Overwatch
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Posts posted by Overwatch
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@Just_A_Guy Thanks for your thoughtful posts.
@Anddenex I like your profile pic. Such an awesome idea.
@mirkwood your responses are solid and to me show a steadfast Saint who is realistic
- Anddenex and JohnsonJones
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Respectfully said (since you can't hear my voice)
You clearly realize you've done messed up. You promised before God, Angels and witnesses that you would not have sexual relations with anyone outside the legal bonds of marriage... and you broke that promise. You found a beautiful woman who you say is very righteous considering her not being a member of the church. Then instead of helping draw closer to God you took her without the blessing of Heavenly Father. You went against the teachings you taught to your investigators for 24 months. Now you are "terrified" about losing your ecclesiastical endorsement because you broke the BYU Honor Code? (on top of it all)
Chico, just go to your bishop. Time to 'fess up and own your unauthorized romp in the hay. If you lose your Bishop's endorsement then you have a story for your kids to help them to make wiser decisions. If the Lord grants you mercy then make the proper changes (I hope this happens)
Either way I send you my best wishes and a speedy spiritual recovery.
- Iggy and Still_Small_Voice
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5 hours ago, Scott said:
Here's another one:
Joseph F Smith said that Adam was born of a woman. I don't know if that fits either category unless #1 implies that people outside the garden gave birth to Adam before he was placed in the garden? Or the birth took place in the garden? Or somewhere outside earth? I admit that don't know what he meant.
Here is the exact quote:
Adam, our earthly parent, was also born of woman into this world, the same as Jesus and you and I.
One thing for sure is that there is more than one theory presented by previous leaders of the Church and that they may or may not agree with each other.
In addition to the idea quoted above (#1), he said at other times that Adam and Eve's human parents were from another planet:
Mankind are here because they are offspring of parents (Adam and Eve) who were first brought here from another planet, and power was given them to propagate their species, and they (were) commanded to multiply and replenish the earth…(God) created man as we create our children; for there is no other process of creation in heaven, on the earth, in the earth, or under the earth, or in all the eternities, that is, that (was), or that ever will be…We are flesh of (God’s) flesh, (and) bone of his bone” (Journal of Discourses 11:122; 9:283, OCT 1859).
Other prophets don't seem to hold this theory.
The two bold statements contradict each other. The only thing I can think of that will make this true I refuse to write because of the sacred nature.
Adam our great-great-great-cont. grandfather served Heavenly Father and The Lord so that is what I'll do. I really don't care if sasquatch roamed the Earth before we took over dominion. It was not mentioned in the sacred writings nor in any holy practice we currently employ. Other topics I may entertain but I have reached my fill with this discussion and ideas proposed so far.
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3 hours ago, pam said:
I also thought it very strange when they were trying to escort her that she announced..."I approve this message."
She panicked. She blurted out some random closer as if she was a politician of some sort. Watching too much tv while being "bored". I am sure the whole ordeal didn't go as she imagined it in her daydreams of revenge. At some point she thought it would be cool to state she approves the message, even though it is usually a third party that rallies for the main person and a dubbed in voice recording plays the approving statement from the main person of interest.
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Here is the full version
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43 minutes ago, Rob Osborn said:
It was a good article but didn't really point out or cover the differences between what constitutes as doctrine and truth. Sometimes I believe we tend to think all doctrine is truth but don't understand the principle. Baptism for example is a core doctrine. Baptism as being necessary for salvation is also a core doctrine. But, because we have such a loose meaning of "salvation" the truth part of the core doctrine diminishes greatly, even to the point that it loses it's core doctrine status when broken down and many untruths can and do abound along with contradictory doctrine coming into play. For instance- If salvation from eternal hell is only attained through baptism, why do we teach it's possible to be saved without it as long as you suffer for sins on your own?
Your temple work has to be done before you can recieve spiritual relief and be able to enter into God's presence again.
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First of all don't let it get to your head. Second do the best you can to accomplish your mission. It is a blessing and a privilege to participate in ANY calling the Lord calls you to. There is an order to things and callings have been extended. We are ALL on the frontlines. I have seen my life calling in visions and even in my patriarchal blessing. I am proud to be serving where I am. God is not a respecter of persons. Father will replace you in the blink of an eye if needs be. Many are called but few are chosen [a small change] because those who volunteered first are fulfilling their duties.
Be ready at anytime. The Lord may need you to step in to a high pressure "important" role but in the meantime pray for those who are currently fighting the good fight so they are victorious. As faithful children of God We ALL are on the Lord's side and serve faithfully where called.
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Oh my. You are burning bright this week. I feel hope again, "hearing" this come from another member. Thank you.
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@JohnsonJonesI really like this post.
It kind of reminds me of The Book of Mormon Prophet Samuel The Lamanite. I make sure to call him The Prophet Samuel on purpose if ever he comes up in conversation. They even make his toy at the lds book stores with dark brown skin. I think sometimes people forget The Book of Mormon people were a mix of Ephraim (Ishmael) , Manasseh (Lehi), Juda (Mulek) and possibly Jaredite (Coriantumr)
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1 hour ago, Traveler said:
As a side note - the linage of Ephraim has a unique calling in the Church in the last days - and yes some would define such a calling to a unique ethnicity as a racial bias
I have not considered this at all since all of us baptized are blood born Israelite or adopted into the House of Israel.
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52 minutes ago, Sunday21 said:
My bishop is a black refugee from Africa. On the bishopric we have an immigrant from the Filipinos and one white guy. We have a university and a colleague in my ward so we have lots of educated people. We are between 1/3 to 1/2 Caucasian depending on the year.
Not happy with the composition of your ward? Why not attend another ward from time to time. Spanish ward maybe? You can always visit other wards.
Auto-correct is a monster sometimes
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4 hours ago, JohnsonJones said:
MANY Mormons
I think perhaps you mean many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
- JohnsonJones and BJ64
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7 hours ago, BJ64 said:
What I am looking for are the teachings of prophets throughout the ages not just those of the last few decades.
I’ll repeat that I’m not saying it’s not a sin I’m just saying that I think there are many who believe it to be a much more serious sin than it is and thus lay a lot more guilt on people than is deserved.
It’s perhaps less of a sin than pride, envy, jealousy, greed, anger, gossip, back biting, etc. and madturbation certainly causes less harm to others than many of these sins I list.
I can see where you are coming from. Don't lessen the sin of masturbation but also don't blow it out of proportion. Demonizing a young man or woman for doing this rather than encouraging them to keep striving to not give up is key. I can almost guarantee they beat themselves up more than anyone else. It's a hurtful action to self esteem and the holy spirit will always let the faithful latter-day saint know it is wrong. Very few members, I believe, masturbate and immediately feel proud of themselves but rather the opposite; they feel shame and embarrassment.
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Matty,
Come home. It is better to die trying than to go off into dark forbidden paths alone where the darkness will not provide any comfort but rather laugh in your face when you fall. It will be hard but just keep trying and praying. The Lord knows us personally and trials we go through will help us grow. The spirit is calling, answer the call; come home and be with your family again.
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18 hours ago, FoolsMock said:
I'm inferring too many members of the church are addicts to masturbation and this has been a case for decades and the body of the church has been weakened by this "wink, wink, nudge, nudge, everyone does this, it isn't a big deal" attitude perpetuated quietly/secretly (the Book of Mormon has some wonderful lessons on what evilness done in darkness does to organizations and to God's church in times past) by misguided leaders and members
*Here is the original ( I quoted myself quoting him)
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1 hour ago, pam said:
To be honest, I think you owe him an apology. I think you took one comment out of this very long thread out of context. And yes I've read it all of the way through.
I sent another message after the one you quoted . I included a message of my train of thought, I feel he was inappropriate claiming some of the things he did
4 hours ago, Overwatch said:I'm inferring too many members of the church are addicts to masturbation and this has been a case for decades and the body of the church has been weakened by this "wink, wink, nudge, nudge, everyone does this, it isn't a big deal" attitude perpetuated quietly/secretly (the Book of Mormon has some wonderful lessons on what evilness done in darkness does to organizations and to God's church in times past) by misguided leaders and members
^This one is especially.
Is this official? Do we have a misguided leader problem? I have not experienced this in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have not once been told in all of the wards I have attended, even in a war zone, that masturbation is okay and isn't a big deal.
I respectfully stand by my opinion Pam. *Now with this being said I will work on being more sensitive to the user base of Mormonhub but I am not good at tongue in cheek humor and sarcastic quips are not my thing (I suppose I can work on them so I can fit in better)
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So I went back and traced my steps to what led me to my comments
13 hours ago, FoolsMock said:I'm inferring too many members of the church are addicts to masturbation and this has been a case for decades and the body of the church has been weakened by this "wink, wink, nudge, nudge, everyone does this, it isn't a big deal" attitude perpetuated quietly/secretly (the Book of Mormon has some wonderful lessons on what evilness done in darkness does to organizations and to God's church in times past) by misguided leaders and members and it has caused bleeding in the Lord's church. In response, leaders are being more clear and bold in fighting back against this error and are trying to really identify if men are worthy of priesthood advancements and callings. I spent 13 years of my life an addict to this behavior. I know the withdrawals, I know the hopelessness of feeling like change is literally impossible, I know the sleepless nights stemming from the cravings/addiction. It changes. It isn't that way forever. The healing power of the atonement is real. The church needs to be healed. We can't go on and press forward in the work the Lord would have us do being hypocrites and unfaithful to such a high law God has given us and operates by,
When I was 18, I was told by a peer that his bishop said masturbation is a reality you have to live with and all you can do is feel sorry when you do it. That was a lie. I will spend my life testifying of the life-changing, life-saving, healing power of Christ's atonement in the face of sexual addiction. Too many are deceived and held back by people settling on a terrestrial lifestyle and attitude and understanding of how Christ can impact their life
where are you getting this? (bold part) Is there a chart you are looking at?
13 hours ago, FoolsMock said:Are you suggesting we send out unworthy missionaries? I went on a mission unworthily, that was wicked. It was wrong. Why should we lower the bar? How is that following what God has asked of us? If you don't live the law of chastity as a missionary you are a hypocrite and serving in vain. I was a hypocrite and I served in vain. I did the wrong thing. We can't move forward and make progress being in blatant disobedience to what God has asked of us. 1 worthy missionary will do more good for God's church than 10,000,000 fake missionaries
I was thinking to myself that the person you were responding to was talking about the average person that occasionally messes up NOT the full blown addict.
13 hours ago, FoolsMock said:I masturbated on my mission. I was a sinner. I lied to my family to go on a mission. I lied to my bishop. I took out my endowments while nursing a pornography and masturbation addiction. This problem haunted my missionary work. It didn't disappear on my mission (but I sure believed it would! If I could just get out there things would change!) and it took serious, life-changing effort for years after my mission to find healing from this damaging behavior and now, I feel like a completely different person. I have never been happier. I never believed people could change from such harrowing, haunting behavior. Part of repentance is admitting fault and turning to the Lord to find healing from problems. If people can't admit where they have sinned, that is pride, that is not repentance.
An army of law of chastity breaking missionaries isn't a solution to anything. Neither is lowering the standards of the church to make people feel less bad about engaging in sinful behavior. Do you think the law of chastity is a lie or just a suggestion? Do you not believe in it? I just don't understand what you want. Worthiness interviews should just be tossed aside and we just need to hug each other as we look at porn and masturbate why telling the world we believe in this law of chastity thing but don't feel bad if you can't live it? God has given us rules and we have seen in scripture it is legitimately blasphemous and damaging to God's church to alter the rules and to preach "easier laws" over what God wants us to follow. Whenever the church got out of line in the Book of Mormon's narrative, God stretched out his hand to try and help people see they had gone off the mark (well until the Jaredites and Nephites had pushed things too far). I am saddened and honestly discouraged so many members take the law of chastity and repentance so lightly, but this is the Lord's church and I have faith we will be called to repentance
Again in the bold, who are you talking about? I feel like your pre-repentance behavior has put you into a sort hyper-assumptive path of thinking. I agree that standards should be kept but there is a difference between a lying addict that will do anything to LOOK GOOD to family and friends but completely soaked in addictive sin and the person that messed up here and there
That being said I would approve a missionary in a heart beat if he or she had messed up here and there as compared to the full blown porn viewing-masturbating addict. I really think the church is doing just fine how they are conducting things right now (which I believe you agree with also) Now if these people are saying that leaders have NO right to touch lightly on personal morality issues then they are wrong. Sexual Addiction can hamper missionary work and of course drive away the spirit
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Just now, FoolsMock said:
I just reported you for twisting my testimony I shared in response to multiple users saying there is no doctrinal basis for masturbation being part of the law of chastity. You didn't say anything about multiple users here defending the act as not breaking the law. I was speaking up for the law of chastity. You twisted my words. Enjoy your ban.
Judge and jury I see XD Thank goodness this forum has excellent moderators.
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Just now, FoolsMock said:
YEAH IN RESPONSE TO ANOTHER USER IMPLYING THE REASON MISSION NUMBERS ARE LOW IS BECAUSE STAKE PRESIDENTS AREN"T LETTING THIS HAPPEN. If you aren't going to be aware of what the conversation contains, then don't pick one remark, isolate it from it's context and frame it in an inaccurate way. You clearly have no grasp on what the back and forth between me and other users were, so unless you wanted to be up to speed on the conversation, you shouldn't have jumped in with a mean remark completely twisting what I said
Calm down bro. Your masturbation confessionals might have thrown me off. If I took you out of context then you get an apology if not then just realize i think the church is doing fine in this area
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2 minutes ago, FoolsMock said:
How did you pull that from what I said? It's not the norm. I did the wrong thing and we shouldn't lower the standards to get addicts out in the mission field. How did you possibly pull this from what I said?
You are talking about not sending armies of masturbators out in the mission field. About the church not lowering the standard. I would like to think, that world wide, the majority of youngmen in the church aren't addicted to abusing the powers of creation. I really think this is a non issue. I feel like the church handles it well. Like I wrote in my post my first time in interview with a certain stake president he asked "when was the last time you masturbated" I found it annoying but I was able to respond confidently and we moved on with the rest of the interview. There really is no need for a beat your meat police. Simple yes or no and frequency should tell the whole story.
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2 minutes ago, LePeel said:
it's not that I'm comparing myself to my peers, it's that I'm concerned about my ability to support a family, wish I could work on rather than go on a mission.
Will that matter if you marry a doctor? I dated a doctor as a blue collar worker (we broke up because of distance and me being dumb) I think you'll be just fine to be honest and when I say fine the Lord will keep you alive and bless you with what makes you happy
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11 hours ago, FoolsMock said:
I masturbated on my mission. I was a sinner. I lied to my family to go on a mission. I lied to my bishop. I took out my endowments while nursing a pornography and masturbation addiction. This problem haunted my missionary work. It didn't disappear on my mission (but I sure believed it would! If I could just get out there things would change!) and it took serious, life-changing effort for years after my mission to find healing from this damaging behavior and now, I feel like a completely different person. I have never been happier. I never believed people could change from such harrowing, haunting behavior. Part of repentance is admitting fault and turning to the Lord to find healing from problems. If people can't admit where they have sinned, that is pride, that is not repentance.
An army of law of chastity breaking missionaries isn't a solution to anything. Neither is lowering the standards of the church to make people feel less bad about engaging in sinful behavior. Do you think the law of chastity is a lie or just a suggestion? Do you not believe in it? I just don't understand what you want. Worthiness interviews should just be tossed aside and we just need to hug each other as we look at porn and masturbate why telling the world we believe in this law of chastity thing but don't feel bad if you can't live it? God has given us rules and we have seen in scripture it is legitimately blasphemous and damaging to God's church to alter the rules and to preach "easier laws" over what God wants us to follow. Whenever the church got out of line in the Book of Mormon's narrative, God stretched out his hand to try and help people see they had gone off the mark (well until the Jaredites and Nephites had pushed things too far). I am saddened and honestly discouraged so many members take the law of chastity and repentance so lightly, but this is the Lord's church and I have faith we will be called to repentance
Oh my, I just saw this. This is not the norm. I would have died if I masturbated on the mission. The majority of the young men that worked in the service with me held their virtue strong. Their countenances were bright and they worked very hard. There were a couple of people who struggled and we all knew... I kind of feel like you think your case is the norm with faithful missionaries
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Just serve a mission, adjust your mind when you get home ( almost all women will look attractive, after a few months of being home this will go away) ,get back to work and get back into school if you want. Your age isn't a problem. Your life will still be hard and you may even feel more "behind" your peers than before but who cares. Who are you comparing yourself to? That's right, just you.
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How is this even an issue? Must be the new generation. Masturbation has always been taboo. Growing up and going through my own religious interviews it was always common knowledge to leave your package alone. I had annoying questions asked like "when was the last time you masturbated" but overall you just say I haven't and keep cruising. I don't know if it's the wide acceptance of unreputable behaviour, easy access to porn or media bombardment of unchaste entertainment but if you are messin with the nether regions you got some work to do. Especially if you are addicted to masturbation, most likely will have to miss out on some holy proceedings until you can cleanse yourself from the addiction. The bishop receives revelation and can guide the person if they need to refrain from some activities or just keep working on it while living a "normal" member life.
"Socially responsible investing"
in Advice Board
Posted
This almost feels like bait. If you want to be a vice lord that is up to you. I am not sure if filthy lucre is accepted in heaven. I know the question goes deeper than this as companies often produce many different products both good and bad. Support the good and turn away from the evil.