laronius

The JST makes sense given the fact that the tares initially had the appearance of wheat. That clearly cannot be the world as we know it. It also makes sense that the Lord would give a parable directed at those who might actually read it. I do like how you point out the part about "all things that offend." While most of us probably wouldn't associate ourselves with the tares, I imagine there are things in our lives that would fall under the category of offensive. Surely the Lord won't expect a reception from already perfected saints but hopefully we won't be as Lot's wife either, looking back with longing on the world.

Since we are His work and glory, then yes, everything that comes with life (even death) can be made to serve His great purposes.

This discussion does pose an interesting question. Jesus was considered Diety premortally, spiritually speaking. He didn't stop being Diety spiritually when he was born. So what exactly did He inherit from the Father at His conception? Was it something spiritual or physical?

Perhaps once the foundation for His church was laid. Until then I think he tried to not get Rome's attention as they could truly hinder the work (without use of divine power).

I would imagine that in some areas the animosity of certain religious leaders would increase with each miracle. Jesus may have simply been trying to keep tensions low so he could keep preaching until the right time.

Christ defined "taking up one's cross" as essentially denying oneself the evils of the world. This to me is the process of sanctification. While Christ is certainly willing to help bear our burdens, especially those connected to sin, His ultimate goal is for us to overcome such things. To this end the more we take up our cross, the more light the burden and easy the yoke. At least that's how I see it.

I think that is a good comparison. The gospel of Jesus Christ is filled with analogies of this we put on ourselves or bear or are clothed in, etc. But that connection to Christ is always at it's center. I like your comment.

If it happened the plain ol' fashioned way I don't know how she could have remained a virgin. Just sayin.

A brother at church today mentioned that our local church cannery has been much more busy than normal lately, presumably from people worried about what's ahead. This kind of caught me by surprise. Obviously there is much commotion in the world but that's not exactly a new thing. Is there something in particular that's driving people to get their food storage? It's a good thing of course, I'm just wondering why now? I would have thought right after covid maybe but when I was there a year and a half ago it was pretty quiet.

During Elder's Quorum this morning we were discussing the symbolism of Christ's command for us to take upon us His yoke. Many of the comments were similar to comments I've heard before concerning, all of which were good. But during the conversation I made a mental connection, that was new to me, concerning the relationship between this commandment analogy and another commandment analogy for us to take up our cross. So we are to take up His yoke and our cross. Taking up our cross is generally interpreted as denying ourselves the things of the world and sin in general. This is accomplished as we access the enabling power of the atonement and seek to become more Christlike. In this way the yoke we bear becomes lighter not only because Christ bears our sin but also because there is simply less sin to repent of. But it makes me wonder if this yoke/cross relationship goes beyond that. Any thoughts?

First of all, our definition of "saved" can, based on it's context, either imply a fullness of salvation, which we also call exaltation, or happen in part. This verse speaks of those who do not inherit a fullness of salvation but are nonetheless saved: D&C 132:17 For these angels did not abide my law; therefore, they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, to all eternity; and from henceforth are not gods, but are angels of God forever and ever. Being saved, either in full or in part, depends upon our willingness to abide by God's law. The terrestrial kingdom, for example, will consist of those decent people who lived overall good lives, never commiting the most serious sins and yet not fully complying with God's law either. They will be saved but not to the fullest extent. But to answer your specific question, salvation means to be freed from death and hell and the grasp of Satan. Even the wicked will be saved to this extent, eventually, but will still be judged on their ability, or willingness, to obey God's law. All, except a wretched few, will eventually be saved, to one degree or another, and inherit a kingdom of glory ranging in likeness of the dimmest star to the blaze of the noonday sun. So to the degree a person repents of their sins and is willing to obey God's law to that extent they are saved.

A little known fact about the box Joseph retrieved the plates from. It also contained a 1400 year old Big Mac that had not deteriorated one bit. Nothing short of a miracle.

I was talking to a guy the other day who works for one of the railroads. He was telling me some of the horror stories that have happened or almost happened that never make the news. His take was that corporate greed has lead to a huge reduction in the workforce, particularly concerning those who maintain the trains, and the result is increasing mechanical failures. Of course that doesn't prove what happened in this instance but the seeming disinterest in the cause likely points to an issue that would make someone (with money and/or influence) look real bad, something that could have been prevented.

Those verses look like they could be a chiasmus with "it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity" at the center. As such I don't see a paradox in verses 6&8 but rather one explaining the why and how of the other. Are you equating the "this land" to the USA? I've always wondered about what specifically the Lord had in mind concerning these promises in the latter-day. While all of the Americas may constitute the promised land it's clear that the USA alone has lived up to those promises. So I'm curious what your take on that is. One thing that hasn't changed is the Lord has reserved these lands for his own purposes. Now what those purposes are is a bit murky, especially in relation to our neighbors. But the Lord will do as he pleases. We have no claim on this land beyond what He wills.

I'm a little late to this thread but.... I cannot see Christ doing what this DezNat group does. So does that make it wrong? Or in other words, is appropriate always defined by "what would Jesus do?" (And I'm not talking about things like he wouldn't wear such an such color because it's not his favorite color, but meaningful stuff)