Telemantros

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  1. Like
    Telemantros got a reaction from DennisTate in What is your take on the role of our works at Judgment Day?   
    Greetings! A question for your lot!
    So in the last moment in history before we enjoy God forever is the judgment seat. The bible is pretty clear that all of us (e.g. Mt. 12:36, Rom. 14:10, 12; 2 Cor. 5:10; Heb. 4:13), believer and non-believer, face some sort of judgement for what we have done with our lives. But it also seems clear (to me anyway) that Christians will not be judged pertaining to our salvation (e.g. John 3:16, 18; 5:24; Romans 8:1). So it seems that our lives/actions are being judged here. If this is all correct so far, here's my question I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on: If we/Christians are judged according to our works, and this is not for salvation, then what is it for? Is it to determine rewards? Is it just to count the evidence that indicates we where believers in the first place? Is it to fulfill justice and balance the divine ledger officially?
    Assuming this question is making sense, what do you guys/gals think?
    Peace, Tele
  2. Like
    Telemantros got a reaction from DennisTate in Hey I'm new here, just saying hello!   
    Hey All,
    I'm new to this forum, but looks like it is pretty tolerant for discussion, seeking and genuine conversation. I love those three things! Just a hello from a 30 something, mid-western, christian dad of three. See you around!
    Tele
  3. Like
    Telemantros got a reaction from zil in How does one determine sincerity and real intent?   
    Well, I finished Spencer Kimball’s “The miracle of forgiveness,” and I have a list of question  a mile long.
    I appreciated his honest and clear writing style. I also appreciated  his heavy use of scripture (as to further his case, although not sure he needed to as an Apostle of the LDS Church?). The book seems timely even bough it was written in 1969!
    I’ll have to think some on this so I can get my questions in order but just an update.
    Tele
     
  4. Like
    Telemantros got a reaction from Blackmarch in How does one determine sincerity and real intent?   
    @zil @Blackmarch @Grunt
    Thanks for your combined advice on knowing genuine sincerity and intent l. If I may sum what you have collectively said so I can make sure I’m understanding correctly. It sounds as if the general consensus is to act as if it where true (prayer, church attendance, listen to sermons, read). That is, the view is persueing  confirmation in the BoM and prayer is not always enough.
    Sounds like I’m on the right track then. It’s encoraging, first of all, to know that some of you have had similar experiences and have felt the same way as me. That this is a process without time expectation is also encouraging. I have been praying and will continue, and I have been attending my local christian church so I’ll continue with this as well as finishing the Book of Mormon. 
    Im also going to start reading a book I found in a used book store called, “The miracle of forgiveness,” by Kimball. Maybe I can capture a vision of the LDS worldview this way. If I have questions about what I read should I ask here or in the theology forum?
    Tele
  5. Like
    Telemantros got a reaction from Jane_Doe in Hey I'm new here, just saying hello!   
    Hey All,
    I'm new to this forum, but looks like it is pretty tolerant for discussion, seeking and genuine conversation. I love those three things! Just a hello from a 30 something, mid-western, christian dad of three. See you around!
    Tele
  6. Like
    Telemantros got a reaction from Larry Cotrell in Hey I'm new here, just saying hello!   
    Hey All,
    I'm new to this forum, but looks like it is pretty tolerant for discussion, seeking and genuine conversation. I love those three things! Just a hello from a 30 something, mid-western, christian dad of three. See you around!
    Tele
  7. Like
    Telemantros got a reaction from Jane_Doe in How does one determine sincerity and real intent?   
    @zil
    Blunt doesn’t bother me 😀. I’d rather have someone be blunt than beat around the bush of vagueness. Can you tell me anything about he author? 
    @Jane_Doe
    Thanks!
  8. Like
    Telemantros got a reaction from Jane_Doe in How does one determine sincerity and real intent?   
    @zil @Blackmarch @Grunt
    Thanks for your combined advice on knowing genuine sincerity and intent l. If I may sum what you have collectively said so I can make sure I’m understanding correctly. It sounds as if the general consensus is to act as if it where true (prayer, church attendance, listen to sermons, read). That is, the view is persueing  confirmation in the BoM and prayer is not always enough.
    Sounds like I’m on the right track then. It’s encoraging, first of all, to know that some of you have had similar experiences and have felt the same way as me. That this is a process without time expectation is also encouraging. I have been praying and will continue, and I have been attending my local christian church so I’ll continue with this as well as finishing the Book of Mormon. 
    Im also going to start reading a book I found in a used book store called, “The miracle of forgiveness,” by Kimball. Maybe I can capture a vision of the LDS worldview this way. If I have questions about what I read should I ask here or in the theology forum?
    Tele
  9. Thanks
    Telemantros reacted to Grunt in How does one determine sincerity and real intent?   
    I'm not sure I can answer your question on sincerity.  I can offer some sincere advice if you're willing to accept it.  This is given with the belief that you want a confirmation.  
    I felt the same as you do when I was an investigator.  I would read the Book of Mormon and any other material I could find and pray for confirmation.  Somewhere along the way, I heard a talk developing a testimony.  It spoke of having the desire for your beliefs to be true and then acting upon that desire.  It spoke of living your life as though your testimony were strong and following the Prophets.  When you act in faith, you gain confirmation.  

    I really enjoyed this message:
     
    My experience was a gradual increase of light.  After living in faith for a short period, I looked and realized I had a testimony.  Even though I still wasn't "ready" to be baptized, once I had that understanding the confirmations came fast, furious, and very obviously.  I'm not sure this helps you at all, but I hope it is encouraging.  Here are a few talks on the subject:
    https://www.lds.org/youth/article/gaining-and-keeping-a-testimony?lang=eng
    https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/10/the-power-of-a-personal-testimony?lang=eng
  10. Thanks
    Telemantros reacted to Blackmarch in How does one determine sincerity and real intent?   
    by their fruits shall ye know them. i don't think the question is whether or not that one is sincere... but possibly more of one of how sincere? how bad do you want to have that knowledge and if you did what would you do with it? that it has stuck with you all this time shows that you have more sincerity than a bunch of people i could name.
  11. Thanks
    Telemantros reacted to zil in How does one determine sincerity and real intent?   
    Welcome, @Telemantros!
    You ask a good question.  Please do not assume anything personal from the below - I know nothing of your heart and wouldn't begin to judge it - I'm just presenting generic ideas about your question.
    I think "sincere and with real intent" cannot be separated in this case (it's not two things, it's one combined thing).  I think they mean that you want to know with the intent of acting on the answer.  So, it's not the following:
    Once I know, then I'll decide what to do about it. I don't intend to join the Church either way, but I'm curious whether the Book of  Mormon is true I don't believe it for a minute, and would just like confirmation that my skepticism is correct Or similar thoughts.  So the question to ask yourself is whether you've already made up your mind to act, if the confirmation is received.  If you've made up your mind to act, why not start early?
    There is something about acting that can break through doubts.  Things such as prayer, scripture study, and church attendance may be what you need to break down whatever mental resistance might be in the way.
    Also, doing good in general (the above, and serving others) can help us learn to recognize the way the Spirit speaks to us - each of us experiences that in our own way.  Is it possible the Spirit has spoken to you, but you don't realize it was the Spirit?
    Just a few thoughts.  I hope we can answer your questions and provide the discussions and encouragement you need.  You might also consider talking to the missionaries again - either in person or via http://mormon.org/.  Also, there's no replacement for getting together with Church members.  You can find your ward by going here: https://www.mormon.org/worship. (NOTE: Mormon.org is in the process of changing to WorshipWithUs.org, but after playing around on the latter, it doesn't look like it's quite ready for prime time.  Just mentioning in case the web address changes on you at some point.)