dprh

I don’t get why people have read the latest statement and now seem to be spun up through the roof, using terms like “sifting” and acting like their testimonies are under assault.
Or, I guess I do get it. People are acting like a bunch of isolated, scared, stressed humans who want Covid to be over, and it isn’t.  I see myself acting that way too.
So just to be transparent, I am fond of the vast majority of you. No matter where you stand on this particular issue.
Hang in there folks. He will eventually triumph.
 

The Lord has told us he would sift us as wheat...  For a very long time those with more leftist leanings had felt this with the "Church" being out of touch with what they 'knew" was right... Now it seems it is turn for those with more right leaning tendencies to be sifted in much the same way...
In a different thread the Abraham test we would face was brought up, I see no reason that this sifting couldn't be of Abrahamic levels.  After all it must have been very hard for Abraham to truly believe that God did command the killing of Issac when all the promises would come through him.  And now we have in this very thread people questioning if God has truly commanded something, because it makes no sense to them and run counters to what they 'know' to be right.
Sadly such events have and always will be highly personal... There is not much some one outside and observing the struggle can really do, but listen to them and pray for them.

Interesting.  I've felt the opposite.  The changes that have been made in the last few years seem incredibly inspired with some hindsight. 
The change to two hour church with CFM at home was a great practice to moving to pandemic church at home.
The change to allow any baptized member be a witness for another's baptism allowed my wife to be a witness of mine.
The change to not require the complete High Council for a membership council allowed me to meet with just the Stake Presidency for mine to be able to get baptized during the pandemic.
Just to name a few.  

I had seen the feature when I first started on this forum over two years ago.  I never thought much of it after.  But I did wonder if I'd ever make it.  Just two weeks ago, it happened and I never noticed it!  Of course my posts that got the rep were about comic books and Zingers....well and mourning with Backroads.

I was gonna say, you should know better bro. That rumor about the dude who dressed in drag to get on a lifeboat is just that, a rumor. 

Not that Jack Phillips.  The other one.  

We need more interesting hobbies bro. Only you and I get that reference. 

Jack Phillips begs to differ . . .

I think this is a great question, and this is one that is difficult, but when we look at our 12th Article of Faith we will see why our prophets will -- at times -- counsel in the same light as the government officials (no matter how corrupt) and medical experts. Although, as a Church and the Gospel we don't accept communism, if you look at Church history the Church leaders had the members follow corrupt governmental systems in light of the 12th Article of Faith. Because of this the Church was able to even get temples into communist countries (Germany and now even communist China).
Also, I think with the way our government is going this will put the Church in a good spot. The Church acted appropriately with bringing all the missionaries home for the virus. Could you imagine if any missionary died on the mission from Covid, and the Church said everything is going to be OK and kept missionaries out? We already have double-edged members who are looking for any excuse to attack the prophet and apostles. We also have a medical professional as our prophet. He is going to counsel with the First Presidency regarding his experience and his knowledge, which the Lord will accept -- even if in weakness. He is doing the best he can according to his knowledge and revelation that will come to the Presidency.
This is also why I love the Church Handbook. I love the scriptures. And I love prayer. And I love that God gave me intelligence -- his intelligence -- as I'm his offspring. I can think. I can study. I can make a logical decision as the decision -- as they have counseled already -- is what? An individual responsibility.
We are good here brother, we are good here!
This hasn't changed brother! Remember, it is the same individual at the head of the First Presidency who said the following, "In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost." That even means with the vaccine. You pray. You study. Make a decision and take it to the Lord. I wouldn't care about anyone else's opinion on the matter.
So continue to fast. Continue to pray dear brother and make the best decision you can for your family as the Presidency is making for the body of the Church. Remember, the decisions that have been given by the First Presidency have been in discussion for many years now.
The Church is true. It remains true. It will continue to remain true. Christ is at the head. If blunders the Lord will right his Church. We have his promise. Just because you feel differently -- remember it is an individual responsibility -- that is OK. Doesn't mean you are listening to the wrong spirit.
I don't know which ones you are referencing off hand, but definitely the Spirit is the Lord's voice. I don't see them as contradictory, but complimentary. The First Presidency, in this case is following what they feel is coming from the Spirit according to their stewardship. We do the same, especially in light of already given -- modern -- counsel.
This isn't a doctrinal issue -- as vaccines aren't doctrine. This is counsel, and there is other modern counsel which is just as important.
That is a very interesting comparison. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

Interesting.  I've felt the opposite.  The changes that have been made in the last few years seem incredibly inspired with some hindsight. 
The change to two hour church with CFM at home was a great practice to moving to pandemic church at home.
The change to allow any baptized member be a witness for another's baptism allowed my wife to be a witness of mine.
The change to not require the complete High Council for a membership council allowed me to meet with just the Stake Presidency for mine to be able to get baptized during the pandemic.
Just to name a few.  

I'm happy it's working out for you and hope you are happy and on the right path. I will continue to soul search as I've done most of my life. The Church seems to be the correct vehicle and certainly seems more sound than other alternatives in the religious and areligious realm to me. I know it's comprised of imperfect people including those in leadership positions at the highest levels, save the Lord himself, so I can't expect perfection. 

Interesting.  I've felt the opposite.  The changes that have been made in the last few years seem incredibly inspired with some hindsight. 
The change to two hour church with CFM at home was a great practice to moving to pandemic church at home.
The change to allow any baptized member be a witness for another's baptism allowed my wife to be a witness of mine.
The change to not require the complete High Council for a membership council allowed me to meet with just the Stake Presidency for mine to be able to get baptized during the pandemic.
Just to name a few.  

Interesting.  I've felt the opposite.  The changes that have been made in the last few years seem incredibly inspired with some hindsight. 
The change to two hour church with CFM at home was a great practice to moving to pandemic church at home.
The change to allow any baptized member be a witness for another's baptism allowed my wife to be a witness of mine.
The change to not require the complete High Council for a membership council allowed me to meet with just the Stake Presidency for mine to be able to get baptized during the pandemic.
Just to name a few.  

After 4 years of being on and off this forum, my day has finally come. For the first and probably only time ever, I have won the day on Third Hour. Yes, folks, the title belt is mine for the next 24 hours hours. Kicking back, putting my feet up and popping open one of those glass bottles of IBC cream soda. ALEXA, play "We Are The Champions" by Queen on repeat for the next 24 hours! 



 

@Vort l am surprised as well that you’re just finding out about this. You of all people who is one of the few who has visited almost every nook and cranny of this forum.
And come on, you’re practically Mr. Universe on here. How does Mr. Universe not know he’s Mr. Universe? But enough about you, today is my day!!!

Right?  Most non-white shirts on men I see at church are shades of blue  

Seriously? "Days won"? Who knew this kind of information was kept and displayed, and to what end? I need to pay more attention, I guess.

Apologies, @Emmanuel Goldstein, after reviewing your profile, I realized I should have rightfully acknowledged you as well.  What I should have said is when you're destined like US for stardom, I guess it is bound to happen! I see you there Mr. July 30, 2020.

Right?  Most non-white shirts on men I see at church are shades of blue  

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/first-presidency-message-covid-19-august-2021?utm_campaign=later-linkinbio-churchofjesuschrist&utm_content=later-19704626&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkin.bio&fbclid=IwAR3XjWi1FSEUkhygzU_N0NPrOANeRmgQ9Ttns91oAkMBG1oaA_lufk-I-hE

Sort of fascinating. For years people would lecture us about wearing a white shirt because not wearing one goes against prophetic counsel....
 
but when the prophets advise something the white shirt wearers don’t like, they have every excuse in the book not to follow it. 

Maybe because they believe in Ex Nihilo creation, so it's not a problem.

As a visual aid, I share my beard trimmings. Not exactly a chalice here, but you get the idea.

Maybe because they believe in Ex Nihilo creation, so it's not a problem.

Backroads, this is 2021. Many, many, many woman enjoy sports, video games and other “‘masculine” activities, and thank God for it. I thank God daily that I born when I was, because “masculine” activities like camping, cars, etc hold no interest to me.