a-train

I see the whole matter as it always has been. Mankind continues to multiply various doctrines and fracture the people into ever increasing numbers of different opposing movements. Remember Babel? Well, we should continue to pray that our "language be not coufounded". Think about how much of the misunderstanding between the LDS people and the world (and within the LDS people for that matter) is simply semantics. Semantics have been causing divisions since Babel. Even all they who speak the same language and share the same faith, misunderstand one another regularly. I have seen some of the antis at LDS sites (both in Utah and here in Missouri) with signs and pamphlets shouting sermons or whatever, but we have to thank God this has not yet come to the same level as the sectarian disputes of Islam. They are blowing each other up with bombs! Kids, elderly, male, female, they are all targets. Although we all work for peace, love, and the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we must understand that this will not be brought about peacefully or quietly. The Lord will continue to pour out war and division on the earth to stir us up to rememberance and repentance, and to ultimately destroy the kingdom of the devil. This will work out for the good of the faithful, and the destruction of the wicked. Remember that the Lamanites were used by the Lord to humble the Nephites. The Gentiles have been humbling Israel since Jacob was raising his sons. If you fellow LDS are wondering why we have what little persecution or opposition we have, it's because we need to REPENT!!!! That's right! Those men at Temple Square are calling us to repentance, and though they don't understand what we believe, they got this much right: "yall got some repentin' ta do!" We have a lot to work on, and we better get to it. -a-train

I have been to many, but I'll never forget getting on the Church Bus on Wednesday night with a kid on my block and going to a Texas Pentacostal Chapel off of I-45 near Red Oak. After a short introduction and a definition of prayer and the gift of tongues, the lights were cut and nothing but the dimmest candlelight allowed me to see the minister make his way toward me as the room erupted in shouts, la-la-las and ole-ohs. The twenty-something year old pastor asked me who I was, where I was from, if I was saved, if I went to church, etc. I told him my name, that I WAS saved, that I was Mormon, etc. He asked me to pray and I prayed that I would get safely home. I was very scared. I was 9 or 10. I never went again. In my teens and adult life, I have been to lots of others, but none were so frightening. lol -a-train PS: I can say that correct doctrine is a huge deal with me, but the BIGGEST concern in my mind is the calling of those who lead. I believe Joseph Smith the Prophet and the Utah LDS Church to hold the actual Priesthood of God and to be the true messengers of Jesus Christ in our time being led directly by Him. Not to say this means the ministry of non-LDS pastors is wickedness (although plenty preistcraft practicing, lying, deceivers are out there) or that they are for naught. Indeed, those who do works of righteousness and charity in the name of the Lord, though they know not the Restored Church, will be blessed just the same. "Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." (Mark 9:39-41)

Not only do we Latter-Day Saints believe that Jesus suffered and died for our sins, but for all sins whatsoever. I'll just give a couple of references, but we believe all the scriptures of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and other modern scripture which affirms this truth. Jacob, a Book of Mormon prophet who lived in the 6th century BC said this about Jesus to his people: "Yea, I know that ye know that in the body he shall show himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came; for it is expedient that it should be among them; for it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him. For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen they were cut off from the presence of the Lord. Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement —save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration." He went on to say "And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam." (Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 9) This atoning infinite sacrifice is the only means of salvation for all. This was taught by another Book of Mormon Prophet named Benjamin: "And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent." (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 3) This sacrifice, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the blessings which it brings is a completely free gift from God. Joseph Smith, a 19th century American Prophet (Founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) received a revelation in June of 1829 which contained this statement: "And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God." (D&C 14:7) The doctrine of the Saviour's Atonement is the foundation of all we believe and teach. The Church is "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." (Ephesians 2:20) Thanks. God Bless -a-train

Remember, those that won't "endure sound doctrine" (2 Tim 4:3) will get nothing from the LORD. Those that resist it "will I show no greater things, saith Jesus Christ; for I am he who speaketh." (Ether 4:8) Don't blame yourself, you didn't fail. The stiffnecked killed the prophets, crucified the LORD, and will not take to prayer, but look to the doctrines of men (currently called science, archeology, etc.). The LORD's "spirit shall not always strive with man."(Gen 6:3) Man often buys into the idea that he has achieved an irrefutable level of knowledge, it is in this prideful state that great folly is brought about. Many today look at the scientific knowledge base at our fingertips and the laughable errors of human past and imagine we are now outside the need of God's intervention of revelation. They disregard the scriptures as fables, moral encouragement at best. In so many years men will replace many modern concepts with still newer ones and thus man is "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Tim 3:7) After Nicodemus expressed his final statement of disbelief: "How can these things be?"(John 3:9) the Saviour asked: "If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?" (John 3:12) He proclaimed the Gospel and said "he that believeth not is condemned already".(John 3:18) And what is the condemnation? They remain in "darkness", "for every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light". (John 3:19-20) Thus the LORD withdraws and ultimately darkness prevails. For "whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath." (Matt 13:12) God Bless -a-train

So what happens when a humanist freely discovers there is a true and living God? Are they no-longer a humanist? -a-train

The Word of Wisdom demonstrates the LORD's concern for not only our eternal welfare, but our temporal needs as well. I think most of the LDS people believe that disregard for one's own health in any way is a violation of the Word of Wisdom. Over-eating, under or over-sleeping, working too hard, any number of things can present health issues. Excessive chocolate-chip cookies could violate the WOW. The Lord simply wants us all to be aware of this and look out for the physical welfare of our family and friends. Allthough not by commandment, a portion of the WOW has now been deemed a necessary minimum; that of abstinence from alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco, and harmful drugs. Since its arrival, believers in this revelation have dealt with criticism and disbelieving arguements. And though we might or might not have a medical or scientific explanation for the various items, be assured that faithfully following the LORD's counsel will bring blessings we many not yet understand. It was with this faith that believers have practiced the WOW over the years and with this faith they do now. The miracle and the need for the revelation in D&C 89 is that we have been warned by the LORD against "evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days". Indeed, the masses are finally beginning to believe that the tobacco industry has been operated by men conspiring to defraud the people of their money and their health for many decades. (Tobacco related death in the U.S. is currently believed to be more than homicide, suicide, auto crashes, and aids combined; over 1200 a day on the average). However, there are teams of paid promoters in every American bar-scene giving out free cigarettes to promote usage nightly (I have a friend that worked as one) even though tobacco related deaths account for over 18% of U.S. deaths annually. It is also interesting that the technology of motorvehicles advanced to accel mankind to amazing new speeds in just a generation or two since the revelation. By the time Joseph's Smith's grandson William Wallace Smith was old enough to drive in the early 20th century, alcohol related auto crashes had already started killing. The Prophet's great grandson, Wallace B. Smith would live to see alcohol companies and alcoholism flourish bringing alcohol-related auto accidents to over 45 deaths a day and total alcohol related deaths to over 233 a day, or 85,000 a year in the U.S. alone. Although this information is a compelling affirmation of the wisdom of the LORD and the authenticity of His Prophet, it is not the basis for faith, but another confirmation of it. -a-train

Mark 16:16: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Believeth not what? Look at verse 15, "the Gospel". 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 "For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth." D&C 49:5: "Thus saith the Lord; for I am God, and have sent mine Only Begotten Son into the world for the redemption of the world, and have decreed that he that receiveth him shall be saved, and he that receiveth him not shall be damned —" Moses 5:15 "And as many as believed in the Son, and repented of their sins, should be saved; and as many as believed not and repented not, should be damned; and the words went forth out of the mouth of God in a firm decree; wherefore they must be fulfilled." Joseph Smith said: "I believe all that God ever revealed, and I never hear[ed] of a man being damned for believing too much; but they are damned for unbelief. They found fault with Jesus Christ because He said He was the Son of God, and made Himself equal with God." (Teachings p 374) Ouch, rough! Indeed, damnation is a result of lack of faith in Christ. Where our belief ends, damnation begins. I guess my point in asking the initial question wasn't to start any argument, but I think that all too often, semantics get in the way of our reaching out to people and sharing the Gospel. I think we as members of the Church need to have no fear in talking of Christ as God when our own scriptures do. We have around us many people that speak of Him as God. When one leads a group in prayer another will suddenly exclaim: "Thankyou Jesus!" mid prayer. At first, my initial instinct was to correct this behaviour, but I remembered the LORD's words: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." (John 13:20) The antis continually feed them with the idea that we aren't Christian and if they see some hesitation in us to call Him God, it reinforces this idea. We should just not worry about giving the wrong impression of the Trinity. Who understands that crazy creed anyway? We all know He is God, we just need to be more forthcoming about it. Also, remember milk before meat (1 Cor. 3:2)? Indeed, "Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God" (BoM Title Page) and we need not be ashamed to take upon us his name. (Alma 46:21) Praise the LORD! God Bless -a-train

xhenli, CK, a-train, I'm a little concerned about your responses to Maureen's question. Are you saying that belief in Christ isn't necessarily a part of the Gospel? If it is, I can't agree with you. I probably just misunderstood. Rosewood, My first post wasn't in answer to the "define the gospel" question. I was talking about how man is to be happy. I mean simply that man cannot be happy without the Holy Ghost regardless of worldly circumsances. Plus, even if a man has the Gospel and believes in Christ, this is still not enough. A man must "feast upon the words of Christ" and gain the "Comforter" to be happy. As far as the Gospel is concerned, the Prophet Joseph Smith published this statement in The Prophet's Answer to Sundry Questions "The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it. But in connection with these, we believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost, the power of faith, the enjoyment of the spiritual gifts according to the will of God, the restoration of the house of Israel, and the final triumph of truth." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith Section 3, p. 119) Indeed, JESUS CHRIST IS THE GOSPEL and "all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to [HIM]." God Bless -a-train

Yo I've lived here in the KC metro area for 17 years, and have had over that time, friends in the RLDS church and other non-LDS folks that believe in the Restoration. At one point in high-school, (when I lived in Independence) I had a Bishop in my ward who had served as a priesthood holder in the RLDS church before being baptized LDS. In fact, many LDS members here were once RLDS. All of those I have had the oppurtunity to talk with about their coming over to LDS said that the changes being made and the subsequent divisions in the church made them question the whole matter until they were convinced to become LDS. There was an old LDS Independence Visitors Center President who passed away in a plane crash with his wife after his release in the 90's. He once told me and a small group at the Visitors Center that he hosted Spencer W. Kimball to the Independence Square when he was President of the LDS Church. He mentioned that Kimball wanted to visit the various Churches on the square. They went to the Temple Lot church and met with a couple of guys who were called Apostles and they also went over to the RLDS Church. He told us that Kimball had already known the current RLDS President Wallace B. Smith and so they had warm friendly conversations. (Kimball was grandson of Heber C. Kimball of the original Quorum of the Twelve, and Smith was the great grandson of Joseph Smith Jr., the Prophet.) At that time, the construction of the Temple on the Square had been announced, but was yet in the design phase. The Visitors Center President told us that he was in the room for a jokingly made conversation between Smith and Kimball. Wherein, Kimball asked Smith if he was planning on performing ordinances such as endowments and so forth. Smith replied: "We figured we'd leave all that up to you guys." (paraphrased) Kimball then said: "Your great grandad used to write about that stuff, you should read it sometime." (paraphrased) The Visitors Center President told us they all laughed and the two Leaders shook hands and were quite complementary. I say all this because I personally (and I believe the vast majority of other LDS people) have an intrinsic love for the posterity of the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. and all those of the various groups who believe in the Restoration and I believe it illustrates the relationship between LDS and RLDS as loving, friendly, and non-judgemental. I can feel your pain when you hear the conflicting and offensively toned words of doubt. Worse is the sound of know-it-alls who "set at naught, [God's] counsels." (Helaman 12:6) These teach "for doctrines, the commandments of men" (Matt 15:9) Remember, they are the LORD's children, not ours. We can only act as messengers, testifiers; we cannot do the convincing. That is the Holy Ghost's work. For those who bash the BoM or D&C, we must not 'bash' with them. Remember "the devil is the father of contention" (3Nephi 11:29) and "he that will contend against the word of the Lord, let him be accursed; and he that shall deny these things, let him be accursed; for unto them will I show no greater things, saith Jesus Christ; for I am he who speaketh." (Ether 4:8) If the LORD won't show them, can we do it? Can we force His hand anymore than we can stay it? We must bear our witness and remember the LORD will do His work with them. The only way any one of us can know if the Bible, The BoM, The D&C, or anything for that matter is true is by asking "God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:4-5) We cannot convince anyone of the truth of the gospel, latter-day prophecy, or the validity of the scriptures from antiquity, we can only bear our testimony. All men everywhere must repent and ask in faith and then and only then will they receive a witness of the truth. This is the pattern established from the beginning and it will not change. So don't contend, but exhort to pray. We must all PRAY! "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Matt 7:7) So tell them unless we, each of us obtain a revelation of the LORD personally, we will remain in the dark. And, proclaim the word of the Lord, not your own. In other words "unfold the scriptures"(Alma 12:1) that they may be "laid before"(Alma 30:44) them and let the Lord speak to them. God Speed -a-train PS sorry so long, and sorry I don't have an RLDS BoM to give the different verse references.

Actually, look at CNN.com: http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/03/03/con...s.ap/index.html "Romney favored among conservatives in straw poll" Plus, do a search for the 700 Club article on him. They totally pump him! I am surprized at how much positive looks he is getting from every direction. Still, a search for Romney on google also brings up a lot of anti-mormonism, but that will only be to his benefit because the mainstream has been tiring of negative campaigning for a long time now and the antis come off like right-wing fanatics which are growing intensely unpopular right now. Anyone see the article in the Salt Lake Tribune presenting the notion that his candidacy will only be bad press for the Church? I guess I may be old fashioned, but I still think no press is bad press. -a-train

I can say that in reading the Book of Mormon I have gained tremendous insight and inspiration throughout my life. I have no doubt it is authentic. I cannot read a few words of it without the companionship of the Holy Ghost and the expansion of my heart, soul, and mind. I love it. I thank God I have it. With great respect, I appreciate skepticism and suspicion in men when considering modern teachers of religion. Peter's warning in 2 Peter chapter 2 portrays well the abuse we endure in this world from the "false teachers" seeking to "make merchandise" of us. Notice that many will follow them because they will speak evil of the "way of truth". Indeed, all of us are surrounded by a war of words, "some crying, 'Lo here!' and others, 'Lo there!'." So there is one thing I would ask anyone who is questioning the Book of Mormon, struggling with it, wondering about it, or even contesting it: "Have ye inquired of the LORD?"(1 Nephi 15:8) Did you realize that it is full of "great things" "which [are] hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord."(1 Nephi 15:3) Remember this promise?: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"(Matt 7:7) Remember also that "if any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine".(John 7:17) I pray that each of us will remember the counsel of our God and "ask in faith". God Speed -a-train

Moroni 7:3-18 3 "Wherefore, I would speak unto you that are of the church, that are the peaceable followers of Christ, and that have obtained a sufficient hope by which ye can enter into the rest of the Lord, from this time henceforth until ye shall rest with him in heaven. 4 And now my brethren, I judge these things of you because of your peaceable walk with the children of men. 5 For I remember the word of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also. 6 For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing. 7 For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness. 8 For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God. 9 And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such. 10 Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift. 11 For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow Christ he cannot be a servant of the devil. 12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually. 13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. 14 Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil. 15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. 16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. 17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him. 18 And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged." Let us say that we are all to Judge righteously, but "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:19) -atrain

We recently had a lesson in our Spencer W. Kimball book in Priesthood/Relief Society about Jesus Christ. In listening to those in my Elders Quorum and in thinking about the lesson, something hit me. Does the membership of the Church realize that JESUS IS GOD? This is something that is taught extremely well by the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine & Covenants, and one who really studies the Bible deeply will be unable to miss it. The General Authorites have taught it thoroughly since day one, but I noticed that this seemed to make some people look a little uncomfortable. They kept wanting to say He is the Son of God. Saying He is God gave pause, hesitation, and I hope not disbelief. I understand that their is the problem posed to us now by the middle-aged creeds of the Apostasy concerning a God that is neither three nor one, nor here nor there, but everywhere, without body, parts, or passions, etc. I see that we don't want to confuse anyone with saying that both Jesus and His Father are God, but THEY ARE! Perhaps I am having the LORD remind me of this a lot lately. He has been saying to me: Be still and know that I am GOD. Thoughts? Does the average Joe Mormon see Christ as who is really is: Jesus the Christ, the Eternal God? -a-train

Doesn't every ward have an old dude with a beard and tattoos? An ex-hell's angel type? I thought there was one in every ward. -a-train

Yo, I, like most of us probably, live, work and play around and with mainly athiests or at least those who don't care either way. Very little of my friends and family are spiritual at all, much less members of the Church or any church; and most of them haven't cracked the scriptures in years if at all in there lifetime. They are stressed, unhappy, many are in therapy or would be if they could afford it. Others are on drugs or alcohol regularly to ease the pains of life. I can hardly say they are happy. My mother left the Church in the early 1990's to practice homosexuality. She says she 'just can't be happy' without being gay. She tells herself and others she is happy now, but doesn't like to admit the fact that she drinks herself to sleep some nights trying to forget about her financial and lovelife failures and has dealt with low self-esteem issues since her teens. Plus, there are temple worthy members who are paying tithing, serving in callings, etc. who are unhappy. They are financially strained, over worked, their home is a constant wreck, they are having marital problems, car problems, legal problems, family issues, health issues, and/or a host of other problems that keep them from sleeping well and feeling good. These are Americans who don't have added issues of war and pestilence to directly deal with. Why is this? How did the Nephites "live according to happiness" while in such a turbulant world? I'll tell you. They had the Spirit. They had the Holy Ghost. There is only one Comforter. Keeping commandments makes one worthy, but if we don't enjoy the Holy Ghost, we will still be unhappy. We must feast upon the words of Christ. We must hunger and thirst after it. We must take full advantage of the gift of the Holy Ghost and then and only then will we be happy. Do we feel that burning in the bosom? If not, we must read the scriptures and ask the LORD to fill us with love, light, and truth. Only when we feel the comfort of revelation and peace from the Holy Ghost can any of us be truly happy. Those who claim otherwise are simply in denial or the dark. Don't worry be happy. -atrain

The Quran was NOT WRITTEN by Muhammad. I'll quote Wikipedia: "The Quranic verses were originally memorized by Muhammad's companions as Muhammad recited them, with some being written down by one or more companions on whatever was at hand, from stones to pieces of bark. The collection of the Qur'ān compilation took place under the Caliph Abu Bakr, this task being led by Zayd ibn Thabit Al-Ansari. "The manuscript on which the Quran was collected, remained with Abu Bakr till Allah took him unto Him, and then with 'Umar till Allah took him unto Him, and finally it remained with Hafsa bint Umar (Umar's daughter)."" Muslims are trecherously divided by the succession of power after Muhammad's death in 632. This division between muslims is yet another reason for violence in the arab world. Currently, power over Iraq is sought after by differing groups, the Shia and the Sunni being the two largest. The Sunni Muslims are the largest group of Muslims in the world. They accept the succession of power of Abu Bakr who was, according to the Sunni, chosen by the people's voice. The Shia believe in a succession of power through the lineage of Muhammad and represent the 2nd largest denomination of Islam. (Note a slight similiraty between LDS and RLDS.) One of the issues in Abu Bakr's favor is that he is credited with collecting the manuscripts of the Quran. The Shia Muslims believe that he fell away and turned against Muhammad and the truth. They do NOT believe he was instrumental in putting the Quran together. They believe that Uthman who was the third successor from Muhammad, ruling from 12 to 24 years after his death, did the work of compilation. Regardless, the vast majority of Muslims believe that the Quran was assimilated by followers of Muhammad that had memorized his teachings as he taught them orally. However, let us not use this to discredit his teachings, or to cast doubt on the accuracy of his followers. Remember that the Sermon on the Mount may have indeed been written into the gospels from memory. Indeed, Christians would claim that the Spirit of God would have been upon the Apostles in such work. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26) -a-train

Ok, Since we are getting close to saying that Muhammad could have been a true prophet of our God, even Jehovah. Let's hear the opinion on the subject. Could he have been? Was he a true prophet and were his teachings skewed away from a more Christian teaching by his followers after him? Could he have believed that Jesus was Allah and did his followers later undiefy the Saviour to the status of a mere mortal prophet of Allah? Could he have looked forward to the restoration as did the prophets of old, and could his followers only later proclaim him to be the last of all prophets? Could he have received revelation having lived in a time thought to be a period void of revelation? -a-train

All of the followers of Christ since His ministry and that of the original Apostles are Latter-Day Saints. The membership of the primative Church was called saints in many instances, just look up 'saints' in the topical guide and peep the many references in the New Testament. As for the Latter-Days, Peter pronounced their arrival on the day of Pentacost when he rose to confirm the validity of the miracles of the occasion saying: "Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the LAST DAYS, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:..." (Acts 2:14-17) The Latter-Days are those after Christ's 1st coming in the flesh and before His 2nd coming and they arrived in Peter's day. My personal opinion is also that all those who seek the Lord and obey Him as far as they have understanding are Latter-Day Saints. I don't think the world would have called us Mormon's had they known the real meaning. It means literally "MORE GOOD". Thus we have the Good Book and the Book of More Good. -a-train