Randy Johnson

Dawn,Center Place Discussion Board. Thread entitled "So where or what is the RLDS Church". rj

Dawn, On another discussion board sponsored by "Restorationists" there is a thread that is discussing Baptism for the Dead. I cannot believe what I am reading. So much confusion and waffling like I have never seen before. Some believe...some do not...etc. Tell me straight....do you believe in Baptism for the Dead...and if you do...could you show me the scriptural references you use to support your position? Then..if you could, explain to me how this doctine fits into the doctrinal beliefs (as they stand right now) of the Restorationists. Do you believe the doctrine will be or should I say, do you believe it "needs to be" reinstituted in a coming day if and when the Restorationists are able to unite and come together as one? Do you believe the doctrine should be practiced as the Prophet Joseph taught it...or do you believe it should be...or will be, practiced in some other way, and if so..why? Why not practice it the way JS jr directed it should be? randy randy

Hi Ya Dawn!! The Covenant of the PH is basically this: 1) On our part we solemnly agree to magnify our calling in the PH, to keep the commandments of God, to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of Diety, and to walk in paths of righteousness and virtue.....and 2) God on his part agrees to give such persons an inheritance of exaltation and Godhood in his everlasting presence. The "Oath" is the solemn attestation of Diety, his sworn promise, that those who keep their part of the covenant shall come forth and inherit all things according to the promise. Dawn....I know we have touched on this topic before on the CoC board...but, explain again for me from your perspective what the Lord is meaning when he says plainly "for whosoever is faithful unto the obtaining of these TWO PH's etc..etc." We take it that it means a man having received both the Aaronic PH (which the person receives without an oath) and also the MPH (which he receives with an oath). We take it to mean either of the two priesthoods, not both of the two priesthoods. Thanks for sharing what you did, but are you saying the "oath" is not really an oath, like the ones in the temple ordinances? (Which I have only heard about and not read about. Randy, Randy, Randy. Mine was 4 months, but I just cancelled my subscription. How long is yours? Dawn, uh...er...mmmm...uh..........................ONE YEAR!!! LOL! randy well dadgumit..the guy shouldnt have said what he said!! LOL! oh well....I should have known better discussing something with a guy who calls himself...."daisy"!!!

I think it matters a great deal which religion you “belong to”, or what your religion is, because to involve yourself in a false religion would be a big waste of your time, not to mention that it wouldn’t help to teach you the truth. Simply believing that your prophets are the “right ones” won’t do you any good if they truly aren’t the right ones. And FYI, there are many people who know the truth right now, without having to wait until they reach those pearly gates to find out. To believe that you wouldn’t be able to find out until then would be to believe that you remain in confusion until then, and that belief is sad and not at all inspirational. Do you honestly believe that God wants you to believe that? I testify that I know the truth, whether you know it or not and whether you believe me or not. It is possible to know the truth, and I say that only because I have found it and I know it. Jesus said “Ask and ye shall receive”, “Seek and ye shall find”, and He wasn’t just uttering some words that have no power. I testify that I know Jesus was telling the truth, not because I read those words in a book and simply believe those words were uttered by Jesus, but because I have received and I have found, just as the person who uttered those words said I would. If you do not know these things to be true, it is best for you to simply say you do not know them to be true until you do know them to be true. And for your own sake, beware of giving a false witness for which you will be judged just as much as I will be judged for saying that I do know these things to be true. It is possible to know the truth of things that you cannot “see” with your physical senses, because the Holy Ghost can reveal the truth of these things to you. I am a living witness, and just one of many who knows these things to be true. And btw, to be more specific about what I claim to know, I know that: Jesus is the Christ and only begotten son of God, Joseph Smith Jr. was one of His many prophets, just as Isaiah and Nephi and Brigham Young were His prophets, and as President Hinkley is a prophet today. The Bible and Book of Mormon and Doctrine & Covenants contain many of our Lord's inspired words, as revealed to His prophets through the promptings of the Holy Ghost. and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living church of Christ on the face of the Earth today, speaking of the church as a whole and not of individual persons. I know many other things too, speaking of things which I can only know through the power of the Holy Ghost, but the statements above are the keys by which I know and can know all other things. Ray! Amen good man, Amen!! rj

Hi Ya Dawn!!The Covenant of the PH is basically this: 1) On our part we solemnly agree to magnify our calling in the PH, to keep the commandments of God, to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of Diety, and to walk in paths of righteousness and virtue.....and 2) God on his part agrees to give such persons an inheritance of exaltation and Godhood in his everlasting presence. The "Oath" is the solemn attestation of Diety, his sworn promise, that those who keep their part of the covenant shall come forth and inherit all things according to the promise. Dawn....I know we have touched on this topic before on the CoC board...but, explain again for me from your perspective what the Lord is meaning when he says plainly "for whosoever is faithful unto the obtaining of these TWO PH's etc..etc." We take it that it means a man having received both the Aaronic PH (which the person receives without an oath) and also the MPH (which he receives with an oath). Oh....and just FYI...I got another "time out" from the CoC board. This time it is somewhat lengthy. LOL! I guess they thought I was a little to stern to this one person. Grrrrrr! Anyway...so I will be visiting a little more here! Great to see you btw! randy

Dawn,Actually, upon further reflection I am thinking that it's a wonderful and good thing that you agree with the article in principle. Maybe I misunderstood the original premise that started the other thread. I thought the idea was put forward that because the BoM speaks of God the Father and Jesus Christ "as if" they were one and the same being but in different forms...that you felt that was scriptural proof that the LDS concept of God and Christ as two separate glorified beings was therefore false. I am glad that you see that those references in the BoM should in no way be interpreted to mean that. LOL..did I put enough words in your mouth?? I have more if you like! LOL! randy

Dawn,Perhaps we can start with what it is you disagree with. If you would please...thx rj

Dawn,Fair enough. There is alot to consider in the article...I will give you that!! Say...are you coming up for the WC in June? If you are...I would love to meet you! Ponder it! rj

Just a breath of fresh air....just checking to see if you have "seen the light" yet!! Looks like we need to keep "polishin" you a wee bit more!! rj Oh. And you think hanging out on an LDS board will help me see the light? Have you seen the light yet after hanging out so long on that other board? hhhmmmmmm???? Dawn, Enough of this idle prattle....I want to see some input on the article!! Get cracking!! Your stallin girl...your stallin!! I am making headway there!!! LOL!! No...really, I am sincerely interested in hearing you and Tamara's indepth response to what was in the article. So...come on...dont keep me waiting! I started this brand new thread, and brand spanking pristine just for you and Tamara! randy

Just a breath of fresh air....just checking to see if you have "seen the light" yet!! Looks like we need to keep "polishin" you a wee bit more!! rj

Yes'ims....ewe goe tak car of them thar youngins! Thems r futur dunt ya knows!! Ok...throw some moose on the far and giv me sum of that thar whal blubber to chews on....hotdiggity..thats what I ama talkin bout..right thar! rj

Tamara!! Now, you must remember...I got to meet you in person...so I know first hand how sweet, kind and gentle you are! I can only assume such about Dawn!! LOL! and sometimes she makes me wonder!! LOL! You should know I love talking with you! Although, now that I think of it...you never did respond to my last post to you!! How come??? randy I must have missed it. Sawry! I will be down that way for WC in June. Perhaps we can meet up yet again and raise a ruckus! I thought you were very charming yourself. As fer that woman, Dawn... well... I's likes her fine. No can help ya with the deleting post. We do not have that option here on this board. Tamara, I think that would be MOST fun! A fine ruckus we will have too!! I am alot more fun than SF! LOL! When it gets closer let's make sure it happens!! randy ......hmmmm...still not sure about that gurl dawn...she kindly scares me every once in a while...she kinda wild...ifins ya knows what I means!! Maybe she can come with us two....ifin we think we can stay outta the pokey if she comes along!!

Tamara,Ok, now you need to go and read the same article that Dawn is. So go check it out and hurry back and share, share, share!! Now go..be gone with you....and read read read!! LOL! randy

Tamara!!Now, you must remember...I got to meet you in person...so I know first hand how sweet, kind and gentle you are! I can only assume such about Dawn!! LOL! and sometimes she makes me wonder!! LOL! You should know I love talking with you! Although, now that I think of it...you never did respond to my last post to you!! How come??? randy

Tamara!!Why come? Can ewe splain two me howe 2 deeleat that 1st post?? eye knead yer help! randy

To anyone,I was a goof...when I posted this the first time I received a "mail error" message so I didnt think the post "took" so I did it a 2nd time. Obviously I was in error. How do I go about deleteing the first one? I have tried....really and truly I have tried....alas, I am not bright enough to figure it out. help me...help me....pleaseeee! randy

This is a continuation of the "Explain this scripture to me" thread wherein we were discussing the various titles and roles that Christ has..ie; when he is referred to as both "Father" and "Son". I would invite all to go to LDS.ORG...go to the gospel library...select ENSIGN..then do a search on "Divine Investiture of Authority" and then pick "Gospel Classics...The Father and the Son". Jenda is currently prayerfully and thoughtfully reading it as I type...and I am most eager to hear her always thoughtful and articulate response!! <Really Dawn, no lie!> randy

Jenda- Why are you trying to look me up? Is that really necessary? I do not have internet access at home, so I log on at a public access site - hence numerous addresses. huma17, I am a moderator on this site, and when some of the members feel you might be someone who has posted here in the past and no longer does, for whatever reason, it is my duty to see if that is true. That is why I asked you why you have posted from different sites. Dawn, Real quick, why would a moderator have to get involved in "PI" work on someone simply because another poster thought they posted here under another name? You and I know that happens all the time. What purpose does or would it serve? These are rhetorical questions. Keep reading the article!! LOL! randy Because some of the old posters are banned but re-register and post under different names. Dawn, I will start another thread titled "The Father and the Son". Begin your "discourse" there!!! randy

Jenda- Why are you trying to look me up? Is that really necessary? I do not have internet access at home, so I log on at a public access site - hence numerous addresses. huma17, I am a moderator on this site, and when some of the members feel you might be someone who has posted here in the past and no longer does, for whatever reason, it is my duty to see if that is true. That is why I asked you why you have posted from different sites. Dawn, Real quick, why would a moderator have to get involved in "PI" work on someone simply because another poster thought they posted here under another name? You and I know that happens all the time. What purpose does or would it serve? These are rhetorical questions. Keep reading the article!! LOL! randy Because some of the old posters are banned but re-register and post under different names. Dawn, I have a favor to ask of ya!! Do you think you could perhaps change the little picture of Yoda? Everytime I see that picture under your name...the first thought that comes to my mind is.... I know she is much prettier than that!! Anyway.....keep reading!! randy

Jenda- Why are you trying to look me up? Is that really necessary? I do not have internet access at home, so I log on at a public access site - hence numerous addresses. huma17, I am a moderator on this site, and when some of the members feel you might be someone who has posted here in the past and no longer does, for whatever reason, it is my duty to see if that is true. That is why I asked you why you have posted from different sites. Dawn, Real quick, why would a moderator have to get involved in "PI" work on someone simply because another poster thought they posted here under another name? You and I know that happens all the time. What purpose does or would it serve? These are rhetorical questions. Keep reading the article!! LOL! randy Because some of the old posters are banned but re-register and post under different names. Dawn, Oh...and just a friendly reminder...ya never know when a moderator is being "moderated"!!! Only the "Shadow" knows........ rj

Jenda- Why are you trying to look me up? Is that really necessary? I do not have internet access at home, so I log on at a public access site - hence numerous addresses. huma17, I am a moderator on this site, and when some of the members feel you might be someone who has posted here in the past and no longer does, for whatever reason, it is my duty to see if that is true. That is why I asked you why you have posted from different sites. Dawn, Real quick, why would a moderator have to get involved in "PI" work on someone simply because another poster thought they posted here under another name? You and I know that happens all the time. What purpose does or would it serve? These are rhetorical questions. Keep reading the article!! LOL! randy Because some of the old posters are banned but re-register and post under different names. Dawn, Ok..that was a test...you PASSED!! Keep reading!! randy

Jenda- Why are you trying to look me up? Is that really necessary? I do not have internet access at home, so I log on at a public access site - hence numerous addresses. huma17, I am a moderator on this site, and when some of the members feel you might be someone who has posted here in the past and no longer does, for whatever reason, it is my duty to see if that is true. That is why I asked you why you have posted from different sites. Dawn, Real quick, why would a moderator have to get involved in "PI" work on someone simply because another poster thought they posted here under another name? You and I know that happens all the time. What purpose does or would it serve? These are rhetorical questions. Keep reading the article!! LOL! randy

That would be very kind of you - I want to see if he really stated that he ONLY saw Jesus. Well, you claim you are not calling me a liar, so ............................. is this your idea of being tactful? http://members.aol.com/EarlyRR/visgr.html Hi Dawn, I emailed you some info regarding the principle of "Divine Investiture of Authority." If anyone else is interested....go to LDS.ORG, then GOSPEL LIBRARY...the MAGAZINES....select ENSIGN...then do a search on "Divine Investiture of Authority" and several talks will come up. Start with "Gospel Classics...The Father and the Son". randy Thanks, Randy, I'll look it over. :) Dawn, Yer a good girl!! rj This is a long article, I probably won't finish till tomorrow, so don't stay up waiting. I do want to ask a question, though. Why are all the "of"'s in red? I keep wanting to emphasize them because they are red and the rest of the text is black. 'Tis a bit distracting. Dawn, That...I could not tell you!! Hey, thanks for taking the time to check it out! You are alllllll right!! rj Randy, I am trying to plow through this article, but the problem is that I have to accept as true one of the very first premises, and I don't. I am trying to read it pretending that I do, but there are just so many things that I don't agree with, that it is getting harder to do. Dawn, Just take a deep breath and plod on. If you would though....so we can refer back and be able to be looking at the same thing...go ahead and print it out...as will I. Then when we comment on it...we will be on the "same page".!! randy

Pushka,Sure... This is my opinion only....if there are members out there who are maintaining membership say because of the Word of Wisdom, which of course anyone outside the church can practice and millions do...then, they are simply missing out on what it means to be a member of the LDS church. If a person does not have a testimony of the Restored gospel ie; all the things you mentioned plus a whole lot more....then..I have to ask the question....Why stay a member? Their membership in the church is doing them no good in the practical sense...and the only way I can see how it would do some good is the fact that they would still have the Gift of the Holy Ghost, as well as being kept in the "pipeline" as it were....so the Home Teachers, Bishops etc...can still maintain contact and hopefully rekindle their testimony. But..again, IMO....if they truly do not believe in 99% of what the Church believes then their membership is not benefiting them other in those ways I mentioned above. randy

Hi Pushka,In a word.... yes rj