rameumptom

Bishops and Stake Presidents are required by the Church to call a special 800 number of the Church, as well as notify the police, in regards to such an incident. It does not matter how long ago it occurred.

I agree with Pam. However, I don't think that there was a major faux pax in this event. just only take the water next week, and it will balance out Seriously, just take the full sacrament next week and move on.

Lesson 42: “This Is My Gospel” 3 Nephi 27–30; 4 Nephi The Things of God, Man and the Devil 3 Nephi 27 The twelve disciples fasted and prayed, wishing to know what the Church should be called. Obviously, there was contention on the matter among the members of the Church, and perhaps even among the Twelve. The Lord appeared, telling them to stop their disputing. He explained that if a church is named after Moses or someone else, then it belongs to that person. Therefore, “…if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel” (3 Ne 27:8). This might seem like a no brainer issue, but something similar happened in Paul’s day (1 Corinthians 3). Even in the early days of the Church, it changed its name from “The Church of Christ” to “The Church of Latter-day Saints” and finally to “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”, but only after the Lord commanded it. “For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (D&C 115:4). Because of the name change away from the Church of Christ in the 1830s, there were some members in Kirtland Ohio that felt the Church had strayed from its roots and believed Joseph Smith was a fallen prophet. This is how important a name can be, anciently and today. But just because a church calls itself after Christ’s name, does not mean it is his Church. It must also be “built upon my (Jesus’) gospel.” To the extent that a church strays from that directive, it is less and less the Lord’s church. A Church built upon the gospel will show forth the Father’s works. “if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return. For their works do follow them, for it is because of their works that they are hewn down; therefore remember the things that I have told you” (3 Ne 27:11-12). Here, the Lord gives us an insight on not only the churches that are in the world, but all organizations and things found on earth. All things are founded upon the Lord’s gospel, man’s gospel, or Satan’s gospel. Of the three, only the Lord’s gospel promises eternal joy and peace. The other two are temporary, and one may find “joy” or perhaps “pleasure” is a better word, in those things. But eventually the things of man corrode and fall apart, while the works of Satan will all end tragically. How do we determine the things of man? A simple illustration might help us see this. Many eons ago, my youngest son asked me to buy him the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle game for his Nintendo system. He told me that it would make him the happiest person on earth. So, for his birthday, I purchased it for him. Indeed, he seemed like the happiest kid in the world when he unwrapped it. For days he played the game, almost without stop. After a couple weeks, I noticed he wasn’t playing it. I asked him why he wasn’t. He responded that he now had beaten the game several times and was bored with it. No longer did I see the face of the happiest kid in the world, but someone who needed his next “fix.” Meanwhile the scriptures explain to us that the things of God fill us with the Holy Spirit, which brings us joy and peace. King Benjamin insisted that happiness only comes from turning to Christ and His gospel, believing and repenting, then receiving the ordinances and the Holy Ghost as a constant companion (Mosiah 2-5). A person who continually walks with the Spirit never becomes bored with spiritual experiences, even though they may come in very simple packaging and little fanfare or marketing. Meanwhile, the things of Satan addict people to evil. Whether it is sexual perversion, violence, greed, or any other immoral practice, does not matter. Satan gives the person big sensations to experience. Such feelings are often addictive, which is why people become addicted to sex, drugs, violence, and a variety of other things. Once ensnared, Satan no longer has a need to support the person, and allows the person’s world to collapse. It is possible that some churches work under the power of God, or partially under his blessing. It may be that others work under the doctrine of man’s gospel – not evil, but not virtuous, either. Then there are some practices and beliefs that are totally wicked. Here are the three choices set before most of us: Telestial, Terrestrial or Celestial life. I am lifted up Jesus continues by explaining, “And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works. And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world. And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the Father” (3 Ne 27:15-17). All men will return back into the presence of God, to be judged of their works. There are two parts of this judgment: those who repent and are baptized, and those who endure to the end. The first part notes the Justification of Christ’s atonement. Those who believe and repent (symbolized by baptism) are made guiltless, or sinless. They are saved from Outer Darkness and spiritual death. Meanwhile, those who also seek to endure to the end, keeping the commandments and being righteous, are Sanctified by Christ’s atonement and the Holy Ghost. As a person seeks to grow in righteousness, they receive a greater portion of the Holy Ghost, making the person more holy and sanctified than before. For those who do not believe, repent, nor endure to the end, there is only one place for them: Outer Darkness. Because we have this life and the Spirit World, we have time to be justified and rescued from eternal hell fire. However, the longer we wait, the less time we will have to become sanctified to a higher level of heaven than just the Telestial. So, it is important not to waste our probationary period here on earth. These teachings are made clearer by Jesus: “And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end (Justification) Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day (Sanctification)” (3 Ne 27:19-20). Jesus then explains we are judged from the books. The apostle John noted that the Book of Life AND the books of works were brought forth in the final judgment. Those who have been Justified are found in the Book of Life. Those not found in the Book of Life are cast out into Outer Darkness. For those who are in the Book of Life, they are then judged according to the books of works, to determine how holy and sanctified the individual has become (Revelation 20:12-15). Transfiguration and Translation 3 Nephi 28 The Twelve desired a gift. Nine of them wanted to live to old age, and then be received into heaven. They were granted this blessing. However, three of the group wished to dwell upon the earth until the last day. “Therefore, more blessed are ye, for ye shall never taste of death; but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled according to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory with the powers of heaven. And ye shall never endure the pains of death; but when I shall come in my glory ye shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality; and then shall ye be blessed in the kingdom of my Father. And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall dwell in the flesh, neither sorrow save it be for the sins of the world; and all this will I do because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye have desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand: (3 Ne 28:7-9). Here we learn some important concepts of Translation: 1. They do not “taste of death.” This could be interpreted two ways. First, that anyone taking a bite out of on of their arms would conclude they have not decomposed. That is probably not the correct meaning given (although still valid), given the context. It means they will not experience death. They shall die and be reborn in a twinkling of an eye, so quick there is not time to experience what death is. 2. They will live in a translated state until God accomplishes all of his work and Christ comes in glory at his Second Coming. 3. Satan has no power over them. 4. They do not endure normal pain, but will experience the pains and sorrows of the world. Experiencing sorrow for the sins of the world seems to suggest they somehow experience, at least in part, the sorrow and pain Jesus felt in taking upon himself the sins of the world. We are told that the translation experience required they be transfigured or changed from a mortal to an immortal body. Transfiguration is normally expressed in temporary events, such as when Moses or Joseph Smith saw God. They both returned to their mortal state, but weakened from the experience. For those who are translated, the transfiguration is a permanent transformation, making them holy and sanctified both spirit and body. Though not resurrected, they are in between the resurrected and mortal states. For these three, this was an ascension event. They likely were brought up to the throne of God where the change from mortal to immortal was made. It is actually an event that is anticipated in the LDS endowment, when the members are asked to put the temple robes on top of their normal white clothing. This change from mortal appearance to immortal appearance, or to a transfigured or translated or resurrected state, is important to recognize. Mormon speaks to us of the forthcoming Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 29-30 Mormon returns to share his thoughts with us. He focuses on the works of his hands, the abridgment of the large plates of Nephi. He explains briefly the main and key events and teachings therein. The Lord lives and all which his prophets have foretold will come to pass. When the Book of Mormon comes forth, then Israel would no longer be spurned by God. Since its publication in 1830, we see that the Jews are returning to Israel. They again have their own nation. Hundreds of thousands of Lamanites (both direct DNA and cultural descendants) have read the Book of Mormon and know that they are of the House of Israel. Can you imagine how that sounded at the time Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery translated Mormon’s words? Only a handful of people believed in the work they were doing. No one but Joseph saw the metal plates until the Three Witnesses. The early Saints were persecuted and driven from place to place, and still there is this prophecy in the book itself stating that its words would come to the House of Israel, and help prepare them for the Second Coming! “And ye may know that the words of the Lord, which have been spoken by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled; and ye need not say that the Lord delays his coming unto the children of Israel. And ye need not imagine in your hearts that the words which have been spoken are vain, for behold, the Lord will remember his covenant which he hath made unto his people of the house of Israel. And when ye shall see these sayings coming forth among you, then ye need not any longer spurn at the doings of the Lord, for the sword of his justice is in his right hand; and behold, at that day, if ye shall spurn at his doings he will cause that it shall soon overtake you” (3 Ne 29:2-4). With the coming of the Book of Mormon, God is beginning to fulfill his work and covenant with Israel. What a bold statement to make, if this book were made by a fraud. Instead, we see it coming true. One thing Mormon does warn Israel and Gentile alike: do not take lightly the revelations and miracles of God. “Yea, wo unto him that shall deny the revelations of the Lord, and that shall say the Lord no longer worketh by revelation, or by prophecy, or by gifts, or by tongues, or by healings, or by the power of the Holy Ghost! Yea, and wo unto him that shall say at that day, to get gain, that there can be no miracle wrought by Jesus Christ; for he that doeth this shall become like unto the son of perdition, for whom there was no mercy, according to the word of Christ!” (3 Ne 29:6-7). In chapter 30, Mormon briefly calls upon the Gentiles to repent. They must become a part of spiritual Israel, or be destroyed at his Second Coming. The path is as described many times in the Book of Mormon: faith in Christ, repentance, baptism for remission of sins, and receiving the gifts of the Holy Ghost. Fourth Nephi – the Nephite Millennial Zion In Fourth Nephi, we begin by seeing the results of the great destruction among the Nephites, followed by the coming of the resurrected Lord, and finally through the teaching of the Twelve. People throughout the lands of the Nephites and Lamanites repent. They have a “Millennium” of more than 200 years, before things begin to break down. What constitutes the key factors behind this Zion period? 1. “... And as many as did come unto them, and did truly repent of their sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus; and they did also receive the Holy Ghost” 2. “…the people were all converted unto the Lord” – not just a few. One cannot have a Zion, if some of the people are not converted, truly converted, to the Lord. 3. “…there were no contentions and disputations among them” – note they had contentions over baptism and the name of the Church, which Jesus had to settle for them. Now, there were no contentions. Satan had no power over this people. 4. “…every man did deal justly one with another.” There were no Gadianton robbers seeking to get gain or advantage over another. All were honest in their dealings with their fellow man. 5. “And they had all things common among them….” Note, this does not say whether the material goods were taken by government via taxes and redistributed. More likely, they distributed to the poor via the Twelve disciples or an organization set up by them to manage it (local teachers and priests?). 6. “…they were all made free….” There were neither slaves nor servants among them. Remember, much of Nephite history deals with one form of slavery or another: Lamanites seeking to enslave Nephites, Zoramites enslaving their poor, Gadiantons enslaving those who would not join them. 7. They were all “partakers of the heavenly gift”. This is a phrase that we could spend lots of pages writing about. The heavenly gift? Is it the Holy Ghost? The 2nd Comforter? Perhaps. But I think it more suggests the concept of Zion as a model of heaven. Enoch’s Zion was made perfect, the whole people were translated (like the 3 Nephites just mentioned above), and Zion was lifted up and taken to heaven. It was made into a Celestial temple. Now, the Nephites had their own Celestial temple here on earth. The heavenly gift is to dwell in unity among a Zion people, who have all things in common – material and spiritual things, who are all converted to Christ, and who are ready to become one with the Godhead. And so we see that Christ’s teachings have led us to this point, where we find the people, no longer Nephites and Lamanites, but the people of Christ, living as the pure in heart in a perfect society of love, harmony and peace. Sadly, it only lasts a few centuries. Then greed, contention and worldly desires set in. The people quickly devolve from the finest in the world to the worst the world has ever known. Once a people have been so enlightened by truth and witnessed Christ as they did, they can never again put the genie back into the bottle and be regular people. There is only one direction, and that is straight down, as if they got too close to the edge of heaven, slipped, and fell straight to hell. Herein we see a prophecy of the world today. A people are led by God to discover the promised land. They prosper when they follow God, and suffer when they disobey their covenant with him. They eventually come to a great destruction, followed by the Coming of Christ and a Millennial reign. Afterward, Satan is loosed for a season, wherein the demon will gather those sons of perdition to his side. All of this leads to a grand and ultimate fight at the end of the world, with the wicked destroyed, and the world is prepared for a new, reborn, people.

Seminary is a stake calling now. Talk with your stake president, or one of the bishop's counselors if the bishop is not available. Also tell this teacher that he is already guilty of an assault and battery, and if he does not reform, he could find himself with a criminal or civil law suit.

My wife and I just concluded a church service mission (called by our stake president) to serve in our local spanish branch for 2 years. We have others called to serve in the area distribution center, etc. Great opportunity.

Check out this info: Ask the Apologist-Similarities between Masonic and Mormon temple ritual « FAIR Mormonism and Freemasonry - FAIRMormon

I know several Masons who are members. Masons are not Luciferian, just as Mormons with their temple rites are not demonic, either. People make stories up about the things they do not understand or fear.

I confess. It was ME on the inside turning the knob as the painter painted it. He was trying to do a regular painting of the scene, but being a practical joker, I quietly turned the knob while he wasn't looking. He didn't notice until after the painting was completed, by which time it was too late. BTW, the temple matron lost $5 bucks on that bet!

2 Nephi 2 says there is opposition in all things. Without a choice being laid out for Adam and Eve, they could not have a choice: live forever in the Garden by not partaking of the fruit, or have seed by partaking of the fruit. Each had a consequence. Adam and Eve had to make a choice between consequences. Without such a choice of opposites, there could be no life without death, happiness without misery, etc. All would be a composite in one, with neither life nor death.

People are healed by faith all the time, even in the Church. How often has your ward held a fast for someone sick? But healings are just one of several gifts of the Spirit, and some gifts are more important than others. Paul taught that it is better to have the gift of prophecy than of tongues, for example. We do as the Lord asked and not do our works before the world, but do it in quiet ways. We prefer that miracles happen without broadcasting them everywhere, so that God may be glorified, where in such context it is often the faith healer that ends up with the praise.

I have a very good friend who joined the Church in his 30s. He has tattoos all over his body from his biker days. When Pres Hinckley asked men not to wear earrings, he took his off in obedience to the prophet. He still has his tats, and is fully welcomed by the members in his ward. Now, I'm sure if he became a member, the bishop would ask him to not add to his tat collection....

Who are we to judge others who wish to be baptized? Isn't it up to the Lord to make that judgment? When Peter was told to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, who surely had a different culture than the Jews, many had a problem with it. Some insisted they be circumcised, while others refused to sit with the Gentile converts. When I lived in Alabama, and we opened the missionary work to the black community in the 1980s, there were lots of people ready to judge them by their own standards, not allowing them the opportunity to grow into the Church and a new Mormon culture. If we are going to over-judge people because they have tattoos, different dress, etc., even though they are worthy in all other ways, then perhaps our problem is with our own testimonies. As Paul noted, we can do many mighty works, but if we do not have charity, we are nothing.

If I were you, I would mention it to the bishop, so he can look into the incident. The person lending the recommend needs to lose that recommend for at least a year, to ensure it does not happen again. If members do not step up as witnesses, then this kind of thing will only become more common and ugly.

CB, I would suggest you reconsider this talk. These little things are not of great importance. Your leaders want members to prepare a ten minute talk "just in case" so that you learn from what you study. Talking about knocking on wood, really doesn't grow your own understanding of the gospel, increase your faith, nor increase anyone else's faith and understanding. The Jews in Jesus' day were so wrapped up in the little acts, that they not only missed the important commandments, but the Messiah himself! One thing to consider is something Elder Holland taught me several years ago at a stake meeting. We need to learn how to set our pulpits on fire, just as earlier leaders once did. In his talk, A Teacher Come from God, he noted that if we teach powerfully with the Spirit, then our new converts will want to come back. I just don't think you can accomplish that by speaking about the topic you have in mind. You don't have to delve into speculation to get people's attention. You do need to speak on powerful and important things regarding the core doctrines of the Church. For example, how doe living the small and simple things strengthen our testimonies of Christ? Or how do small things tie us to the atonement? I suggest you fast and pray about the topic, and discuss it with the Lord. Let the Lord teach you and put into your heart, mind and mouth the things you should say.

Jedi, no offense taken. I have on occasion feel the spirit withdraw from me. I've gone periods of time without strong or even weak impressions. As I've looked back on those periods, I feel it was to allow me to see how I would fare believing, even when I felt I was walking alone. In those times, it has helped me to truly appreciate Jesus on the cross, "Father, why hast thou forsaken me?" During those periods when I've felt the spirit withdraw, I've had to rely on my own faith, based upon previous experience with miracles, study, and inspiration. In doing so, I've been able to learn some very key things that I feel the Lord wanted me to learn, which I could not do without such a withdrawal of the spirit. It forced me to look at faith with the rose-colored sunglasses off. I had to see the world in its raw form, and deal with it. As with you, I could have chosen to stop believing. Or I could have decided that God no longer loves me. Instead, I focused on what the Lord had demonstrated to me in the past. I have felt his love in the past. I have seen miracles. I have had spiritual witness of the truths of the gospel. I chose to believe. I chose to believe that God still loves me, but needs me to walk in the darkness on occasion, so that I can understand what that is like. I know it is extremely difficult, as I've been there. But to keep believing even when I didn't feel the presence of the Spirit, meant that I was choosing my destiny based on the things I know to be true. And in doing so, I learned tons about hope. I could not have understood hope, faith or charity as I do now, without first experiencing such a loss. Even today, I often walk my daily life with very few spiritual events. While I know the Holy Spirit is often with me, I also know he withholds much from me, just so I can learn precious lessons I cannot learn otherwise. As for when I hear church leaders say things that I do not agree with, I realize they are speaking in generalities, and I should not take offense to it. Instead, I try to understand those things in a manner that relates to me and my family. So, don't feel you are the only person who has stood alone. What matters is what we do with the time. You have been less active for 8 years, suggesting you are allowing events to act upon you. Perhaps you could choose to act and do what you know deep down is right, even if you must walk lots of the path alone. And then believe that God still has your best interests at heart for the eternities.

See if there is a Mid-Singles group in your area. This is a group for those age 31-44 years of age. They have FHE, conferences, dances, etc in my area. Really is a good place for people of similar ages (esp those who are divorced) to meet and fellowship.

Faith and hope are difficult issues. We assume that God answers prayers the way we would like them answered, simply because we hear so many others make faith statements regarding this. In reality, God often does not answer prayers immediately, nor in the way we expect. Joseph F. Smith had a young daughter die, and he spent decades trying to discover what would happen to her in the spirit world. He found out in a major revelation (D&C 138) only two weeks before his death in 1918. His daughter died over 50 years before. That many tragedies happen on earth is clear. God does not answer most of those tragedies in ways we would like. This is, I believe, because God has a greater purpose that is eternal, which would be frustrated if he were to step in and protect us from all these things. He has promised to heal us and wipe away our tears in the next life. Such issues require us to sometimes just have hope and a little faith. If you see good things in the Church, then stay for the good you do see, even if you have doubts about other things. You can still make a difference in the Church by believing that God lives and will fix all things eventually. You can make a positive and good example for your kids, and be a strength to your wife, even while having some doubts. There are many members who have doubts about this or that in regards to the gospel. But they keep believing that the Lord will enlighten us more, either in this life or the next. So, take what belief you have and work with it. Do not focus too heavily on your doubts. They may always be there, but so can your faith be there always, too.

Attend seminary and just leave a few minutes early to get to your practice at school.

Lesson 41: “He Did Expound All Things unto Them” 3 Nephi 22–26 Sing, O Barren! 3 Nephi 22 Here, the Lord quotes Isaiah 54 prior to expounding the scriptures for the Nephites. This act (common in the Book of Mormon) of quoting a prophet and then expounding is known as Midrash or as a pesher (commentary) in early Jewish terms. The Dead Sea Scrolls have peshers such as the Habakkuk Commentary, wherein the author quotes a section of Habakkuk and then explains how it applies to the people and events of his day. “And then shall that which is written come to pass: Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child; for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord. Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitations; spare not, lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes; For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left, and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles and make the desolate cities to be inhabited” (3 Ne 22:1-3). Isaiah writes in desert/wilderness imagery. The woman who is barren is Israel. She wanders in the wilderness, because the cities are all desolate. She’s lived in a small pup tent for years, but now is encouraged to enlarge her tent. Why? She will now have children and descendants. Israel is barren no more. Eventually the descendants will be so numerous that they will no longer be able to dwell in the enlarged tent, but will move back into the cities that were once left desolate. As noted before, the tent symbolizes the Tabernacle or Temple of the Lord. When Nephi told us that his father “dwelt in a tent,” it held great significance. This is not because he enjoyed camping out, but because his father’s tent represented the sacred space or Holy of Holies, for the family. As ancient Israel surrounded the Tabernacle, so Lehi’s children’s tents would surround his. It was here that Lehi had the Vision of the Tree of Life, and discovered the Liahona, a treasure to be stored in a sacred place. Now, we find that the woman who is cast into the desert has a small tent or Tabernacle. She is like the twelve tribes wandering for 40 years in the desert. Once Joshua brought them into the Promised Land, they were able to expand into cities and build a temple to God. In this instance, the house of Israel will inherit the places left by the Gentiles, who are now left desolate and cast out of the Promised Land. For the Nephites, this holds important significance, as they will become almost extinct, leaving the Lamanites and other Native Americans in the area as the primary “adopted” House of Joseph in the land. Isaiah continues by stating that the Lord cast Israel (the woman) out for a time, because she had been unfaithful to the covenant made with Yahweh. However, he will forgive her and bring her gently back. She will prosper, and the covenant will stand in full force, once again. As noted, this covenant is one with the people, not just individuals. “Behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children” (3 Ne 22:11-13). The Lord describes the building of His House, the Temple. The woman/church’s children shall be “taught of” (which can mean taught by or taught about) the Lord in his House. Within the Temple, they will feel peace and safety. Great are the words of Isaiah 3 Ne 23 The Lord begins explaining and expounding his pesher of Isaiah’s words. “And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah. For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles” (3 Ne 23:1-2). Something that many LDS do not note is God gives us a commandment to search diligently in Isaiah’s words. They are not only for the house of Israel, but Isaiah “must speak also to the Gentiles”. Isaiah can be hard to understand at first, because he uses poetic form and symbolism to teach. This means that we must make the effort to understand Isaiah’s methods in order to understand what he is teaching to us. Too often we skim through the scriptures and the Book of Isaiah in particular, when we should be drinking deeply from the waters therein. We cannot know the will of God concerning us without understanding Isaiah and the Book of Mormon. Their message is deeply connected, but is lost on many who choose to skip stones across the ocean of spiritual knowledge. There are many recent, good studies on Isaiah, both from LDS and non-LDS scholars, which can help us understand his writings better. I encourage spending a year studying Isaiah, about one chapter a week, and research on the Internet what one can on the wording, symbolism and meaning of each verse. You’ll be amazed at what you will learn in doing this. Once Jesus expounded on Isaiah, he commanded the official Nephite record be brought forth. In looking at them, he noted that Samuel the Lamanite’s prophesy was not included. He ordered that it be entered into the record. If Samuel’s words were so important that the Lord commanded them added, perhaps we should spend the urgent time needed to really understand them, as well. Jesus quotes Malachi 3 Nephi 24-25 The Lord then begins quoting Malachi chapters 3 and 4, on two extremely important teachings regarding the great coming of the Lord. “Thus said the Father unto Malachi—Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in; behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming, and who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap. And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness” 3 Ne 24:1-3, Malachi 3:1-3). You’ll note that it isn’t Jesus speaking to Malachi, but the Father! The Lord will come to his temple when no one is expecting it, prepared by his servant. Some see this as fulfilled in Jesus’ mortal ministry: John the Baptist preparing the way, and Jesus entering the temple at that time. However, we now see this as a current and future prophecy. Samuel the Lamanite prepared the way for the coming of Christ in power and glory to the Nephites. He has suddenly come to his temple in the city of Bountiful. The wicked were not able to abide the day of his coming, having been destroyed in the great earthquakes, whirlwinds, and 3 days of darkness. Only in purifying the Nephites and their priesthood holders through those refining destructions, were Nephi and the other 11 disciples ready give an offering in righteousness. The people were ready to sacrifice a broken heart and contrite spirit as an offering. In doing so, they will create the Nephite “Millennial” (technically 200 years) period of peace. Jesus also refers to the final days of this earth. Joseph Smith was called as the servant to prepare the way. With the gospel restored, with all the covenants and ordinances brought to earth again, the world is prepared to have the Lord “suddenly” come to his temple. This may be any of the temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but it may also mean a future temple in Jerusalem. As it is, the Lord suddenly came to the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836, shortly after its dedication. He came to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery (D&C 110), accepting the house of the Lord and their work of restoration as an “offering in righteousness”. This is not a complete fulfillment of this prophesy, but is a symbolic fulfilling of it – in anticipation of Jesus’ return in the clouds in great power and glory. Jesus is called the “messenger of the covenant.” This refers to the Angel of the Lord’s Presence, or the Messiah. The covenant of the temple is with God the Father, through Jesus Christ. Christ or Messiah or Anointed One, represents the One who was called forth to lead the angelic Divine Council and to restore mankind back to the presence of God. Christ offers himself as the sacrifice, but we must accept his sacrifice by covenant. He is the Angel of the Lord’s Presence, captain of the Divine Council, and the Messenger of the Covenant that brings people back into the presence of the Lord. “For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name, shall the Son of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth and grow up as calves in the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of Hosts” (3 Ne 25:1-3, Malachi 4:1-3). Again, Jesus quotes Malachi 4, and again we see this partially fulfilled with the Nephites. The wicked have literally been burnt as stubble, as cities have been destroyed by fire – perhaps from volcanic lava and melted rocks being rained down upon them. Only those that feared God survived the ordeal, and were now able to stand in Jesus’ presence. Christ called them forth, healing the sick and afflicted, blessing the children. With the balm of Gilead, Jesus healed them from what must have been intense post traumatic stress disorder, caused by the destructions they endured. They were renewed, born again, protected, even as calves in the stall. In the last days, we shall also see such destructions. There are some Christians and LDS who believe we can build a Zion society in the world without the conflagrations and destruction of the wicked. They hope we will not have massive evil, wars, pestilences, and deaths. But the scriptures are very clear that the events that preceded Jesus’ coming in glory to the Nephites will also be seen in the last days of earth. Only the righteous may be rescued, as calves in a stall. “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord; and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” (3 Ne 25:5-6). This scripture is the only one I’m aware of that is quoted in the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. It has had at least a partial fulfillment in the Kirtland temple, when Elijah, Moses and Elias (Abraham?) came to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to give them keys and authorities for the work of the restoration (D&C 110). Elijah’s work was to bring the sealing powers of the priesthood, so as to seal families together to their ancestors (turning the hearts of the fathers and children towards one another). In the Jewish celebration of Passover, the feast is prepared with one empty seat at the table. This seat is for the prophet Elijah, in case he comes to that home prior to the coming of the Messiah. Interestingly, Elijah visited Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple during Passover (April 3, 1836). It is possible that there will be another final visit by Elijah, as well. What it could entail, in regards to turning the hearts of fathers and children to one another, can only be imagined. Isaiah, Samuel and Malachi So, why would the Lord offer us these three prophets’ words together like this? Why not the words of Moses, Nephi or Zenock? There is a pattern in the words of Isaiah, Samuel and Malachi. Jesus uses them as three witnesses to his coming in great power. Isaiah speaks of the temple in the wilderness being returned to the Promised Land, the woman no longer barren. Samuel the Lamanite foresees the coming of Christ in power and glory to the Nephites, along with the destruction of the wicked. Malachi sees the Lord’s return to a people who are ready to receive him, who are no longer barren, but are a people that have turned their hearts to their ancestors and descendants. Malachi sees the Lord coming to his temple, no longer lost and wandering in the wilderness. The three see Christ coming to save His people from the wicked world, destroying those who are Israel’s enemies. They foresee a time when Israel (Nephites, etc) will become one people in Jesus. The Lord will fight their battles (as we’ll see more of in the next lesson), and they will be one in the temple, the House of the Lord, forever.

Tell your mother that she is a guest to this delivery and marriage, and not a partner. If she wants to be included in the birth of the child, then she will have to respect the decisions you and your husband make.

I try to imagine them in their magic underwear. Then I imagine what kind of magic is wisping into the room.

The real question is whether their belly buttons were innies or outies.

Sadly, this is what many members think of atonement, faith, etc. They really do not understand how deep one can study the atonement, and still not know everything about it. Most of us skim rocks across the surface of the ocean of God's wisdom, but never delve deep into the waters to begin truly understanding all the aspects involved in those doctrines. For example, how many have studied the dozens of theories on how the atonement works? What is Justification? What is Sanctification? How do works and grace both bring about salvation through atonement? Why does Nibley say "work we must, but the lunch is free"? How do the atonement and the endowment tie in together? Did the atonement only happen in Gethsemane, or is it an ongoing event? These are part of the deep doctrine of the atonement of Christ. Some parts have not yet been fully revealed to us, but we can get a better understanding by considering the various concepts on it.

There is doctrine and there is speculation. Most people speculate when they discuss the signs of the times (who is the Beast?, etc). But deep doctrine is when one spends time studying key doctrines of the Church, such as faith, repentance, ordinances, covenants, gifts of the Spirit. These are things we can better understand without delving into areas that lead us away from Christ, rather than to Christ. The main key for the Melchizedek Priesthood is the key to the mystery of godliness (D&C 84). That said, true mysteries are things waiting to be revealed through our continued study. Speculation does not lead us to greater revelation and understanding of God's ways.

Alma may have experienced a Near Death Experience. He was cast into spirit prison, which for him was hell. He suffered until he was ready to believe and repent, upon which he was brought out of hell and into paradise. I've written on it in the Book of Mormon Gospel Doctrine lessons on this site.