Martain

Agreed, that is also a distinct possibility that ran through my mind. Thanks for adding it LM.

Is this a correct summation of the basic pertinent details and your request or intent in presenting it to us? Did I get it right? I sincerely hope so. Dear sister, though we have all sinned, outside of you committing murder or sinning against the Holy Ghost, you are not at this time condemned to a lesser kingdom. There are those who upon death have not had a fair and just opportunity to accept and live the Gospel. For such there will be an opportunity to repent and live the gospel in the spirit world and still obtain a Celestial Glory. However, for a great many and perhaps even the majority of the members of this church, we will die having had a fair and just opportunity and if we do not prove worthy of the celestial kingdom in this life, we forfeit such and repentance in the spirit world will allow us to obtain a Terrestrial Glory. As to the concerns regarding the counsel from your former Bishop and current Stake President, I pray you will take my previous counsel because I know it is good. Talk to him and ask him whether what he is telling you is the man, or whether he indicates he is telling you that as your Stake President via the power of the Priesthood and in the name of Christ. Can any of us claim to have never misunderstood someone or judged someone falsely in error? Do we not have ample example of such even here in this thread? Do we not want the Lord to forgive us for our misjudgements? If so should we not forgive others their misjudgements? If it's the man, forgive him. If he says it's the other then, in light of what the scriptures teach, such would seriously concern me and I would then refer you to counsel with your Bishop regarding the matter. You know the truth of this work and the Lord does loves you and yes he does want you to go to your church meetings. Such a commandment is for your good and he does expect you to keep all of his commandments this one included. Sincerely, Brother M.

Is it possible to know the thoughts and emotions of others? Yes. Q: Could my son really hear the thoughts and feels the emotions of others he is nearby and if so by what power could this be done? A: It is by the power of God could such be done. Q: So you think he has such a spiritual gift from God? A: No I do not. Q: No? Why not? A: Based upon the effects of the gift. It doesn't draw him nearer others to serve them and doesn't grant him greater compassion and charity for others. I couldn't find a single effect of this gift on his life which I would deem positive from what you shared. He's now saying he has psychic powers which is like a priesthood holder saying he has magic powers. If he does have psychic powers, they are not from God. Q: If not from God then from where? A: Well he could be simply making this up to tick you off and create space. Q: What if he's not making it up? A: Is there not opposition in all things? Are there not true gifts from God and counterfeit gifts from Satan? The feelings and thoughts have to come from somewhere. If it's not a gift from God and it's not intentionally or unintentionally of his own making then that leaves false revelation from the Devil. Q: -scoff- From the Devil? A: What you think he's dead? He's just as alive and kicking as he's ever been if not more powerful than ever. He'll deceive the very elect if they do not take the Holy Ghost as their guide and remain vigilent. Astrology, phrenology, palm reading, psychic readings etc. etc., are all false forms of the true spritual gift of prophecy. What God creates Satan imitates and he's very effective at what he does. Q: So you think that this is a false and evil spiritual gift and revelation from the Devil? A: Yes I do. Q: Couldn't it simply be mental illness and not have anything to do with the Devil? A: It could be. Based on personal experience I really doubt such is his case but it could be. Q: Personal experience? A: If only you knew. Fortunately you personally don't know which has saved you from a lot of pain and sorrow. Q: Care to explain? A: Not at this time but someone who really wanted to know could comb through all my posts here and glean some insights as to what I refer to. Q: Is it important that I know the source of this gift and if so why? A: Absolutely! You wouldn't want to treat it as mental illness if he's making it up would you? Likewise if it's a false gift from the Devil then do you really think physical medications are going to help him with a spiritual condition? How can you move forward in the right direction in regards to what you do from here on out if you do not know the cause and hence the direction you should go? Q: Well how do I find out for sure the source of this gift then? A: Your son is claiming a certain spiritual gift. His bishop has the right to the gift of spiritual discernment in part specifically for situations just like this. My recommendation is to counsel with his Bishop and gain confirmation via revelation as to the source of this gift. Once you know that, you'll be in a position to move forward in the right direction in your efforts to help him.

Apparently I should have refreshed the topic before posting as quite a bit of content was added after doing so. As your Stake President, he does have a stewardship over you and I can understand your question regarding what he is saying is the man or the Stake President. To my knowledge, as far as the Church is concerned, the issues you have shared with us regarding your sin and the disciplining of them are the jurisdiction of your Bishop. The Stake President would be involved if you were seeking a temple recommend or at the request of the Bishop but otherwise, to my knowledge, would not. I'll give you some wise counsel that if you act upon it will be of use. Ask your Stake President directly. "You've told me ______________. Are you telling me this as my Stake President via priesthood authority in the name of the Lord or is this your personal feelings?" Remember that even though he has such a calling that he's human too. If he says it is his personal feelings then forgive him and again apologize and in sincerity advise him that you weren't trying to seduce him and that you didn't have ulterior motives. If however he says the other, ask to get it in writing and talk with your Bishop regarding it. Sincerely, Brother M.

First off let me check to see if I understand the timeline correctly. A married male in a priesthood leadership calling was communicating with you via email venting the stresses of his calling and you responded to these communications. You broke the law of chastity and the above individual learned of such through someone other than yourself, perhaps the person you broke the law with, and as such has not heard your side of the story. In light of such knowledge he then grew convinced and has accused you that your email responses were not platonic and well meaning but rather an attempt on your part to seduce him to commit adultery. You do not mention what his leadership role is but you mention that now he is in a leadership role on the stake level. You've tried to clear up the misunderstanding but he doesn't believe your intent was innocent of such motives. Having such an intimate knowledge of your sins he has advised you that you are not welcome among the saints in essence advising you that you should not come to church. Your friendship with another women who I assume is his wife has now been shattered and this same woman has advised you in anger or in meanness that you shouldn't have interest in eternal life anymore but should seek for a lower kingdom instead. Is this a decent summary? Would you be so kind as to indicate what calling he held in your ward and what calling he now holds on the stake level? Am I correct in assuming that you've never married, never been endowed, that the person you had sex with was an unmarried member of the church? Do I understand correctly that one of your primary concerns is whether or not the counsel you've received regarding not being welcome is inspired or not? If so may I share with you a few scriptures? Based on what you read above, if someone is telling you that you are unwelcome and are unworthy and should not come to church, is it of the Lord? It is actually a commandment of God that you should come to church each week. It is a commandment and you are welcome to come so I really hope you do. If another member has a problem with you and doesn't want you there, that's not the will of the Lord. Now sometimes when we sin, depending on the severity, we are put under the church punishment of disfellowhip. If so, while welcome and requested to continue coming to church, there are certain things you are not welcome to do while attending. Is this something you were or are placed under? In regards to your sin... Whether or not you have had or before your death will have had a "fair and just" opportunity to accept and live the gospel is fortunately judged by the Lord. In light of the knowledge I have and the covenants I have made, were I to commit fornication or adultery and then having sufficient time to repent instead procrastinate my repentance unto death, the most I could inherit would be a telestial glory.

Faith comes from hearing and reading the words and truths of God found in the scriptures and other inspired writings. If in the garden of your soul you feel the trees of faith and trust in God are not bearing the quantity of fruit you desire then the question is how well you nourishing them? Also, would you prefer a single tree in the back yard of your soul or a forest of such fruit bearing trees? You want to trust God more? Obtain a better understanding of His characteristics and attributes. You want more faith? Regularly study and read the word of God and the inspired teachings of the Prophets and Apostles. Is it safe to say that as a convert you were not raised on gospel truths and teachings? Do you remember the nourishing and strengthening impact of one conference talk by President Monson had on you and your family regarding soccer on Sunday? There are so many wonderful and good books out there that will do for you, your life and your faith what that single talk did for that single subject. Are you willing to trust me and exercise some faith like you did on my previous post? Are you willing to study and read? Doctrines of Salvation Vol. I - President Joseph Fielding Smith "The Teachings of The Prophet Joseph Smith" – Compiled by President Joseph Fielding Smith "The Lectures on Faith" Stand Ye In Holy Places - President Harold B Lee Gospel Doctrine - President Joseph Fielding Smith So yeah, my counsel to you dear sister is... read. Will you? Sincerely, Brother M.

Dear Sister MiP, As I read your story I remembered a general conference talk by President Monson regarding someone who was in a similar situation. If you'll read it I'm confident it will help you. I also hope you'll prayerfully seek a witness from the Lord regarding the matter as his approval and confirmation would offset the feelings of disappointment you're feeling from the coaches, players, and parents. After all, who would you rather please?

Anatess I love what you've shared about you and your husband! Awesome! I've never even met the guy and I already know I like him!

We have a Heavenly Father and a Heavenly Mother, likewise in order to obtain all that the father hath, would not Christ need enter into those same covenants? What if the best way you could serve him with all your heart and soul was to get married, have children, and raise them in righteousness? What if that's what he wants you to do? This is what he has counseled us through the Scriptures and His Prophets that we do. This decision you are considering making has lasting eternal repercussions and is no light matter. President Thomas S. Monson during the Oct. 2004 conference talk "Whom Shall I Marry?" spoke much regarding the subject at hand and quoted Bruce R. McConkie in saying: You've counseled with your Bishop, who has rights of stewardship to receive personal revelation regarding you, and you know his views. If you read the above talk you'll understand the views of the Prophets as well. The scriptures also confirm and witness to the same end as well. So the question I have to you is... are you living the commandments of God so as to be worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost and personal revelation? If so, have you prayed and received a witness from the Lord that your will to remain single and never marry is approved by him? Have you obtained in worthiness a patriarchal blessing? Dear Sister Lakumi, as to the fear of children, would your heart not have room to love the unloved and unwanted? What of adoption? As to passing on mental illness, could you not plead before the Lord like unto Hannah save it be to bless you with a child free from mental illness? Sincerely, Brother M.

That or at least talk to him and ask her bishop directly what he would have you do. "Bishop _____? If I knew that one of the members of your endowed members in your ward was/is committing ___________ would you want me to let you know or should I simply stay silent?"

It's not easy to forgive adultery and I feel that is but one reason it is second to murder. It's second because it's so hard to forgive and until the wounded spouse does, in them remains an even greater sin than adultery. Putting someone in such a situation? Ask yourself, if you were as lost in sin as she is and unrepentant, would you want someone to go to your bishop to start the repentance process? I would! If I were in your shoes I feel it at this point as my duty to God to advise her Bishop. Having done so I would then leave it in the hands of the Lord and his authorized servant. I'd like that URL as I can see it useful tool in the future. It sounds like a pretty good inoculation. Will you send it to me? As to Budding, I hope this helps. Ultimately, you could ask the Lord too regarding whether it would be best for you to come forward to her bishop. Empathetic, Brother M

Have you counseled your sorrows with God and with your Bishop? Have you had or do you have faith sufficient to request a priesthood blessing of guidance and comfort? If not, please do so as it will help. With a prayer, Brother M.

Isn't because they're searching?

I'm sorry Leah that you feel I'm playing the victim as I'm not playing at anything. Everything I've said is honestly heart felt and sincere. Based upon my understanding of mocking, your words and tone fit. I could use your help here though Leah, what are the thoughts and attitudes which am I ascribing to you? I... don't feel that I'm overacting, so I guess we'll just have to disagree on that? I... thought I'd answered that question already? Umm... I guess not good enough? Ok, I'll try explaining it again? When Alma went to Ammonihah by himself: When Alma was joined by Amulek: The 'Law of Witnesses' and my desire for another witness is not because it would make my words true as only a witness from the Lord would do that. My desire for another witness is simply because until then my words are like Alma's in 9:6. My hope is that if another stood up, individuals might react like those who heard Amulek in Alma 10:12. Maybe I'm missed reading a post but as far as I could tell, no one here indicated that they had received a different answer from God. No one indicated having even asked of God. My plea was and is still to "ask" God. Is there... a question you feel I still haven't answered?

Even though I would not be averse to dropping this subject as it lies, I feel to reply once more. Thank you all of you for writing what you've written. Your words are very much your honest feelings and opinions and your honestly is good. I don't hold anything anyone said against them or harbor any ill feelings to any of you. Many an individual falsely makes sweeping judgements against our religion based on the poor examples of some of our members. Shall I liken such to Masonry? Are not some here making a sweeping judgment regarding the whole organization based upon the character and conduct of one or a few individuals within? If that's not the way you want others to judge us, on such a serious subject is it wise to judge others the same way? I don't want anyone to accept my words or the words of the author as true simply because we say so. I want people to read and ask the Lord dirctly. I hope I'll always rather take the word of the Lord over everything else every of the week. Are not there many well educated individuals who never seriously inquire of God to know whether the restoration or Book of Mormon is true? Shall I liken such to Masonry? For such a serious claim as I make regarding Masonry, is the learning of men sufficient and wise? I fully believe that if I knew what you knew, I would beleive as you believe, if I had not read what I had read and asked the Lord whether what I had read was true. Masonry aside, the original poster asked what he should tell someone who wanted to know how our belief in the Doctrine of Progression is different from the aim of Satan and his hosts for power. When I realized many had come to the defence of Masonry but not to our faith in helping to explain the difference of doctrines I was surprised and proceeded to respond with what I feel is a very clear and good answer to the original query. As to Masonry, my words are that Masonry, even if not originally so, at the head, is now a secret combination lead by the enemy. Upon declairing such, my words were downplayed as conspiritorial, biased and the product of ignorance. When I expressed how this saddened me I was then derided for it. Mocking is when you make something seem laughably unreal or impossible. To mock is to treat something with ridicule or contempt or scorn. I don't believe any of you think you're mocking me or my words or intentionally seeking to do so. "Lord, what is this? It's almost like... they're mocking me?" was my surprised reaction to which I learned yes. I understand you haven't had a spiritual witness like I have. I don't expect anyone to simply take me at my word over such a serious issue. I want you to study it out and ask God. You've done much study Crimson, surely even without reading what I reference, you could go the the Lord in humble prayer seeking confirmation that my words are false and that Masonry is as benign and good at the core as you understand it's surface. Surely all of you could do so. Please do so. If you do not gain the witness against my words you seek, please do what I did, read what I read, and ask like I asked. It's obvious I can't convince any of you that my words are true. Yet if it's important, the Lord can. I'll leave that in his hands. I'm sorry if any of you are offended by my words. I don't mean to offend or desire to do so. I write these things because I feel it is important. Even if in the end you still disagree me, please forgive me for I mean well. Likewise, please forgive me if the manner in which I've written or presented my thoughts is disagreeable to you. I tried hard to write it as best I know now. Sincerely, Brother M.

Dear Somebody, What would happen if, in getting married to you civilly or in the temple, you too ended up divorce? How would that affect her future? My concern is that these wounds have crippled her trust/faith in God. If this is not so, then why would she not seek to God to know whether she can trust you with a temple marriage? If he confirmed it, wouldn't that be enough? Such wounds as she carries, though not for the most part physically visible, are great and deep. While counseling and therapy would help, it is the master healer whose touch she desperately needs. Outside of divine revelation from the Lord comforting me and advising me that yes he approves and to go forward with the civil marriage to start with, I would not personally do so. Whether the answer is to wait and help her come to Christ for healing, to move forward in faith while doing the same or move forward but with a civil marriage instead, only God knows. While I expect you can pour out your feelings and such questions to God in private personal prayer, if you are able, consider doing so with her present. If you can be that open, that unguarded, in her presence, I feel it will soften her heart and help her pray likewise. My heart goes out to the both of you. May God bless you both. Love, Brother M.

Ultimately the important thing is not what we want or what we think is best but what the Lord wants us to do and what he knows is best for us. If you have not done so yet, counsel with your Heavenly Father and ask him directly what he wants you to do. If your Heavenly Father witnessed to you that you are to not work on Sunday and trust him... would you be willing? If he doesn't but instead witnesses to you that he understands your circumstances and that he's pleased with you serving your family in this regard... would that not put you at peace? Seek personal guidance and revelation from the Lord is my council. -Love Brother M

The sacrifice you are making is not unnoticed. God sees it and will pour out the blessings of heaven in response to your faith and your willing heart. God loves you, may he always uphold you and God bless you.

When I think of our Saviors mortal lifetime I can sum it up in one phrase. Jesus was a perfect. Though tempted, he never sinned not even once. Though he suffered trials and torments and afflictions of all kinds, he never murmured. Being born of the mortal Mary he inherited a mortal body that could die and all the weakness and physical imperfections that attend to it. Is a physical mortal body such as our Savior received from his mother perfect like unto how our Heavenly Father's body is perfect? No. Did he walk a perfect life in accordance with gospel law and his father's will? Yes. There is a difference between being perfect and being perfected. Christ was everything the Father needed him to be, did everything the Father needed him to do and did such perfectly. As such he progressed grace from grace until he obtain a fullness thereof. If you had a child that did such, would you not call them perfect? If so who but He is worthy of such a title from our Father? God does not in this life require our perfection but he does require our obedience. Perfection is gained over time by being obedient and is the fruit of such obedience. Hence he who is perfectly obedient to God is, in this phase of existence, perfect. Our perfectly brother was the perfect example of sinless obedience. Let's continue to follow =).

Welcome! Your post was definitely interesting =)

This gospel principal is what I was referring to. It's one thing if one person says that something is true and that they know by the power of the Spirit of the Lord. It's something quite different when there are 2 or 3 such witnesses. If you were in my shoes, knowing the difference it made to Alma when Amulek started testifying as well, wouldn't you want a second witness to stand forth? I haven't done an in depth study of all of their reading material, I haven't read all those books written by the experts regarding Masonry history. I read what I read and the Spirit testified what it testified. Are there good people in Masonry? Of course there are. Frankly I wanted to simply wash hands of it and leave it alone! Yet when I asked, the guidance I received was to defend the words I wrote as true and invite anew. If you had a witness from the Lord, would you not do the same? I'm not wise enough to expound the whole of the matter to you. I don't have brilliant counter rebuttals to offer you. I don't have convincing logical proofs and confirming factoids. I don't know what else to do other than to testify, invite you to take the 5-15 minutes to read the chapter I read and then ask you to humbly ask of God for yourself. I know you disagree with me but why do you mock me?

Musician

Man has the potential to become like God. God having all power has given men agency to choose for themselves who they will follow and who they will obey. Were Satan to have all power he would take away the agency of man. Satan seeks to replace God and force all to do his will and deny us any choice in the matter. For this Satan was cast out of heaven for his plan was the opposite of the one our Father put forth. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints understand that based upon faithfulness, righteousness and the mercy/grace of Jesus Christ, we can become co-heirs with our Savior. As Jesus Christ has obtained all that the Father hath and reigns with him on the throne, so to ultimately may we likewise if we prove worthy. We would not replace, or supplant our Heavenly Father or Savior but would rule under them to continue the Great Plan of Happiness as God's over our own creations. So to summarize the difference: Satan and his hosts seek to live outside the laws of God and to overthrow, supplant, replace, cast down, and rule over the God they hate in order to destroy and cause to cease his will and plans for ever and ever. Latter-day Saints seek to become like the God we love and to live with him and rule under him in order to support, perpetuate and continue his will and plans for ever and ever.

You really equate my words regarding masonry to be conspiratorial whispers? I don't understand where I'm whispering or how I'm trying to be conspiratorial. Maybe I misunderstand that last paragraph. Anti-Mormonism relies upon ignorance and lies regarding the doctrines of our faith and an unwillingness to ask of God. My post is definitely anti-masonry but I have no need to rely upon ignorance and lies... ignorance is what had previously placed my opinion in harmony with yours. My request was to take 5-15 minutes and read the chapter I referenced and ask God in prayer. Is there any way I can get further from the tactics of lies and ignorance than that? I too accepted the logic that because I know Joseph etc to be men of God then since they were good, and they were Masons then Masonry must be good too. I wondered why if Masonry wasn't good, why would they have joined? I say wondered because that same chapter I reference? It answered those questions as well and removed any conflict regarding Joseph's character and participation. You're free to feel I'm wrong. Your response saddens me but I understand it because until recently I agreed with you. I can't force you and I wouldn't even if I could but I really wish you'd take 5-15 minutes and read the chapter I referenced and ask God in prayer for the truth of the matter. I'd really appreciate 'someone' doing so because at the moment I'm a lone voice here and we know of the doctrine of at least two witnesses.

Has anyone here actually read or listened to the oaths Masons make or read the educational material they put out to their members? Anyone actually been a masonry member? Anyone actually talk with someone who was a High Mason who then converted to Christianity? If not, where are you getting your information and views regarding Masonry? I had believed Masonry to be a benign quaint and mostly dead organization until I studied it further. Now I know better and can not see how I can declair it as anything other than a secret society, the recruiting grounds for secret combinations, and a branch of the Church of the Devil with Satan at it's head. For a long time I simply relied/leaned upon my own understanding and relied upon the arm of the flesh via what I'd heard from others. When I read a book written by a LDS author and the chapter here regarding Masonry I received a witness via the Spirit completely different than what I had originally thought. If I hadn't, I wouldn't be writing this =). Give yourself 5-15 minutes, read, ponder, and ask the Lord yourself?