming, '<i>Baptism by water is useless without baptism by fire.' </i><br />
I realize that that statement was made in reliance of the accuracy of the notes taken by Willard Richards for a talk that Joseph Smith gave. The context of that talk is that it was given by Joseph in defense of the question on the necessity of authorized ordinances. Willard's notes record Joseph as having stated that 'the sects' taught that they do not believe that baptism by immersion is necessary. Then the record states that Joseph quoted a theoretical sectarian as saying '<i>I believe in being converted.</i>' Joseph then is quoted as saying, ' <i>I believe in this tenaciously</i>.' And then, '<i>But I further believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Evidence by Peter's preaching on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:38.' </i><br />
It is at that point that we find Joseph saying, '<i>You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half-that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost.'</i> There are multiple problems with this record and the jumpiness of the account is not a minor one among them. <br />
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One thing that I believe firmly is that details matter. And contemporary note takers are not very good at recording a lot of details; let alone all of the necessary details. Because Joseph had gazed into heaven -and because Willard Richards never proclaimed the same- I trust that Joseph understood more than Willard did. Therefore for me to trust that in this jumpy account, Willard correctly recorded Joseph as having meant and said that baptism by water is good <u><b>for nothing</b></u> to anyone, anywhere unless it is accompanied by an event that isn't definitively defined anywhere in scripture requires more than I can give: when I consider the weight of scripture against that idea.<br />
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Now I am not saying that any unrepentant, person can receive baptism by water, even from an authorized servant and control the outcome of prophecies given by God. However, I would suggest that at a minimum the Baptism of Fire starts out as hearing the Voice of Christ. I suggest to you that this can happen even in the form of a mortal minister. <br />
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Therefore, if God sends a messenger to preach, and if you hear the voice of Christ in the message of that messenger, and if you DO what the Lord asks of you in the message of that authorized messenger, then when that messenger informs you that God has said that those who do so, will be those whom He protects during some period of coming destruction: you can be assured that God is a God of truth and does not lie. <br />
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But remember, Joseph also taught that not all of the Saints of God will live through the coming destruction and in fact there may be many righteous people who perish. Also, just because God has shown that He will protect those who receive His prophets, you should also suppose that there may be many who never did receive those prophets whom God decides for one reason or another that He wants to spare. Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-71238007753244025682016-06-24T18:10:00.001-06:002016-06-24T18:10:18.226-06:00What Is Good About Us?<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="cguig" data-offset-key="toti-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="toti-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Luke 18:18-19 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. </span></i></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="ed9r3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">This rebuke by the Master may seem off putting to some well-wishers, who just was searching (albeit with less thought than the situated merited) for some amiable way to find entrance into a conversation with the Lord. However, Christ found it the perfect time to teach a valuable lesson. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="5i8l8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">We should not expect to find ourselves very good disciples of His, if we are not willing to walk the path He followed. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3vqrb-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Why do we look for the good things that we do and like to praise ourselves for them when that is not what He sought? </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3vqrb-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Anything good (culturally speaking) that the church (as defined in D&C 10:67) produces derives from trying to apply the teachings of Jesus. All of the negative aspects produced by the church come from our inability to live the teachings that Jesus gave.
These include but are not limited to the side effects of depression, issues surrounding human sexuality, unrighteous judgement, oppressive government in LDS areas, etc. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3vqrb-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I have heard some people say not to blame the <i>rank and file </i>of the church (same definition as before) for these issues, because they are caused by the Shepherds of Israel. (see Ezekiel 33:23-34:31)
To this I reply, the segregated perception of leaders and <i>rank-and-file</i> is a fallacy. It is similar to how I often hear people refer to 'The Church' (i.e. 'The Church doesn't like -fill in the blank-' or 'The Church teaches...' and 'That's not what The Church teaches') as if it were some real person or tangible thing that they were referring to.
The Church is -as Christ, Himself explained it- everyone who repents and comes unto Christ. (see again D&C 10:67) In my belief that includes Jerald Tanner and Thomas Monson. Therefore anything that is produced within a culture in which 'The Church' exists, is negative only because some group of people, who have identified themselves with the church, have failed to live some part of the teachings of Christ.
If we have anything good about us, it is purely because Christ's teachings are being lived (whether cognitively or merely as an automatic reaction stimulated by our social conditioning, the reward is the same.) </span></div>
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Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-13056473796520474782016-06-23T23:11:00.000-06:002016-06-23T23:11:02.212-06:00Double, Double Toil And Trouble428 years ago, The (presumed undefeatable) Spanish Armada sailed from Spain to the coasts of Kent to land and deploy a devastating blow to English defiance against the Vatican, that had become so prevalent under the reign of Queen Elizabeth. With the promise of blessing from the Vatican and the assurance of pillaging whatever riches might remain in merry ol' (albeit nearly bankrupt) England. <br />
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For 9 days, the navy of the Queen engaged the Armada in much futility. Everyone predicted complete and utter destruction, not only of the Tudor line, but of all English prominence in the world at large. <br />
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Only 6 Spanish ships had been destroyed, in those 9 days, as a result of directly engaged battle. Decades of English financial improvidence had depleted their navy and left them directly exposed the one type of battle that would always need be waged, should anyone ever choose to do so.<br />
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Most of the English militiamen could -financially speaking- only be equipped with bows and arrows instead of guns (which had nearly 50 years previously begun to be used as a deciding factor in war.) <br />
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These are just a few of the elements of the battle that were going to go VERY badly for England. However, there are many more that should be detailed. My point is that in no way should England have militarily won that war. <br />
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<u>Rumor Has It</u></h2>
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On the fatal 10th day of battle, the tides had turned (figuratively and literally) against Spain in a way that previously no body had thought possible. There are rumors that Queen Elizabeth's consultant <i>John Dee</i> (a subject with whom that I believe many readers of this blog should familiarize themselves) gathered a quorum of <i>consultants</i> and were able to convince nature to fight England's battle. <br />
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In any case, the weather changed and forced the Spanish Armada to retreat. Over 50 ships were lost in the weather driven return and over 13,500 sailors went down with them. </div>
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<u>June 23rd, 2016: A Day Of Change</u></h2>
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Today, Briton's did what hardly anybody (including myself) thought possible. I know there will be those who decry that a conspiracy was behind this because they are achieving some end result in this thing...and they may be right. However, this day is still absolutely astonishing: It appears, at least by the time of this writing, that that majority of Briton's have voted to leave the European Union, for financial sovereignty. <br />
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Now I am not so naive as to believe that any man, let alone any country is a completely isolated island (pun intended.) Especially financially. I fully believe that the repercussions of this act will bring about greater widespread instability than anything else that any mortal on this earth has seen. <br />
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However, truth is truth, and kicking a can down the road can only go so far, before you have to give up kicking it down the road or face the realty that you can't kick it forever. What Briton's have voted to do today, is to at least take the first step away from kicking the stupid, banged-up can down the road.<br />
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In the wake of that decision, we and they will now receive the incipient repercussions of bad monetary policy. If you thought the financial recession of 8 years ago was bad, you better hang onto your hat, because you ain't seen nothin' yet!<br />
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<u>The Point Of This Post</u></h2>
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What intrigued me most about this story was the news, that one of the biggest reasons that those who voted to 'leave' the European Union won, was because of absolutely crazy weather systems that flooded (to the point, that some polling stations were forced to close) most of the bastions of supporters to 'stay' resided. <br />
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Depending on your point of view, one could make the argument that twice England has been saved by weather.Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-26284788758425525092016-05-24T20:53:00.000-06:002016-05-25T14:36:30.960-06:00Types And Shadows: Children Of Esau Or Of Israel? Esau and Jacob were twin brothers (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/gen/25.25-26?lang=eng#21">Genesis 25:25-26</a>.) They grew up together. The scriptures inform us that Esau was a cunning hunter and because of this trait had favor with his father. The scriptures also inform us that Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents (see<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/gen/25.27?lang=eng#26"> Genesis 25:27</a>)<br />
Esau was born first and therefore merited the Birthright. However, seeing little to no value in the Birthright, the scriptures tell us that Esau despised the Birthright and traded it for a pottage of lentils, but it might better be understood that he despised it in that he treated it lightly (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/gen/25.34?lang=eng#21">Genesis 25: 34</a>.) <br />
Thereafter, Jacob received not only the Birthright, but also the Blessing of the Firstborn (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/gen/27.35-36?lang=eng#35">Genesis 27:45-46</a>). This not only came to him by ordinance from his father however, but also by covenant from God (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/gen/27.26-30?lang=eng#25">Genesis 27:26-30</a>; and also <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/gen/28.10-15?lang=eng#9">Genesis 28:10-15</a>.)<br />
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In the commission that the Lord gave unto Joseph Smith, the covenant blessings reserved for the children of Abraham were once again offered to mankind by covenant from God (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/124.58?lang=eng#57">D&C 124:58</a>.) However, the Lord warned those who would become the seed of Abraham through the Prophet Joseph, that they should not treat lightly (or in other words despise) the covenant He had given (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/84.54-58?lang=eng#53">D&C 84:54-58</a>.) <br />
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The idea then needs to be expounded: how are we the seed of Joseph Smith the Prophet or even the seed of Abraham? (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/124.58?lang=eng#57">D&C 124:58</a>) You can argue that by process of multiplying out generations, essentially everyone on the face of the earth is more likely than not, somehow descended from Abraham at this point. However, you can not make that same assertion about Joseph Smith.<br />
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Joseph Smith taught about this concept when he said, "<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , "zoram" , "noto sans" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30.6px;">Acceptance of the gospel brings into an individual’s life the </span><a class="no-link-style" href="https://www.lds.org/topics/holy-ghost?lang=eng" style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: none !important; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Zoram, 'noto sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none !important; vertical-align: baseline;">Holy Ghost</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , "zoram" , "noto sans" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 30.6px;">: and “as the Holy Ghost falls upon one of the literal seeds of Abraham, it is calm and serene; and his whole soul and body are only exercised by the pure spirit of intelligence; while the effect of the Holy Ghost upon a Gentile, is to purge out the old blood, and <u><b>make him actually the seed of Abraham.</b></u>” </span><br />
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The idea then is that by accepting the teachings of Christ (The Gospel) which come from one of the messengers that Christ personally selects, makes you of the seed of that person. The messenger -who proclaims to teach in the name of Christ- that you select to believe, (providing that he has actually been commissioned by Jesus, to do so) affords you the opportunity to come into the family of Abraham, and thereby the Family of God (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/rom/10.13-17?lang=eng#12">Romans 10:13-17</a>). <br />
However, invariably it is the case that when God has chosen to send a messenger in His name, the adversary to us all works in corrupting the message of that messenger by influencing both those who oppose and those who believe the teachings that come through that chosen servant of the Lord. This is what is called 'apostasy.' <br />
Thereby it becomes necessary as truth is lost with each new case of apostasy, a new messenger is sent to clarify and teach again the system of repentance which must be enacted by that generation, in order to come into the family of God. <br />
That does not mean that God will always send a chosen messenger whenever one is not present, but rather that when apostasy has occurred and even one has presented himself to repent the Lord will work through him to try once again to reestablish the necessary truths that will be the foundational principles of the family of God.<br />
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The opposite is true. If anyone, even -as in the case of Esau- one who is the firstborn, of the chosen, ordained and anointed family of God, treats lightly the truths that they receive: they apostatize from the truth, they rebel against God and His family and will not receive the blessings that could/should/would have been theirs had they proven faithful to the truth that the Lord had declared.<br />
To us in the latter days, the Lord has not only pointed out the importance of the Book of Mormon as 'The Covenant' but that all of the teachings spoken by Joseph Smith, as he received them from the Lord, should be received as if from the Lord's own mouth, and that only by doing so, the gates of hell would not prevail against us (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/21.4-6?lang=eng#3">D&C 21: 4-6</a>.)<br />
The Lord originally informed us of our condemnation that came by way of treating lightly the Book of Mormon. (see again<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/84.54-58?lang=eng#53"> D&C 84:54-58</a>)<br />
Ask yourself, how do I treat the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith? Do I treat them as a treasure that will defend me from the gates of hell? Do I treat them lightly? Do I trust someone else to search through the REALLY important parts and filter them to me? Remember it is not so much that it was Joseph Smith who gave them, but rather the voice that gave them to Joseph. It was Jesus Christ who spoke them to Joseph, so that when you receive them as a treasure, He then will also be speaking to you. If or possibly when, we receive them as a light thing, to be borne as a burden, or despise them because they refuse to allow us to be accepted/popular in the eyes of the world; then we, like Esau, despise our birthright.<br />
Both Jacob and Esau received a blessing by the power of the priesthood, through an ordinance. However, it was only Jacob that received a confirmation of the Birthright Blessing by the will of Heaven. Therefore it stands to reason that anyone can be the seed of Esau; but who then will be the seed of Israel but those who not only receive the blessing by ordinance but also by Heaven.<br />
We, like the Jews in the days of Christ, can proclaim the blessings passed down to us in ordinances performed by the power of a key-holder but proclaiming such does not make it so (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/3.7-9?lang=eng#6">Luke 3:7-9</a>.) <br />
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Like Abraham, mathematically speaking pretty much anyone can prove to be of the seed of Esau at this point. However, in order to be the seed of Israel (through whom the family of God will come) it takes more than genealogy or proclamations of men; but rather, like Israel, it will take the pronouncement of Heaven. And that will come when we finally remove our condemnation. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A book by one who has been authorized by God to once again teach in the name of Jesus Christ.<br />
Matthew 7:20<br />
You can begin reading the contents of this book for free at:<br />
http://denversnuffer.com/2010/06/cite-your-minds-forward/</td></tr>
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<br />Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-27050524480875931382016-05-20T10:41:00.000-06:002016-05-20T14:52:00.794-06:00A Thought Provoked By The French RevolutionPeople die; their ideas live on.<br />
Few today are familiar with the names of Robespierre, Rousseau or Barruel; but nearly everyone is familiar with at least some small semblance of the ideas that they taught.<br />
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How better to impede the restoration of truth -which God had intended for a people to receive, grow and be blessed by-, than to keep the recipients of the seeds of that restoration unthinking or distracted? By doing so, our adversary is permitted to continue to sow ignorance and we leave no truth behind to outlive us. <br />
Effectively any truth that was passed onto us in the ideas we posses, die with us, because we refuse to learn, think and share.Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-25947572425643105142016-05-09T18:10:00.000-06:002016-05-09T18:10:27.174-06:00Experiences Rich In Meaning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently, here in Utah, we have been having a good round of wet weather. With this has come strong wind as high pressure systems get pushed around by the cooler low pressure systems. <br />I love nature. I love it in all of its variety. I love sunny days and I love the chaos inherently brought on in dark clouds and the accompanying ominous imagery. <br />As I sat at work the other day, I watched as a strong rain storm marched North from the South-West, over the Great Salt Lake. From where I sat, I could watch in peace out at the dust and salt that had been kicked up by the power of the storm. However within a few moments a circulating pattern emerged over the lake just due west of my location and the storm started heading directly my way. <br />Within 5 minutes a light breeze was felt. Followed within a few seconds by stronger and stronger gusts, until the point came when the front of the storm was just mere minutes away. The wind was so strong and frantic that the plum trees around my work, were all shaken violently at the presence and power of the storm. They seemed absolutely terrified.<br />As I sat and watched all of the trees around me shaken in what seemed to me to be pure terror I began to notice something else. The seeds from a nearby Elm tree had begun to float through the air. First as a trickle but as the wind picked up, the seeds made it began to look more like a snow storm had come instead of a Spring rainstorm.<br />
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Flying through the air with incredible velocity, I watched as they just covered everything in front of them. Within seconds of their passing, the rain began to fall. This was no ordinary rain for Utah, though. This was torrential! It was conjoined by hail. Big hail! A couple of the blocks that I found were approaching marble size. This all lasted for at least 5 minutes. Yet in those few minutes, the road in front of my work began to look more like a river. <br />At the passing of the quick but strong storm, I noticed that the recently white colored elm, now had nearly no white on it. It was all green. Granted many of the leaves had been cut, sliced and sheared off, but many others were still remaining. The ground below the tree was partly white from the seeds, but the still strong wind that remained after the rain and the hail had passed was making light work for the neighboring landowner to have to clean. <br />
I wondered at what this tree had felt about the menacing storm. As I was pondering I sat and watched the still blowing wind carry the seeds around my work, spread over the ground, up in the air, across the road out into the field across the street and beyond my view. To myself, I queried, "out of these many hundreds or even thousands of seeds, how many would ever be planted? How many would ever get the chance to grow beyond a seed, into a sapling and perhaps even into a tree?" <br />
Due to the age of the tree (very mature), and the low number of existing Elm trees around this locale, I surmised that less than 1% of these seeds would ever be trees, or even grow into saplings. Yet in spite of these great odds, I couldn't help but think that this mother tree was pleased to have such a strong storm to come along and facilitate her in getting her seeds out to areas where they might have a better chance to grow to their fullest potential. <br />Where all of the trees had seemed to have shaken in terror of the storm, during the violent blowing this tree didn't seem much bothered at all. In fact as I had watched, instead of being forced dramatically lower, this trees height seemed hardly moved. Moreover, the branches of this tree were almost being blown in an upward motion. It almost seemed -if nothing else, than in my mind's eye- as if this tree was welcoming the presence of the power of the storm. <br />I could see her raising her branches up to the heavens in what seemed to me to be an attitude of thanks and praise. For in this wind, the seeds that she had produced and nurtured, now had the best chance of being carried wide and far to fertile places; where, when they landed, they would meet soft, moist dirt, and possibly even pushed down into the dirt, by the falling hail. <br />
No. Unlike the other trees that surround my work, which had not taken sufficient strength to their roots (<i>See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/jacob/5.48?lang=eng#47">Jacob 5:48</a>)</i> as this big Elm had over many years of toil; this tree was not terrified by the storm, but rather found it to be a day of praise.<br />Depending on which tree I evaluated, I would say that this day was either a Great or a Dreadful Day. (<i>See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1.38.38-39?lang=eng#37">Joseph Smith-History 1:38-39</a>)</i> <br />
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Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-65178524825146326922016-04-29T14:15:00.000-06:002016-04-29T14:15:23.355-06:00Op-Ed By Harry S. Truman30 days after President John F. Kennedy was shot, former President Harry S. Truman wrote an Op-Ed article for the Washington Post.<br />I want you to read this. I want you to keep in mind the context of who wrote this; when he wrote it; and then consider why HE would write this THEN.<br />I am including the full text of the article as well as a digital image of the majority of the article as it appeared in that periodical for a limited time before it was removed from future prints. Enjoy.<br />
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<b><span>The Washington Post</span>December 22, 1963 - page A11</b></div>
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<b><u>Harry Truman Writes</u>:<br /><span>Limit CIA Role<br />To Intelligence</span></b></div>
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<b>By Harry S Truman</b><span>Copyright, 1963, by Harry S Truman</span></div>
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INDEPENDENCE, MO., Dec. 21 — I think it has become necessary to take another look at the purpose and operations of our Central Intelligence Agency—CIA. At least, I would like to submit here the original reason why I thought it necessary to organize this Agency during my Administration, what I expected it to do and how it was to operate as an arm of the President.<br /> I think it is fairly obvious that by and large a President's performance in office is as effective as the information he has and the information he gets. That is to say, that assuming the President himself possesses a knowledge of our history, a sensitive understanding of our institutions, and an insight into the needs and aspirations of the people, he needs to have available to him the most accurate and up-to-the-minute information on what is going on everywhere in the world, and particularly of the trends and developments in all the danger spots in the contest between East and West. This is an immense task and requires a special kind of an intelligence facility.<br /> Of course, every President has available to him all the information gathered by the many intelligence agencies already in existence. The Departments of State, Defense, Commerce, Interior and others are constantly engaged in extensive information gathering and have done excellent work.<br /> But their collective information reached the President all too frequently in conflicting conclusions. At times, the intelligence reports tended to be slanted to conform to established positions of a given department. This becomes confusing and what's worse, such intelligence is of little use to a President in reaching the right decisions.<br /> Therefore, I decided to set up a special organization charged with the collection of all intelligence reports from every available source, and to have those reports reach me as President without department "treatment" or interpretations.<br /> I wanted and needed the information in its "natural raw" state and in as comprehensive a volume as it was practical for me to make full use of it. But the most important thing about this move was to guard against the chance of intelligence being used to influence or to lead the President into unwise decisions—and I thought it was necessary that the President do his own thinking and evaluating.<br /> Since the responsibility for decision making was his—then he had to be sure that no information is kept from him for whatever reason at the discretion of any one department or agency, or that unpleasant facts be kept from him. There are always those who would want to shield a President from bad news or misjudgments to spare him from being "upset."<br /> For some time I have been disturbed by the way CIA has been diverted from its original assignment. It has become an operational and at times a policy-making arm of the Government. This has led to trouble and may have compounded our difficulties in several explosive areas.<br /> I never had any thought that when I set up the CIA that it would be injected into peacetime cloak and dagger operations. Some of the complications and embarrassment I think we have experienced are in part attributable to the fact that this quiet intelligence arm of the President has been so removed from its intended role that it is being interpreted as a symbol of sinister and mysterious foreign intrigue—and a subject for cold war enemy propaganda.<br /> With all the nonsense put out by Communist propaganda about "Yankee imperialism," "exploitive capitalism," "war-mongering," "monopolists," in their name-calling assault on the West, the last thing we needed was for the CIA to be seized upon as something akin to a subverting influence in the affairs of other people.<br /> I well knew the first temporary director of the CIA, Adm. Souers, and the later permanent directors of the CIA, Gen. Hoyt Vandenberg and Allen Dulles. These were men of the highest character, patriotism and integrity—and I assume this is true of all those who continue in charge.<br /> But there are now some searching questions that need to be answered. I, therefore, would like to see the CIA be restored to its original assignment as the intelligence arm of the President, and that whatever else it can properly perform in that special field—and that its operational duties be terminated or properly used elsewhere.<br /> We have grown up as a nation, respected for our free institutions and for our ability to maintain a free and open society. There is something about the way the CIA has been functioning that is casting a shadow over our historic position and I feel that we need to correct it.</div>
Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-44888394161281687542016-04-28T19:50:00.002-06:002016-05-02T17:11:12.947-06:00Dwight D. EisenHower<div style="background-color: white;">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.6px;">I recently watched a documentary on Dwight D. EisenHower. As a <i>Millennial</i> I found myself fairly uninformed about the man and so thought it would be appropriate to spend some time trying to get a grasp for him. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.6px;">I do not believe that everything he did was good. I believe that he had chosen to let those who ran the CIA be his marionettists. I believe this single choice brought an evil into America unsurpassed by anything done previous to his administration since the establishment of the Federal Reserve.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.6px;">I believe his choice to allow the CIA to engage in subversive wars was terribly wrong for American Foreign policy and has created much of the foreign policy issues that America has had to deal with ever since. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.6px;">I believe that he empowered some of the most wicked men to ever have governing influence over American politics. This includes but is not limited to Richard Nixon and the Bush Family.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.6px;">He turned his back on his good friend and mentor in order to score some political points.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.6px;">Although at times useful, I believe that his subversive style of governing -through his hidden hand policies- was a wicked thing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.6px;">I think his executive orders were often inappropriate -as they usually are whenever they are employed.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.6px;">I do not know, but fear that he might have played the part of an adulterer while leading the allied forces in Europe. I believe that Providence was extremely kind to him. </span></span></div>
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Yet in spite of all that, I am quite amazed at the good that he strove to cling to in his life. </div>
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He was adept at down playing his own ego in order to soothe the ego's of both Patton and Montgomery. </div>
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He seemed to desperately want to avoid war and sued for peace whenever possible. His administration was marked by prosperity and his refusal to send American Soldiers to war. Sensing no business in our being there- upon assuming the office of President, he immediately took action to put an end to the Korean War and get American Soldiers home. </div>
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When faced with the option of throwing some subordinates under the bus (a la Reagan style with the Iran-Contra affair) he instead chose to take responsibility for the spying of Gary Powers over the USSR. This choice ended his administration on a low note; but he knew that would be the case and chose to do it anyway, despite having the option -given to him by Nikita Khrushchev- to cast the blame elsewhere. To him his personal integrity was worth more than the name given to him by historians.</div>
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He chose to stand up for what were the then hallmark American Principles of charity and pacifism. Even though having been a soldier and earned his living in that profession he instead spoke up about the absurdity in costs incurred to build a single Destroyer when the same amount of money could build 5 hospitals, schools or shelters! </div>
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He stood up against the war-mongering democrats (funny how things flip-flop back and forth isn't it) who cried for a build up in armaments -largely in their effort to pacify the Military Industrial Complex. </div>
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Despite being members of the same party he chose to stand up against the absurd communist-witch hunts led by Senator Joseph McCarthy.</div>
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All in all, in comparison to many of the politicians that I have seen in my life, I have to say: <i>I like Ike.</i><br />
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Here are a few quotes from him that I found worthy of some thought. </div>
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<i style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 15.6px;">-A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.</i></div>
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<i>-I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.</i></div>
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<i>-Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.</i></div>
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<i>-In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.</i></div>
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<i>-Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil and you're a thousand miles from the corn field.</i></div>
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<i>-May we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion.</i></div>
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<i>-We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex.</i></div>
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<i>-History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.</i></div>
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<i>-If you want total security, go to prison. There you're fed, clothed, given medical care and so on. The only thing lacking... is freedom.</i></div>
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<i>-Don't join the book burners. Do not think you are going to conceal thoughts by concealing evidence that they ever existed.</i></div>
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Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-68698834307789744412016-04-16T13:13:00.000-06:002016-04-16T13:13:16.353-06:00Utah: A Flourishing OligarchyOne of the things that get me riled up is when I see a process set up that takes power that was originally in the hands of the people and transfers it into the hands of the wealthy and powerful. Yesterday, a part in that process was ruled constitutional in the State of Utah. <br />
Maybe I'm a sucker, but I always would like to believe that Utah with it's majority LDS population, (and the corollary effect that such a population seems to have in making those who are not LDS, more faithful in their own chosen religions) should have an additional tempering effect against elements that corrode the power of the people. This because on top of being American's, with specific rights guaranteed to us by the constitution, Latter-Day Saints have it codified in scripture that God has given them the Constitution, through wise men, that He raised up for that purpose. (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/101.80#79">D&C 101:80</a>)<br />
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Yet on Friday, April 15th, that erosion; that corruption of the power intended for the people is exactly what got held up as being constitutional by a District Judge (Read the <a href="http://www.ksl.com/?sid=39353301&nid=148&title=judge-upholds-new-nominating-system-for-utah-candidates">KSL article here</a>) instead of the rights of the people.<br />
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Heretofore, Utah has always had a lively, functional caucus system. If you don't know much about the caucus system, here is a general breakdown:<br />
-Every county in the State of Utah, is broken down into a number of smaller areas, called precincts. (The area of your precinct is generally going to be your neighborhood.)<br />
-Each registered political party will, once every other year, hold caucus meetings in those varying precincts (as long as someone from that political party actually exists within that precinct.)<br />
-Those caucus meetings are participated by only those who live within the precinct. <br />
-From among those who attend any of those caucus meetings, leaders and representatives (of that local area precinct) will be nominated and elected. <br />
-Generally there will be positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, County Delegates and State Delegates.<br />
-The first 4 positions fulfill a function of committing time and assistance to the Party and its representatives in that local area.<br />
-The remaining 2 positions fulfill the function of being informed on and then carrying the voice of that precinct (into either the county delegate meeting or the state delegate meeting) regarding those people whom that precinct would like to elect.<br />
-In those respective two delegate meetings, (county and state) men and women who would like to be nominated for public office will be heard, nominated and elected by the delegates, to represent the party in the general election.<br />
-If one of those nominees gathers 60% or more of the delegate votes in their corresponding county or state positions, then they become the candidate for that party, in the general election for the respective office in which they have been nominated.<br />
-If a candidate fails to gather 60% but is able to gather 40%, then their name is put on a primary against the other candidates who were also able to attain the 40%.<br />
<a href="http://www.katyjon.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/power-of-the-people-quote-wael-ghonim-revolution-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.katyjon.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/power-of-the-people-quote-wael-ghonim-revolution-2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>-If none of the candidates are able to gather the 40% then all go onto a primary election.<br />
I submit that this process -although not perfect- is hard to beat, in the effect of establishing the will of those who are willing to take the time to educate themselves and perform their civic duty to the benefit of themselves, their communities, their counties, their state and their country; as a force in and of itself.<br />
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An alternative has been opened up, however. That alternative is by way of a bill, that when as a initiative was titled, <i><a href="http://www.countmyvoteutah.org/">Count My Vote</a></i>. This bill has allowed politicians to circumvent the caucus system by gathering a large number of people, who are registered members of the party in which they belong, to sign a petition to put them on a primary ticket. <br />
I submit that those who passed this bill (read: incumbent politicians already existing in office) did so in order to retain power in their hands and out of the hands of the people and especially to keep the elections away from those who would like to run for office, but who may not have the same financial means as the incumbent.<br />
Let me explain how this works for the incumbent:<br />
-The number of necessary signatures is placed at a high number (2% of the number of registered VOTERS [Not party members] in the respective voting district. So for example in a district with 50,000 registered voters, a candidate would need to gather 1000 signatures of people who are registered members of their respective political party.)<br />
-The incumbent can use their tax-payer-based salary to pay a company to gather the necessary signatures for them. <br />
-This includes paying even more money to the party to find out the contact information of the registered party members inside the voting district. <br />
-Anyone who can't afford to pay for these services, must go house-by-house seeking out registered members and petitioning them to sign. (The difficulty of this really gets exacerbated in rural districts: of which 90% of Utah's area is composed.)<br />
-All who gather the signatures are then automatically placed on a ticket in a primary party election; thus circumventing the will of any who participated in the political caucuses. <br />
<br />
Now I want you to ask yourself: what do you personally do in the voting booth, when you are presented names of people with whom you are generally unfamiliar? What do you think most people do in that voting booth situation? <br />
If you are like most people, you will vote for the person with whom you feel 'most' familiar. Now an old trick of the political trade, is that the voters don't REALLY need to be familiar with you. They just need to have the idea that they are familiar with you. This trick isn't only applied in the political realm. <br />
For those who currently live, have lived or perhaps have even traveled through Utah, will be familiar with the name Larry H. Miller. Larry H. Miller was the president of the LHM group. That corporate amalgamation included companies across several industries. It created an advertising scheme that was employed, wherein those who were subjected to the scheme would be shown a picture of an smiling, balding man with his arms folded. Then they would be told that this picture was Larry H. Miller, and '<i>You KNOW this guy.</i>' <br />This scheme was used to reinforce to the public that if you know the name of someone and a picture of what he looked like, then he (and vicariously the corporation of which he was president) would be worthy of your financial trust in a variety of ways.<br />
The same idea follows in all of those signs that you see posted everywhere with a politicians name on it, billboard signs, TV and radio advertisements, etc., etc. All of these are advertising schemes used to convey the idea that because you are seeing someones name, a picture of them and possibly even hearing their voice in a purported sincere tone, that you are now familiar with them and thus they are worthy of your political trust. <br />
<a href="http://theprintersonline.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/campaign-sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://theprintersonline.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/campaign-sign.jpg" height="122" width="200" /></a>All of these schemes are employed because the fact of the matter is, that most people are not able to or perhaps do not want to care about anything beyond what they absolutely HAVE to: food, love, sleep and definitely entertainment. The fact of the matter is that politicians, especially local politicians get very little scrutiny about the accountability of the ideas that drive them. Rather than try to educate an uncaring mass of people about what they (the candidate) believes is important, it is far more easy to pay to have their name plastered everywhere in front of their neighbors and fellow countrymen and rely on the fact that when in the voting booth, most people lack a real familiarity with any of the candidates and therefore are going to vote for the name that they have they have seen the most. This means that the person who pays the most amount of money -to put their name in front of the public- wins the election.<br />
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This is why those who were already in office wanted the signature gathering option guaranteed to them. Because they know they will only have to rely on the power their money brings their name in a voting booth with a majority of people who will not take the time to educate themselves in a primary election. <br />With the signature gathering option, they know that they don't have to really be held accountable to the people who care to make themselves knowledgeable about the various political issues and candidates. Those who will spend their precious time in caucuses and delegate meetings hearing the candidates and the issues being discussed. <br />
They know that with it, all they have to do is have money (or at least be willing to sell themselves to someone else who does have money.) Have money to pay someone else to gather signatures for them. Have money to pay for an absurd amount of advertising. Have money to shove their 'free' trinkets, buttons, shirts, pens, signs and fake handshakes in front of enough peoples faces: and they will win. <br />
(I put 'free' in quotation, because their salaries -from which they are paying for everything- is coming from the taxes they collect from us. Therefore it is, WE who are paying for all of this crap that appropriately ends up filling landfills.<br />
Or perhaps if they can get some lobby interest to pay then they can pay even more money than the next guy. But then it all comes down to those who are willing to sell themselves for filthy lucre, will be the only ones in office.)<br />
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If as citizens of Utah, we allow this bill to stand, I believe we are assisting in establishing Utah as a de facto Oligarchy. The <i>Count My Vote</i> bill, on a generality will not assist any outsider. If you are a Democrat -or a member of any other political party- (I'm looking at you Libertarians and Constitutional Party members) then understand your ability (or one from your party) to gather 2% of the registered voters (who are also members of your party) in your voting district is greatly diminished if not extremely unrealistic. Therefore this bill does not help you.<br />
It does not help anyone with good ideas who may desire to fulfill their civic duty, but find themselves unable to compete on a financial level of those who are the super wealthy among us. Simply put, the only ones who this bill helps are those who see themselves as possessing a right within an oligarchy! Is it any wonder why those who sponsored this initiative include names like Mike Leavitt and Gail Miller (the wife of the guy that employed the advertising scheme referred to above.) <br />
If you care about politics in Utah at all, then please let your State Representatives know that you are not willing to support such a dishonest and disenfranchising system. <br />
I ask those of you who read this to please either respond in the comments with a statement to the contrary or at least pass this around. The political environment in Utah needs to change.<br />
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<br />Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-62021642197570224752016-04-09T14:28:00.001-06:002016-04-09T14:28:47.206-06:00Commentary on: The Secret Origins of the American Tea Party<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="c3lfn" data-offset-key="3s6rv-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.012px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="3s6rv-0-0">In the 1960's the anti-war movement was originally membered by mothers and fathers who didn't want their sons going to war. The Military Industrial Complex, had no interest in having their golden war shot down; and so they infiltrated the anti-war movement with 'hippies' and communist backed-ideologues who were willing to shout louder and act more bizarre in order to grab headlines. This had the effect of forcing out the early protesters who wanted nothing to do with being affiliated with hippies and commies.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="90cav-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2hc92-0-0">To say the Tea-Party was some Golem creation of the Koch brothers, denies the fact that the Average American has long been trampled on and robbed. The obvious fact is that neither political party is really interested in helping the Average American as they are in robbing them. At first this looting was wearily tolerated because, no one wanted to throw a baby out with some dirty bathwater. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="es7p-0-0">However, the tipping of the economic scale -that was a result from all of this robbery- occurred in 2007-2008, and by 2009 the average American needed something to let up. Some Americans bought into Obama's bullshit message of 'change' and the other half realized that they had been left out in the cold by the late winter of 2008 on into Spring 2009. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="514ph-0-0">I firmly believe that the Koch brothers and other billionaires saw this as an opportunity and seized to control and drive all of this hatred into their own interests. I believe that those who were motivated by the ideology that became labeled as 'The Tea Party' got suckered into this crap the same way that the anti-war protesters got overtaken by activist shills. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="4qkno-0-0">But unfortunately I believe that this piece by Jeff Nesbit denies the truth behind the anti-tax movement and instead continues the pantomimed drama between the left and the right.
Read for yourself, and let me know your thoughts:
<a href="http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/the-secret-origins-of-the-tea-party/ar-BBrrqQx?li=BBnba9J">http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/the-secret-origins-of-the-tea-party/ar-BBrrqQx?li=BBnba9J</a>
</span></div>
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Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-88332003166267834742016-03-04T11:57:00.005-07:002016-03-04T12:59:39.241-07:00Donald Trump As An Omen<div class="" data-block="true" data-offset-key="731v2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="731v2-0-0">I believe there is a coming political shift. Perhaps it has already arrived, and we just don't know it yet.</span></div>
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The conservative faction of American politics hasn't always been populated by those who were more religious. Case in point: up until the early 20th Century, the Republican Party was seen as a very progressive party, and largely the more religious populations of America were members of the Democratic Party. </div>
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Particularly after the Civil war and for a period of about 50 years thereafter, the Republican party came into disfavor with the religious majority of Americans due to the prevalent greed demonstrated by the party leaders.</div>
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So in the early 20th Century a push was exerted to court religious Americans, largely because the majority of Americans were very religious.</div>
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As the current generational swing continues to transition a majority of Americans from the Baby Boomer's to the Gen X's/Y's/and Millennials, there is an overwhelming swell of anti-religion rhetoric that comes with that swing and is growing more popular by the day. </div>
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With that anti-religious rhetoric has come also a more tolerant view on social issues, that currently tend to be opposed by the institutionalized religions of our day. </div>
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The Republican Party, being a secular organization, is unconsciously, slowly, quietly releasing its religious moorings due to the unfavorability of religion among the generations that are arriving/arrived to the age of voting accountability, and their social preferences. </div>
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This is most readily seen in the popularity of Donald Trump, as a candidate. Although the Republican Party Leaders, largely oppose Donald Trump, his popularity brings to the table a need for a very frank discussion regarding the identity of the Republican Party going forward. </div>
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<span data-offset-key="8qu03-0-0">Although Donald Trump has given a token lip service to court those who tend to be more religious, his focus has largely been to the Joe-Six-Pack/Bar-going-Americans; who in their own personal lives give mainly lip service to religion and that only as a label and not as a way of life. </span></div>
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Whether those who are religious recognize it or not, the day is coming when they will find themselves disenfranchised as a unified force. I believe this has largely come/will come because of our refusal to be a unified force. (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/38.27?lang=eng#26">D&C 38:27</a>)</div>
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As a result of this all being an involuntary/unconscious act, I predict that the Republican Party has arrived at a point where for a unspecified time they are going to become largely irrelevant in American Politics. This will continue until the party leaders wake-up and decide to reinvent the party after the image of Donald Trump's candidacy. </div>
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<span data-offset-key="8tlll-0-0">Another alternative (and in my opinion, the only good alternative) would be to repent and be one. However, I don't get the feeling that we (those who feel more religious inclinations in our personal lives) have many who are interested in that notion. It is apparent if to no one else but myself, that we are much more interested in hearing how we are chosen, noble and righteous.
Therefore, it is my opinion that politicians -like Ted Cruz- would be wise to listen to and confer with those who are willing to extend any assistance they can give, from those whom they have traditionally opposed: such as Caitlyn Jenner. That is, if they insist on continuing to refuse to repent, and if they want to stay relevant in the political realm. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f1afg-0-0"><a href="http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/caitlyn-jenner-offers-to-be-trans-ambassador-for-cruz/ar-BBqjFo4?li=BBnbcA1">http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/caitlyn-jenner-offers-to-be-trans-ambassador-for-cruz/ar-BBqjFo4?li=BBnbcA1</a></span></div>
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Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-84838408448390273252015-09-15T19:43:00.000-06:002015-09-15T21:30:20.771-06:00Where has the idea that the 12 Apostles have SEEN Christ come from?<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="48ufb-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$48ufb" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="48ufb-1-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$48ufb.1:$48ufb-1-0">I recently saw a really good question on Facebook and decided that I would answer. My answer turned out to be quite lengthy, and so instead of leaving it on Facebook, I decided to turn it into my most recent blog post.
</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="48ufb-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$48ufb" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="48ufb-1-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$48ufb.1:$48ufb-1-0">Let me first state the question: "<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; white-space: normal;">From listening to "The Boise Rescue", Elder Oaks mentioned D&C 107:23 that gave the definition of the 12 Apostles (emphasis added):</span></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; white-space: normal;">
<span data-offset-key="48ufb-1-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$48ufb.1:$48ufb-1-0">107:23:the twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the NAME of Christ in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling."</span></div>
<span data-offset-key="48ufb-1-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$48ufb.1:$48ufb-1-0">
</span>
<div style="display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-top: 6px; white-space: normal;">
<span data-offset-key="48ufb-1-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$48ufb.1:$48ufb-1-0">I found this scripture interesting...has this been misrepresented in the Church throughout the years?...has leadership over the years wanted the membership to believe that they have actually SEEN Christ? (perhaps to further supplant their authority)...where has the idea that the 12 Apostles have SEEN Christ come from?"</span><br />
<span data-offset-key="48ufb-1-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$48ufb.1:$48ufb-1-0"><br /></span></div>
<span data-offset-key="48ufb-1-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$48ufb.1:$48ufb-1-0">
My best answer: Oliver Cowdery gave a Charge to the first 12 men called to the office in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints known as 'apostle' exclusively within the quorum of the 12. (There were men before that time who were called and ordained as apostles, but they were WAY more than 12 and it wasn't really an official organized group.) That charge instructed those men that their ordination to become apostles was not complete until after they had received a visitation with Christ while in the flesh.
The foremost Mormon historian, Michael Quinn had this to say on the matter in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Mormon-Hierarchy-Extensions-Power/dp/1560850604">his second book in the <i>Mormon Hierarchy</i> </a>series,"</span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25.2px;">Cowdrey told the new apostles: 'It is necessary that you receive a testimony from heaven for yourselves; so that you can bear testimony to the truth of the Book of Mormon, and that you have seen the face of God.' Then he continued: 'That is more than the testimony of an angel ... Never cease striving until you have seen God, face to face.' Cowdrey acknowledged that most of the new apostles had depended on visions of others for their faith and suggested that some might even be skeptical of visions. Thus it was not necessary to see Jesus to be chosen as an apostle. However, once ordained each man had a lifelong obligation to seek this charismatic experience: a vision of deity. Some apostles from 1835 onward reported having had such visions before their ordination. Apostles in the nineteenth century referred publicly to their visionary witness."</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1ron3-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$1ron3.0:$1ron3-0-0"><br data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$1ron3.0:$1ron3-0-0.0" /></span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="bp7i5-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$bp7i5" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="bp7i5-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$bp7i5.0:$bp7i5-0-0">This was a well known and documented statement and idea maintained even outside of those who had been called into that quorum. Therefore the mainstream of the church had the expectation that, personal messianic ministrations were still occurring at least among that body of leaders.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="3tjm1-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$3tjm1" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="3tjm1-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$3tjm1.0:$3tjm1-0-0"><br data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$3tjm1.0:$3tjm1-0-0.0" /></span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="d82u9-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$d82u9" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="d82u9-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$d82u9.0:$d82u9-0-0">That charge was recorded and subsequently given to each new member of that quorum -as they were called- until the early 20th century. At that time, due to feelings of inadequacy by an overwhelming majority of those who had been called to be apostles and yet never received any such audience with the Savior- that charge was dropped and new members of the 12 were from that point on referred to the scripture that you quoted in your OP. </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="vuus-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$vuus" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="vuus-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$vuus.0:$vuus-0-0"><br data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$vuus.0:$vuus-0-0.0" /></span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="2bm03-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$2bm03" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="2bm03-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$2bm03.0:$2bm03-0-0">However, publicly the dropping of that charge was never officially declared -in fact it has only been private journals from that time which have since been reproduced that revealed that this change even occurred.</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="a0fr1-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$a0fr1" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="a0fr1-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$a0fr1.0:$a0fr1-0-0"> </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="14gi1-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$14gi1" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="14gi1-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$14gi1.0:$14gi1-0-0">What I have found is that little claim was made to that type of experience by the leaders of the church from Brigham Young down until the 1960's and 70's. In fact during the administration of Heber J. Grant, he was quite vocal that not only had he not received any such experience, he actually prayed not to have it, as he believed it would more than likely lead to deception and apostasy. (For a more in depth discussion on this matter, I would suggest reading <i>Passing The Heavenly Gift</i>, by Denver Snuffer, a local Utah attorney that has written quite extensively on both LDS church doctrine and history.)</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1s5k2-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$1s5k2.0:$1s5k2-0-0"><br data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$1s5k2.0:$1s5k2-0-0.0" /></span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="fh1lc-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$fh1lc" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="fh1lc-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$fh1lc.0:$fh1lc-0-0">What drummed the notion -that leaders were chatting with the Savior every Thursday- back into the mainstream thoughts of the church was, in my estimation something that is ultimately two fold:</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="5vap4-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$5vap4" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="5vap4-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$5vap4.0:$5vap4-0-0"><br data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$5vap4.0:$5vap4-0-0.0" /></span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="bo21-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$bo21" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/21/David_O._McKay_and_the_Rise_of_Modern_Mormonism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/21/David_O._McKay_and_the_Rise_of_Modern_Mormonism.jpg" width="139" /></a><span data-offset-key="bo21-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$bo21.0:$bo21-0-0">#1-) The power grab by the David O. McKay administration, to not only be called the president of the church, but to be called "The Prophet." Before David O. McKay, the latter title was used only for Joseph Smith -but because Heber J. Grant was such an unpopular president, with whom many lay members (and even local leaders) disagreed and contended with, the McKay administration sought to subdue any resistance by laying hold on the title 'Prophet.' (The idea behind this addition is that one can argue and disagree with a president, but if you disagree with a prophet, then damnation is at stake! You can read more about this in <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/David-McKay-Rise-Modern-Mormonism/dp/0874808227">David O. McKay And The Rise Of Modern Mormonism</a></i>) </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="2j6b-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$2j6b" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="2j6b-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$2j6b.0:$2j6b-0-0">This obviously lead to the missionary propaganda that was spread forth wherein we boasted of having a 'Living Prophet' and it is pretty hard to assume that title without having the associated idea that a prophet receives messages from God. Thus leading to the idea that the president/prophet is speaking with God, and if speaking with Him, then of course at least occasionally He might drop in for tea and crumpets.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="eetqo-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$eetqo.0:$eetqo-0-0"><br data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$eetqo.0:$eetqo-0-0.0" /></span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="ns-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$ns" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<a href="http://www.utlm.org/images/newsletters/108/108jeraldsandrawedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.utlm.org/images/newsletters/108/108jeraldsandrawedding.jpg" height="200" style="cursor: move;" width="198" /></a><span data-offset-key="ns-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$ns.0:$ns-0-0">#2-) During the 60's and 70's the work that Jerald and </span><span class="_5u8u" data-offset-key="ns-1-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$ns.$ns-1-0" spellcheck="false" style="background-color: #dce6f8;"><span data-offset-key="ns-1-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$ns.$ns-1-0.$ns-1-0"><span data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$ns.$ns-1-0.$ns-1-0.0">Sandra Tanner</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="ns-2-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$ns.2:$ns-2-0"> (among others) stirred up began to really hit hard. A lot of stuff that had been partially buried for decades regarding a range of topics were brought out in order to try and combat much of what became labeled as 'anti-Mormon' information. That effort by the leaders of the church (specifically Bruce R. McConkie and his father-in-law Joseph Fielding Smith, who attempted to correlate church doctrine according to their own, personal views) to combat this 'anti' material, drug to light many teachings that had for quite some time been discarded. That is not to say that these teachings I am referring to had not been known, but just not in a uniformly digestible way that could be made to accommodate a religious organization as spectrally wide theologically as where the church had originated from. Among those were the teachings of Joseph Smith, that included having ones calling and election made sure, second anointing's and having a personal visitation with Christ. </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="7hdfj-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$7hdfj" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="7hdfj-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$7hdfj.0:$7hdfj-0-0"><br data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$7hdfj.0:$7hdfj-0-0.0" /></span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="9lpm1-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$9lpm1" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="9lpm1-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$9lpm1.0:$9lpm1-0-0">At first, these teachings were paraded as a jewel from the King's closet, that once again could set us apart (read:above) from everyone else. Once the general membership got hold of such ideas there was a very positive reception that buoyed up the notion to further research and promulgate these ideas even further. </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="5gp3-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$5gp3" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="5gp3-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$5gp3.0:$5gp3-0-0"><br data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$5gp3.0:$5gp3-0-0.0" /></span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="a9egn-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$a9egn" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="a9egn-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$a9egn.0:$a9egn-0-0">The love fest didn't last long however for these backward ideas, as leaders began to be barraged with questions every time an occasion presented itself of whether they had their calling and election made sure; what is that like; insight into how one could personally go about accomplishing that; what Jesus looked like; etc. In addition to those problems also came others (non-leaders) who began teaching regarding these ideas, and really made it seem like they (the non-leaders) were having these experiences. Which offended the leaders sensibilities because if a non-leader was speaking with Jesus, and the leader was not...what would that mean? (Which this is a whole other discussion.)</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="d889m-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$d889m.0:$d889m-0-0"><br data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$d889m.0:$d889m-0-0.0" /></span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="6redq-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6redq" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="6redq-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$6redq.0:$6redq-0-0">So in reaction to these new problems, the leaders attempted to slam the door on anyone speaking of these 'deep doctrines' and chastised any who did as being truer than true; looking beyond the mark; and even apostate. </span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="4e2tv-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$4e2tv" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="4e2tv-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$4e2tv.0:$4e2tv-0-0"><br data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$4e2tv.0:$4e2tv-0-0.0" /></span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="a4n7u-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$a4n7u" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="a4n7u-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$a4n7u.0:$a4n7u-0-0">However the damage had already been done, the teachings had spread wide enough that they couldn't be denied (which was heretofore the tactic employed anytime the administrators didn't want to address an issue.)</span></div>
<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="2ssc3-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$2ssc3" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; direction: ltr; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="2ssc3-0-0" data-reactid=".2a.1:5.0.$right.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$2ssc3.0:$2ssc3-0-0">So they stopped talking about it hoping that it would go away...and largely it did. Except for the modern perception that General Authorities all have received their second anointings; thus they have had their callings and elections made sure and therefore regularly chatted with Jesus....or at least played in the annual Celestial Fall Equinox Golf For-Florida-Real-Estate-Charity Tournament that He sponsors each year...however this year, I have it on good word that He cancelled it due to the Shemitah. The only addition to those ideas is that, they are all to 'sacred' to even be acknowledged and so don't ask because they can't tell. </span><br />
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Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-43054124018599982812015-04-18T21:08:00.000-06:002015-04-19T14:49:51.115-06:00Evangelicals<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sojo.net/sites/default/files/images/evangelicals-cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://sojo.net/sites/default/files/images/evangelicals-cartoon.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So this picture is a little misleading for the content of my article...</td></tr>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><i>The Evangelist</i></b></div>
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<i>"An Evangelist is a Patriarch, even the oldest man of the blood of Joseph or of the seed of Abraham. Wherever the Church of Christ is established in the earth, there should be a Patriarch for the benefit of the posterity of the Saints, as it was with Jacob in giving his patriarchal blessing unto his sons, etc." (June 27, 1839) </i><b>[5 years to the day of Joseph's martyrdom]</b></div>
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From November 1838 to April 1839, Joseph Smith was held captive in jail. Charged with crimes of which he was innocent. Suffering in this capacity largely as a result of the Latter-Day Saints inability to get along, (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/101.4-7?lang=eng#3"><i>D&C 101:4-7</i></a>) Joseph gained resolve to do what had alluded him before. To teach -not according to what men would pick and choose, but rather according to what God wanted done in the restoration that He had originally planned for the Latter-Day Saints. (see <i><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/pgp/moses/6.3-7?lang=eng#2">Moses 6:3-7</a>)</i></div>
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3 months after absconding from the Missouri law that had improperly held him prisoner, Joseph began teaching boldly. In a council meeting with the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Joseph taught about Faith, and how one can only receive it by hearing the message given to a messenger sent by God! <br />
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He taught that repentance was not something that should be practiced daily as are our daily transgressions. He taught that Baptism was the channel by which the Holy Ghost would be given. He taught that one must be <u>COMPLETELY</u> (wholly/entirely/without exception, etc.) righteous in order to have the ability to confer the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. <br />
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He taught that the Gift of Tongues was not necessary to preach or practice to the church, because whosoever has the Gift of the Holy Ghost, can speak in his own language and accomplish the same thing as what is done by preaching with the Gift of Tongues! (This would have been especially hard to stomach for many of the Christians they were preaching to, who accepted the gift of tongues as THE ONLY means by which one could know they had been <i>Born Again</i>.) </div>
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He taught that Resurrection and Eternal Judgement were of the first PRINCIPLES OF THE GOSPEL that should be preached when missionaries go out to exhort people. </div>
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Then he started teaching things about which he had previously touched on but never had been very bold. He taught of having ones <i>calling and election made sure.</i> That not only was such a possibility but that after it occurred you then could have the opportunity if not only the obligation to have Christ come to you (Himself, in the flesh!) and minister to you. That Christ would bring you to the Father and vouch for you there just as He said He would. (See <i><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/10.32?lang=eng#31">Matt 10:32</a>; also <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/9.26?lang=eng#25">Luke 9:26</a>)</i> <br />
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Joseph taught that the influence of the Holy Ghost, was not feeling felt through your emotions, but rather <i>strokes of ideas</i> that come to each and every one of us. That by being obedient to these <i>ideas</i>, one would grow in light until you become perfect in Christ Jesus.</div>
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<u>Focal Point</u></h2>
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All of that leading to his final point: Evangelists...?</div>
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This may surprise you, as it did me. However, there is a wise reason that I had never noticed to this, and in order to understand it, you must take in the topic in its entirety. </div>
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In order to do just that, you must first understand that our best interpretations of the word Evangelist simply means a preacher. Which is no doubt important. But Joseph didn't emphasize that point AT ALL!! He instead seems to create his own definition for that word, by changing it to mean a Patriarch...bold teaching, indeed?</div>
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Furthermore this is not the first time that the idea came up. I won't pretend that I know when it first arrived in the teachings of Joseph, but I do know it landed before June 1839. In fact my first finding of the teaching is nearly 4 years earlier! However, when revealing it Joseph didn't overtly point out what was being taught at all. </div>
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As a result of this indirect teaching, I have always glossed over the teaching as if it was just some random thought that had nothing to do with the context that followed. So as to give you a more clear understanding to what I refer, I will quote some of the revelation (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/107.39-57?lang=eng#38"><i>D&C 107:39-57</i></a>) that came to Joseph about the matter.</div>
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<i><span class="verse" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">It is the duty of the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Twelve</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">, in all large branches of the church, to ordain </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><u>evangelical</u></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><u> ministers</u>, as they shall be designated unto them by revelation—t</span></i><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">he order of this priesthood was confirmed<u><b> to be handed down from father to son</b></u>, and <u><b>rightly belongs to the literal descendants of the chosen seed, to whom the promises were made</b></u>. </i><i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">This </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">order</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> was instituted in the days of </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Adam...</span></i></div>
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What follows is a relation of what that order of priesthood (evangelical) looks like in a practical, real world application. It starts with Adam. He ordains his son (Seth) to this order of priesthood, (when Seth is 69 years old) and later blesses him just three years before his [Adam's] death. </div>
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Which should cause us to wonder: what does the blessing of Seth by Adam 3 years before Adam's death have to do with the ordination by Adam of Seth, when Seth is 69? </div>
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In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we have grown accustomed to receiving what we call 'blessings.' These blessings can and are given for any number of reasons. Sickness, preparation, callings, insight, strength, etc. However in the modern church they are only given by one who has been set apart, (by another who has been duly authorized to do so) to hold priesthood. </div>
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So if you interpret Adam's blessing of Seth as what is practiced in the LDS church, you may not get how it relates to [the evangelical]<i> order of the priesthood</i>. So going out on a little bit of a ledge I am going to borrow what I believe are the ideas contained in that blessing to demonstrate that what actually happened was something different than what is generally practiced today. </div>
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Just after relating the fact that Adam blessed Seth just three years prior to Adam's death, the account we receive from Joseph says, "[Seth] <i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">received: the promise of God, (by his father.) That his posterity should be <u>the chosen of the Lord</u>, and that they should be </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">preserved </span></i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><i>unto the end of the earth</i><span style="font-size: 18px;">"</span></span></div>
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The night that Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith, to relate to him the location and coming forth of the Book of Mormon, he gave to him a reworded prophesy originally found in the Book of Malachi. That prophesy states that because there is some group that is coming; when they come they shall burn up everyone on the earth. That is however, if there is not a group who has the hearts of <i>the fathers</i> turned to them and they to their fathers. (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1.37-39?lang=eng#36"><i>Joseph Smith History 1:37-39</i></a>) </div>
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What is worse, however than being burned up when this group comes, is that as a result of the burning; those who are burned shall have neither root nor branch left to them! </div>
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For many this may seem as if it is a scare tactic to get what few who will believe to fall in line. However, what we find here is that it is an integral part of the Lord's promises that He invariably gives to those whom He blesses. This is what we find in the account of Adam's blessing to his son Seth, regarding his posterity being found on the earth, at its end. He shall not be one left without root nor branch. </div>
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Such a promise is not made by some hope that Adam has that such should be the case. It is a prophecy made by Adam, while under the administered comfort of the Lord which was given to him at that time (three years previous to Adam's death.) </div>
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As an aside I have heard that that comfort, administered by the Lord to Adam, was that he was made young instantly so as to be able to prophesy all that should befall his posterity even until the very end. The account doesn't state that. As I understand that comfort it is not youthfulness, but rather the comfort that comes from gaining a promise from the Lord regarding ones own salvation and the salvation of those whom you love (i.e. Adam's posterity.)</div>
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So returning to the order of priesthood that Joseph described as <i>evangelical, </i>what we find is that this order of priesthood consisted in Adam's ability to ordain and then bless his son with promises given to him by God regarding his son's posterity. </div>
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What follows from there is a relation of how there was at least one in each succeeding generation from Adam down to Methuselah, that also were ordained, and then blessed. What is unique about this, is that each generational head from Adam, was blessed and ordained by Adam instead of by his natural (biological) father. That is down to Lamech. </div>
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Lamech received his ordination from Seth. That is probably because Adam had already died when Lamech was thirty-two years old and was ready to be ordained. That made Seth the next in line to perform the ordinations. Despite the presence of 7 other priests, -one of which was Lamech's very own father- who had been ordained, blessed and given the promise of God, Seth was the one to whom this duty fell. ( See <i><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/132.7?lang=eng#6">D&C 132:7</a>, also re-read the quote at the top of this post.</i>) </div>
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<u>Law Of Witnesses</u></h2>
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So we find once that Joseph testifies of this order of priesthood in the which he associates it with Evangelists. Then we find the Lord testifying of it in another revelation given through Joseph. But what about the origin of the word? Evangelists were discussed by both Luke and Paul in the New Testament, but in our best translations we don't find either author giving that word anything relating to something touching patriarchy. </div>
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Or do we? Let's look at the examples.</div>
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2 Timothy 4:2-6 "<i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Preach</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">the word;</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">be</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">instant</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. </span></i><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; a</i><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">nd they shall turn away <span class="clarityWord" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">their</span> ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. </i><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, <u>do the work of an evangelist</u>, make <u>full proof</u> of thy ministry. </i><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand."</i></div>
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Here we find Paul first exhorting Timothy to <i>Preach the word; </i>and to <i>exhort with...doctrine. </i>Later giving the commendation to <i>do the work of an evangelist,</i> Paul seems to correlate more with our interpretations of evangelism than what is contained in D&C 107. </div>
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I am going to show how Paul's use of the word evangelist and Joseph's really isn't different. It will be through the process of examining each use of that word and the context around it, but before we get to that point I want to show how the qualities of an evangelist exhorted by Paul here is of one who possesses already sound doctrine. Which is opposite to those who heap to themselves teachers who satisfy their itching ears. Which teachers, turn away their ears from the truth and unto fables instead.</div>
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It is for this reason that Paul exhorts Timothy to do the work of an evangelist. This because Paul's time is at hand. He seems to be saying that because he is no longer going to be able to do this work, Timothy needs to step up. What is extra interesting to consider is the exhortation to Timothy to <i>make FULL PROOF of thy ministry</i>. How is it that one can make FULL proof of their ministry as a preacher, if that is all that is meant by the term evangelist?</div>
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Next citation:</div>
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Ephesians 4:11-14 <i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">And he</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">gave</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">some,</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">apostles; and some,</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">prophets; and some,</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">evangelists; and some,</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">pastors</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">and</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">teachers; f</span></i><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">or the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: t</i><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">ill we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: t</i><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">hat we <span class="clarityWord" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">henceforth</span> be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, <span class="clarityWord" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and</span> cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This can be a fast examination. Paul is demonstrating that evangelists are an important part of the church. That they are given in addition to the other officers, for the perfecting of the saints. </div>
<div>
In other words, that perfecting of the saints can not be had without anyone of the body parts listed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Otherwise we are still as children(?) tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine. By the sleight of men and cunning craftiness. Whereby the enemy to our souls lies in wait to deceive...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next citation:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Acts 21:8 </div>
<div>
<i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">And the next </span><span class="clarityWord" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">day</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Cæsarea</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">: and we entered into the house of </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Philip</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">evangelist</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">, which was </span><span class="clarityWord" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">one</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> of the seven; and abode with him.</span></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This seeming small verse contains a fairly difficult to understand teaching. Is Philip an evangelist as a result of being one of 'The Seven?' Or is he an evangelist and also one of 'The Seven?'</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To gain some clarity I will demonstrate what is being referenced by this group of Seven</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Acts 6:1-7</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/acts/6.1">
<i>And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. </i><i style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples <span class="clarityWord" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">unto them,</span> and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.</i></div>
<div class="" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/acts/6.1">
<i style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. </i><i style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.</i></div>
<div class="" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/acts/6.5">
<i>And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: w</i><i style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">hom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid <span class="clarityWord" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">their</span> hands on them. </i><i style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So what we find is that there was a murmuring among the disciples. The poor among them were being neglected. In this their conundrum, they believed that the God appointed method they should follow was appointing seven among them, by the voice of the people, who were full of the Holy Ghost and Wisdom to <i>this business</i>. Now beyond their being dedicated to this caring for the poor and needy, something else happened. The word of God increased. The number of disciples multiplied.</div>
<div>
A GREAT company of priests were obedient to the faith. <br />
<br />
Why seven? How does God's Word increase? Why were the numbers of disciples multiplied? Why did those who were priests suddenly decide to be obedient? These milestones may certainly have been accomplished by the unburdening of the Apostles of the Lord to go out teaching instead of '<i>waiting on tables.'</i> But to me the text denotes a direct corollary with the laying on of hands on the Seven, and the increasing of the word of God, the multiplying of the disciples and the priests being obedient to the faith. <br />
<br />
So why did they choose seven of these ministers to their poor and needy? This is where I want to make the connection with Joseph's revelation of the Seven High Priests who are associated with being Evangelists or evangelical ministers (See <i>D&C 107: 39, 53)</i> Certainly the ancient scriptures which were at most 4,000 years removed from their time, were more plentiful to the New Testament Church than they are to us, being 6,000 years removed. Were they attempting to duplicate the same thing which they saw in scripture? Did they understand what Joseph understood?<br />
<br />
If you interpret that Philip was such a great preacher that he was known as an evangelist and just happen to also be one of this group called <i>The Seven</i>, then I would like to ask you why, when the Apostles recognized the need for preaching among the people, did they remove one who was known as such a great preacher, to instead go, '<i>wait on tables?'</i><br />
<br />
Were the apostles acting out of jealousy? Seeking to put up their own authority so as to keep people from hearing the word of God, from one who was known to preach it so plainly, so boldly that he had a title affixed to his name of PREACHER?<br />
<br />
Or as common sense lies in the low, green valley, should we let the text inform us that these seven were now called to a position that in and of itself was what they understood to be evangelical? That would mean that #1 they could preach the word of God, because as Paul stated to the Romans, they had been sent by God (see <i><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/rom/10.14-16?lang=eng#13">Romans 10:14-16</a></i>); and #2 an evangelist is one who has an assigned duty to care for the poor among the people of God. <br />
<br />
<h2>
<u>Connecting The Dots</u></h2>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<div>
Rightly, you may like to see some more evidence to support this line of thinking. If the 7 High Priests that were called together by Adam, three years prior to his death, were the original priests after this (evangelical/patriarchal) priesthood, then we begin to get a glimpse of what Abraham was after when reading his account in the Book of Abraham. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Abraham living on the other side of the flood from these original priestly fathers, and as a result he grew up in a world of apostasy. He desired to reach back to the rights of that generation so that he, -like them- could continue this same priesthood lineage that had been promised by God to Adam, through his posterity. This is what we find in the revelation that Joseph gave regarding The Book of Abraham, that has been so widely rejected as of late, by many. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Abraham said, "<i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">finding there was greater</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">happiness</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of <u>the fathers</u>, and the right where unto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be <u>a father of many nations</u>, a prince of peace, and</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">desiring</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">High Priest, holding the right belonging to <u>the fathers</u>.</span></i></div>
<div class="" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/pgp/abr/1.3">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/pgp/abr/1.3">
<i>It was conferred upon me from<u> the fathers</u>; it came down from <u>the fathers</u>, from the beginning of time, yea, even from the beginning, or before the foundation of the earth, down to the present time, even the right of the first born, or the first man, who is Adam, or<u> first father</u>, through <u>the fathers</u> unto me. </i><i style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">I sought for mine</span><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">appointment</span><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">unto the Priesthood according to the appointment of God unto <u>the</u></span><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><u> </u></span><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><u>fathers</u> concerning the seed.</span> </i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twimovies.com/thumbnail.php?file=Father_of_many_Nation_994926222.jpg&size=article_large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.twimovies.com/thumbnail.php?file=Father_of_many_Nation_994926222.jpg&size=article_large" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As many as the sand on the seashore?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A father of many nations. Why that is a very similar expression to the one promised by Adam to Seth that we read earlier. If Seth is promised that his seed shall last to the end of the earth, then certainly that will encompass many nations. Yet, beyond the confines of this mortal realm, I get the feeling that the many nations being expressed here has more celestial boundaries. <br />
<br />
Abraham wanted to be one of these fathers that he read about, but which are not available to him for some reason. So he saw that he had to find a new residence so as to make that connection with the fathers possible. <br />
<br />
Which is what he did next. He set out, following the voice of God that the Lord would fulfill to him this desire to be a greater follower of righteousness. On his journey he seeks out a man known to us as Melchizedek. <br />
<br />
The bible doesn't contain much of the proceedings of that meeting, only that we know Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek. Joseph though, after the experience with Liberty Jail felt it necessary to reveal a portion of the rest of the story:<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; line-height: 30.6000003814697px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/jst/jst-gen/14.36">
<span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">JST Genesis 14: 36-38<i> </i></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>And this Melchizedek, having thus established righteousness, was called the king of heaven <u>by his people</u>, or, in other words, the King of peace.</i> </span><i style="line-height: 30.6000003814697px;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And he lifted up his voice, and he [Melchizedek] blessed Abram, (being the high priest, and the keeper of the storehouse of God; h</span></i><i style="line-height: 30.6000003814697px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">im whom God had appointed to receive tithes for the poor.)</span></i></div>
Now, most of Historic Christianity either has no idea who Melchizedek was, or they accept that Melchizedek was Shem. Among Latter-Day Saints, there is dispute. I believe Melchizedek was Shem, the son of Noah. Having lived 98 years on the other side of the flood, Shem would have been acquainted with these fathers that Abraham wanted to be associated with. Which is why Abraham looks him up. <br />
<br />
Shem/Melchizedek having this connection from the fathers through his father Noah, (the son of Lamech discussed above, see <i><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/84.14?lang=eng#13">D&C 84:14</a></i>) was the last remaining of the group, known as the father's, on the earth. This is why Abraham can state that he received the rights conferred to the fathers -by God- from the fathers. <br />
<br />
He was not posing. He was not feigning. He was not claiming something about which he had no knowledge. He sought out the fathers and received his rightful appointment to that order of the priesthood. <br />
<br />
What I find indicative is that Melchizedek, being one of the fathers, was in charge of the storehouse of God, in behalf of the poor. Because of this, Abraham saw it proper to pay tithes to him. Furthermore he was called the king of heaven, BY HIS PEOPLE. You would think that such a title would need to come from God. Yet it his people that we find laying on him this title. <br />
<br />
But why king? A king is one who governs. But if Melchizedek and his people were taken into heaven, then shouldn't their king be The King of Heaven? Why are they not condemned for the same idolatry later exhibited by the Israelites in the time of Samuel? <br />
<br />
What is peace? What makes peace? Is it that they were able to have no poor among them? Does this only mean poor in the sense of temporal things or does this mean poor in righteousness as well? <br />
I am persuaded to believe that Melchizedek's being called the King of Heaven has more to do with those things than an idea that he is some ruler to whom his people bowed and gave obeisance by rule of a monarch. <br />
<br />
In other words it was by the voice of the people in the days of Melchizedek that he was called king and this because he was able to justly have no poor among them. This because of the way in which he administered the storehouse of God, the tithes for the poor, It just so happens that this is the same pattern we find being emulated by the New Testament church in Acts chapter 6.<br />
<br />
<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://desertpastor.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/worship_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://desertpastor.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/worship_9.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was going to use a picture of Joel Osteen ™ but figured I'd<br />
probably get sued...so here's this 'evangelical' ministry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<u>Evangelical Ministry</u></h2>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
I have demonstrated that Philip became an evangelist to the church, when he became part of '<i>The Seven</i>' chosen by the people. Let each find it as persuasive as she chooses. I have demonstrated that the duty of an evangelist is to take care of the poor by assignment. Let each find it as persuasive as he chooses.<br />
<br />
What I have not yet done is demonstrate why they chose a name for that office that has as its root definition: preaching. For this let us go back to what I had quoted from Joseph when he was in council with the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. </div>
<div>
<br />
Remember that in that discourse Joseph had brought up <i>election.</i> In that he declared that it was possible to elicit from God a promise, "<i>son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him & finds that the man is determined to serve him at all hazard. then the man will find his calling & Election made sure...</i>" <br />
<i><br /></i>
Among Latter-Day Saints, it has been assumed by many that this would be the end-all, be-all. Rather, from Joseph it seems to be far from the end. After hearing this promise from God, "<i>then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter which the Lord hath promised the saints as is recorded in the testimony of St John in the 14th chapter from the 12th to the 27 verses :</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Note the 16, 17, 18, 21, 23 verses. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>(16.vs) ...I will pray the father & he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>(17) Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you & shall be in you. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>(18) I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>(21) He that hath my commandments & keepeth them, he it is that loveth me. & he that loveth me shall be loved of my father & I will love him & will manifest myself to him </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>(23) If a man Love me he will keep my words. & my Father will love him. & we will come unto him, & make our abode with him.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>¶ Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more or less than the Lord Jesus Christ himself & this is the sum & substance of the whole matter, </i><i>that when any man obtains this last Comforter he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him or appear unto him from time to time.</i>"<i> </i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So receiving <i>Calling and Election, </i>is not the same as seeing, and meeting with the Lord Jesus Christ. Rather that meeting is after the promise, as sequences go. However, there is yet more. <br />
<br />
"<i>even [Jesus, our Lord] will manifest the Father unto him & they will take up their abode with him, & the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him & the Lord will teach him face to face & he may have a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God, & this is the state & place the Ancient Saints arrived at when they had such glorious vision Isaiah, Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of Patmos, St Paul in the third heavens, & all the Saints who held communion with the general Assembly &Church of the First Born &c."</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Calling and Election made sure, receiving our Lord, being introduced to the Father by our Lord. Three degrees, Three heavens, and it is tied in with St. Paul's description of something referred to as the Third Heavens. It has something to do with the General Assembly and Church of the First Born which is said to inhabit the Celestial world described by Joseph in <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/76.67?lang=eng#66">Doctrine and Covenants 76</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.talentshare.org/~mm9n/articles/USac/2_files/image024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.talentshare.org/~mm9n/articles/USac/2_files/image024.jpg" height="193" width="320" /></a></div>
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Do you see something important to our discussion in that last quote, though? <br />
<br />
Lets look at something related to that first and then come back to that. Paul said, "<i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">How then shall they call on him in whom they have not</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? </span></i><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"</i><br />
<br />
In the same discourse we have been discussing, Joseph stated, "<i>Faith comes by hearing the word of God through the testimony of the Servants of God, that Testimony is always attended by the Spirit of prophecy & Revelation.</i>"<br />
<br />
Can a man call upon himself to be sent? Can a group of people confer upon a man that he will <u>always</u> be attended by prophecy and revelation? Do you think that being taught by the Lord face-to-face and having a <u style="font-style: italic;">perfect</u> knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God would be at all involved with this? Would this make a person <i>full of the Holy Ghost and of Wisdom?</i> How can we know that one is full of the Holy Ghost and Wisdom? Does prophecy and revelation have anything to do with that?<br />
<br />
<h2>
<u>Modern Application</u></h2>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<div>
Before The Church of Christ (the original name of the Church) was organized, there were already missionaries going out and preaching the gospel. Hyrum Smith, -Joseph's brother- wanted to know if this is what the Lord would have him do. Instead of the preaching, the Lord exhorts Hyrum to first obtain His Word. He was told that after that, he would then have his tongue loosed, then he could have the Lord's Spirit, even the Power of God unto the convincing of men. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hyrum didn't go out on a mission. He faithfully served the Lord by attending to the needs of the church, those of his younger brother and applied himself to learn the Lord's will. In January of 1841, the office of priesthood AND PATRIARCH was given to Hyrum. Even the Sealing Power about which the Lord had stated only one could hold on the earth at a time, was given to Hyrum. (see <i><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/124.91-96?lang=eng#90">D&C 124:91-96</a></i>) He was to be a Prophet, Seer and Revelator, as Joseph was!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After his decease, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints continued the practice as commanded by revelation, of conferring this priesthood from son to son, in each subsequent generation down from Hyrum; that is until 2013, when the final descendant to hold that office (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eldred_G._Smith">Eldred G. Smith</a>) from Joseph Smith Sr. (the original holder of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Presiding_Patriarchs_(LDS_Church)">that office</a>) passed away, and those who had been commissioned to fill the office, refused to do so. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Lord declared that after having '<i>obtained</i>' His word, then a person would be duly enabled and authorized to declare His word. Whatever you might interpret to be contained in this word 'obtained' used by the Lord, you have to concede that this is what Paul had reference to when he said that in order for people to believe, they needed to hear the word of God from a preacher who was 'sent.' </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These evangelists, were precisely what was being described by both Paul and Joseph. Having obtained the Word of God, they could preach to others about how to do so for themselves. And following the truth ascribed to have fallen from the mouth of St. Francis of Assisi: they preached the Gospel at all times, and sometimes they even used their words.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/Jan_Luyken's_Jesus_23._The_Widow's_Mite._Phillip_Medhurst_Collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/Jan_Luyken's_Jesus_23._The_Widow's_Mite._Phillip_Medhurst_Collection.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The widow throwing her two mites into the storehouse of God</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<u>Conclusion</u></h2>
</div>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<div>
I have attempted to teach -according to my understanding- what an Evangelist is. This is according to the teachings of Joseph Smith, and the Holy Scriptures. Being that I am not sent by God to preach to you as were those who have obtained the Word of God for themselves, I can only leave you with what I believe and you get to choose how persuasive you find it to be. I do not have the power to convince men, other than by that persuasion. Sometimes persuasion is enough.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To all the world, I ask: Where are your Evangelists? Where are your Patriarchs? Where is your priesthood passed down from The Fathers to the Children after the Order of the Son of God?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I ask: Where are our Patriarchs possessing the Priesthood of the Patriarchs, passed down from Father to Son? Lets read D&C 107:40, and then kindly teach me where that order that God established exists among us. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/107.39">
<i>It is the duty of the Twelve, in all large branches of the church, to ordain evangelical ministers, as they shall be designated unto them by revelation—</i><i style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">the order of this priesthood was confirmed to be handed down from father to son, and rightly belongs to the literal descendants of the chosen seed, to whom the promises were made.</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For a time we maintained this. It was had in the form of the descendants of Joseph Sr., through Hyrum. Whenever there was one not able to fill the responsibility the next closest kin would fill in, but it was always maintained. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This has now been discontinued in the fourth descendant from Hyrum. (John Smith, Hyrum F. Smith, Hyrum G. Smith, Eldred G. Smith)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i style="text-align: center;">An Evangelist is a Patriarch... <u>Wherever the Church of Christ is established in the earth, there should be a Patriarch for the benefit of the posterity of the Saints</u>...</i></div>
<div>
<i style="text-align: center;"><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i style="text-align: center;"><br /></i></div>
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We have maintained the office of Patriarch, but we have not maintained it from father to son as it was confirmed to be so. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That priesthood was given to Hyrum. Hyrum and Joseph were to share the gifts accepted by the church of prophesy, seership, and revelation. However no such mention of sharing is made, and indeed per the conditions set forth in <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/132.7?lang=eng#6">D&C 132:7</a> such a mention can not be made regarding the office of priesthood that Hyrum received, because only one could posses that office at a time on the earth anyway.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It could be claimed that D&C 132:7 flat out states that Joseph is the one that possesses this power, and being that D&C 132 wasn't transcribed until 1843 it seems to show that this power was still being held by Joseph as of 1843, which is after <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/124?lang=eng">the revelation</a> in 1841 that confers that same power on Hyrum. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A few things that I would point out:<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
#1- despite being transcribed in 1843, there is no dispute now that Section 132 was actually received long before 1841. (see the heading to Section 132)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
#2- If you want to argue that the revelation states that only Joseph was the one to hold this power in the LAST DAYS, then you must ask yourself if that is the case, how would we have it now?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
#3- If you want to claim that Joseph still holds the power, but that it is perpetuated by some mystical virtue of his office in the church, then we must ask, why wasn't that the case with Adam after he died? Remember after he died it was no longer held by him but rather was held by the oldest living descendant of Adam from the chosen line: Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah, Shem, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Is there a way to reconcile this? Only if you allow for the fact that Joseph originally held this power, and then in 1841 it was transferred to Hyrum, by the will of God and the desire of Joseph. Remember that the Lord had stated to Joseph that he would have power to appoint another in his stead (See <i><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/43.3-4?lang=eng#2">D&C 43:3-4</a></i>). He did that. It was Hyrum. </div>
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<a href="https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/manual/35744/35744_all_043_01-hyrum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/manual/35744/35744_all_043_01-hyrum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Does this have anything to do with <i>The Fathers</i>, mentioned in the prophecy of Malachi, reiterated by Moroni? Perhaps the purpose of an Evangelist/Patriarch in the church is to secure the heart of <i>The Father's</i> to be turned to us. Without that, we are going to be burned; left without root, nor branch.</div>
Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-68199516696471408142015-03-29T00:26:00.001-06:002015-03-29T16:40:17.123-06:00Knowledge<span style="color: #20124d;">“<i>I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.</i>” (introduction to the Book of Mormon)</span><br />
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/The_Book_of_Mormon-_An_Account_Written_by_the_Hand_of_Mormon_upon_Plates_Taken_from_the_Plates_of_Nephi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/The_Book_of_Mormon-_An_Account_Written_by_the_Hand_of_Mormon_upon_Plates_Taken_from_the_Plates_of_Nephi.jpg" height="200" width="126" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was raised in a 'M<i>ormon'</i> family. My mother is an adult convert to the Book of Mormon, and I might say that despite being raised in a Mormon family, my father is for all practical purposes a convert. This because he went through a period of adolescence in the which he indulged a lifestyle that was antithetical to believing the Book of Mormon. <br />
<br />
At around 19 years of age he decided that he wanted to know if he was making a mistake with his life or not and so he decided to pray about the Book of Mormon. The logic was that if the Book of Mormon was truly what Mormons proclaimed it to be, then he was making a mistake and needed to repent. But if it wasn't then he could indulge beyond his current lifestyle to do things that his conscience wouldn't at the time permit. <br />
<br />
He actually struggled with this for years going back and forth on the issue. Finally resolving that he NEEDED to know, he set out with what he described as real intent to know. The result of that was something that he frequently recounted to me growing up. <br />
<br />
I am not going to recount his experience because it is sacred to him and I don't feel that I have the right to mix up the details, as I most assuredly would; having not been there myself. <br />
<br />
I only recount his part of the story so as to bring you now into mine. Growing up, I never struggled with doubts about the Book of Mormon. I have even tried. I have read a lot of criticisms, debated with a lot of people -much smarter than I- about the Book of Mormon. I feel like I understand any of the serious arguments against it. Yet, they all have fallen back into disarray. I find it impossible to seriously entertain these doubts. <br />
<br />
This hasn't been due to social or peer pressures. I guess it is more due to the love I have felt in my family. I know that loving families are not an exclusive 'Mormon' property. However, I have yet to see people as weird, nutty, offensive, and eccentric as those who make up my family, that can love each other as deeply, wholly and without reserve as can those in my family. <br />
<br />
I believe that this is the result of lives lived in conformity with the truths contained in the Book of Mormon. At least those fruits that my family has been able to find appealing enough to consume up to this point, (thus leaving the door open for even greater growth from the additional truths that as yet we still do not recognize.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/v6dFs83.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/v6dFs83.gif" height="112" width="200" /></span></a>This isn't magic. It's not: proclaim to believe the Book of Mormon to be the most correct book on the face of the earth, and you will have a guarantee to get the love that I am proclaiming is a result of doing so. Rather it is a fruit of my fathers active, faithful exercise to go and get an answer from God, conform his life to the truth that was revealed and then raise his children up believing and living those same things. <br />
<br />
At this point I should make something clear. Despite my ability to not doubt the Book of Mormon, I have struggled deeply with my inability to replicate the experience my father had when seeking to know if the Book of Mormon is true. I have believed that the promise contained in verses 3-5 of Moroni chapter 10, applied to securing from God a divine answer regarding the authenticity of the promise made by Joseph Smith, quoted at the beginning of this post. <br />
<br />
Yet frequently I would wonder where my answer was. On numerous occasions I would search, ponder and pray regarding this issue. Yet nothing akin to what my father described, or really anything that I felt comfortable describing as giving me the power to say "<i>I know"</i> that statement is true, occurred. <br />
<br />
This has caused me great stress in my own personal spiritual journey. Largely because whenever I would read the scriptures and Joseph Smith's own account, the feeling would often come to me that, if <i>so-and-so </i>can do it, then so can I. This contrast of reality vs. perception continued in spite of consistent counsel that significant spiritual manifestations were rare, and used by God only for <i>'special people in special circumstances.'</i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://d1hdlz9ljonw49.cloudfront.net/product-images/000/658/221/detail/NotEvenOnceClub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://d1hdlz9ljonw49.cloudfront.net/product-images/000/658/221/detail/NotEvenOnceClub.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perhaps these are the special people who get the special circumstances?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i></i></div>
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<br />
In August of 2011, I set out to read <i>Rough Stone Rolling</i> by Richard Bushman. Unique from the experience of many others who read that book, my faith was uplifted by that book. Whereas I had spent my life comparing myself to Joseph Smith and the subsequent recognized Presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and feeling wholly inadequate to ever be in the same room as them. That book exposed many of Joseph's weakest personal attributes and characteristics. <br />
<br />
This had an amazing effect on my spirituality. It fortified my faith in God and my personal belief that I could approach Him. It caused me to believe that certainly if Joseph could encounter angels sent by God, who told him to stop '<i>treasure seeking,'</i> and yet in his weakness continued; then there was still a chance that God could possibly be patient with my weaknesses consistently performed before Him in my life. And if that was the case, then there was still reason to seek for authentic, divine answers from God to me, that would give me power to KNOW things about Him, instead of mere supposition. <br />
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<br />
<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://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LJRi56MqL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51LJRi56MqL.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Passing-Heavenly-Gift-Denver-Snuffer/dp/0615528961"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Passing the Heavenly Gift</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Within a month of reading that book, I was referred to another book by a close friend. It was a book <br />
that dealt with the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints™, by an author who I was vaguely familiar with from another book -that dealt with a VERY different topic- that I already owned. The book that I had owned dealt with man's right and obligation to come closer to our Lord, indeed even to come to Him face-to-face and to have an audience with Him. <br />
<br />
I had perused that book and had not endeavored to read it, due to a feeling that I wasn't at a point in life to be able to dedicate the time necessary to study the points made in the book. So I had put it on the shelf. <br />
<br />
However, with this new book -the one that dealt with the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints™, that was referred by my close friend- I had just got done reading Bushman's book, and was deeply interested in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints™. So I began reading it. <br />
<br />
It was incredibly hard. You should know that I was no slouch previous to this. I had already read Michael Quinn's three book series on Church History. I had even read some of Gerald and Sandra Tanner's material. Yet for some reason, what I read in this book was incredibly much harder to deal with than anything before. <br />
<br />
Here I should explain something. What was hard about this book was not what I would call <i>faith-challenging</i>. What I would define as <i>faith-challenging</i> is something that is deliberately bringing forth selective material for the intent to cause you to disbelieve central, core tenets of your current faith system. Rather this book dealt with the hard issues associated with those who have been Mormons in the past, while exposing the doctrinal truths that required more diligent effort on the part of every individual Mormon. <br />
<br />
I had never before considered that I wasn't living up to my part of the Covenant made by me, upon accepting baptism. What I experienced in that book, was hard because it broke my heart about myself. I had made SERIOUS logical errors about what I needed to do in this life in order to gain exaltation in the next. This book had now exposed this personal dilemma. I needed to be a better Mormon! <br />
<br />
This book did something else as well. The author testified, that he had met Christ. Perhaps to a more sane person this might come off too weird. Perhaps right then and there I exposed my own craziness by not claiming that, "<i>God use to do things like that, but not anymore!</i>" However, being foolhardy, I was actually motivated by that testimony. <br />
<br />
Once again, this declaration brought me back to believe even more than before that if miracles happened to others then I might be invited as well. Perhaps God really did not have <i>respect of persons</i>. To be clear, the author of this book was an attorney by profession. He had held NO previous ecclesiastical authority other than as a father in his own home. He had not even served an official mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints™! So if our Lord could come and talk to a man who was nothing more than someone who believed the Lord -and an attorney to boot- then why should I not be invited?<br />
<br />
I did consider that maybe he was lying. Or perhaps insane. Delusional? He certainly wasn't dumb because the book that he produced was very meticulous in presentation of detail. <br />
<br />
I decided that in order to get a better picture I needed to read more of what he wrote. I wanted to find out what his <i>slant</i> was. So I started reading the first book that he had written -which was the one I already owned. I read it. I was amazed at the doctrine contained! The book was self-declared to be a manual on how to come unto the Lord, who is described as <i>The Second Comforter.</i> If this wasn't totally preposterous it surely was presumptuous. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/417qrU0EBHL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/417qrU0EBHL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="200" width="138" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Second-Comforter-Conversing-Through/dp/0974015873"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">The Second Comforter</span></a></td></tr>
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Yet despite the lofty claim by the author of the book to be a manual for such a thing, the principles were simple. Nothing I had not heard or read before. Just arranged in a manner to leave me with an even more enhanced sense that God not only left open the possibility of my coming to Him, but that He actually intended for that to happen. God expected, while in this life for me to come into His presence and receive a remission of my sins! Just like Enos in The Book of Mormon. (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/enos/1.1-5?lang=eng">Enos 1:1-5</a>)<br />
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For me, this was unheard of. Absolutely ground breaking principles that shattered my previous paradigm. I decided then and there that I would not only read the rest of this author's books, but that more importantly I really did need to be a better Mormon. With each book I read, Mormonism became more delicious to me. Things I had been taught as a child now clicked in my head and heart. Instead of finding it hard to do those things, they now became a delight. <br />
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Then love happened. I began to love a lot more than I ever could previously. Love for everyone. People whom I normally looked upon with indifference or even disdain, now became people with whom I could completely empathize. In some ways I became very liberally minded socially. Even those who criticized me, opposed me, or ridiculed me could find no animosity in my heart to retaliate against. <br />
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I began to see King Benjamin's testimony of how I am a beggar being fulfilled. This then caused me to love the beggars. Even those I know/knew are/were gaming the system. I didn't care. I gave to them. I tried to get to know them. Their fears. Their needs. Their worries. In whatever way I could I would help them. Sometime this took on the form of donations. Sometimes it was having a chat. Other times it was giving a ride. And sometimes it is nothing more than praying for them because I have nothing to give. <br />
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Some have told me that this is nonsense. That I am doing more damage than good. What they say I agree can be true. However, the feelings that have come into my heart can not be changed. I can not put them away now. I believe I now know why.<br />
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Last night, after corresponding with a friend about these things, my wife and I read from <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32?lang=eng">Alma 32</a>. The words in that verse helped me see what knowledge is and that I had been missing the boat for a long time. <br />
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I want to share those verses with you, so that you can have knowledge too: <br />
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<i><span style="color: #20124d;">26 Now, as I said concerning faith-that it was not a perfect knowledge-even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">Faith is not knowledge.</span><span style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;"> </span><br />
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<i><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="27" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">27 </span>But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.</span></i><br />
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The Book of Mormon is exposing itself here and now as an interactive experience. There is no use for you or I to read it if we are not going to interact with the designs of the book. Here and now you are being taught how to know the truth of any proposition. <br />
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="28" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">28 </span>Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.</span></i><br />
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For this interactive experience to work you have to go along. To know the truth of a proposition, you have to be willing to allow it to plant it in your heart to see where it is going to take you. If you allow your unbelief (not lack of belief but something that actually removes belief) to cast it out, then it does you no good to think that you are truly finding out if a proposition is true. <br />
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Now the next thing that I want to discuss is the difference between how truth is defined in The Book of Mormon and how we try to define it contemporarily. You may think that science discovers truth through a process of experiments that produce verifiable and quantifiable results. However, this is not truth. While one does produce results that then can be sustained and repeated through the scientific method, it however does not produce truth. In fact the purpose of the Scientific Method is to demonstrate what is not true. However, because in this world truth is a contradiction of itself, the Scientific Method can never arrive at truth; only explores the options of what is not true.<br />
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So the proposition of what is being described here in these verses (how to come to KNOW something) is inherently antithetical to everything you experience in this world. Therefore it should not come as a surprise to you that like seeing in another dimension the things expressed will be counter-intuitive to everything else in this world. <br />
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The first step to KNOWING something is after having given room and planted the thing that you want to know in your heart, it will begin to swell. Swelling enlarges. This indicates the possibility of life. All life is generated by Christ. Life is truth. The Word of God is truth. But not all swelling indicates life. However, this swelling in your heart is delicious to your soul.<br />
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="29" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">29 </span>Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge.</span></i><br />
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Because not all swelling indicates life, just because you have swelling, does not indicate that you have truth. In order to be truth it needs to have life. If it has life it will grow past swelling (providing you don't or haven't cast it out by unbelief.)<br />
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="30" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">30 </span>But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">Swelling, sprouting, and beginning to grow. Now this indicates life. If something causes your soul to stir, it is only moving. That doesn't mean it has life. However, if it makes itself manifest in this world, in a tangible, visible manner, then we now know that it has life. This is sprouting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">For me this happened in the actions the Word gave to me, that changed how I lived my life. I read something and it struck me as true, and as a result it became manifest in my actions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">Beginning to grow is the step when it not only caused me to change the actions prescribed but also changed my heart. Love for others grew as an outgrowth of the original sprouting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">Swelling, Sprouting, and Beginning to grow. <u>IT IS BY THIS THAT ONE COMES TO KNOW!</u></span></div>
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="31" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">31 </span>And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness.</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="32" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">32 </span><i>Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it groweth not, behold it is not good, therefore it is cast away.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">If after swelling, it doesn't sprout and grow, then cast it away. </span><br />
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="33" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">33 </span>And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">Think about it: This is Knowledge. This is how to know Truth. Not by going through the things that you should disbelieve (scientific method.) Rather Knowledge comes by believing. Allowing a place in your heart for truth to be planted. Letting it grow and watching earnestly for it to sprout and grow after it has been planted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">Why do you think that so much emphasis was placed by Christ proclaiming that you must BELIEVE, during His mortal ministry? (see <span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/9.28?lang=eng#27">Matt 9:28</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/21.22?lang=eng#21">21:22</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/21.25?lang=eng#24">25</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/21.32?lang=eng#31">32</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/1.15?lang=eng#14">Mark 1:15</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/5.36?lang=eng#35">5:36</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/9.23?lang=eng#22">9:23</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/11.24?lang=eng#23">11:24</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/16.16?lang=eng#15">16:16</a>;<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/1.20?lang=eng#19"> Luke 1:20</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/8.12?lang=eng#11">8:12</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/8.50?lang=eng#49">8:50</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/22.67?lang=eng#66">22:67</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/24.11?lang=eng#10">24:11</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/24.25?lang=eng#24">25</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/1.7?lang=eng#6">John 1:7</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/1.12?lang=eng#11">12</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/2.11?lang=eng#10">2:11</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/2.22-23?lang=eng#21">22-23</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/3.12?lang=eng#11">3:12</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/3.16?lang=eng#15">16</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/3.18?lang=eng#17">18</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/3.36?lang=eng#35">36</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/4.42?lang=eng#41">4:42</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/4.53?lang=eng#52">53</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/5.24?lang=eng#23">5:24</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/5.46?lang=eng#45">46</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/6.29?lang=eng#28">6:29</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/6.69?lang=eng#68">69</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/7.31?lang=eng#30">7:31</a>;<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/8.24?lang=eng#23"> 8:24</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/8.30?lang=eng#29">30</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/8.45?lang=eng#44">45</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/9.35?lang=eng#34">9:35</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/10.25-26?lang=eng#24">10:25-26</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/10.38?lang=eng#37">38</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/11.15?lang=eng#14">11:15</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/11.25?lang=eng#24">25</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/11.27?lang=eng#26">27</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/11.45?lang=eng#44">45</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/11.48?lang=eng#47">48</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/12.11?lang=eng#10">12: 11</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/12.36?lang=eng#25">36</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/12.42?lang=eng#41">42</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/12.44?lang=eng#43">44</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/12.47?lang=eng#46">47</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/13.19?lang=eng#18">13:19</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/14.1?lang=eng#1">14:1</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/14.12?lang=eng#11">12</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/16.27?lang=eng#26">16:27</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/17.8?lang=eng#7">17:8</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/17.20-21?lang=eng#19">20, 21</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/19.35?lang=eng#34">19:35</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/20.25-31?lang=eng#24">20:25,27,29,31</a>.</span> I hope you realize that I didn't waste my time looking up these references just to show that I could list a bunch of scriptures. You should really look at these references....at least a few of them.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">You don't need to believe in men. You don't need to believe in an institution. You need to believe that He is capable of clearing the way before you. All of this if you will #1-) clear a place in your heart for the seed to be planted #2-) let it grow #3-) believe the results!</span><br />
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="34" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">34 </span>And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand.</span></i><br />
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Your faith is dormant! This because Knowledge supplants faith. Swell, enlighten, expand. <br />
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="35" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">35 </span>O then, is not this real? I say unto you, Yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, therefore ye must know that it is good; and now behold, after ye have tasted this light is your knowledge perfect?</span></i><br />
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This is as real as this world gets. You may enter into different realms above that of the plane upon which this world resides, but for the here and now, this is real. It may be anecdotal, but it is nevertheless real. At the day in which you go to meet God, you will not be able to deny that it wasn't.</div>
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Whatsoever is light, is good. That because it is discernible. From what? The darkness which surrounds you. This world is full of darkness. Light swells. Light brings life. Therefore it grows.<br />
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="36" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">36 </span>Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside your faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed was good.</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="37" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><i><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">37 </span>And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit.</i></span><br />
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Nourish the plant. The garden of Eden was a place where food grew spontaneously without labor on our part. We are in the process of returning to that condition. In order for that to happen, there must be a garden full of trees that produce fruit. <br />
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In the world to come I doubt there is a need for food to give energy to the physical body. However, there will be need to feed that which is spiritual. If you do not have the tree, you do not have the fruit. Nourish the plant that it may get root, grow up and bring forth fruit. <br />
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="38" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">38 </span>But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="39" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><i><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">39 </span>Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof.</i></span><br />
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Is your ground barren? Do you refuse to nourish the plant? Regardless of whether your ground is barren, it can be made fertile if you will just nourish it. This requires care. Do you care? Or do the cares of this world overrun and choke out the plant that grows to be the tree? </div>
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Alma has been speaking metaphorically. However, this is real. It is a real tree that produces real fruit.<br />
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="40" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><i><span style="color: #20124d;"><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">40 </span>And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life.</span></i><br />
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The Tree of Life that was in the Garden of Eden is guarded by a super ninja angel with a flaming sword! When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. When God cuts your path off to just walk up and eat of the Tree of Life, grow a new one! <br />
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Don't think that you are circumventing Him or His plan. This is His plan. This Tree is the Tree of Life, because it comes from Christ, the only One who has life! He has made it possible for you to do this. <br />
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However you are circumventing His plan when through your disobedience or through the traditions of your fathers, you refuse to allow the seed that He freely gives out to grow!</div>
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Look forward with an eye of faith to the fruit that will one day grow in abundance due to your diligent labor in nourishing and caring for the tree. Believe that it can and will happen!<br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="41" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><i><span class="verse" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">41 </span>But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.</i></span><br />
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<div class="" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/bofm/alma/32.42">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="42" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><i>42 And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.</i></span><br />
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="43" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #20124d;"> </span></a><i><span style="color: #20124d;">43 Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you</span>.</i><br />
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This is not nor will it ever be easy. It requires faith, diligence, patience and long-suffering. The tree is the Mother of God. (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/11.9-15?lang=eng#8">1st Nephi 11:9-15</a>) She produces children for God. Children with Life! That is what Christ came to do for you: to give you the opportunity to have life and that eternally!<br />
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He will do this if each of us will individually allow Him to do what He came to do. What is described above is HOW I know. I have shared this with you because it is part of my plant sprouting and beginning to grow. I wanted to share with you, because the change in my heart compels me to do so. I know it is so. You can too.<br />
God bless you!Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-75260566683878863392015-03-20T23:10:00.000-06:002015-03-20T23:10:37.026-06:00Light And The Absence Thereof<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">In the heavens, the Sun is the only source of life sustaining light as far as we are concerned. The Moon and the planets receive their light from the Sun and are not able in and of themselves to produce light; only reflect the true source. </span><br />
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<a href="http://paganpages.org/content/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sun-and-moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://paganpages.org/content/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/sun-and-moon.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>The light reflected by the Moon can illuminate a pathway sufficient enough to give direction, but who would want to live solely by it? </div>
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All light illuminates. It originates from Christ. </div>
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God associates His power with His word. This typology is given to John in John's documented revelation of Jesus Christ, as a sword that issues forth from Christ's mouth (Revelation 1:16; 19:15.) Additionally we find this type in the men who are given His power in their word, to "kill the wicked with the breath from [their] lips." (see Isaiah 11:4)</div>
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God's Power is His word. God's word is truth. His truth is light. (see D&C 84:45)</div>
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God's Power is therefore also typified by the visual light we see. God's power -the authorized version of it given to man- is expressed in the term, Priesthood. </div>
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Therefore Priesthood is typified in light. Through the Sun's light reflected by the Moon, the lesser priesthood is typified. It points to the true light at night. It stands as a nearly invisible, side witness during the day; fulfilling the calling given it for serving as a sign and processing through the seasons. </div>
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Lesser priesthood is that of a fellowship among men or a 'hood' of priests. It serves only to allow men to point a mind to Christ by those to whom it will be 'received', (Jacob 4:5.) </div>
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However, despite the lesser priesthood being a fellowship of men, they -like the Moon- wholly derive whatever light that they reflect from the true and only source of light in our darkness. If the conditions by which the light is governed is not obeyed, then the light is cut off. </div>
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In order to reflect light the Moon must face the Sun. When through the process of only operating in the lesser/reflective light the Moon steps into the shadows and seeks to become a light unto itself, simultaneously with that action the light is taken away. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Isn't this an interesting testimony that we have in the heavens? On April 4th there will be a lunar eclipse. Creating a display that cuts the light off to the Moon which is a type of the fellowship of men. Instead of the usual illuminated semblance of a full moon deferring glory to the Sun from which it derives it's own light, that would be in effect otherwise; there will be a symbolic display of blood which comes from a cutting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.commdiginews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Blood-Moons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.commdiginews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Blood-Moons.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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The testimony of the heavens set there from the foundations of this world by God can not be changed, only disregarded (Jeremiah 31:35-36.) It makes me want to be more aware of all of His works. I wonder what other neat stuff is happening on the 4th of April?</div>
Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-2723580709979445232015-03-16T12:30:00.001-06:002015-03-16T13:42:00.288-06:00Understanding The Truths Restored In The Book Of Mormon<i><span style="color: #444444;">I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents. Therefore having been taught somewhat in all the learning of my father.</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Nephi equates being a good parent with teaching children in ALL of the learning that an individual may posses. The children may not retain all of this learning, but if our desires are to live according to the definition that Nephi gives of being a "good" parent: we will teach them.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">This principle was emphasized in the days of Joseph Smith. On May 6, 1833 The Lord explained, "<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><i>I have commanded you to bring up your </i></span><i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">children </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">in </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">light</span></i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><i> and truth.</i>" </span></span><span style="color: #444444;">A commandment given to all Latter-Day saints to bring up your children in light and truth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Pahoran, Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #444444; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Previously in the same discussion the Lord told Joseph, "<i>The glory of God is intelligence, or in other words light and truth.</i>" </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Pahoran, Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Pahoran, Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">A few months earlier He explained, "<i>T</i></span></span><i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">he W</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">ord</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">light</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">, and whatsoever is light is </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Spirit</span></i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><i>, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ.</i>"</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">So the first truth restored in The Book of Mormon that we encounter is the reality that all parents have a command from God to bring up their children in light. Whatsoever is truth, is light. Whatsoever is light, is the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Which is His glory. Which glory is intelligence. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Earlier in the process of the restoration came a warning, however. The Lord explained to Joseph's brother Hyrum that, "</span><i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Seek not to </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">declare</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> my word, but first seek to </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">obtain </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">my </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">word</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Spirit</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> and my word, yea, the power of God unto the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">convincing</span></i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><i> of men.</i>" This warning is puzzling in our day. We are not familiar with a process of how to obtain the Word of the Lord unless it means simply to purchase scriptures. Hyrum did have scriptures available to him at this point. However, not the Book of Mormon as it had not been published yet... </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">So on one hand we are commanded to teach our children after the all of our learning. While at the same time we are warned against declaring the word of the Lord until we have first obtained the word of the Lord. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">-What does it mean to obtain the Word of the Lord? </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #444444; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">-What does that look like?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #444444; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">-Why the warning of not declaring before first obtaining?</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Going back to the discussion the Lord gave to Joseph on May 6, 1833 He stated, "</span><i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">that </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">wicked one</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> cometh and </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">taketh</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> away light and truth, through </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">disobedience</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">, from the children of men, and because of the </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">tradition</span></i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><i> of their fathers.</i>" The warning of declaring before first obtaining is given because we don't/shouldn't want to be responsible for passing on disobedience to God to anyone, especially our future generations due to the traditions of our fathers which traditions we are not adequately trained to differentiate from the Word of the Lord.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Pahoran, Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">In speaking of faith, Mormon explained, "</span></span><i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> ...so great was [The Brother of Jared's] faith in God, that when God put forth His</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">finger</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> H</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">e 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 <b><u>obtained</u></b> by faith. </span></i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">And after the brother of Jared had beheld the finger of the Lord, (because of the promise which the brother of Jared had <b><u>obtained</u></b> 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."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Pahoran, Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">If we go back and read the Brother of Jared's account preserved within the Book of Ether, we find that -after praying that he, his family and friends not be confounded- he later petitioned the Lord to know whether it were His will to lead the Brother of Jared, his family and friends out of the land where they currently resided and into a new land of promise. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Pahoran, Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Pahoran, Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">He received a promise that the Lord would lead this group to such a place. As a result of obtaining this promise, the quote cited above indicates that the Brother of Jared was able to posses the faith necessary to enter into the presence of the Lord; to see not only His finger but His face and whole body; and to commune with Him there.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Pahoran, Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Pahoran, Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">Obtain is not a passive verb. It is an action verb. It requires effort from the person doing the obtaining. If effort is not exerted then the appropriate word to use would not be obtain but rather received.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Pahoran, Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Pahoran, Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">We have a commandment to bring up our children in light. We are warned against the folly of declaring God's word when we have not obtained it. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Pahoran, Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Pahoran, Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">The Book of Mormon has restored the light to understand the escape from this conundrum. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #444444; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Pahoran, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2000007629395px;"><br /></span>Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-41293987654881801002015-02-22T23:16:00.001-07:002015-02-22T23:36:22.262-07:00The Untoward Generation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3>
<u>The Burning Fire Shut-Up In My Bones (Jeremiah 20:9)</u></h3>
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I apologize to any faithful readers that I have made wait so long for this post. One thing you should know about me is that I am lazy. I have felt promptings to write many times since my last post, but have avoided those promptings due to that laziness. <br />
I don't want to be lazy right now, so I have decided to repent and attempt to write down some of the thoughts that have been like fire in my bones for some time.<br />
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One thing that might seem odd to some readers in this post is my use of market-place/economic terms to describe or define religious or philosophical principles. This is not an attempt to denigrate anyone persons belief or to cause unbelief, but rather to just facilitate in getting across the point that often times due to our cultural background things gain a unique insight in a economic/market-place sense.<br />
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<h3>
<u>The Reverse Definition: Insanity</u></h3>
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Most people have heard the common adage that the definition of Insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results each time or over time. A notion that is implicit if this is accepted is that if you do things different than was done before, you can not or will not get the same results. <br />
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As a society we have changed the way we function in comparison to former societies, generations, cultures. The basic way of life and superstitions of previous societies have been neglected and replaced by a more modern and intellectual process. We call this progress and pat ourselves on the back for what we define as forward movement because a change of scenery has taken place. <br />
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Yet declaring forward momentum or progress occurs simply because scenery changed is a poor use of logic and if not ceased, inevitably dangerous. <br />
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<br />
<h3>
<u>But Why, And How...?</u></h3>
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Many consider evolution to be a relatively new principle or theory. When in actuality it is very old. I am not going to cite sources because my laziness is kicking in, but the information I give you is well worth your time to study and understand for yourself. <br />
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Nobody actually knows when and where the propounding of the principle of evolution had a start. <br />
<a href="https://evilsquirrelsnest.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/alex-trebek.jpg?w=640" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://evilsquirrelsnest.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/alex-trebek.jpg?w=640" width="200" /></a> If you ask who is Darwin, then Alex Trebek is going to deduct 1000 points from todays Daily Double! It had been taught in the ancient mystery schools from at least the time of Pythagoras, but I suspect that it had been adopted by them from earlier mystic teachings. It does have true application.<br />
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Micro-Evolution (e.g. small changes in the beak size of a finch, or the length of a lizard, etc.) has never been very much disputed. I'm not saying that it hasn't had it's detractors or critics, but the solid evidence for its presence can be and has been shown to occur in a process of time that can be monitored.<br />
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Macro-Evolution (organisms developing wholly unique cells with a variety of interdependent and yet completely different functions), however is where the hang up begins. This is not because of a lack of evidence, but rather the haphazard acceptance of what constitutes evidence and more divisively the philosophy that lies behind the How-and-Why of Evolution. <br />
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<h3>
<u>The God Argument</u></h3>
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<u><br /></u></div>
Critics of evolution have largely allowed themselves to be herded into one camp, and that camp is defined by those who claim to posses beliefs about God and man which they claim are threatened/offended by the philosophy of evolution. <br />
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Often times those folks are opposed by an equally vocal opponent that has corralled the opposition into an agnostic or atheist origin of thought. These two groups hurl insults back and forth despite the lack of hard evidence or even good reasoning from either side. <br />
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As a result there are many in the independent camp who can be for/or against a belief in God and who are for/or against evolution, but never vocalize their viewpoints out of fear of being caricatured by something that they do not believe or stand-for.<br />
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All of this, however is a detour from the real crux of the argument.<br />
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<h3>
<u>The Purpose Of Life And Man</u></h3>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
Long before Darwin, evolution was a philosophy. It was a principle used to show that mankind is forever progressing forward. The idea was immortalized in allegorical principle, and became married to the idea that man would one day evolve to a perfect state. These allegorical understandings were perpetuated in the secret societies that became prominent in Europe. <br />
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The Aristocracy of Europe became enamored by these secret societies because they truly believed that they were better than the common-man. Evolution, for them, meant that the more base-men needed to be "weeded out" or at least could be treated with impunity and the stronger, more intelligent (read: them, the rich dudes who owned land and had power of one source or another) of our species put forward and defended. <br />
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The principles of this type of thinking can be seen in stories or even teachings, common to that era. <br />
<a href="http://s.hswstatic.com/gif/rumpelstiltskin-story-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s.hswstatic.com/gif/rumpelstiltskin-story-1.jpg" height="184" width="200" /></a> The fairy tale of Rumplestiltskin taught the idea of a secret knowledge that made possible the turning of straw into gold. This was based off the idea that had been rumored for millenia that there was a gnosis/science which could turn base elements/metals into the most prized element, gold. <br />
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We know this as alchemy and many mock it as foolish, simpleton wishings but at one time it represented the edge of scientific exploration. The principle of al-CHEM-y is even the root of the form of learning that we call CHEM-istry. (As an aside, recently in the field of nano-research, we have found that gold is a compound of elements made up of nano-strings that are composed of a wide ranging set of varying things found in nearly everything else. So we still are looking for a way to turn base elements into gold.)<br />
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Back to my point however, the principle of alchemy was based on the once mystic teaching of the evolution of man. The process by which the people of this world would evolve to one day arrive at a state of perfection. This idea has had a recent shot in the arm, by the budding trans-humanist movement.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://heterodoxology.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/singularity-is-near-kurzweil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://heterodoxology.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/singularity-is-near-kurzweil.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray Kurzweil: Prophet of The Coming<br />
TransHumanist <br />
Singularity</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The devil is always in the details and the path to perfection has always been multi-faceted due to the differing opinions of how it was to be accomplished. Some believed that it only required "weeding-out" (read:slaughtering) the more base people. Others believed that they needn't be eliminated just managed (read: turned into slaves.) <br />
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Others still, believed that it would be impossible to eliminate all of the "undesirables" and instead they could be processed. Each of these examples are not comprehensive of the number of teachings that exist or have existed and propounded. But they in themselves have evolved to the circumstances of the society in which they are taught, and tailored to meet the needs of the aristocracy of that given group. <br />
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<h3>
<u>Forward March!</u></h3>
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<u><br /></u></div>
You can see how this type of thinking would be both alluring (to those who were being told that they were the great ones) and offensive (to those who would be told that they were undesirable and at best worthy only to be a slave and at worse worthy of death.) For this reason it remained repressed and taught only to those few who would become initiates in the mystical schools of thought that propounded these things. <br />
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Frequently the different schools of thought would clash with one another regarding who were the great ones and who were the undesirables. Priest against priest and convert against convert, they would wage war. When bloody war became impractical then psychological war would be engaged. This presented itself by the adherents of a given school of thought bringing out proof to the public for their proof of progress. Always these theories would be presented in the form of the buzz word, "progress" instead of evolution. This so that the "sacred" teaching of ones own ideas of evolution wouldn't have to be brought out into the eyes of the masses-to-be-slaughtered, thus circumventing their ire. <br />
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So everyone would be shouting about the "progress" that their camp had demonstrated and brought to society at large to gain support if not straight out converts. Always with flattering words to the unsuspecting masses who would align themselves to a school-of-thought-idol that issued decrees about progress with which they would feel secure despite their terrible situation. (Side-Note: being a convert did not guarantee ones position as a "desirable." In fact many of the ancient mystery religions maintained that lower orders of initiates were to be used as pawns and nothing more. They could straight out be lied to and fed all sorts of nonsense because they were nothing more than meat bags in this strategic game of chess. Read Albert Pike's works for more evidence of this.)<br />
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<h3>
<i><u>"Tell a lie long enough and loud enough and eventually people will believe you." (attributed to Adolf Hitler, somewhere in Mein Kampf...I don't know if he really said it and I'm too lazy to Google it</u></i></h3>
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<i><u><br /></u></i></div>
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<i><u><br /></u></i></div>
For the most part, people didn't believe this progress propaganda. It's too hard to believe a philosophy about how everything is getting better when travel and trade are made nearly impossible due to the dangerous circumstances that lurk around every corner. When your superiors have power over your life and don't value it very highly it's hard to believe that the world is getting to be a better place. When one out of three children are dying from diseases it is hard to have faith that we are smarter now than before.<br />
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However, the common-man had not yet realized his potential. He was accepting of his futile state. So attempts were made to recruit those who had the power of government (read: kings, nobles, etc.) for endorsement purposes of the <i>thought-product</i> which was being sold to others who held positions of power. <br />
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On the mid-levels this worked splendidly, but in the upper echelons of power, this didn't go so well. Because tyrannical kings have no need to believe a story about how things are getting better; and don't really care to admit such because doing so implies that there use to be room for improvement and therefore probably still is. <br />
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So inasmuch as it might help them, they tolerated it, but all too often the infighting among the priests of the schools of thought created a polarizing position for a King that couldn't be risked. After a variety of unsuccessful attempts were made the schools of thought abandoned these attempts and took another route. <br />
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<h3>
"<i><u>The enemy of my enemy is my friend." - Someone who hated someone else and figured out that two are greater than one</u></i></h3>
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<i><u><br /></u></i></div>
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So instead the priests turned on the governmental powers and subterfuge became the name of the game. This was first enacted through the empowering principles that began in the reformation. Overwhelmingly many of the reformers, playwrights, artists, doctors and philosophers were members of or at least affiliated with secret societies such as the Free Masons, Rosicrucians and the Priory of Sion to name a few. These became the heralds of the renaissance and the later revolutions that changed the face of Europe from a feudalist society to...well to the convoluted mess that it later became. <br />
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Even after the New World became populated, the war continued albeit from afar. The ancient schools of thought that had dominated intellectualism for millennia, at first missed their cue at the prominence of this new world. This despite one of the leading proponents <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Atlantis">alluding that this New World</a> could become the final pedestal to put on display the practice of true Alchemy: turning man into God.<br />
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Although an early opportunity had been missed, after independence was gained in the New World everyone in the old schools saw the potency that such a fresh, untainted landscape-of-the-mind could hold in reshaping the balance of power between them. Like wolves to a carcass, the zealous adherents -that had been trained in the potential danger of the lack of presence in this new world- each made a claim. The failure to take possession of a substantial piece-of-the-market could spell out doom by way of a lack of relevancy and practitioners to espouse and defend your ideology. <br />
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Fights ensued and mortal blows were inflicted. Some claims of powers that at one time held sway in the Old World diminished. Other powers that had newly grown in the fertile soil of the New World took hold and grew on their own. Each continued to declare that their form of progress was the real progress that the whole world needed. <br />
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<h3>
<u>What Is Progress?</u></h3>
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<u><br /></u></div>
Having examined this short history we should ask ourselves. Which (if any) of all these forms or schools of thought are right? <br />
In the midst of this war of ideas, many people who were not sure began to ask themselves that very question. This was a danger because in this New World, the common man had actual power. Whereas previously one only needed to win over the feudal lords that controlled a populace this could possibly lead to an over-saturation of the market place for Schools with ideas. <br />
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Consolidation needed to be made. This could only happen through compromise. Adherents of certain schools of thought that were similar gathered together under the banner of a new school: Science. Science was unregulated and untested. Anything in Science could be called progress because hardly any efforts in that realm had practically been applied to real understanding. All things could be reorganized under the progress of Science because science means knowledge and that through observation. This meant no more faith in unseen things that could previously only be hoped for. In Science, progress would be applied only to things that could be observed, quantified and qualified.<br />
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This had REAL application because instead of trying to convince the masses that their lives were improving, Science could be used to point to things that everyone could see had changed. The change couldn't be disputed and when the change was proclaimed to be progress, who could dispute? But the struggle for "Progress" was an old battle. A new word that Science could apply that didn't rely on the power or training derived from old institutions was needed. This Science, after all was a merger of multiple schools of thought to become one. So all things needed to become new...even the buzz words used to excite the masses. <br />
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<h3>
<u>A Revolution of Evolution!</u></h3>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
Evolution, once seen as too dangerous to be taught to the masses became unfeared provided it were taught abstractly. The newly merged, powerhouse school of thought (Science) could receive the law of three witnesses by pointing to Micro-Evolution, inferring Macro-Evolution and pointing to the change that came with the Industrial rEvolution; and by these take the position of benefactor to all mankind! <br />
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Scatter a lot of flattering words coupled with patriotic sentiments and some Manifest Destiny and voilà: All of the other schools of thought that didn't join in with the new power house Science, got demoted to second or third position in the market place of thought. This point was so dramatic because of the lack of real assistance that those who got demoted had previously exercised in the average persons life. <br />
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While reviewing this competitive jockeying it needs to be seen that those in power of any form often only benefit/bless a few select-group of people, and this out of necessity. If any person falls out of the line of exigency then they generally don't receive the real world benefits that are reserved for a select few. This works until the power of the powerful few is outweighed by the power of the neglected many who no longer care to uphold that institution because they are on the outside looking in.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who is paying this guy's salary? <br />
Who do you think he is paying attention too?<br />
This is not to denigrate family or religion, just a reality of concern.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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You might recognize that by a large majority many religious entities were/are appalled by the new power house school of thought. There wasn't just one reason for this. Some were repulsed due to ideological principles. Others were repulsed because of strategic placement of sworn enemies now aligned within the camp of Science. Thus was adopted the old principle: if you can't or won't join 'em, then you gonna have to beat 'em. <br />
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A war has been waged ever since. I believe that many would declare the fight to be over if not in name only. Many of those who were once on the side of the anti-Science camp switched sides, when they felt that it wasn't a battle they could afford to lose.<br />
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A good measure to the power of Science has been due to the technological advances that came with the industrial revolution. Technology is now one of the biggest buzz words to fill in the place of progress. Yet despite the awe inspiring technological advances that have been made, the question that many still are asking: Is this progress? <br />
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There is not any shortage of defenders of "The Real Progress" from the branches of this new school of thought that is Science. A large portion of advertising that we receive in the United States of America comes in the form of a defense of the progress that technology provides to mankind. Beyond that, even in church I can be serenaded with testimonies about technology being a proof that God loves me (which must mean that He didn't really like anyone that lived pre-1800, at least not as much as He loves me.) <br />
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<h3>
<u>Isis Comes Walking In</u></h3>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<b><i>"And then you sense a change, nothing feels the same, all your dreams are strange: </i></b><br />
<b><i>Love comes walking in.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Some kind of alien waits for the opening, then simply pulls a string and love comes walking in." </i></b><br />
<b><i>-Van Halen: Love Walks In</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
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For this post I want you to swap the word Love with Isis in the above partially quoted song. Not the Egyptian godess Isis but the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Because at this point in our discussion ISIS comes walking in. The short history lesson that I gave above was given so that you could understand the precarious position that our world is in right now.<br />
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Earlier I declared that many would believe that what has become the battle between religion and science is over. However, for many who are a silent majority, Science (and by association the Western World) has not brought us progress. Heretofore this silent majority has been divided by their own divisions amidst the different schools of thought to which they belonged. Yet separately they are grew dissatisfied with the "progress" that the Western World has offered and promised. <br />
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Typically this restlessness was not a major disruption. That is changing. One of the major contributing factors to the success of the group known as ISIS/ISIL/DAESH is their ability to find support all over the world. Typically with most religious organizations it's hard to attract anyone outside of the circle of influence of that specific culture. Proselytizing can enlarge this circle of influence but proselyting for people who have no attachment to that culture, to sign up to wage war against civilians as well as armies is something that nobody could or would have ever have thought possible. <br />
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DAESH has proven this notion wrong. With success that would be described as amazing if it wasn't so terrifying, DAESH has drawn people from all over the world to come and either wage war or support the war that they wage. And not just video game addicted, nihilist, matrix watching young males who have no real idea of the terror of war, but even women are signing up. These people lose the prospects of the progress that they have always been promised and instead head out to support a militant, religiously fanatic and hard-nosed group of unwavering warriors. <br />
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When I look at the level of acceptance that many of these people have to make in order to "join" I am nothing but flabbergasted. Think about it for a second. Think of all that these folks give up and ask yourself what it would take for you to do the same thing. Then realize that these folks are not that different from you as far as what it would take...the difference is that that requirement has been filled for them. <br />
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This makes sense when you look at the profiles. All of these folks are from the minority, outcast segments of society that are fed up with the empty promise of progress. Their faces have been ground down by the rich, the wise and the learned of the world. They have no hope in that world. So they cling to the next hope of promise that lends it hand their way. <br />
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<h3>
<u>In With The New Boss, Same As The Old Boss</u></h3>
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<u><br /></u></div>
This occurred on a much smaller level with the election of President Barack Obama in the United States. The masses had grown sick of the promises of the old powers and overwhelmingly united behind an icon that had never been given the chance to wield power in recent memory. This icon brought a campaign built on change (i.e. Progress) that YOU could believe in. Yet on the shaky foundation upon which our world rests, the new progress was exposed to be nothing more than the same old change of scenery slapped with the silly label: progress. <br />
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The masses are not easily fooled anymore. At least not by the same old methods that have been in practice over the last 100 years. The sales job that is going to work to seal the deal needs to be TOTALLY revolutionary from anything that any who live now, have ever experienced. DAESH is just that type of revolution. <br />
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The problem is that a lot of you, in fact the majority of you don't really believe that DAESH can gain any type of traction because their ideology is not persuasive to you. You need to see though that it isn't always about the numbers but the passion. No Fear clothing brand slickly marketed to those who were least likely to be defined by the proverb, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog that matters." <a href="http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/lured-by-isis-how-the-young-girls-who-revel-in-brutality-are-offered-cause/ar-BBhNKzb">The same proverb is true here</a>.<br />
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People who have full stomachs won't fight. They have too much to lose. They may bitch and moan but they won't rebel. Those of us in the advanced world deal with such trivial issues that its a joke. We struggle with the softness of our toilet paper. When those from areas in the world that have to deal with daily murders, extortion and overall corruption come and visit us, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trolley_Square_shooting">they find it hard to not hate us</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://ct.weirdnutdaily.com/ol/wn/sw/i57/2/11/15/wnd_41348b9f68b3df995c3488bfb58368cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ct.weirdnutdaily.com/ol/wn/sw/i57/2/11/15/wnd_41348b9f68b3df995c3488bfb58368cc.jpg" height="125" width="200" /></a>This because they see what a joke our 'progress' is. We have to be medicated just to tolerate each <br />
other. So with a heart full of passion they hate us and insist on fighting us. In the pride of our hearts we insist that we are better than they, and that they need to subordinate themselves to our superiority before they receive anything from us. <br />
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<h3>
<u>A Common Tale</u></h3>
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The ending to this story shouldn't be a surprise. It has been played out time and time again in the history of this world. What should be more surprising is that we are going to re-live it. Even more so because the ending has been told us long ago (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/18.7-9?lang=eng#6">2nd Nephi 18:7-9</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/20.1-6?lang=eng">20:1-6</a>.) But we refuse to pay attention. We refuse to believe (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/9.4?lang=eng#3">Alma 9:4</a>). We look around and see that we prosper and count it as proof of God's acceptance, blessing and protection of us (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/12.15?lang=eng#14">Mosiah 12:15</a>). We see our mighty military and trust in the arm of flesh that has brought us our technological progress (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/28.31?lang=eng#30">2nd Nephi 28: 31</a>) . We have no care for the ease in which our military technological advances would be and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennium_Challenge_2002">could be brought down</a>. <br />
<br />
We receive calls of repentance from a loving God but instead we insist on trusting in our own arm (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/33.9?lang=eng#8">2nd Nephi 33:9</a>.) What was knocked down by God, we say we will rebuild with greater strength (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/19.9-10?lang=eng#8">2nd Nephi 19:9-10</a>.) We mock the loving words that He not only so diligently declared but lived and loved us with (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/12?lang=eng">3rd Nephi 12.</a>) We cast out His servants preferring our own leaders who soothe us with flattery of our greatness and assure us of our victory if we just follow them (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/28.4-6?lang=eng#3">2nd Nephi 28:4-6</a>.)<br />
<br />
We trust that if there is a God, surely He is with us. We believe that we can with impunity break His laws, neglect His people, and seek after the lusts of the flesh with impunity because surely He will justify in committing these sins. If not, then surely He will castigate us to some small degree and then after a while embrace us again as if it were all some running joke (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/28.8-9?lang=eng#7">2nd Nephi 28:8-9</a>.)<br />
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We declare that we live in the last days but we look not with fear and trembling for the salvation that must be sought by those who desire not to perish (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/philip/2.12?lang=eng#11">Phillipians 2:12</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/morm/9.27?lang=eng#26">Mormon 9:27</a>.)<br />
<br />
All the while the unpleasantness felt in the hearts of those who have suffered under the hand of pride grows and grows. They are witness to murder, rape, extortion and corruption from childhood. They know not the ways of mercy because they have never been shown mercy by their 'brothers'; therefore those who will seek mercy at their hands will at once see the burden that they could have lifted and would not (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/23.11-18?lang=eng#10">2nd Nephi 23:11-18</a>.)<br />
<br />
<h3>
<u>In The Mouth Of Two Or Three</u></h3>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
Perhaps you think me wrong. Perhaps after considering these things you believe that if this was how the story was going to unfold then surely God would reveal His secrets to those who lead you (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/28.14?lang=eng#13">2nd Nephi 28:14</a>.) <br />
<br />
Recently I was reading in the <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=q4zqk3Mslx8C&printsec=frontcover&dq=teachings+of+the+prophet+joseph+smith&hl=en&sa=X&ei=2cLqVNagOIn3yQSY04G4BQ&ved=0CB0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false"><i>Teachings Of The Prophet Joseph Smith</i>, pgs 47-49</a>, and I came across this section which I found to be relevant. I am going to quote it mingled with a few of my own changes (emphasis, underlinings, grammatical/punctuation corrections and all) and it is lengthy. I do so because I find it to be a highly valuable juxtaposition between those who truly know Christ and those who pretend to such:<br />
<br />
<i>"Consider for a moment, brethren, the fulfillment of the words of the prophet. For we behold that darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the inhabitants thereof. That crimes of every description are increasing among men. Vices of great enormity are practiced. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The rising generation growing up in the fullness of pride and arrogance. The aged losing every sense of conviction, and seemingly banishing every thought of a day of retribution. Intemperance, immorality, extravagance, pride, blindness of heart, idolatry, the loss of natural affection; the love of this world, and indifference toward the things of eternity increasing among those who profess a belief in the religion of heaven, and infidelity spreading itself in consequence of the same-men giving themselves up to commit the acts of the foulest kind, and deeds of the blackest dye.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Blaspheming, defrauding, blasting the reputation of neighbors, stealing, robbing, murdering; advocating error and opposing the truth, forsaking the covenant of heaven, and denying the faith of Jesus. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>And in the midst of all this, the day of the Lord fast approaching <b>when none except <u>those who have won the wedding garment</u> will be permitted to eat and drink in the presence of the Bridegroom, the Prince of Peace!</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
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<h3>
The First Type Of People:</h3>
<i><br />Impressed with the truth of these facts what can be the feelings of <b>Those who have been partakers of the Heavenly Gift</b> and have tasted that good word of God, <b>and the powers of the world TO COME? </b>Who but <b>those </b>that can see the awful precipice upon which the world of mankind stands in this generation can labor in the vineyard of the Lord without feeling a sense of the <b>World's deplorable situation?</b> </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Who but <u><b>those who have duly considered</b> </u>the condescension of the Father of our spirits, in providing a sacrifice for His creatures, a plan of redemption, a power of atonement, a scheme of salvation, having as its great objects, the bringing of men back into the presence of the King of Heaven, crowning them in the celestial glory, and making them heirs with the Son to that inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and which fadeth not away-who but such can realize the importance of a perfect walk before all men, and a diligence in calling upon all men to partake of these blessings?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<h3>
The Second Type Of People</h3>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Some may </i>(and certainly do) <b style="font-style: italic;">PRETEND</b><i> to say that </i>(uttered with a high head and pontificating voice, at least in my mind): <i>the world in this age is fast increasing in righteousness! That the dark ages of superstition and blindness have passed, when the faith of Christ was known and held only by a few. When ecclesiastical power had an almost universal control over Christendom, and the consciences of men were bound by the strong chains of priestly power. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>But now, the gloomy cloud is burst, and the Gospel is shining with all the resplendent glory of an apostolic day! And that the kingdom of the Messiah is greatly spreading, that the Gospel of our Lord is carried to divers nations of the earth, the Scriptures translating into different tongues. The ministers of truth crossing the vast deep to proclaim to men in darkness a risen Savior, and to erect the standard of Emmanuel where light has never shone; and that the idol is destroyed. <br /><br />The temple of images forsaken; and those who, but a short time previous, followed the traditions of their fathers and sacrificed their own flesh to appease the wrath of some imaginary god, are now raising their voices in the worship of the Most High, and are lifting their thoughts up to Him with the full expectation that one day THEY will meet with a joyful reception in His everlasting kingdom!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>But a moment's candid reflection upon the principles of these systems, the manner in which they are conducted, the individuals employed, the apparent object held out as an inducement to cause them to act, we think, is sufficient for every candid man to draw a conclusion in his own mind whether this is the order of heaven or not...We shall present the points as we consider they were really designed by the great Giver to be understood, and the happy results arising from a performance of the requirements of heaven as revealed to every one who obeys them; and the consequence attending a false construction, a misrepresentation, or a forced meaning that was NEVER designed in the mind of the Lord when He condescended to speak from the heavens to men for their salvation.</i><br />
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<br />
<h3>
<u>Did You Catch That?</u></h3>
<br />
I want you to ask yourself: are you part of that first group of people or second? Which group do you think Joseph was/is in? Does/did he view the world as increasing (progressing) in righteousness? Did he see the millennial day as the result of the gradual, progressive effort that mankind gives to one day sluff off the dross from among us? <br />
<br />
Why is he characterizing the evidence of progress typified by the gospel going forth and scriptures being translated into many tongues as the evidence for pretenders? Why does he prioritize the views and perceptions of those who have actually transcended the veil and give testimony of what they witnessed upon receiving of the <i>Powers in the world to come</i>? What does it mean to <i>duly</i> consider the condescension of the Father of our spirits? How does one <i>duly</i> consider such a thing? Is this all just conjecture or is Joseph speaking from experience? Can one <i>duly consider</i> the condescension of the Father of our spirits by thinking really hard about it, or does <i>being in the presence of the Bridegroom</i> come into play with such a thing?<br />
<br />
What is progress/evolution?<br />
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<h3>
<u>Another Witness</u></h3>
<br />
<br />
Nephi saw our day. He was worried about and for us. He was shown the tools of progress that would be in our hands and weighed them against what he knew was real progress. He labored countless hours etching on metal plates words of Isaiah that he knew we would already have. Why the redundancy? To show off his skills of etching? Because he really really liked the words of Isaiah and thought that just telling us to read Isaiah's words just wouldn't get that point across?<br />
<br />
He told us of a group that he called '<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/20.5-6?lang=eng#4">Assyrians</a>.' He <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/18.7-8?lang=eng#6">warned</a> us of them. He said that they would be the instrument that God would use to punish a 'hypocritical nation.' He told us that they would not have <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/23.16-18?lang=eng#15">mercy upon ANY</a>! He told us that there would be some few that God would take from under the ruling hand of the Assyrian to establish Zion. (Meaning that they first fall under the hand of the Assyrian.) These were termed a '<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/20.20-12?lang=eng#19">Remnant</a>.' (Remaining from what? Why just a Remnant?) This remnant is told to be <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/20.24-25?lang=eng#23">patient in their suffering</a>. This because the Assyrian will have power over them for some time as the Egyptians enslaved ancient Israel. Yet the remnant is promised that God will remember them and deliver them from under the hand of the Assyrian, even as He did by Gideon at the <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/20.26?lang=eng#25">Slaughter at the Rock of Oreb</a>.<br />
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<br />
<h3>
<u>Conclusion</u></h3>
<br />
Let us repent! Let us repent lest God smites us all by the rod of His mouth. By His wrath, and by His anger, and our sufferings be sore. How sore we do not yet know. How exquisite we do not yet know. Yea, how hard to bare we do not yet know. <br />
<br />
A situation taught in the Book of Luke regarding the message of repentance given by John the Baptist can be very helpful here:<br />
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4 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.</div>
<div class="" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, Pahoran, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/luke/3.5">
<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="5" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5 </span>Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways <span class="clarityWord" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">shall be</span> made smooth;</div>
<div class="" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, Pahoran, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/luke/3.6">
<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="6" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6 </span>And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.</div>
<div class="" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, Pahoran, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/luke/3.7">
<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="7" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7 </span>Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, <b><u>O generation of vipers, who hath warned YOU to flee from the wrath to come?</u></b></div>
<div class="" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, Pahoran, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/luke/3.8">
<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="8" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8 </span>Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to <span class="clarityWord" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">our</span> father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.</div>
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="9" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">9 </span><span style="line-height: 25.2000007629395px;">And now also </span><b><u>the axe is laid unto the root of the trees</u></b>: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit (True Progress?) is hewn down, and cast into the fire.</div>
<div class="" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino, Pahoran, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.2000007629395px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/luke/3.10">
<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="10" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10 </span>And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?</div>
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="11" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">11 </span>He answereth and saith unto them, <b><u>He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.</u></b></div>
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="12" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12 </span>Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?</div>
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="13" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">13 </span>And he said unto them, <b><u>Exact no more than that which is appointed you.</u></b></div>
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </a><span class="verse" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 1px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">14 </span>And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, <b><u>Do violence to no man, neither accuse <span class="clarityWord" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">any</span> falsely; and be content with your wages.</u></b></div>
It all kind of sounds a lot like the principles taught later in the Sermon on the mount, right? Must be a coincidence...<br />
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<br />Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-53080515385330466372014-10-29T23:09:00.002-06:002014-10-29T23:23:27.099-06:00Studying Jeremiah (Chapter 3)I know this may sound odd, but the end of Chapter 3 of Jeremiah, seems to me to be a fantasy The Great I Am is playing out with Israel, in His own mind! <br />
<br />
You see, I Am is the husband. He married Himself to Israel sometime ago. He reminds Israel, frequently of that. Yet despite this Israel continues to play the harlot (See Jeremiah <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/jer/2.20?lang=eng#19">2:20</a>; <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/jer/3.6?lang=eng#5">3:6</a>, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/jer/3.13?lang=eng#12">13</a>). It's odd to me in my cultural upbringing, to think of God referring to His people as a whore...and He married to her. Yet Jeremiah in the boldest of language shows that the God that he is conversing with, sees things just that way.<br />
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When you read it in its actuality the graphic use of language is quite disturbing. His insistence of using the allegory of infidelity in marriage throughout the messages that He continues to deliver to His servants is, to me, hard to listen to. Yet despite my delicate feelings being pricked regarding this vulgarity, I Am seems to see the situation in those precise terms.<br />
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What's even more strange is that in the opening of Chapter 3, He opens up by explaining to Jeremiah the course of action that any other red blooded man would choose whose wife proved unfaithful. He acknowledges that any other man, would never go back after a wife who had left him for another man. Yet this is exactly what I Am, is want to do. While she's out fornicating with every dude she can find out in the hills, and under the trees, He sits at home and sends her couriers with messages of devotion and love that are hers if she will just acknowledge that she has wronged Him (See Jeremiah <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/jer/3.13?lang=eng#12">3:13</a>), and then return to Him (v <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/jer/3.14?lang=eng#13">14</a>). True love and diligent devotion, indeed! <br />
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So He goes on in verses 20 through 25 to lay out His kinky fantasy: His wife, who has treacherously slept with every other guy she can find, comes to the recognition that she had a good man at home all along. She feels completely inadequate to return home to Him. Where as before she could lie about her incredible transgressions and not feel the slightest remorse or even break a sweat on her forehead(see Jeremiah <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/jer/3.3?lang=eng#2">3:3</a>), she now feels nothing but shame and remorse (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/jer/3.24-25?lang=eng#23">Jeremiah 3:24-25</a>.) <br />
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Beyond comprehension, the Great I Am does the unthinkable: He not only takes her back in, but heals all of the wounds she incurred while doing what a harlot does on her back (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/jer/3.22?lang=eng#21">Jeremiah 3:22</a>.) <br />
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At the end of His mortal ministry, Jesus <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/15.13?lang=eng#11">pronounced</a> that greater love has no man than this: that He lay His life down for His friends. Jeremiah is simply pointing out that the friend that He is lying His life down for, is his treacherous wife. All in hopes that she will finally love Him. <br />
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<br />Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-54169801607930633772014-10-29T00:48:00.004-06:002014-10-29T00:49:42.329-06:00Studying JeremiahNearly a decade ago, I read the Old Testament for the first time. I didn't get much out of it. Bits and pieces, but largely it was incomprehensible to me. I believe that largely this was so, because I didn't have the context to understand it...or because I was sleeping.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is an actual picture of me</td></tr>
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What is odd about this is that next to the Book of Mormon, the Old Testament (and it's LDS corollary: The Pearl of Great Price) is my favorite set of scriptures. That is not to denigrate the New Testament, because I do love it as well, but often times it seems that -a part from a whole lot of conjecture- there is even less contextual understanding about the New Testament to be had. Sadly, the Doctrine and Covenants has been equally neglected by me.<br />
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I don't believe that I am alone in my neglectful understanding of the Old Testament. Among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Protestant Christians alike I have heard the notion pronounced, "The New Testament did away with the need for the Old Testament." This pronouncement is accompanied by an attitude of disregard to ever make sense of the Old Testament.<br />
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<h3>
<u>Grow-Up</u></h3>
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Since that time I have read much and gained a lot of context. Authors such as Margaret Barker, Denver Snuffer, Hugh Nibley and a few others helped immensely.<br />
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This year in Gospel Doctrine we have been studying the Old Testament. I have exerted extra effort to attempt to have the proper context within the scriptures to correctly understand the stated purpose of each lesson. It has been amazing!<br />
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I'm not doing much else with this blog, so I figure that I can occasionally share some of my insights that I gain/have gained on this blog in hopes that I might be of some help to someone who cares or at least would like to care about the Old Testament.<br />
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<u>Jeremiah</u></h3>
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I am going to start with Jeremiah.<br />
A few things about Jeremiah: He lived in the Southern Kingdom of Judah (although he was a Benjamite), -long after the Civil War that began during the reign of Rehoboam and Jeroboam. He lived after the time that the Northern Kingdom (Israel, also sometimes called Ephraim) had been overtaken by the neighboring Assyrians and carried away.<br />
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It seems that the citizens of the Southern Kingdom, loved to bask in their supposed superiority and greater favor in the view of YHWH. This they surmised because of their continued existence and prosperous reign in their promised/covenant land, long after the Northern Kingdom had been destroyed. This is not hard to imagine due to the competitive spirit that was exhibited by the landed tribes, almost from the beginning of their inhabiting the land.<br />
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One of the duties that the Lord gave to Jeremiah was to go and relay the message to the citizens of Judah, that God didn't really think too highly of them, and in fact was in the process of bringing in foreign armies to invade them unless they repented. As can be imagined, the citizens didn't take this very well.<br />
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<h3>
<u>Imagine...</u></h3>
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Put yourself in that place. Imagine yourself as an ancient inhabitant of Jerusalem or the suburbs lying around. Except obviously to you, you are not ancient. Take away the obvious knowledge that the scriptures currently bestow upon you of your obvious wickedness and need for repentance. Let's say that you are a....camel trader. (I know of the historical arguments against the underwhelming presence of camel's in the middle east in the early BC era's; but dromedary's are talked about in the book of Jeremiah, so I am going to suppose that this was not a problem for our imagination.)<br />
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So you are a run-of-the-mill camel trader, at Joe's Camel Corral. You're busting your hump just like <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I think this is good deal for you!"</td></tr>
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everyone else, trying to eek out an existence for your average 12.3 kids. You pay your tribute to your tribal leaders like all good Israelites do, and you have your Temple of Solomon recommend that ensures you the ability to go up every now and then and kill a few doves or what have you, in order to obtain a little forgiveness for your occasional bad-used-camel deal, where you may or may not have told a sojourning stranger that he was buying a Bikaneri, when in reality it was a Kachchhi! <br />
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You've heard all of your life about the great dispensation head MOSES, and the love/favor that he secured with YHWH for you and the rest of the Israelites. You know the stories about an even earlier friend of YHWH's whose offspring you have been assured you are, named Abraham. So knowing that you are not only a descendant of Abraham, but that you are one who has received the covenant that YHWH gave through Moses, gives you a sense that you just need to be a good Israelite, not get stoned for picking up sticks on the Sabbath or sleeping with your neighbor's wife, etc., and one day you will be drinking camel's milk on the big cloud in the sky!<br />
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In addition to all of this, recently you have heard rumblings of a "Messiah" that is suppose to come and redeem all of Israel. Like the original King David, this guy is going to set in order all of the House of Israel and slay all of those wicked Philistines that keep robbing your camels: no Goliath to tall, because of course...you are YHWH's chosen people. He loves you, and He hates your neighbors that give you such a hard time. It's also important to remember to imagine that this belief is something that you believe is going to happen shortly (obviously because of your favor with YHWH), possibly in your lifetime. <br />
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As a people you have had wars with your neighbors. Many; and despite the occasional up's and down's, for you and your people, it is all viewed as an overall gradual rise up! You have even won some really BIG battles against some of the biggest nations around. Egypt, Assyria, you name it and Israel prevailed. <br />
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So with all of that, now imagine that along comes Jeremiah into this pretty picture. He says that as a people, you all use to be YHWH's chosen people..but now like your whore-for-a-sister Northern Kingdom Israel, you are about to be destroyed (see Jeremiah 3: 6-12). Yeah, that's right. You have been rejected by YHWH, he says. Additionally he says that from the very beginning, when they entered the promised land, your forefathers sinned against YHWH and haven't stopped clear down to your lifetime (see Jeremiah 2:7.) <br />
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So since the time of Moses, you have brought condemnation upon your head. YHWH, was patient with you, but you and your ancestors insisted on worshiping other gods (see Jeremiah 2:27.) Now YHWH, is going to destroy you unless you turn to Him.<br />
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"AH-HAH", you retort back to Jeremiah. "You are a deceiver! Because turning back to YHWH, away from whatever other gods we were 'allegedly' supposed to have worshiped is the exact premise upon which King Josiah operates. You see, he has purged the temple of all those old relics that our fathers use to spend their time talking about. And by means of a group of scribes called the Deuteronomists, he has correlated our doctrine, so that all of the old teachings as well as the new confirms what we currently believe today! He has even been so pious so as to stop referring to YHWH in such a term, and in all of our scriptures he has instructed us that the name of diety is to sacred to share, even for those who TRULY know it. So now we are to only refer to H-m in terms that keep H-m at a reverential distance. So, you see Jeremiah, we are turning back to H-m through following Josiah, our leader." <br />
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<u>Keeping It Real</u></h3>
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Now having imagined all of this, go back and read the book of Jeremiah. Read how Jeremiah told them that Josiah, this supposed righteous leader of theirs who had purged the people of "wickedness" was the one to which the Lord sent the first word to Jeremiah, that not only Israel had "played-the-harlot" but also that Judah was continuing to do the same thing IN THAT VERY DAY! (see Jeremiah 3:6-11.) <br />
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Realize how hard it would be in that time to recognize Jeremiah as anything other than some ranting-raving Benjamite. He was not the High Priest of the time. He did not come through the established Priesthood hierarchy of his day.<br />
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The only qualification that Jeremiah had for you to be able to recognize him with, was his message. Despite your belief that Josiah was righteous and wouldn't be leading you astray; Jeremiah was tasked with the job of telling you that everything you knew just wasn't so. Remember that in that task, he didn't have a position of authority over you, and as of yet the Babylonians hadn't come crashing through your gates.<br />
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In fact, it's important to remember that from the time that Jeremiah started preaching to the time that the Babylonians invaded, was nearly 50 years!<br />
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Now go and read that book, and think about the vast difficulty involved with the task that was placed upon the shoulders of those living in the time of Jeremiah: If they didn't recognize him, they would be destroyed as a people. <br />
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Then when you finish, I guess you should thank your lucky stars that the God who promised to be the same yesterday, today and forever; and to not be a respecter of persons..decided to challenge those people with having to recognize an authorized servant, with an authorized message, with his only bona fides being his message; and yet for you...all you have to do is believe the teachings handed down from your fathers that you are a chosen people whom God loves. Lucky for you, He hates your neighbors and doesn't ask much of you except to just have belief in Him.<br />
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<br />Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-28381729158153777752014-08-16T16:25:00.001-06:002014-08-16T18:00:58.972-06:00Promises<span style="background-color: #e06666; color: white; font-family: DistrictThin, 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 25px; line-height: 28px;">"<i>In the temple we are taught, we make covenants, and we are promised blessings.</i>" </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">(See <i><a href="https://www.lds.org/church/temples/why-we-build-temples/what-happens-in-temples?lang=eng">Mormon Temple Rituals</a></i> at LDS.ORG)</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">Joseph Smith said, "<i>...there is to be a day when all will be judged of their works, and rewarded according to the same; that those who have kept the faith will be crowned with a crown of righteousness; be clothed in white raiment; be admitted to the marriage feast; be free from every affliction, and reign with Christ on the earth, where, according to the ancient promise, they will partake of the fruit of the vine new in the glorious kingdom with Him; at least we find that such promises were made to the ancient Saints.<br /><b><u>And though we cannot claim these promises which were made to the ancients</u></b> for they are not our property, merely because they were made to the ancient Saints, yet if we are the children of the Most High, and are called with the same calling with which they were called, and embrace the same covenant that they embraced, and are faithful to the testimony of our Lord as they were, we can approach the Father in the name of Christ as they approached Him, and for ourselves obtain the same promises." </i>(See Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith pg 66)</span></span><br />
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For many Latter-Day Saints, going to the temple and participating in the ordinances practiced therein is a modern day fulfillment of receiving the promises made to the ancients. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">The ordinances practiced in the temple purportedly came directly from Joseph Smith, albeit through a decades delayed process that required a hefty amount of Brigham Young's memory. So, if we accept that what Brigham received is exactly what Joseph conveyed then what I find as interesting and want to point out is that the promises made in the ordinances of the temple -that are freely available to all worthy members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints- come with a catch. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">That catch is found in section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants where among many other things it says,</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">"<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife, and make a covenant with her for time and for all eternity, if that covenant</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">is not by me or by my word, which is my law, and<u> is not sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise</u>, through him whom I have anointed and appointed unto this power, then it is not valid neither of force when they are out of the world, because they are not joined by me, saith the Lord, neither by my word; when they are out of the world it cannot be received there, because the angels and the gods are appointed there, by whom they cannot pass; they cannot, therefore, inherit my glory; for my house is a house of order, saith the Lord God.</span></i></span></span><br />
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<i style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;"> And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and<u> it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise</u>, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.</span></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.</span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;"><i>Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot attain to this glory.</i>"</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">(See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/13218-21?lang=eng#17">D&C 132:18-21</a>)</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">I wonder if this is what it looks like when you are sealed by the HSP? Regardless I think that the next Simpson's episode should include Ned Flanders wearing one of these. </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;"><u style="font-size: x-large;">Sealed By The Holy Spirit Of Promise?</u> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">Now I will not even attempt to answer what the <i>Holy Spirit of Promise</i> is; because I really don't have a clue what it is or exactly how or what the promises it brings are. What I do know is that President Eyring is still trying to understand all of it as well, (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/families-under-covenant?lang=eng#8-10485_000_35eyrin">Families under Covenant</a> Apr., 2012 General Conference, where in reference to the need of temple covenants to be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise he stated, "<i><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">When Sister Eyring and I were sealed in the Logan Utah Temple, I did not understand then the full significance of that promise. I am still trying to understand all that it means, but my wife and I decided at the start of our nearly 50 years of marriage to invite the Holy Ghost as much as we could into our lives and into our family.</span></i>") This gives me a little bit of hope but also a little bit of bewilderment. Hope in that there is still room for everyone who is "<i>the church</i>" to come to a more full understanding of this topic of which not much is ever stated. Bewilderment because of a set of ordinances known as "<i>The Second Anointings</i>" that have been practiced selectively and rarely in the temples.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">I have heard about the thing/things known as <i>The Second Anointings</i>, since I was in my teenage years. While serving a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, it came up again when my second mission President informed us that this ordinance was what was referred to by Joseph Smith as the <i>Calling and Election made Sure</i>. After returning home from that mission I came across a book written by David John Buerger titled, "<i>The Mysteries of Godliness</i>." Mr. Buerger did a spectacular job, in my estimation, delineating the chronology of these ordinances and why my mission President along with many modern members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints had conflated the two principles. After reading that book, I became convinced that conflating <i>The Second Anointings</i> and the principle of having ones <i>Calling and Election made sure, i</i>s an error. I could see how they were related but not the same thing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;"><u style="font-size: x-large;">Origins Of The Second Anointings</u> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">It's interesting to me that they have come to be known as the Second Anointings. Originally when issued they were the only anointings that one could receive. This was in the Kirtland era, prior to the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. It involved having their bodies being washed with water and anointed with cinnamon scented whiskey and having promises pronounced on their heads accompanied by an anointing of consecrated oil by Joseph (or perhaps another unto whom Joseph had authorized.) </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">These promises were not recorded as being conditional upon faithfulness as are the ones performed modernly in the temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Now it has been a while since I have gone back to read the record delineated by Mr. Buerger, so I don't recall exactly when these ordinances began to change. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">After googling earnestly in the internet for an answer to my petition, I at length arrived at wikipedia. So inasmuch as you trust wikipedia (because I'm too lazy to go get my copy of the book by Mr. Buerger and scan through it to find the answers I seek) I am informed that the ordinances performed by Joseph in Kirtland remained the same until just prior to his murder. At which time he began to practice a set of rituals unto a select few men and women which were done in conjunction with what was later termed as the ordinance of "The Endowment." </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">Personally, I am reticent to say anything more than that what we do know is Brigham Young called these ordinances, "The Second Anointings." I believe that what we don't know is what Joseph termed these ordinances. So other than the fact that there are records that he performed some type of ritual which allegedly involved washing and anointing a select group that had already received the washings and anointings as performed in Kirtland, we don't know a whole lot. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">One of the reasons why I am so cautious to join anything to Joseph's name is because I believe that in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, there seems to be a significant level of success to justify anything one desires by saying Joseph did it first or at least taught it first. This is evident in the formation of such beliefs/groups/and practices as the Danites, Polygamy, rejection of blacks from receiving the priesthood, Adam-God, Blood Atonement, etc. So in trying to parse apart the information that we have available to us with the second anointings, there seems to be much that needs to be weighed in the balance against what derives from records that either are not contemporaneous and/or that which is verifiable directly from Joseph. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">The first factor -and only one that I will focus on in this post- that should be weighed for its importance is the question of whether what Joseph started in Kirtland, -prior to the dedication of the temple- was something he saw as a continuation of but still different than and therefore in need of separation from what he taught in Nauvoo just prior to his death? Today it is understood that the ordinances of Washings and Anointings are completely separate ordinances from the Second Anointings. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">However, is that the way Joseph saw it or was what he taught in Nauvoo essentially the Washing and Anointing 2.0? The washing and anointing's that Joseph began performing in Kirtland were, possibly a work in progress. Evidence to support this can be seen in the material left behind in the records of those who participated in this rituals. I will restate that David Buerger did a great job at compiling these records and so I commend his book to you if you want to see for yourself how the wording and the ordinances themselves evolved even in the time they were practiced in Kirtland. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">To me, that evolution seems to point to one of a handful of conclusions. The two basic ones being that #1: Joseph was learning all of the ordinances directly from Heaven and was trying to perfect them on earth. This seems to be the point of view of most Mormon scholars that I have come across, because it allows them to be able to account for the seeming errors/changes by saying that Joseph didn't fully know exactly what he needed to do until he started putting into practice some things he learned and then went back to God and sought further understanding on the matter. This means that Joseph's understanding of the ordinances was a evolution instead of a knowledge that he had been given and sought to implement. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">The second main conclusion that I see from all of this is that Joseph did know what the ordinances were and how they were to be implemented. I guess that is not the conclusion but the premise by which then all of us should ask that if this is what we believe then why the changes over time? If the ordinances were heaven given, then why would Joseph need to change them as time passed? </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;"><u style="font-size: x-large;">Much We Don't Know</u> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">It is impossible without Heaven's help to parse these things perfectly. As for me I believe that Joseph knew the ordinances from the beginning. However, the variables in a given situation undeniably can and will change what can be given and the way they are given. These variables are the factors that I believe account for the changes in what Joseph was giving.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">For example, when first performed the Kirtland temple had not yet been dedicated. D&C 124 indicates that there are certain ordinances that "[<i>belong] to [the Lords] house and can not be acceptable to [Him]...</i>" (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/124.30?lang=eng#27">D&C 124:30</a>) The washings and anointings performed in Kirtland were performed inside the Kirtland temple, but the temple as of yet was not dedicated. Therefore it stands to reason that up to that point it was not yet able to be a spot that could be designated as "<i>The Lord's House.</i>" </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">I realize this brings up the question of why then Joseph even started doing the ordinances before the temple was dedicated, if this ordinance belonged to the Lord's House? I also recognize that the same verse 30 of Section 124 that I quoted above states that certain ordinances can be performed outside of a consecrated temple, when the time is considered, "..<i>A day of poverty..."</i> by the Lord. For many that easily justifies the whole situation and leaves them without any need to further inquire regarding the matter. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">For me, it is not so simple. If you read verse 28 of Section 124 you find this interesting tidbit, "<span style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">For there is not a place found on earth that he may come to and </span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">restore</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><i> again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the priesthood."</i> There is a lot to consider in this small verse. I want to focus on the fact that it is pointing out that the fulness of the priesthood can not be given except in a house that He has accepted as His. We can dedicate edifices all we want, but the second requirement is that He accepts it. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Then in order to have "<u>The Fulness of the Priesthood</u>" it can only be given or restored in a house fulfilling those first two requirements otherwise he wouldn't have to wait for a temple to be built. This then brings up this question: can a man seal other men up to eternal life, without the fullness of the priesthood? Because, I believe that if you go back and read the promises which Joseph was pronouncing upon the heads of those in Kirtland before the dedication and acceptance of the temple by the Lord, you will find that those who left records of those events say he was promising unconditionally. So that's at least what those who wrote about the promises all seemed to believe that what they were given were unconditional promises. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;"><u style="font-size: x-large;">Therein Lies The Rub?</u> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">This then seems to be the problem. Joseph had an understanding of what he was doing. His understanding -in my opinion- was informed by Heaven. By a large factor, those who accepted Joseph's teachings, were informed by a Restorationist background. (For an EXCELLENT presentation of this information I beg you to go read <a href="http://daymonsmith.wordpress.com/">Daymon Smith</a>'s 5 volume set:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/cultural-history-book-mormon-foundation/dp/1482529807"> A Cultural History Of The Book Of Mormon</a>) </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">These folks believed they were already God's restored New Testament church, even before they were baptized by missionaries sent out by Joseph. When they accepted the Book of Mormon, there is not evidence supporting that they had read and been converted to it or any other of Joseph's teachings other than that they used these things as evidence to support their already pronounced claim that they were God's approved church. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">To me, there is no hard stretch of the imagination to see that these folks saw the ordinances that Joseph performed as THE CULMINATION of what they had been living and believing previous to ever encountering Joseph Smith or the Book of Mormon. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">They did not seek to understand how to humbly repent as commended by the Book of Mormon in a way that would change their paradigm because as they understood it, there was no need for such a thing. There was no need to have the evidence of the "signs of believers" proclaimed by both Jesus (see<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/84.65-72?lang=eng#64"> Mark 16:16-18</a>) and Joseph Smith (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/84.65-72?lang=eng#64">D&C 84:65-72</a>), because they had bible words that they attached to the bible things in their life which proved they were on the right trail to salvation and already had these things. They didn't need to judge whether they possessed the gifts of the spirit because they already had definitions for those things and "knew" exactly what they were and could/would list off to anyone who would listen how they already had those things. (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/46.7-26?lang=eng#6">D&C 46:7-26</a>) So when they encountered the ordinances that Joseph performed there was no need to question whether if these ordinances given modernly would be better understood as teaching methods, -like those given anciently by Moses- rather than as salvific. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;"><u style="font-size: x-large;">No Proof</u> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;">Now I have no proof or authority to proclaim that the ordinances that Joseph restored were not authorized to bestow salvation upon the recipient. However, Joseph talked frequently about the privilege of those who had received "<i>The Higher Priesthood</i>" to, "[<span style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">receive] the </span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">mysteries</span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;"> of the kingdom of heaven, to have the </span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">heavens</span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;"> opened unto them, to commune with the </span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">general</span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;"> assembly and church of the </span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">Firstborn</span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">, and to enjoy the communion and </span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">presence</span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;"> of God the Father, and Jesus the </span><span style="font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">mediator</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"><i> of the new covenant.</i>" (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/107.19?lang=eng#18">D&C 107:19</a>) </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Receiving the priesthood is an ordinance; that's why we call it an ordination. If like me you conflate the High Priesthood, with the Fulness of the Priesthood; and that knowing God is salvation itself (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/17.3?lang=eng#2">John 17:3</a>); then there are proofs that should be evident in my life -things that I can tangibly point to, for myself- which indicate that as of yet, I have not received an ordinance that has guaranteed me any type of salvation. (For the moment I am going to leave aside the argument that these things can be received after this life by the majority of people. You can decide for yourself, but I will state that I have no faith in that concept.) </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Now I have not received the ordinance referred to as the Second Anointing, so I do (and so should you) consider the possibility that I don't know what I am talking about. Maybe if I were to receive that ordinance then maybe therein is the magic voodoo needed to enable me to finally have the promises and blessings seen in the canonized lives that we find in our scriptures. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666; color: white; font-size: 16px;">At this point, I'm not going to bring up the obvious objection that presents itself in the record of Tom Phillips. I do find him persuasive but unnecessary and ultimately to polarizing to back up my point. So instead I will point to the life of nearly every single example that we find in scripture. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: #e06666; color: white; line-height: 22px;">If I were tasked to find an example in scripture to buttress the idea that in order to receive salvation in the highest kingdom of God, -authorized by God, while in the flesh- one could only do so by being a part of some priesthood based, hierachical, earthly (and therefore flawed) institution: I would wilt in the task. Rather, when I look at the examples given in scripture, the rule seems to be that those who get the promise of salvation, from God, while in the flesh; are those who are outliers and sometimes outsiders to the institution claiming to have God's authority on the earth. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: #e06666; color: white; line-height: 22px;">This does not mean that there aren't examples of those who do record a promise of salvation in the highest kingdom of God that they received from God, while being within the hierarchy of the institution that proclaimed to hold God's authority. However, to my view this seems to be the exception. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><u style="font-size: x-large;">Mormons Are Big On Rules</u> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Now it is not my belief nor intention to persuade any to not be true to the covenants made while performing ordinances. Nor that they should believe anything other than what Joseph said when he proclaimed that faith only comes by hearing one authorized to preach it. In fact I find in his words an echo of Paul's words to the Romans where he said, "</span></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">For whosoever shall</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">call</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. </span></i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? </i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">And how shall they preach, except they be sent?</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">" (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/rom/10.13-15?lang=eng#12">Romans 10:13-15</a>)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666; color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">So in my estimation the best way that I believe we should view the ordinances that we have received in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is: #1- A teaching method of our relationship with Jesus Christ/How to come to Him; #2- A authorized, direct invitation to come to Him. If I were to add to Paul's words above, in the context of the parable of the <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/14.15-24?lang=eng#14"><i>Wedding Feast</i></a>, I would state: <i>How can they come unless they be invited? and how can they be invited unless they be authorized</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px;"><u style="font-size: x-large;">Ordinances Are Invitations</u> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">The quote from Joseph Smith at the beginning of this post is very revealing to his thoughts on the matter. Salvation comes by, through, from, in and through Jesus Christ. If we want the promises made to the ancients, then like them we must obtain those promises from Him by approaching Him. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">Receiving the ordinances, authorized by God, in this life is of upmost importance. However, receiving them is not the same as receiving salvation. True ordinances, authorized by God will always teach you -among other things- to be humble, where you should look to receive salvation, how you can approach God, and invite you to have the faith to approach God to receive salvation for yourself. If we look at the ordinances that we have received from Joseph Smith, they all do that. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e06666; color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">For my own experience, I have found that what they don't do (at least not by themselves; which doesn't include what others tell you what they believe they do) is teach that you are ok just the way you are, to follow any man other than Jesus Christ, or purport to be an end in and of themselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px;"><u style="font-size: x-large;">The Lectures On Faith</u> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">Because I believe they are still scripture I will end this post with a exhortation to go and read the Sixth Lecture on Faith in order to find out more about how to receive these promises. </span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.byubookstore.com/webitemimages/439/9781599552941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="http://www.byubookstore.com/webitemimages/439/9781599552941.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></span></span></a><span style="background-color: #e06666; color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">The promises that I quoted Joseph's reference to in the beginning of this post are the very reason and essence for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I, -like Joseph- believe that because someone else received, such doesn't empower me to receive any blessing other than the faith to believe their testimony. Yet if I don't gain the same testimony then how can I be saved by a being that I don't know? Perhaps this is why Jesus conflated Eternal Life with knowing God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">The Book of Mormon declares that one of the greatest tasks given to it, would be to bring some few to a memory of the covenants that God made with The Fathers. In 2nd Nephi, Lehi recounts the prophecy given by Joseph of Egypt about, "</span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">A choice </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">seer [which </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">I will] </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">raise up</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> out of the fruit of [Joseph of Egypt's] loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of [Joseph of Egypt's] loins. And unto him will I give commandment that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, <u>even to the bringing of them to the </u></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><u>knowledge</u></span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><i><u> of the covenants</u> which I have made with thy fathers.</i>" </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Of all the things that the angel could recite to Joseph the night that he prayed for forgiveness of his sins, was a misquote of Malachi. I find it really interesting what the angel changed: </span><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And [Elijah] shall plant in the hearts of the children <b><u>the promises</u></b> made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming...</em><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly shall burn as stubble; <u><b>for they that come</b></u> shall burn them, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.</em></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="color: white;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Joseph's testimony or at least the testimony that came through Joseph about the importance of receiving these promises from God, while in the flesh was consistent. I believe that Elijah and his cohorts are coming. If I receive the promise/s, then I shall not be burned and left without root nor branch. I believe these things. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">I am not a preacher who has been sent. So hearing my words are fairly useless. So I try to quote scripture. Because I believe that by quoting scripture you can be empowered to have faith in the right Way: <u>He</u> is the only W</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">ay.</span></span></span><br />
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Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-54099440343036892082014-08-07T01:12:00.001-06:002014-08-08T17:09:37.482-06:00Joseph Smith Knew What He Was Talking About<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Joseph's Last Recorded Dream</u><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">"<i>I was back in Kirtland, Ohio, and thought I would take a walk out by
myself, and view my old farm, which I found grown up with weeds and
brambles, and altogether bearing evidence of neglect and want of
culture. I went into the barn, which I found without floor or doors,
with the weather-boarding off, and was altogether in keeping with the
farm.<br />
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"While I viewed the desolation around me, and was contemplating how it
might be recovered from the curse upon it, there came rushing into the
barn a company of furious men, who commenced to pick a quarrel with me.<br />
"The leader of the party ordered me to leave the barn and farm, stating
it was none of mine, and that I must give up all hope of ever possessing
it.<br />
"I told him the farm was given me by the Church, and although I had not
had any use of it for some time back, still I had not sold it, and
according to righteous principles it belonged to me or the Church.<br />
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"He then grew furious and began to rail upon me, and threaten me, and said it never did belong to me nor to the Church.<br />
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"I then told him that I did not think it worth contending about, that I
had no desire to live upon it in its present state, and if he thought he
had a better right I would not quarrel with him about it but leave; but
my assurance that I would not trouble him at present did not seem to
satisfy him, as he seemed determined to quarrel with me, and threatened
me with the destruction of my body.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br />
"While he was thus engaged, pouring out his bitter words upon me, a
rabble rushed in and nearly filled the barn, drew out their knives, and
began to quarrel among themselves for the premises, and for a moment
forgot me, at which time I took the opportunity to walk out of the barn
about up to my ankles in mud.<br />
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"When I was a little distance from the barn, I heard them screeching and
screaming in a very distressed manner, as it appeared they had engaged
in a general fight with their knives. While they were thus engaged, the
dream or vision ended.</i>" (recorded June 27, 1844)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I post this recorded dream because I have become aware to the fact that those who inherited Joseph Smith's "authority" almost always seem to do so in opposition not only to those who also claim that authority, but also to Joseph, himself. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">A Shift In Paradigm</span></u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a result of this recognition I have encountered many who are willing to give up on what was restored through Joseph Smith. I believe this is because they are confronted with carefully parsed and selected tidbits of what Joseph restored. Most of these tidbits are used to support some dominion of one group or individual over a population of people. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">It seems to me that not only are these tidbits carefully parsed and selected but often times they seem to have no other explanations than wholesale fabrications. </span></span>This presents a huge stumbling block for any who seek to find what Joseph is claimed to have restored because nearly anywhere one seeks she is required to accept many things which are either halve truths or complete misrepresentations of the truth.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Joseph Smith Papers</u><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I applaud the efforts of those who are shoulder deep engaged in the work that is known as <i>T<a href="http://josephsmithpapers.org/">he Joseph Smith Papers</a>. </i>Although it is not without its slant, seeking to uphold positions that I find untenable, this project is nevertheless of tremendous value in opening up, to the sincere seeker, the treasure trove of material that is what Joseph restored.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>What Did Joseph Restore?</u><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I believe that to begin to get a grasp on what Joseph did that was so important it is necessary to understand the difference from what he declared and what other religious leaders declare. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Joseph breached the wall of Heaven. He said so plainly, and he declared that it happened on numerous occasions. He joined his voice with James in proclaiming that if anyone lacked wisdom, let him ask of God. Because God will give liberally instead of upbraiding. He declared that the Heavens were open to any. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">You may believe that you have NO evidence to validate such a proclamation in your life. I believe that the worn out maxim applies here perfectly: Whether you think you can or you think you can't; you're right. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let me make things clear by stating, that I personally have never seen an angel. I've never even been able to hear a sentence formed by the voice of God in my mind, that I have been able to recognize as such. Therefore I am a terrible witness. I apologize to you for that. I wish I was better. I wish that I were one that was sent from the presence of God to be able to declare to you that I speak by knowledge. Yet at this point in my life, I can not. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Allow me also to declare that it is my belief that without this knowledge, it is impossible to enter into the highest of God's kingdoms prepared for us after this life. Whether you call that the Celestial Kingdom, or Heaven or anything else, it is my belief. Therefore I currently believe that as of yet, I lack the hope or assurance that I have anything secure in the afterlife. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Having said that, let me now say that Joseph declares that he received these things. He is a witness, proclaiming to have entered into the presence of God and returned if nothing else with the testimony that if he could do it, then you can as well. That Jesus the Christ seeks to reclaim all who will meekly come to Him and learn of Him. All who will put away whatever it is in this world that they hold fast to, and lay hold on His word, may receive the same witness. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the single most consistent testimony of Joseph Smith. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">But What Of The "Other Stuff" Joseph did or taught?</span></u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now you may be of the opinion that Joseph was a liar, womanizer, cheat, conman, charismatic charlatan or whatever else there is. But I want to ask you: how much of what you know about Joseph comes from a source that has or had ulterior motives? Whether it's one who is/was trying to defend a practice that was their personal choice, and so attached Joseph's name to it..what evidence that would stand in a court of law to support this personal choice exists? </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whether your hang up is Polygamy, Polyandry, Magical Practices, Masonic rituals, lack of scientific proof, or whatever it is</span></span></span></span>: <span style="font-size: small;">what evidence could you bring up that isn't based on hearsay or conjecture by one that had a vested interest in the outcome one way or the other?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm not saying that evidence doesn't exist. However, in my research the evidence that exists often times is more nuanced and/or tenuous at best and in matters concerning our relationship with God, everything should be weighed very carefully in the balance. I commend you to do that for yourself. I recognize that there are many more arguments than the simplified ones that I have presented here. I only ask that you treat the matter as carefully as you think your relationship with God should be</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Great Evidence In Defense Of Joseph's Testimony</u><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">For me, I believe that the greatest evidence that supports Joseph's testimony lies in his exposition of the scriptures. I acknowledge that this "evidence" requires you to believe the scriptures. So you will need to decide first whether that is something that you can do. If you can or already do then I intend to give some illustrations of what I find compelling. If not, then I invite you to read the scriptures and ask God to help you believe them. He is the one who can do all things, not me.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now for a case in point: we have no evidence to show in the Old Testament that God or the Israelites anticipated in a clear and evidentiary manner that there would be a Messiah, Jesus the Christ. Currently this is one of the arguments against the Book of Mormon because within it is presented a narrative that requires the reader to believe that at least some Israelites already knew, believed in and anticipated the life of our Savior as it is presented in the accounts found in the New Testament. Nothing like that is found to be the case in the Old Testament. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">So either the Book of Mormon is right or the presentation of the Old Testament is, but both can not be right in this one aspect. (It is beyond my desire to present the evidence that both could be wrong, but that is something that you should decide your personal feelings about. As I said above, this presentation will require you to believe the scriptures.) Perhaps this is at least one of the reasons why the Book of Mormon warns us about the Bible that we as Gentiles have inherited. (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/13.24-29?lang=eng#23">1st Nephi 13:24-29</a>) </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, despite the contrast found between the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon in at least this one aspect; Joseph Smith demonstrated that there is no such discrepancy on this detail between the New Testament and the Book of Mormon. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">To show the point I will point out the scriptures that Joseph used as proof text. (See Pg 60 of <i>Teachings of The Prophet Joseph Smith</i>) </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">First let's go to the Galatians 3:8 where it states, "</span></span></span></span><i><span class="verse"></span><span style="font-size: small;">And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, <span class="clarityWord">saying,</span> In thee shall all nations be blessed.</span></i><span style="font-size: small;">"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Here Paul declares that Abraham had the Gospel preached to him. Paul understood what the Gospel was. He knew that the Gospel is, "<i>The Good News</i>." The Good News is that Jesus Christ would come to this earth and die for all men, so that we through His death could be redeemed. Paul would not use the term Gospel (Good News) for anything other than Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, because anything that doesn't contain that, isn't Good News, but is as dead as the law! This Paul had already declared and should be easy to see. However, in case you want more evidence we shall next turn to the Gospel of St. John 8:56, "<i>Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw <span class="clarityWord">it,</span> and was glad.</i>" Abraham, in vision was shown the life of Christ; a prophet indeed! He had seen the mortal ministry of our Savior and was glad. Why else would he be glad unless he had seen that the Lamb would be slain for all mankind to be redeemed? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Now perhaps you now accept that Abraham had seen these things; but reject that many if any others had seen or known of them?</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once again Joseph Smith swoops in with abundant exposition to defend the position demonstrated in the Book of Mormon by going to the Book of Hebrews 3:15-4:2, "</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="verse"></span><i>While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.</i></span></span></span></span><i> <span style="font-size: small;"> For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was he grieved forty years? <span class="clarityWord">was it</span> not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left <span class="clarityWord">us</span> of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was <u><b>the gospel preached, as well as unto them</b></u>: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard </span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="clarityWord"><i>it.</i>" </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="clarityWord">Once again that word "Gospel" is used. And here Paul, directly associates what he and his associates had received with what the Children of Israel in the time of Moses had received! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="clarityWord">Argue it, attack it or leave it, but once again the instructor of Joseph Smith stands forth untarnished in the ability to declare simply and profoundly the truth of a matter so heatedly disputed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="clarityWord">If you believe that Joseph was able to construct these matters on his own as a preacher does, then I leave you to it. I don't deny you what is rightfully yours to pursue. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="clarityWord">But I ask you to consider that this is only one of literally thousands of truths restored through Joseph Smith that he left for you so as to embolden you to have faith. Not faith in Joseph Smith, not faith in an institution or some other fallible man but faith in the being that Joseph had faith in: Jesus the Christ! If you don't believe that's what Joseph was trying to do, I challenge you to read <a href="http://www.mormonbeliefs.com/lectures_on_faith.htm"><i>The Lectures on Faith</i></a>. If you don't believe that Joseph authored or at least heavily edited those Lectures, then I invite you first to read the original introduction to those lectures and then also catch up on the evidence brought forth in the <i>Joseph Smith Papers</i>. They illustrate that Joseph spent <u><b>MANY HOURS</b></u>, editing those Lectures for publication. He left the revelations to the publication committee for editing, but took on the Lectures personally in the realization that, "</span><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times New Roman, Times;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><i>We do not present this little volume with any other
expectation than that we are to be called to answer to every principle advanced,
in that day when the secrets of all hearts will be revealed, and the reward of
every man's labor be given him.</i>"</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times New Roman, Times;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">If like many others, -including the committee that removed the Lectures from the scriptures in 1921- you are offended by some doctrine advanced in those Lectures, I invite you to consider how those doctrines comport with what Joseph actually taught and not with what you have been told Joseph taught.</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times New Roman, Times;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>My <i>Piss-Poor</i> Witness</u><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times New Roman, Times;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I believe the Book of Mormon is the most correct book in accomplishing the task of getting you closer to God than any other book. I believe Joseph Smith was a preacher sent by God to help you have faith in God and not in an institution or men. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times New Roman, Times;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I believe if you will use him to do just that, then you will get nearer to God; even to the fulfilling of the New Covenant expressed in Jeremiah 31:31-34. I believe that the prophesy of Joel recited to Joseph by the angel who visited him on September 21, 1820 will come to pass in your life. I believe that when they who are coming, come; you will not be burned without root nor branch.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times New Roman, Times;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is my witness, to you. </span></span> </span></span></div>
Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-34721910490785308422014-08-06T01:15:00.000-06:002014-08-06T01:15:13.494-06:00Dust of the EarthMosiah 2:25 <i>And now I ask, can ye say aught of yourselves? I answer you, Nay. *<u>Ye
cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth</u>*; yet ye
were created of the dust of the earth;</i><br />
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<i> </i><u><span style="font-size: large;">Everybody wants a purpose</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">My wife and I were talking recently about what it means to fulfill the purpose of our life. We talked about how some people find the purpose of life in religion. Others in civic duty or political office. Some in their profession. Others in a hobby. The list really could extend on for quite a distance. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, as we spoke, it made me wonder: Why is it that so many people feel that there is a purpose to life? I have met a few folks in my journeys who proclaim that they don't believe there is a purpose. They may profess as much, however I have never met a person who didn't live in such a way so as to indicate that to some degree they feel that they are fulfilling some purpose or obligation to something. That's not to say that people who live completely without purpose doesn't exist; but just that I haven't met them, yet. </span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.deliberateblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/sociopathy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.deliberateblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/sociopathy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I surmise this from the detailed actions taken by people that I have observed or recollected in my mind. In my opinion, a person without a purpose would necessarily be a complete sociopath, and perhaps it's my naivete but I have met some who have been clinically labeled as having sociopathic behaviors. Yet, even those who I know with conditions that fall in that category still act in at least small degrees towards some form of what they see as a greater collective purpose for society in general. Never have I met someone completely devoid of this. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Does everything posses a sense of purpose?</u></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">As the conversation continued my mind wandered into a consideration of non-human's. As I considered both domesticated and wild animals it was apparent in my mind that all things act in faith to some sense of purpose in what they do in their life in this mortal sphere. All animals seek to breed and protect what they see as their preferable genes in contrast to the inferior genes of their opponents. Even to the laying down their lives for their offspring, animals are given this inherent purpose for the existence of their life and they are loyal to it, almost to a fault. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">So what about trees? Rocks? Earth? These are harder to observe and measure, but for me there is no difficulty in imagining that even inanimate objects have a sense of purpose. I realize that there is no discernible proof for such a statement, but even if it's only in my imagination, I can believe it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">If trees could talk</span></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you can imagine it, then I invite you to do so. I invite you to imagine: what do trees feel? What would a tree want to accomplish? What would a rock want to accomplish? What would dust want to accomplish?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">In stories like Daniel and the Lion's den, (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/dan/6?lang=eng">Daniel 6</a>) there seems to me to be a recognition among animals when the presence of God is in their midst. I do not believe that God just waved a magical wand and made the lions friendly for Daniel's sake. I believe that the lions sensed the presence of God with Daniel when he descended in to their lair. I believe that they had a sense of obligation to protect this being as a result of the Presence that was with him. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I believe that animals are naturally much more in tune with God's will for them, than are we. And if this is true with animals, then why not inanimate objects? Despite our inability to detect very much from them, do we not have the example from plants like the pre-budded, young sunflowers which testify to us of God's beauty by turning throughout each day to face the sun? Is there not accounts of rocks splitting apart when our Savior died? (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/27.50-51?lang=eng#49">Matt 27:50-51</a>) Enoch testified of hearing the Earth groan because of the sins of men. (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/pgp/moses/7.48?lang=eng#47">Moses 7:45</a>)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you accept that these are or could be true events, and testimonies by nature of God and His power, then I ask you to consider, what is man's place in all of this? </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/gen/3.19?lang=eng#18"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="st">For <em>dust thou art</em>, and unto dust shalt thou return</span></u></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">In the account found in Genesis, The Lord tells Adam that he was made of dust, and that his body would return to dust. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">If God saw fit to make man of the dust, does that then inform us of our purpose?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">If dust had a purpose what would it be? If dust were able to talk, what would she declare her purpose to be? How would dust judge the measure or worth of her existence?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">Would it not be found in what or perhaps who she upholds? She supports, sustains, upholds people and things; then wouldn't that be how dust would judge herself? </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">Man was made of dust. King Benjamin says that we are not only made of the dust of the earth, but also that we are not even as the dust of the earth. Meaning we are lower than it. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">Why does King Benjamin insist on insulting us?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">Mormon says, "</span></span></span><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/hel/12.7-8?lang=eng#6">Helaman 12:<span class="verse">7 </span></a><i>O how great is the nothingness of the children of men; yea, even they are less than the dust of the earth.<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="8"> </a><span class="verse">8 </span>For
behold, the dust of the earth moveth hither and thither, to the
dividing asunder, at the command of our great and everlasting God.</i>" So he agrees with King Benjamin because the dust of the earth fulfills all of the commands of God, even as God commands. Yet men are given their own will to choose. Therefore, in the very day that they are given a gift of eternal life they would rather choose to disobey. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Why I believe we should look to dust for our purpose</u></span></div>
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In <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/12?lang=eng">Ether chapter 12</a> we find a dialogue between Moroni and God. Moroni declares that by the Faith of his fathers, God gave a promise that the writings contained in the Book of Mormon would one day come from the Gentiles unto the descendants of the Lamanites and Nephites. Moroni then declares he was commanded by God to maintain the record for this reason. </div>
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However, because of his charity towards us as Gentiles, Moroni prays for us realizing the obvious reasons that the Gentiles will have to mock the record when it comes forth. It is here where God states that, "<i>Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek,</i>" </div>
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This teaching seems to be connected to what the Savior taught in His mortal ministry that, whosoever exalteth himself, shall be abased. And he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/14.11?lang=eng#10">Luke 14:11</a>) </div>
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The Lord goes on to tell Moroni that, "<i>I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me.</i>" (See <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/12.27?lang=eng#26">Ether 12:27</a>)</div>
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From this I declare that God wants us to be humble. He wants us to be abased. This because, it is only through our coming down into the depths of humility that we do see our true position before God, <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/4.19?lang=eng#18">as beggars</a> to God. As no better than the dust of the earth. </div>
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In this we see that our position is to uphold and lift others. If you want to know the mission or purpose for your life, that God has sent you here to accomplish, then look no further than the dirt beneath your feet. For this is the same position that all of us are in. Dust beneath the feet of a merciful God. </div>
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For this reason, I believe the Savior could truly teach that, "<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="26"></a><i>he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether <span class="clarityWord">is</span> greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? <span class="clarityWord">is</span> not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as He that serveth.</i>" </div>
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In all things He was our perfect example, and in this teaching He did not fail. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st"><u>The Book of Mormon's teachings</u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">This teaching is evident in the example and teachings of our Savior. However, the Book of Mormon time and time again draws out this most sublime principle of one who desires to follow in the pathway of our Lord. It is the teaching of charity. It is the teaching of forgiveness. It is the teaching of redemption. To get, we must give. What we give was a gift anyway, and is not our own. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">I believe King Benjamin and Mormon in declaring: We really are not any better than the dust of the earth, yea we are not even as the dust of the earth. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">I believe that life is more fulfilling when we set our life's purpose to allow ourselves to be walked on by the ignorant, the ungrateful, the abusive. When we take the trampling and return it with upholding and loving them; then we are best fulfilling our mission on earth. As Alma declares (see <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/42.30?lang=eng#29">Alma 42:30</a>) I pray that these words shall bring you down into the dust in humility. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span>Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7951178762033091360.post-1702710950323982702014-07-28T17:12:00.002-06:002014-07-28T20:14:00.585-06:00To Beat The DevilThis song is awesome. Sometimes the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls. Other times they are written by Country-Western singers. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial;"><i>A couple of years back, I come across a great and wasted friend of mine in the hallway of a recording studio; and while he was reciting some poetry to me that he'd written, I saw that he was about a step away from dyin' and I couldn't help but wonder why. And the lines of this song occurred to me. I'm happy to say he's no longer wasted and he's got him a good woman. And I'd like to dedicate this to John and June, who helped show me how to beat the devil.<br /><br />It was winter time in Nashville, down on music city row.<br />And I was lookin' for a place to get myself out of the cold.<br />To warm the frozen feelin' that was eatin' at my soul.<br />Keep the chilly wind off my guitar.<br /><br />My thirsty wanted whisky; my hungry needed beans,<br />But it'd been of month of paydays since I'd heard that eagle scream.<br />So with a stomach full of empty and a pocket full of dreams,<br />I left my pride and stepped inside a bar.<br /><br />Actually, I guess you'd could call it a Tavern:<br />Cigarette smoke to the ceiling and sawdust on the floor;<br />Friendly shadows.<br /><br />I saw that there was just one old man sittin' at the bar.<br />And in the mirror I could see him checkin' me and my guitar.<br />An' he turned and said: "Come up here boy, and show us what you are."<br />I said: "I'm dry." He bought me a beer.<br /><br />He nodded at my guitar and said: "It's a tough life, ain't it?"<br />I just looked at him. He said: "You ain't makin' any money, are you?"<br />I said: "You've been readin' my mail."<br />He just smiled and said: "Let me see that guitar.<br />"I've got something you oughta hear."<br />Then he laid it on me:<br /><br />[Sung:]<br />"If you waste your time a-talkin' to the people who don't listen,<br />"To the things that you are sayin', who do you think's gonna hear.<br />"And if you should die explainin' how the things that they complain about,<br />"Are things they could be changin', who do you think's gonna care?"<br /><br />There were other lonely singers in a world turned deaf and blind,<br />Who were crucified for what they tried to show.<br />And their voices have been scattered by the swirling winds of time.<br />'Cos the truth remains that no-one wants to know.<br /><br />[Spoken:]<br />Well, the old man was a stranger, but I'd heard his song before,<br />Back when failure had me locked out on the wrong side of the door.<br />When no-one stood behind me but my shadow on the floor,<br />And lonesome was more than a state of mind.<br /><br />You see, the devil haunts a hungry man,<br />If you don't wanna join him, you got to beat him.<br />I ain't sayin' I beat the devil, but I drank his beer for nothing.<br />Then I stole his song.<br /><br />[Sung:]<br />And you still can hear me singin' to the people who don't listen,<br />To the things that I am sayin', prayin' someone's gonna hear.<br />And I guess I'll die explaining how the things that they complain about,<br />Are things they could be changin', hopin' someone's gonna care.<br /><br />I was born a lonely singer, and I'm bound to die the same,<br />But I've got to feed the hunger in my soul.<br />And if I never have a nickel, I won't ever die ashamed.<br />'Cos I don't believe that no-one wants to know.</i><br /><br /><br /><br />Hope everyone likes it. Let me know if it brings up any thoughts.</span><br />
<br />Edwin Wildehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16661808793750800419noreply@blogger.com0