bytor2112

"Many among us have no difficulty envisioning that the atonement is infinite and eternal and applies to all forms of life. They know that the revelations say in so many words that all forms of life both lived as spirit entities and will be resurrected--animals, fowls, fishes--all things are eternal in nature. But some among us have not yet had it dawn upon them that all things fell and became mortal so they could be resurrected. The early Brethren of our dispensation wrote these words: The word atonement signifies deliverance, through the offering of a ransom, from the penalty of a broken law. . . . As effected by Jesus Christ, it signifies the deliverance, through his death and resurrection, of the earth and everything pertaining to it, from the power which death has obtained over them through the transgression of Adam. . . . Redemption from death, through the sufferings of Christ, is for all men, both the righteous and the wicked; for this earth, and for all things created upon it. "[bruce R. McConkie] All things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end. [2 Nephi 2:22]

You know it's been a long day when the dow drops 514 and the phones are ringing

Road Blocks: 1. Pop Culture 2. Internet 3. Churches that preach prosperity and feeling good and "cheap" grace 4. Moral relativism 5. Pornography A deceptive weave of distractions carefully crafted by the adversary to ensnare and enslave.

BAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAH now that is funny...Al Gore...funny in general......

I rather enjoy reading opinions that differ from my own and while I may not believe that a child can be "possessed", I do believe that we battle against unseen evils..... and organic evolution doesn't square with Holy writ.......but I am open to the idea that it occurred on some sphere before the creation and the fall...pre-edenic. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Ceeboo......I think I agree with you most of the time.....and you know I think highly of Catholics:pope: .....not so much the North....way too cold for Bytor

Ceeboo.......I couldn't agree more. I find comments on this thread and the thread about possession to be condescending and rude. Elitist comments and references to one's educational backround or lack off are uncalled for.......but what do I know....just some ramblings from an opinionated Mormon from the deep south where people tend to be a bit more polite and bring manners into conversations....unless we're talking college football....then the gloves come off.

You are welcome......:)

Was JFS and Bruce R wrong..... or just referring to life since the creation of Eden? Perhaps, we might allow that they believed in pre-edenic evolution? Or the idea that evolution occurred and was designed by God to bring about the creation and ultimately the fall?

Maybe he has some performance anxiety and is too embarrassed to tell you.....the TV is full of commercials pormoting the "cure"........

You can register at LDS.ORG to recieve LDSGEMS. It's under the Gospel library link...:)

???????!!!!??????? You wouldn't be teaching my kids seminary! If you were "fully" in church, you would feel differently. Conversion to our faith is often a laborous journey. Investigators are often skeptical to begin with and misinformation is readily available via the internet and you want to confirm to them that there worst fears...based on misunderstanding and dare I say, spiritual immaturity are indeed factual? Do you have a testimony.....is the church true Rock? Whats more important....how many wives JS had or that the blessings of heaven are available through the restoration of the Priesthood?

At last...evidence of child possession........

It is important to remember that the Book of Mormon is not the Bible......it is different in that it speaks of Christ and the plan of salvation in a clear and understandable format and answers questions hidden or not available through Biblical scripture only. I find that the Spirit comes in different ways and at different times and not always at the exact moment we are seeking a specific answer. Sometimes the Lord responds to our prayers through people or impressions or things like being drawn to the church......as an answer to whether JS was a prophet or the BOM is scripture. I didn't read the BOM cover to cover until three years ago and didn't really have a strong testimony of it......yet I knew the church was true and that JS was a prophet. Sometimes it comes little by little.......

I doubt Hemi is homophobic........not approving of this lifestyle choice or having a bad taste for what one may perceive as an immoral practice is not necesarily homophobia. Homophobia is an irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality.(Wiki). I think Hemi wanted to avoid an argument or wanted to avoid saying something in anger......feelings run very deep and strong on the issue of homosexuality. People who are not "gay" simply do not understand how or why anyone could be this way. Some see it only as an immoral transgression others see it as freakish and frightening. Not so much what goes on in private between two consenting people, but the seemingly radical thrust to force society to accept homosexuality as normal.Many....not all, think of "gays" as very flamboyant, in your face, gay pride marchers with raging promiscuous hormones ready to attack any and every person of there own sex....and there is a percentage, how large I don't know, that is like that. It is an issue that divides families and causes a lot of pain to all involved. As a Latter Day Saint, I feel that homosexual sex is a sin, just as adultry or fornication. I strive to treat all...gay, straight, white, black, short, tall, fat or skinny with kindness. I am not here to force my belief on anyone...if asked I share and I do missionary work by example...I hope and pray that I can be found worthy to return to the presense of my Father in Heaven and I hope everyone else can as well. We all make our own choices in this sometimes aimless dance........one things for sure, treating each other with love and kindness would make this world a whole lot better place and lead us so much closer to home. Again the words of one of my fav hymns: As I have loved you, Love one another. This new commandment: Love one another. By this shall men know Ye are my disciples, If ye have love One to another.

Maybe he's trying to change....maybe she's trying to help him. Intervening could drive him out of the church. Perhaps the Bishop will speak with them and what about trusting the girl? We are after all talking about a teen.......lots of members have done worse and have changed and we probably don't have a clue who these people are....and rightly so.

Brother Joseph...Seer of a New Dispensation By: Richard and Cleon Skousen

Articles of Faith: We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

When I coached baseball.....I had several kids on my team that I am sure were possessed.....but I :cool:exercised it out of them......lots of running.

Ahh....I didn't say it was normal or acceptable.....but it has become more accepted by the public at large.......I think....because of pop culture/MTV......and it is mystifying. But less bullying is a good thing....wouldn't you agree?

I am not so sure people mostly got over mixed race marriages......I think some have adopted the idea of.."as long as it is not my son or daughter.." (that is not how I feel personally). In mixed race marriages, it is still a man and a woman. The controversy will continue regarding same sex marriage......for religious folks the moral issue can't simply be disregarded and treated as normal. I do wish the schools would stick to academics and leave social engineering alone. Teens and young adults seem more tolerant of "gay" people today and not as prone to "bully" or humiliate......and that's a good thing. Perhaps that is because they have been taught by pop culture(MTV) and TV sitcoms that people are born "gay".......and maybe they are...I don't know. I think the schools can insure a safe learning environment for our kids without teaching them about same-sex parents. By the time kids are in there early teens they are aware of the differences in people...race, religion and sexual orientation.......

Coming to a "sure" knowledge of whether or not the church is what it claims to be is different for everybody. For me........I didn't receive a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon until just three year ago, but I knew the Church was true and that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. The "feelings".....the presence of something Holy and Sacred and wonderful and warm and comforting and "familiar" is not something that can be denied after the experience. These "feelings" are indeed a member of the Godhead.....the Holy Ghost....communicating with our spirits....helping us to recognize....to remember and receive sacred truths. I have these feelings when I listen to or sing hymns....when I speak of the Savior and his glorious atonement....or when I am doing things that are right..... I do not know why some do not receive the witness or don't recognize it......that is a mystery to me. I agree with Otterpop......just keep searching and if it feels right...if you like how your life is going when you are involved with the church....hang in there...it will come.....

Ceeboo....your still my friend...even though you are....... a Catholic agitator:D

Hello Ceeboo!! WORTHY.....young men can serve a two year mission at age 19....young ladies at age 21 for 18 months. Often, retired members serve fulltime missions as well. Yes....young men are expected to serve an honorable full time mission.....optional for young ladies. Typically no......Young men amd young women save money for their own missions...parents help....but they are encouraged to save for their own missions. However, the Church will help if you can't afford to go. Solo....unless it is a married couple. I think you are called by the First Presidentancy after they have prayed about it. I am not sure if you have much input or not..... Spread the gospel.........full time. Apartments....etc provided by the church. Their job is to spread the gospel. They have a Mission President and usually work with the Ward Mission leader. Yes. No.....but you do have to be temple worthy to serve a full time mission. ]

Me too.......