lattelady

I DO love the covenants of the Old Testament that God made with His people. That would make for a really neat study to study out some of those (like Abraham, Moses--bringing that message to the people of Israel, Noah, etc.). Are there covenants (or a covenant) that God has made with you that are of greater importance than others--meaning: can they be put on levels of importance, or are they all considered EQUALLY important? Does that make sense?

I think that the varying opinions don't come from a generation difference alone, but from a multitude of differences; and the very reason that if a standard isn't based on scriptural truth, then men/women will leave it up to their own opinions and judgements to decide what is right and wrong. It's why a post like this (over clothing) ends up with nine whole pages with some disunity; while there are other questions (not MORE important--but just as important to the writer of the question) from people who are struggling with their faith or with temptation or with their failures, and very few will speak to them--even though there is scriptural truth and encouragement available to them. It's easier to lend one's opinion.

Well, to be fair, I said I didn't grow up in the church--that could've been taken to mean that I didn't grow in up the church but I converted as an adult, I suppose. It's okay! I truly appreciate someone/s taking time to answer my questions or at least try to without being condescending.

Thankyou very much for being kind! I've been in Utah since the fourth grade and it was interesting being raised here as not part of the predominant faith. Thankyou for the welcome. :)

I know you're not being mean-spirited. Thankyou for not being. I was actually asking a genuine question of--have you ever come across something that the Brethren have said "This is a teaching that deserves acceptance" that when placed up against actual scripture, one takes issue with it because it doesn't jive. It contradicts. I'm not saying I have one--I'm asking if it has happened. If it's caused issues--I know that when MEN try to impose their laws on others it can cause disunity if they're not GOD'S words--does this make sense?

Have the Brethren ever stated things that go against what Christ taught in scripture? I'm not asking this to make waves, I'm asking because I believe that our highest Authority is God. So when there are hundreds of differing opinions on what we should wear to church (or other things not specifically laid out in scripture), we ought to obey God rather than man. When He says that He is concerned with our hearts and not the outward appearance, I believe He means it. The rest is left up to our relationship with Him to determine, "God, are you honored with this outfit?"

I never made a profile--so if it says anything, I didn't write it. But no, I am not LDS. I didn't take offense to what you said, I just wondered: would it change the answers to my question? Probably not; maybe just the WAY you anwer my questions. Is it okay for me to ask my questions here, or is there a better place for me to post them on this webpage?

What does that mean, exactly?

To sixpacktr's point about people getting defensive and feeling attacked on certain threads, I have noticed that there's a huge discrepency between how many people VIEW different subjects or posts, but how few actually post/comment on them. Makes me wonder if many people have things they would love to say, questions they would want to ask but they're scared to for fear that they'll get jumped on. I, myself, have felt a bit jumped on just for expressing a thought.

"Pretty simple process"... :)

I think Hordak's picture illustration says it well! Sometimes, especially as I look at different thread--be it Word of Wisdom threads, or questions on alcohol, or clothing, or dress, that there is alot of micromanaging that goes on from different people--we just need to give others the freedom in Christ to be who He made them to be. To hear from Him, from His spirit on a give subject that He wants to work with them on.

"The sisters should dress as they would if they were in the presence of the Savior. That means a dress." Where did Christ say in the Holy Scriptures that 'when you are in My presence, wear a dress?' This is a law of man, not of God. I don't believe, nor have I ever said that dressing up is being vain. I do believe that there can be so much emphasis put on how we look that we ignore what's going on in our hearts: (i.e. judging others, pride, etc.)

I read at the end of funkenheimer's post an invitation to share one's thoughts--that's all I was doing. I personally feel that it's judgemental to take a look at another's clothing a deem it incorrect for the chapel, when to the person wearing it, it was appropriate. And in saying that, I felt that I was answering his question. The only reason that a thread like this would go downhill is if someone would fail to recognize that I was cautioning MYSELF, as well, to let others decide before God what is pleasing to Him. I've been guilty of that.

Thankyou, puf, for your response; I appreciate the insights you've given. I hope you don't mind the fact that my questions keep coming...but there seem to be alot of them. Hope you're not frustrated by them. Another question I have in light of the answer you last posted is: You said "The Lord Jesus Christ is our Savior-you can not be saved unless you're in danger." What are we in danger of, ultimately? Other posts have mentioned that the three degrees of glory have no punishment to them whatsoever, so what would be the danger?

My immediate thought on this is, it sounds judgemental. I think there can be people sitting in church in three-piece suits and dresses from Macy's that "look" great, but their hearts are FAR from spiritual. It says in 1 Samuel 16:7 "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not a s man sees, for man looks at the outward appearane, but the Lord looks at the heart." I do believe there are some who truly want to dress in a a way that they believe is offering their BEST to God. If that's the motivation of their heart, that's an honorable thing. But because so many people judge the outward appearance, many have used that to hide behind! Even down to makup and a smile! Haven't you ever looked at another woman, ladies, and thought, "Look at her: she always looks so pretty and so happy; she must have it all together--she'd never understand how much crud I'm going through." It can be deceptive. I would just caution all of us, including myself, not to judge others on the basis of what they're wearing--let each man/woman decide before the Lord what is honorable to wear to church.

I know you say, "I suspect that those who love the Lord will be suprised at the mercy and love shown to us after this life", ryanh, but I wonder then why there has to be degrees of salvation. Why wouldn't there just be salvation? To me, mercy and love would say--you did the best you could and my love and mercy is given to you, my beloved child! Instead, I see in this "degrees of glory" issue that--for example-- if a person isn't married, they cannot be elevated to the celetial kingdom. To me that feels like punishment rather than mercy and love. I just don't know how to know how to ever be GOOD ENOUGH and what is the true standard by whch to follow.

Are you ever afraid that in the end, after you've tried as valiently and vigilantly as you can to be obedient and served as honorably as you know how, that it won't be enough? I'm not TRYING to focus on the punishment for failure, but there's no GUARANTEE if ultimate success...

If it does apply to our salvation, is salvation a once-for-all act (you secure salvation in a one-time act), or a progressive thing (your whole life you are in an act of BEING SAVED), or a repetitive thing you do each time you've disobeyed and the promise you had from God is broken, then you must regain salvation again? (does this make sense?)

So it applies to blessing the Lord gives, but it DOES apply also to our salvation? Are you saying that it teaches the promise of our salvation can be revoked if we disobey? That is scary.

I did not grow up in the church; I'm trying to make sense of a verse I came across on this forum. It's reference was D&C 82:10 "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." Is this in regard to the promise of one's eternal salvation? I found it to be discouraging, based on my own failings and propensity to sin.

God's Word teaches that God's thoughts are not our thoughts, His ways are not our ways. He doesn't just judge our deeds, but also the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. I believe that nowhere in scripture does it teach a ranking for sin. I believe that all sin creates a barrier between us and a holy God. We sometimes forget the equal seriousness of "secret sins" because it appears as though we're getting away with them: pride, selfishness, jealousy, bitterness, envy, coveting--these are things that are happening within our hearts, but because people can't SEE them, we may look like the most spiritual person on earth! These sins are as serious to God as murder--they all separate us from Him. The CONSEQUENCES may be different in ranking, but the sin is the same in His eyes. Humans rank sin. God does not.