skoshmom

anatess, I believe that they believe in what they're doing, so did the Nazi's. But they call themselves a church when they are nothing more than a hate group. They've spit their venom in people's faces in genuine times of bereavement and sorrow, and seem to want to protest at every single funeral, especially of our soldiers who fought valiantly for this country and they hide behind the term church or religion which gives them the excuse that their religious liberties are being violated if they aren't allowed to do so. They've taken the term church or religion, or whatever term they wish to use and have desecrated it into something I wouldn't think a church, especially christian is supposed to be, that is what I meant by pretend. Although I don't agree with them, I stand by our constitution which guarantees religious liberty - even to them.

Hmmm...They are going around pretending to be a church when in fact they nothing more than a hate group twisting doctrine from the bible to justify their hatred. They will get their reward.

bytebear, The office of bishop is not an administrative one mostly. Although yes, he probably does go through lots of paperwork, etc., his role is very spiritual indeed. Just about anyone could deal with the administrative aspect of it, but not just anybody could be called to the office of the bishop. In the years I have been a member of the church, it seems that just the right person was called to be bishop at that particular time (I know that there are some who have had different experiences probably). When I've needed spiritual advice, it was the bishop whom I sought out. I believe that you could ask just about anyone who has been a bishop and they probably wouldn't remember the administrative aspect of it as much as the spiritual aspect of the things they've experienced durign their time as bishop.

Jesus came down to earth, took upon him a body of flesh and bones and although divine in nature, became human also. He suffered hunger, thirst, and pain - and was even baptized - to fulfilll all righteousness. We know that there are certain ordinances that have to be done here on earth such as baptism and entering into the new and everlasting covenant in order to not only gain salvation, but also exaltation. If Jesus had to be baptized, I cannot accept that he wouldn't also enter into the new and everlasting covenant as well. Hi friends, This is to clarify what I had written earlier. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. He is the only begotten son of God the eternal father and is part of the Godhead. He is without sin. He didn't come to earth for anyother reason except to die and atone for our sins. He was the only one who could. I absolutely did not mean to infer that his life here on earth was a probationary period for himself or that he was here to progress or atone for his sins - he is without sin and is part of the Godhead. However, that being said, I do believe that he led by example to show us the way towards not only salvation, but exaltation as well. He was baptized, even though he did not need to be, but did so to fulfill all righteousness. If the church teaches us that the only way to the celestial kingdom is through the new and everlasting covenant, then it is just my opinion that he would have showed us that way also while here on earth. Again, just my humble opinion. In reading The Family: A Proclamation to the World, written by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles, we understand the divine nature of families. Each of us "is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny." I absolutely believe that I have a loving Father in Heaven and that Jesus Christ is the son of God. I also believe every bit as much, that I have a Heavenly Mother. I don't pray to her because Jesus instructed us to pray to the Father in his name, but it doesn't mean that I don't love her or long to know more of her. Because of our belief in the divine nature of families, I believe that Jesus Christ was indeed married also. Just my humble opinion. Peace and love to you all.

Hi friends, I am a Latter-Day Saint with a very strong testimony of the gospel. I believe all that I have been taught. Even though the church has not officially said that Christ was married, I can only look at all the things we've been taught that for me, indicates that our savior was married. When many people hear this, they instantly think sexual carnal things and to that I say poppycock. I also understand that he was addressed occasionally as Rabbi - a term only used for married men. Obviously marriage is very sacred to us - for time and all eternity and ordained of our Heavenly Father. If it is that sacred to us, I can only imagine how sacred it must be to our Heavenly Father and to Jesus Christ himself. I only wish that I could look at marriage through their eyes as opposed to earthly eyes. Jesus came down to earth, took upon him a body of flesh and bones and although divine in nature, became human also. He suffered hunger, thirst, and pain - and was even baptized - to fulfilll all righteousness. We know that there are certain ordinances that have to be done here on earth such as baptism and entering into the new and everlasting covenant in order to not only gain salvation, but also exaltation. If Jesus had to be baptized, I cannot accept that he wouldn't also enter into the new and everlasting covenant as well. This is just my humble opinion - don't mean to inflame anybody.

I don't know the answers to all things, but I know the answers to the most important things. I am a child of God, He does indeed love me, and I will know the answers to my questions in due time, What I have right now is faith to guide me through the perils of life and through life's atrocities. I have been the victim of abuses, I have seen many loved ones die of cancer, I have seen a friend's husband get shot and killed, leaving her with a young child. Going through these things have made my resolve stronger that I will not only endure to the end, but endure well[/I] to the end. There are many wonderful churches out there, but only one true church. I know I have found it. It is my prayer that you find your way back. I can truly testify that having the church in your life is so much sweeter than not having the church in your life. The problems in life will still be there, but know that heavenly Father will not leave you - We can have the Holy Ghost to be our constant companion and comforter. For me, there is nothing sweeter. You do your part and keep your covenants, then Heavenly Father will do his part. He is not bound when you break your covenants, and funny thing is, he is never the one to first break the covenants - we are.

Thanks much Pam and HiJolly. I've read your previous posts and it is an honor to meet you and to say hello. Thanks for welcoming me. Even with all the negative press, I think Florida is a nice place to live. We moved here from Chicago and are still thawing out - :)

Hi everybody, I'm new here and just wanted to say hello. I am a member of the church here in Central Florida and belong to a very wonderful ward. Although I've been a member of the church for close to 35 years, I was inactive for a long time and came back 4 years ago. My non-member husband to my great joy and astonishment joined the church 2 months after I came back and we were sealed in the temple 3 years ago by our home teacher who happens to be a sealer in the temple! I just wanted to share my love of the gospel and my love for my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Being a member of His church brings me such joy and comfort.