Rhoades

Remember that mortal life isn't the total of our existence.  Everyone on earth at one time accepted God.  And, I'm sure everyone prayed and pleaded for his help to some degree.  Some people just aren't aware of this because they have forgotten.  All blessings from God are because of obedience.  Some of the obedience was before this life.
On a related note, keep in mind that while on earth everyone rejects him to some degree.  
 
Here are some scriptures related to your questions.
D&C 130:20-21
 
Matthew 5:44-45
 
Galatians 6:7
 
I wish I could add more scriptures and provide commentary explaining how they answer your questions, but I'm short on time.  Maybe you'll learn some things pondering these or maybe someone else will provide good answers before I get back to it.
One other thing to remember -- a heart changed and intelligence gained is much more valuable than any short term prosperity we experience.

Remember that mortal life isn't the total of our existence.  Everyone on earth at one time accepted God.  And, I'm sure everyone prayed and pleaded for his help to some degree.  Some people just aren't aware of this because they have forgotten.  All blessings from God are because of obedience.  Some of the obedience was before this life.
On a related note, keep in mind that while on earth everyone rejects him to some degree.  
 
Here are some scriptures related to your questions.
D&C 130:20-21
 
Matthew 5:44-45
 
Galatians 6:7
 
I wish I could add more scriptures and provide commentary explaining how they answer your questions, but I'm short on time.  Maybe you'll learn some things pondering these or maybe someone else will provide good answers before I get back to it.
One other thing to remember -- a heart changed and intelligence gained is much more valuable than any short term prosperity we experience.

Remember that mortal life isn't the total of our existence.  Everyone on earth at one time accepted God.  And, I'm sure everyone prayed and pleaded for his help to some degree.  Some people just aren't aware of this because they have forgotten.  All blessings from God are because of obedience.  Some of the obedience was before this life.
On a related note, keep in mind that while on earth everyone rejects him to some degree.  
 
Here are some scriptures related to your questions.
D&C 130:20-21
 
Matthew 5:44-45
 
Galatians 6:7
 
I wish I could add more scriptures and provide commentary explaining how they answer your questions, but I'm short on time.  Maybe you'll learn some things pondering these or maybe someone else will provide good answers before I get back to it.
One other thing to remember -- a heart changed and intelligence gained is much more valuable than any short term prosperity we experience.

The spirit of Christ is given to all mankind that participate in mortality.  Everyone has a "knowledge" of good and evil.  This gift of the spirit of Christ is given and it is not necessary that a person pray in order to receive guidance through the gift of the spirit of Christ.  We are told that prayer will help us spiritually become in tune with the spirit of Christ and other spiritual gifts to guide us in mortality.  But prayer is not an end in and of itself but I believe prayer is rather a process to assist and help us become spiritually in tune.
I would put forth that there is little difference in having no belief in G-d as opposed to false beliefs in G-d and that our view of G-d is expressed not so much in words we speak or claims we make but in our actions and behavior.  That the #1 most important behavior in spiritually putting us properly in tune with G-d is our love, compassion and treatment of our fellow man.
We have learned by sad experience that false beliefs in G-d is among the greatest engines of hate and oppression of mankind – even more so than no belief at all in the false attributes of G-d.  Thus it is my observation that false notions of the attributes of G-d has been more misleading and deceiving of spiritual influences than what we currently call an atheists.
I would point out that the first effort by a Christian congregation or society to protect their fellow mankind from oppression (murder and loss of property) for their different belief in attributes of G-d outside of the Traditional Christian notion of the Trinity was 1829.  It was 1649 before different congregations or societies of Traditional Christians would even protect each other.
It is my personal belief that an individual as well as a society that is motivated by compassion and love of their fellow man is of greater import in order to be influenced by G-d than those that participate in the ritual of prayer.
 
The Traveler
 

Remember that mortal life isn't the total of our existence.  Everyone on earth at one time accepted God.  And, I'm sure everyone prayed and pleaded for his help to some degree.  Some people just aren't aware of this because they have forgotten.  All blessings from God are because of obedience.  Some of the obedience was before this life.
On a related note, keep in mind that while on earth everyone rejects him to some degree.  
 
Here are some scriptures related to your questions.
D&C 130:20-21
 
Matthew 5:44-45
 
Galatians 6:7
 
I wish I could add more scriptures and provide commentary explaining how they answer your questions, but I'm short on time.  Maybe you'll learn some things pondering these or maybe someone else will provide good answers before I get back to it.
One other thing to remember -- a heart changed and intelligence gained is much more valuable than any short term prosperity we experience.

Remember that mortal life isn't the total of our existence.  Everyone on earth at one time accepted God.  And, I'm sure everyone prayed and pleaded for his help to some degree.  Some people just aren't aware of this because they have forgotten.  All blessings from God are because of obedience.  Some of the obedience was before this life.
On a related note, keep in mind that while on earth everyone rejects him to some degree.  
 
Here are some scriptures related to your questions.
D&C 130:20-21
 
Matthew 5:44-45
 
Galatians 6:7
 
I wish I could add more scriptures and provide commentary explaining how they answer your questions, but I'm short on time.  Maybe you'll learn some things pondering these or maybe someone else will provide good answers before I get back to it.
One other thing to remember -- a heart changed and intelligence gained is much more valuable than any short term prosperity we experience.

I'm not sure exactly what we'll be doing, but here's a scripture related to the topic.
Genesis 2:2-3
 
Having the right amount of work is enjoyable and rewarding.  I suspect we'll get to do some work no matter which kingdom we end up in, and we'll enjoy it.  The "right amount" might be different in the next life, but I don't know.    In any case, I don't think a celestial being will feel overworked and miserable.

Frequently the Spirit helps answer questions as we study the word of God about the subject.  We should study both ancient and modern prophets.
In "For The Strength Of Youth" God's prophets have said, "Never do anything that could lead to sexual transgression" and "Avoid situations that invite increased temptation, such as late-night or overnight activities away from home".  Although the counsel in the book is primarily to youth, the wisdom behind those statements is very applicable especially to people in a romantic relationship.
 

For me, it's a no-brainer: Dont do it.
Sharing a bedroom with someone of the other gender who you're not married to is asking for trouble, even more so when you're in a romantic relationship with that person.
I would personally feel it to be perilous if it were me. Why put yourself in a situation that could become a temptation to sin, and on a trip to the temple even?
Additional advice: Stay out of each other's rooms while you're there. Meet somewhere else.

Tonight I remembered someone I knew many years ago telling me about when he went on a mission.  He had been involved in inner city gangs and had to meet personally with the President of the Church before he could go.  He didn't say exactly what he had done, but I've always assumed it was murder.  He was able to go on a mission.  Interestingly, the prophet that he met with who granted him permission was Spencer W. Kimball.

In verse 26 guys came to John and told him Jesus was baptizing people and drawing lots of people.  This was significant because John was a really great prophet and Jesus was gaining in popularity.  But John knew he must decrease while Jesus would increase. John 3:27 says:
I think he was indicating that Jesus's authority and greatness were from heaven.  If we have a calling from God or have authority, it is from heaven.  The footnote in John 3:27 references James 1:17 which teaches that every good gift comes from God.  I think another good verse it could have referenced is Hebrews 5:4
 
Now, the interpretation you put is broader.  You said, "a man can do nothing, unless he receives from heaven the power to do something."  I think that works too.
I look at it as the fact that God has given us agency.  We can act.  Our ability to do things is a gift from God.  We can do both good and evil, but that doesn't mean God did the evil.  We could even try to solicit Satan's power to do miraculous things, but that's dangerous.  He just wants to make us miserable and destroy us.
Pharaoh's servants had agency from God.  They either did a magic trick with no real power at all, or they relied on Satan and by his power did things.  Their ability to act in that way was a gift from God.

After reading the many comments of this interesting thread the takeaway I'm getting from this is .. Can a murderer hope to ever live in the presence of The Father or even The Son?
The answer appears to be a definite MAYBE.. 
... and also a definite MAYBE NOT..
 
Why hasn't the Lord spelled this out for us more clearly?  Why hasn't it been revealed word-for-word and in no uncertain terms where we'll go if we decide we just have no choice but to decapitate our neighbor?  Nephi was commanded to.. Or so HE claims..  So he must be headed for Telestial glory, right?
I imagine some of you might be shaking your heads at this... "That's a big negatory, Squidster.."
And, I believe those of you saying that would be 100% correct!  Nephi was NOT a MURDERER.  He was commanded by the Lord to kill Laban.  So, maybe that makes THE LORD a murderer.  "Uh, no, Squid.  Once again a big fat negatory."  
Ok... So let me get this clear.  The Lord commands, "Thou shalt not kill." and even says in the D&C that if you do you won't receive forgiveness in this world OR the next.  It couldn't be any clearer than that, right?But then there are examples all over in the scriptures of people killing each other.. Even being commanded of the Lord to do so!  How can He send us these kind of mixed messages!?  What happened to "Yay yay" and "Nay nay"..?  Where is the justice OR mercy in that?
Ok.. So lest any of you are beginning to worry that I might be channeling Bill Maher.. Or Arthur Schopenhauer... Or <insert your favorite hipster atheist or anti theist here> .. Let me just say in no uncertain terms that neither God the Father nor God the Son have ANY need to excuse Themselves for anything They do... EVER.  Is there any one of us who won't be rewarded a hundred times over AND THEN SOME beyond what we ever deserved?  (Those of you who have any doubts about that statement will just have to wait and see if you don't just wind up willingly and gladly bending your knees with all the rest of us in acknowledging thanksgiving and praise to the Lord in the end...).
So what of the person who kills?  What are the consequences for such?  Should anything other than the fact that someone died at somebody's hand be a consideration?  Or.. If there are other considerations.. Is killing really such a big deal?  .. If God's just going to sort it all out in the end anyway.. ?
It seems to me that killing is a very serious thing.  Even killing vessels that don't contain spirit-children of our Father is SERIOUS.  Indiscriminate and wanton killing can canker the soul like just about nothing else can!  I am convinced that delighting in bloodshed of any sort is a debasing thing and has NEVER ever been condoned of the Lord.  Life, even mortal life, is precious beyond measure.  Can any of us create it?  Creation of life is one of the priesthood keys not currently held by any man on this earth.  It was exercised by Michael and Jehova to bring about this earth and all living things upon it.  Life of just about any sort that we know of is fairly easy to take... and impossible for us to restore without God's help..  But, for good or ill, death and killing are necessary to fulfill God's plan.  Opposition in all things, right?  So why doesn't God get more specific about "good" vs "bad" types of killing?  Because ultimately death is not OF God.. God is the bringer and sustainer of life, not death.  Death comes through the fall of MAN and the efforts of Lucifer to thwart His plan.  As far as I understand it, it only exists in fallen spheres of existence.  I really can't see how it has ANY place in any kingdoms of glory.  But it does happen here and now for a time... and it is necessary.
Death and Killing exist in fallen nature and the natural man in each one of us.  They point to the necessity of a Savior to rescue us from their inevitable grasp.  In that sense they can be to our benefit.  Even the necessary act of fallen nature to "kill and eat," that it might live another day, points as a type to the sacrifice of a Savior who offers Himself as a ransom that ALL might live and even have everlasting life if they will drink and eat of His gift of life.  In ancient times the true followers of the Lord were commanded to kill the best animals they owned (or could buy) as a part of sacred rituals to teach them the importance of looking toward the ultimate sacrifice which would be our Lord.  These things were crucial teaching tools, powerful symbols designed to point them in the right direction that they might know the mind and will of God.  They were not by chance nor as the result of the whims of man, but revealed by the Lord Himself who knew what was needed for spiritual progression to occur in His people.  These things were all carefully planned by our loving Father who doesn't condemn us to remain in our weak and fallen state but works with our natural man tendencies trying to help us to ultimately rise above them.. Not wallow and remain IN them.  
So... There was a time when killing was a part of temple teaching and covenant making.  That's probably as close as we can get to a "good" type of killing.. Commanded of God for a higher purpose.  
Anything else, much or most of what we see, either murder or something approaching it points us firmly in the opposite direction and delights the adversary because it gives him great power over us. This is serious enough that the Lord has warned us that it is like denying the Holy Ghost.  I believe there's a reason He doesn't draw a clear line for us in the sand and say, "If you do such and such, you've crossed that line and can never return to Me or my Father."  He wants us to fear going anywhere NEAR that line.  We have no business flirting with such evil.  I personally believe that those who do cross that line will KNOW it in no uncertain terms.. and worse, they have NO desire to ever return at that point but only to continue in that darkness and lure others by any means that they can to follow.  So it's really not about whether they CAN still be rescued, but that they REFUSE to be rescued... and ultimately want NOTHING that The Father or The Son have to offer.. and, terribly and (for most if us) incomprehensibly, they get what they choose...  nothingness.  They exercise their agency to this horrible end.

It's nice of you to be so clear on where you stand and why.
I have to say that I feel the concept of many sins utterly repulsive, while I am admittedly drawn to others. However I'm also not convinced that perfected beings are free of all temptation, although it's certainly possible and even hopeful that complete freedom from temptation would one day exist. I just also can't rule out the idea that temptation is eternal. There must be opposition in all things - we fought for agency and so on. Thus in the eternities it certainly seems possible that temptations will still exist, but the understanding of the sorrow they bring will be perfect and the choice will easy - likely because it's already been made so many times before.
My point here is that to become like our Saviour might not require that we are never tempted (after all we have record of Him being tempted as well) but that we choose the better part. 
So I can not only sympathize with, but admire, those who avoid sinful thoughts and actions despite being tempted otherwise. This is perhaps the stickiest part - separating temptations from thoughts. Supposing the pedophile has an attraction to children just as I do for women, but chooses not to think about it - doesn't let his mind ever go there, is that not admirable self discipline. Now suppose the person slipped up once or twice (in thought only) and prayed night and day for deliverance from these impure thoughts, is that not also admirable?
I'm also curious about your take on physical infirmities. Do you consider mental illness something that is chosen? Is it not completely possible that a predisposition to unnatural sexual attraction is as much due to something being not right in the brain as it is in the depressed, or the schizophrenic? I know it's not popular these days but "treatments" have been available for these kinds of sexual dysfunctions in the past.
Clearly I'm not arguing for accepting the behaviour - or even accepting the disorder as okay. But is it wrong to admit to a weakness and resist it?

Government can not avoid legislating morality.  Society deems some things as wrong or hurtful to others and has laws accordingly.  Not everyone in society will always agree on whether a particular action is hurtful, or helpful, or indifferent to others.  Society must decide based on its collective morality what is or isn't harmful and then what it wants to legislate or ignore.
The obvious example is that our society outlaws viewing a naked 17 year old.  The laws around this are obviously based on morality.  We could end up deciding viewing naked 19 year olds is also harmful enough that it should be prohibited.   However, it's not just drug and sex laws.  Even laws about whether or not I have a right to cut down and burn a tree are based on morality.  Lots and lots of laws are based on morality.  I don't think it's possible for a society to be without laws based on morality.  If it tried, it wouldn't survive.
In an address in 1992 Elder Oaks said:
 
I don't think the community I live in now at this time should prohibit alcohol consumption by people 21 and over.  The alternatives would be worse due to its existing entrenchment in society.  However, it's not necessarily wrong for a government to prohibit alcohol consumption.  It depends on the people in the community, their current use and acceptance levels, etc.  There could be a time and place where alcohol consumption being outlawed by a government would be OK.
One thing the Old Testament teaches with the Jew's rejection of a higher law and the introduction of the law of Moses is that God realizes that different sets of laws are more appropriate for different groups of people.  It depends on their preparation and their righteousness / morality.  (I would also contend that the appropriate optimum size of government also varies depending on the people.)
In my community (in Eastern U.S.) marijuana is not legal.  This is a generally accepted law based on morality.  It's prohibition causes some problems, but most here agree that the benefits to society of outlawing the drug outweigh these problems.  However, as morals degrade and its prohibition problems become worse if the voice of the people ever chose a "lesser law" that would be very unfortunate but not too shocking.  Although not every individual will agree with each law, to work they should be generally accepted.
There's a balance between preserving agency and outlawing actions in order to protect society.  And you can go overboard outlawing too many actions.  I'm not sure what the exact balance is.  Again, I do believe it varies based on the people.  We learn from Alma 1:17-18 that the Nephites didn't have laws restricting what people believed but they had no problem with laws regulating sinful behavior such as lying.  Alma 42:19-20 teaches that laws can be used against sinful actions in order to discourage people from sinning.
Another thing to remember is that no form of government can govern a sufficiently wicked people.  We learn that in the Book of Mormon.  Wickedness will lead to their destruction.  Helaman 5:2-3 says:
 
The next verse is insightful.  Instead of focusing on his political position to restore order, it says this about Nephi:
 
And that kind of reminds me of Alma.  Alma 31:5 says
 
I think with the Constitution, the U.S. has exactly what it needs for the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Although we should vote and be active in improving our government through traditional ways including at the local level, we can't forget the importance of improving our government by helping people become more righteous and moral.  If we're generally moral things will be fine, and if not ... well ... we'll ignore and twist the constitution and we won't be able to be governed and there's nothing else that would work either.
So, if we want a better government look at ways to influence society for good.  How can we let our light shine and be a positive influence on others?  Even if they don't fully embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, there are things we can do to help foster morals and values in other people.  Our examples and friendships can help others steer clear of some of the things that pollute and cloud the light of Christ within them.  Our actions and words can help them receive additional light, even if it's only a little.
Even if the collapse of a once great people seems inevitable (especially after reading 3 Nephi 20-21 and Mormon 5), we still labor like Jacob (Jacob 1:19).  And we take courage and find hope in knowing that if we are on the Lord's side all will be OK.  We rejoice that we are in the time where "no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing ..., but the truth of God will go forth ... till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done." (Joseph Smith).
 

I don't homeschool because the schools that my children go to is the best option for children (I would recommend it to anybody) supplemented by my teaching at home.
Therefore, I love my kids more than anybody and my kids know it. 

@Latter-Day Marriage This discussion motivated me to further study the role of confession in the repentance process.  I have a renewed appreciation for the value and benefit that comes with confession to those we have offended.  It not only helps them, but it also helps us acquire sufficient humility.  Thanks!
 I obviously did a poor job explaining my thoughts.  I do NOT think one should avoid confession to those offended for fear of consequences to themselves.  Nor do I think the unrepentant will be without consequences at judgement day.  In addition to poor explanations, some of my thoughts were off the cuff and maybe not appropriate for the topic.  We must overcome the fear of the consequences of confession with hope and faith in the consequences of full repentance.

Suppose you lived in a war torn area and you took some money that did not belong to you to feed your hungry family.  This was wrong and it hurt others.  Suppose you feel bad about it and forsake it and have not done anything like this in years.  Suppose you have confessed your sin to God, yet you wonder if you should confess to those you harmed.  Even though it has been years, suppose according to the laws of society doing so will land you in prison separated from your family.  Although no one will die from it, it would be devastating to your wife and children.  If you came to me and asked if you should disclose this transgression, I would not give a definitive answer one way or the other.  I would offer some guidance both ways and urge you to counsel with the Lord and your Bishop about it.
I wouldn't demand that those you offended must know you "as he really is" or on judgement day you will be revealed and it will "hurt even more" (your words).
I think there are situations where it could go either way.  And if you knew me you would know that I am not at all the type of person that keeps things from people.  We don't even do the Santa Claus thing because I wouldn't feel comfortable deceiving my children in this way.  We do a variation where we fully disclose it is a game that mom and dad do because we want kids to enjoy it.  They still get excited and love it even though they know the truth.
My point was simply that it depends on how it will help and/or hurt others.  You have to use wisdom and guidance from God.  It sounds like the OP is trying to do that, so that's great!

@Latter-Day Marriage This discussion motivated me to further study the role of confession in the repentance process.  I have a renewed appreciation for the value and benefit that comes with confession to those we have offended.  It not only helps them, but it also helps us acquire sufficient humility.  Thanks!
 I obviously did a poor job explaining my thoughts.  I do NOT think one should avoid confession to those offended for fear of consequences to themselves.  Nor do I think the unrepentant will be without consequences at judgement day.  In addition to poor explanations, some of my thoughts were off the cuff and maybe not appropriate for the topic.  We must overcome the fear of the consequences of confession with hope and faith in the consequences of full repentance.

@Latter-Day Marriage This discussion motivated me to further study the role of confession in the repentance process.  I have a renewed appreciation for the value and benefit that comes with confession to those we have offended.  It not only helps them, but it also helps us acquire sufficient humility.  Thanks!
 I obviously did a poor job explaining my thoughts.  I do NOT think one should avoid confession to those offended for fear of consequences to themselves.  Nor do I think the unrepentant will be without consequences at judgement day.  In addition to poor explanations, some of my thoughts were off the cuff and maybe not appropriate for the topic.  We must overcome the fear of the consequences of confession with hope and faith in the consequences of full repentance.

@Latter-Day Marriage This discussion motivated me to further study the role of confession in the repentance process.  I have a renewed appreciation for the value and benefit that comes with confession to those we have offended.  It not only helps them, but it also helps us acquire sufficient humility.  Thanks!
 I obviously did a poor job explaining my thoughts.  I do NOT think one should avoid confession to those offended for fear of consequences to themselves.  Nor do I think the unrepentant will be without consequences at judgement day.  In addition to poor explanations, some of my thoughts were off the cuff and maybe not appropriate for the topic.  We must overcome the fear of the consequences of confession with hope and faith in the consequences of full repentance.

I think you've already received some valuable advice.  To further address your last questions, consider what Christ taught in Matthew 19:29: "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life."   The key is "for my name's sake".

I think you've already received some valuable advice.  To further address your last questions, consider what Christ taught in Matthew 19:29: "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life."   The key is "for my name's sake".

We couldn't even get our children to talk in 6 weeks, I can't imagine teaching them to read.  
We use a more gradual approach that takes about 5 to 6 years.  Although it takes a while, they very much enjoy the process and they become very good readers in the end.

Even though this is regarding criticism I think it applies to other areas as well. I can easily see the sense on both sides of this argument.

Your definition of adultery is wrong.  The True to The Faith book says, "The Ten Commandments include the command that we not commit adultery, which is sexual intercourse between a married man and someone other than his wife or between a married woman and someone other than her husband."
The woman in the verse doesn't necessarily have to be married for it to be adultery.  If the man were married and the woman not married, it would also be adultery. 
 
 
In the LDS guide to the scriptures on lds.org ( https://www.lds.org/scriptures/gs/adultery?lang=eng) it says this about Adultery: "The unlawful sexual association of men and women. Although adultery generally refers to sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than his or her spouse, in the scriptures it may also refer to the unmarried. "
 
In the Church today, that's not how marriage works.  Having sex with an unmarried person is NOT the performance of a marriage ceremony.  Marriage must be done beforehand.
 
Here's a scripture that teaches that a married man lusting after another woman (doesn't matter whether she's married or single) is sin:
D&C 42:22-23:  “Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else. And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out.”
 
I suggest in your studies of these issues, you rely heavily on the basics such as these:
For the Strength of Youth : https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/sexual-purity?lang=eng
True to the Faith: https://www.lds.org/manual/true-to-the-faith/chastity?lang=eng