rameumptom

The Church warns us to avoid the appearance of evil. Even if the two of them do nothing wrong, rumors can destroy relationships and lives. She does not want to be the brunt of rumors saying she's having an affair, etc.

When you receive your mission call, the call will still be 3 months or more out. So go get a job for now. Trust your stake president. It may be that the delay is the Lord working something behind the scenes to prepare you to go at the time when he needs you serving. From small and simple means the Lord works great things.

BTW, Spirit Prison IS hell. It is the first hell. It is described in Alma 36, where he suffers until he believes and repents. After which, he is rescued from that hell by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ into paradise.

A major issue that determines who is/isn't a superhero is who are the enemies. Superheroes fight criminals with major, often mutant abilities. sometimes from outer space that endanger the entire world. So, we have Spiderman fighting the Sandman while wearing/battling an evil suit (Venom) from outer space. Green Lantern has to fight powerful beings from outer space to save earth. Superman has to defeat beings from the Phantom Zone. The Fantastic Four have to fight the Silver Surfer. Ironman and Black Widow fight the Norse god Loki and multiple invaders from outer space. Batman fights Mr Freeze and the Joker. So, you tell me: who are the superheroes here?

Welcome. You may enjoy reading the Bible lessons I've written on over the last few years. You can find them here: Scripture Study Forum - LDS Social Network Forums Just look in the Old or New Testament forums for the lessons. I do discuss some very important and sometimes deep teachings from the Bible, as well as discuss possible differences in interpreting various passages.

Lesson 40: “Then Will I Gather Them In” 3 Nephi 16; 20–21 I have other sheep 3 Nephi 16 Jesus told the Nephites that they are the other sheep, whom he referred to when speaking to the Jews. Yet, now we find that the Nephites are not the only “other sheep.” These primarily include the other lost tribes of Israel. However, the Lord seems to add an additional Beatitude here: “And blessed are the Gentiles, because of their belief in me, in and of the Holy Ghost, which witnesses unto them of me and of the Father” (3 Ne 16:6). The Gentiles may also be blessed, even as Israel is when they believe and obey. While they cannot see the Lord without the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood (D&C 84:19-26), they can feel the witness of the Holy Ghost as it testifies of the Father and Son. Note that this is not just a promise to the Gentiles among the Latter-day Saints, but to all Gentiles. When missionaries testify of God, Christ and the restored gospel to people, it is the Holy Ghost that witnesses of these truths. The Holy Ghost testifies not only of celestial truths, but also of the truths of terrestrial things. The Law of Moses and Aaronic Priesthood are terrestrial. They received the key to the ministering of angels, who speak by the power of the Holy Ghost. It is too easy and simple to think that because God restored the fullness of the gospel through Joseph Smith that God cannot speak to others, as well. In Alma 29:8, we find that the Lord delivers to each people and nation the amount of light and truth they are ready and willing to receive. Most Christian churches are good and inspired to the level in which they accept God’s truth. Even the LDS Church, with its continuing revelation, recognizes that it does not have all truth, only a fullness of it. This means we have enough to bless and exalt people. It does not mean we have all the answers. So, we see Jesus tell the Nephites: “Behold, because of their belief in me, saith the Father, and because of the unbelief of you, O house of Israel, in the latter day shall the truth come unto the Gentiles, that the fulness of these things shall be made known unto them” (3 Ne 16:7). God gives them a fullness of “these things” meaning of spiritual truths, covenants and ordinances. It does not mean a fullness of all things nor all truth. From Adam to Joseph Smith to our modern prophet, all have to deal with the human struggle to gain revelation, and then to understand that revelation. Gentiles reject the Gospel “And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations; and if they shall do all those things, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them” (3 Ne 16:10). This isn’t a question of IF the Gentiles will reject Christ, but WHEN. Note the signs of their apostasy from Christianity: pride, lying, dishonesty, murder, priestcraft, whoredoms and secret combinations. Today, we find Europe is basically non-Christian. The United States is increasingly changing from religious to spiritual, where people believe in God but do little about that belief. Marriage covenants are replaced with marriages of convenience, which may be broken on a whim. Many live together, rather than be burdened with the marriage covenant. Sex is everywhere and all too common, replacing true love with just a physical attraction. Dishonesty and lying are spreading, as bankers and Congressmen seek to hide their dealings in crashing the US economy in 2008. A recent study shows that most scientific papers that are recalled are rescinded because of dishonesty, rather than honest mistakes. Murders increase around the globe. Many churches have replaced the 10 Commandments with the 10 Suggestions in order to be popular and rich. Secret combinations abound in gangs, governments, unions and big business. If we have not yet reached the end of the Gentiles’ time to enjoy the fullness of God’s blessings, we are rapidly approaching it. In that day, Israel will gain power over the Gentiles of Europe and America. They will trample down those who oppose them. God will redeem Israel, and Isaiah tells us that in that day, “The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of God” (3 Ne 16:20). The Sacrament again 3 Nephi 20 Jesus provides the bread and wine to the Nephites. He administers to his twelve apostles, who then administered to the twelve groups of Nephites. As noted in previous lessons, while baptism sometimes seems like an individual ordinance and covenant, we see in the renewal of those covenants via the Sacrament that it is a communal experience. The people renew their covenants as a group. This is part and parcel of Christ’s desire to make them one people, by having them covenant together as one. Jesus teaches of Isaiah Afterwards, Jesus commands the people to study the words of Isaiah, especially in regards to the Lord’s promises with Israel (as we read in 3 Ne 16:18-20). “…when they (Isaiah’s words) shall be fulfilled then is the fulfilling of the covenant which the Father hath made unto his people, O house of Israel” (3 Ne 20:12). Isaiah foresaw the coming of the gospel to the Gentiles, and later the apostasy of the Gentiles. Now the Lord will return the covenant to the house of Israel and the few humble Gentiles that continue to believe. The final gathering of Israel will occur at that time. Currently, we are primarily involved in the spiritual gathering of Israel. In the last times, we will see the physical gathering of Israel. They will come to know their Lord and follow him. As for the Gentiles, if they reject God and work against Israel, the Lord tells the Nephites: “Then shall ye, who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, go forth among them; and ye shall be in the midst of them who shall be many; and ye shall be among them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he goeth through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver….And it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that the sword of my justice shall hang over them at that day; and except they repent it shall fall upon them, saith the Father, yea, even upon all the nations of the Gentiles….And the powers of heaven shall be in the midst of this people (Israel); yea, even I will be in the midst of you.” (3 Ne 20:16-22). Israel (whether the Jews or the descendants of the house of Joseph, etc.) will have the covenant with God. He will make them powerful and lead them to victory. Only those Gentiles who humble themselves and repent shall avoid the destructions of the last days. Again, Jesus references the covenant with Abraham. This covenant is all about the people as a group, and not an individual. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob symbolize the Godhead, and Israel are their children. When Israel learns to be one as a covenant people, they become holy and God can dwell in their midst. In conjunction with the Abrahamic covenant, the Lord quotes Isaiah to place a well known quote into the context of the covenant people: “And then shall they say: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings unto them, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings unto them of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion: Thy God reigneth!” (3 Ne 20:40, Isa 52:7). Depart from Babylon “And then shall a cry go forth: Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch not that which is unclean; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord” (3 Ne 20:41). Here we see two concepts: leaving Babylon behind (both physically and spiritually). Babylon represents the evils and sins of the world. The Gentiles will forsake God in exchange for the wealth and prestige of Babylon. They will spiritually decay and canker. The “vessels of the Lord” represents the holy items connected to the Temple or Tabernacle. When the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness, they took with them a portable temple, the Tabernacle of Moses. The priests and Levites were the only ones allowed to carry the sacred items from one site to another. Once reestablished, the priests were to offer sacrifice and perform other important ordinances within the holy sanctuary. Whether carrying incense burners or the Ark of the Covenant, the priesthood holders were expected to be clean or holy. When on priest offered strange fire to the Lord, he was destroyed. As the Ark of the Covenant was being carried and tipped a little, a Levite tried to steady the ark. Since he was not allowed to touch it, he was not clean nor allowed to be near the ark. The Lord destroyed him, as well. There are many Gentiles among us today who seek to steady the ark, even though they have not the authority. Many heavily criticize the doctrines and teachings, the Brethren and other leaders, whom the critics see as weak or foolish. These doctrines and leaders are not required to be perfect. They are expected to be clean. In humbly seeking to be holy, the Lord sanctifies them. Meanwhile those who offer strange fire or steady the ark will find that the Lord will destroy them someday, if they do not humble themselves and repent. The Gentiles and Israel 3 Nephi 21 “...it behooveth the Father that it should come forth from the Gentiles, that he may show forth his power unto the Gentiles, for this cause that the Gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come unto me and be baptized in my name and know of the true points of my doctrine, that they may be numbered among my people, O house of Israel; And when these things come to pass that thy seed shall begin to know these things—it shall be a sign unto them, that they may know that the work of the Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the people who are of the house of Israel” (3 Ne 21:6-7). The Lord gives the sign of the last days to Israel. The Gentiles will receive the writings of the Nephites and deliver them to the lost tribes of Israel. At that time, the fulfilling of the covenant with Israel shall commence. When the Gentiles, by and large, reject the gospel truths they once embraced, then the house of Israel will be restored completely to the covenant. Those Gentiles who humble themselves will become a part of the house of Israel. This includes most of the members of European, Asian, and African heritage. Finally, the Lord will do away with Babylon. It will be destroyed. Anyone involved with the enticements of Babylon risk being destroyed. In this last day, Jesus states that the “work of the Father shall commence.” It is a work that is tied directly with the believers and followers, those of the spiritual and physical house of Israel. They shall learn, as a people, to call upon the Father in Jesus’ name. This work is one of spiritually converting and physically gathering Israel to the promised lands: Jerusalem and Zion. The righteous will not have to leave in haste, as Lot had to escape Sodom. But they will gather under the power of God in Zion and her stakes, as well as the Jews in Jerusalem. This will be the refuge for the righteous.

Have a reception. I've known others who eloped or were married civilly first without having family around. It is an opportunity to celebrate. You can invite them, and tell them that their presence is desired, not gifts.

In some early texts, like the Book of Jubilees and the Book of Jasher, it suggests that the people were using potions to create a society of giants. These were people as tall as trees. Others used potions to cause abortions, so the women could keep their young figures. It may be they didn't have the technology we have today, but may have used herbs and magic to create changes. Remember that Jacob used magic and plants to create sheep that were striped, in stealing the majority of sheep from his father in law Laban. Rachel used plants to get pregnant.

FYI, I live blogged the conference. It was awesome. You can read the posts at The Millennial Star

In the realm of Christian and LDS philosophy, this is a big discussion area. Blake Ostler wrote on this in his series, Exploring Mormon Thought. In his discussion of free will, he suggests that God does not know the future, but does know all things that can be known to this point in time. With that, God is then the expert chess player, who can anticipate every future move. Not all LDS philosophers agree with this. Some have taught of a "middle knowledge", also known as compatibilism. There are a few different versions of this. One is that while God knows all things, he can choose which things he will focus on, and basically look the other way on other things. Another suggests that God knows all things, but has given to Christ to deal with this earth, and Jesus not knowing all things regarding our timeline. The discussions get very deep and not easily explained. But here are a few links where you can read up on some of the concepts: Search Results ostler free will : Mormon Metaphysics Mormon Philosophy & Theology Mormon Philosophy & Theology (see the posts on Attributes of God) Blake Ostler's Mormon Publications Site Element: a Journal of Mormon Philosophy and Theology Again, this study is not for the faint hearted. Blake's books gave me a nose bleed when I started studying them. Now, my brain is rewired, and I can actually talk some philosophy with the great LDS minds in the field. But the study is a good one to see how different LDS scholars try to understand and deal with it.

It took me several years to memorize the wording, etc. Don't worry about leaning on the guides, that is what they are there for. In fact, the guides represent the angels that guide the initiate to the guide who represents Christ at the veil, and then Christ leads us to the Father. I have a series of articles I'm doing on the temples at mormonendowment.com (a More Good Foundation site), where I explain quite a bit about the ancient temple and theophany experiences of others. Eventually, I will go into the modern LDS temples, probably within the next couple articles. But it hopefully will help your temple experience be a good one. I suggest you focus less on trying to memorize, and more on feeling the Spirit and peace of the endowment. When I go, I usually will listen for a while, until something in the endowment hits me, upon which I will then ponder that concept. I receive lots of inspiration in regards to the temple and life in this manner.

Lesson 39: “Behold, My Joy Is Full” 3 Nephi 17–19 3 Nephi 16 will be discussed in the next lesson. Pondering upon the words of Christ 3 Nephi 17 “Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again” (3 Nephi 17:3). Jesus is giving the Nephites a temple experience. They have seen God. He gave them new power and authority, as well as a new baptism ordinance. He received them by this covenant (and soon will do so with the Sacramental bread and wine), healing their sick, allowing all believers to touch his hands and feet as a witness that he is the Christ. Now, he wants them to go home and ponder this experience. As with the modern temple initiate, the first experience with the endowment is like drinking from a fire hose. One cannot understand it all in one sitting. We do not begin to understand Jesus’ teachings in the scriptures, from his prophets in Conference talks, the temple ordinances and covenants, or our own personal revelation, without pondering it. Without understanding, truly understanding, what we now know, we are unable to receive more. We must understand what we now have, so we can then prepare our minds to receive more. If a person does not understand multiplication and division, that person will be unable to understand algebra or calculus. To not seek to understand what we are taught today, we are not ready to receive more knowledge and truth. Perhaps this is one of the biggest reasons why so many people do not receive a testimony of the gospel of Christ: they have not prepared their minds sufficiently in the right manner – through prayer and faith. Jesus prayed and wept Jesus knelt with the people and prayed to God for them. “And after this manner do they bear record: The eye hath never seen, neither hath the ear heard, before, so great and marvelous things as we saw and heard Jesus speak unto the Father; And no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive so great and marvelous things as we both saw and heard Jesus speak; and no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father” (3 Nephi 17:16-17). Previously, Jesus told them how to pray. Now, he is demonstrating to them how the highest form of prayer is done. The prayer is so deep and moving that there are no words to describe it. We do not know whether the things Jesus said cannot be spoken or written because they are forbidden or too sacred to write, or whether they are just so powerful they cannot be put down in mortal terms. Clearly it was not in the Nephite language, which could be written, but in a heavenly language they could understand – even though it still was something their hearts could not fully conceive. I wonder: how often do we pray so intensely that it makes such an impact on the hearers, whether our families, our fellow worshipers, or even just each of us alone? The children join the Divine Council Jesus then had the children come forth and blessed them. Unlike the adults present, who were still in the process of repentance (remember the wickedness and destructions they just went through?), the children were pure, innocent and holy in Christ. Of such are the kingdom of heaven. The adults were tasked with pondering the teachings given them – they were not ready to receive more just yet. “And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones. And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them” (3 Ne 17:23-24). In 1 Nephi 1, Lehi had a vision wherein Christ and his 12 apostles descended to him, and included him in the Divine Council of angels. The brothers Lehi and Nephi, sons of Helaman, also had angels descend in the midst of fire to them in the Lamanite prison (Helaman 5). Now, we have the children of the Nephites become part of the Divine Council. In essence, this was their temple endowment, bringing them back into the presence of God and other divine beings. The adults likely saw their children surrounded by holy burnings and seraphim, but were not allowed to join the experience. As with Alma the Younger when he was saved from his sins, he saw Lehi with God and wished he could be there (Alma 36), so we can view this event from the adult side of things. They were allowed to watch from a distance, but not participate. Again, this is one of the key concepts in the Book of Mormon: bringing people back into the presence of God. The Sacrament 3 Nephi 18 Next, Jesus implements the sacramental bread and wine. This is noted to be particularly for those who have been baptized, as a continuation of the covenants made with God and Christ. Remember from the previous lessons that Christ’s purpose is to have all the Nephites become one covenant community, united in all things. While baptism can be seen as an individualized ordinance, the Sacrament is an ordinance and covenant shared by the community. It is what brings our individual baptisms together into one whole as believers who seek to build Zion, a people of one heart and mind. Why are we not to partake of the sacrament unworthily? Because the Sacrament reflects all of our covenants we make with God and the community. In partaking of the Sacrament unworthily or without believing, we mock the sacrifice of Christ and his atonement. We are to bring forth a contrite spirit and broken heart. Those who are unworthy bring forth pride and rebellion to the Sacramental table. Note that the Sacrament also symbolizes the table of showbread in the Tabernacle/Temple of ancient times. The bread represented the manna sent from heaven to feed Israel while they were exiled in the wilderness. As manna had to be gathered each day, so the showbread was replaced daily. Also found on the table was wine. These were an offering to God, as well. In this we see the Sacrament has a connection with the ancient temple, as well as with the temple of Christ’s body. In partaking worthily of the Sacrament, Christ promised us to have the Holy Ghost always with us. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. This is how all initiates begin to enter into the presence of the Godhead, by first receiving the Holy Ghost. We receive the Holy Ghost, as well as the atonement of Christ, by covenant and an ordinance. These prepare us for further interaction with the Godhead, until we enter fully into their presence. Prayer again Christ again speaks on prayer. This time he expanded upon his previous teachings: where, when and how to pray. In conjunction with teaching the Sacrament, Jesus is explaining that both bring unity. Pray for our wives, children, those who are unworthy to partake of the Sacrament. Jesus teaches and re-teaches the key things to make us one with the Godhead. The Disciples teach the people 3 Nephi 19 Once Jesus had ascended, the people went back to their homes and spread abroad that the Lord would return the following day. Many sought to be there for his return. While awaiting the return of Christ, the apostles were active teaching and performing ordinances. What exactly did the 12 disciples teach? They divided the great crowd into 12 groups. They taught the things Jesus taught the day before. They had them kneel and pray. “And when they had ministered those same words which Jesus had spoken—nothing varying from the words which Jesus had spoken—behold, they knelt again and prayed to the Father in the name of Jesus. And they did pray for that which they most desired; and they desired that the Holy Ghost should be given unto them” (3 Ne 19:8-9). The initiates, now prepared with prayer and basic teachings, were prepared to go into the waters of baptism and then receive the Holy Ghost, the thing they desired most of all. Interestingly they would desire the Holy Ghost. Why not to see Jesus or God the Father? Because the 12 taught them the proper order of things. They would first learn to know the Spirit before ascending into the presence of the Son and Father. As they were baptized, the people were filled with the Spirit of God, making them holy. “And behold, they were encircled about as if it were by fire; and it came down from heaven, and the multitude did witness it, and did bear record; and angels did come down out of heaven and did minister unto them. And it came to pass that while the angels were ministering unto the disciples, behold, Jesus came and stood in the midst and ministered unto them” (3 Ne 19:14-15). As with the pure and holy children from the day before, now the baptized and purified initiates are worthy to join the Divine Council of heaven. This time, they experienced the divine angels, who ministered to them, making them more holy. Only then did Jesus come down and they received of a fullness. It is worthy to note that the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood include the “ministry of angels”, while the Melchizedek Priesthood’s keys include the “mysteries of godliness” and seeing the face of God. This is noted in the ordinances connected to each priesthood (D&C 84:19-26). We see baptism as an ascending from a telestial state to a terrestrial state, with the guidance of the Holy Ghost. From there, we may receive the ordinances and covenants of the higher priesthood and enter the presence of Christ. Finally, Jesus will lead us into the presence of the Father. All of this ties directly into our modern temple’s teachings, ordinances and covenants. Again, Jesus prays to the Father concerning the Nephites, who have now prepared their minds and received baptism, and so are ready for the blessings and visions they have received. This is the pattern: Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism/ordinances/covenants, receiving the Holy Ghost (or Christ, or Father in certain instances). In following the pattern, we become one even as the Godhead is one.

Maureen, I said those things tongue in cheek. Eowyn, although the kids are grown, my wife sometimes gets into the same feelings as you. And I have also told her for years to get involved in something. She will for a few months, but then feels better and stops. She's learning that it has to be a sustained activity that will be there when you are feeling good AND when things get tougher. The jobs of wife and mother are important. But those are not who you are. Some day the kids will be on their own, and while you will still be a mother, it will not occupy your days. Your husband is probably generally self-sufficient, and is gone at work a lot. You need something for you, to develop you, so you have something to share with the world, which includes your kids and husband.

So, doing laundry and dishes is better than having cancer? Hmmmm, not quite so sure about that one... No one brings you dinners or cleans your home for the first one, but give a lot of attention to you on the second.

Book of Mormon Lesson 38: “Old Things Are Done Away, and All Things Have Become New” 3 Nephi 12–15 In this lesson, we continue with Jesus’ teachings. A key to understanding his teachings to the Nephites, is that it is leading the people to understand how to be one with each other, and so one with the Godhead. The Sermon at the Temple 3 Nephi 12 After establishing the “doctrine of Christ” in 3 Nephi 11 (faith in Christ, repentance, baptism/ordinances, Holy Ghost as the steps to being a united covenant people), Jesus then shared the Beatitudes he taught to the Jews in Matthew 5. However, he adds to the Beatitudes up front, giving a new way to understand the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount.. “Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants; and unto them I have given power that they may baptize you with water; and after that ye are baptized with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost; therefore blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me and be baptized, after that ye have seen me and know that I am. “And again, more blessed are they who shall believe in your words because that ye shall testify that ye have seen me, and that ye know that I am. Yea, blessed are they who shall believe in your words, and come down into the depths of humility and be baptized, for they shall be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a remission of their sins” (3 Ne 12:1-2). In chapter 11, Jesus established his “doctrine of Christ” as a covenant for the people to become a Zion people, one with each other and one with the Godhead. Here, the Beatitudes begin by blessing those who give heed to the apostles of God, because they can enter into the covenant with the Godhead (“in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost”). Next, those who are present who believe in Jesus will be blessed when they enter the covenant. Interestingly, those who believe on the words of the average witness are “more blessed”, because they have humbled themselves enough to join the covenant without being compelled to believe. How compelled? Either from the destructions that signified Jesus’ death or the appearance of the resurrected Jesus, himself. These Nephites believe because they saw Jesus descend from heaven and show the wounds in his hands and feet. It is a faith based on knowledge, not necessarily on humility and a spiritual witness. In comparing the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 with these, we find two main differences: “Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (3 Nephi 12:3, see also vv 19-20). Here, the Lord has added, “who come unto me”, or who have entered the covenant through baptism. These are promised God’s kingdom of heaven: basically to have a broken heart and contrite spirit and entering into a covenant with Christ that he may rescue us from death and hell. “And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost” (3 Nephi 12:6). In verse 6, we see the difference with Matthew 5 as “with the Holy Ghost.” Once we enter into the covenant, we need to continue seeking after Christ. As we do so, he gives us the constant companion of the Holy Ghost, which fills us with greater faith. The Holy Ghost sanctifies us, making us holy. This sanctification is what causes the saints to be united, and to become one with the Godhead. In becoming one with the Godhead, the teachings continue to show us important concepts to become united. We must be the light of the world. We must be the salt of the earth. Not only must we not kill, but not be unrighteously angry with others. We cannot commit adultery in our heart. We are to walk two miles with him who compels us to walk one. “And behold it is written also, that thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy; “But behold I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you; “That ye may be the children of your Father who is in heaven” (3 Nephi 12:43-45). To be the children of Father in heaven, we must be one. We must learn to not only tolerate others, but to love our enemies. As Christ blesses both the good and bad, we are to learn to bless all of them, as well. In praying for those who persecute us, we are becoming one, even as the Godhead is one. Forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors 3 Nephi 13 Here, Jesus continues focusing the Sermon at the Temple towards teaching the believers how to be one. Whether in teaching alms or prayer, we learn it is not about us, but about the covenant people as a group. Our alms are done in secret, so our right and left hands do not see what the other is doing, yet our almsgiving does two things: first it blesses the community, and second it teaches us to be selfless. Prayer is demonstrated as a way to connect with Father. Note that it is also a teaching moment. We pray not only to be forgiven our debts, but that we must also be god-like in forgiving others. The prayer pleads that God’s kingdom come, so that the earth is like heaven. How is heaven different than the earth? The world, in its current state, follows Satan’s doctrine of contention. We fight and strive to overcome others. Compare this with heaven, where God promises to share all he has with his children. The City of Enoch and the Nephite saints in 4 Nephi show that we can have heaven on earth, by being like the Godhead in the way we love and serve one another. Unity, oneness is what is behind Jesus’ “at-one-ment” and the Godhead’s being one God. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness...” is how we create heaven on earth, “...and all these (heavenly) things shall be added unto you” (3 Nephi 13:33). The Covenant 3 Nephi 15 “Behold, I do not destroy the prophets, for as many as have not been fulfilled in me, verily I say unto you, shall all be fulfilled. And because I said unto you that old things have passed away, I do not destroy that which hath been spoken concerning things which are to come. For behold, the covenant which I have made with my people is not all fulfilled; but the law which was given unto Moses hath an end in me. Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life. Behold, I have given unto you the commandments; therefore keep my commandments. And this is the law and the prophets, for they truly testified of me” (3 Nephi 15:6-10). The Law is the law of Moses. According to the early Jewish scholar, Maimonides, there are 613 laws. Some of these deal directly with the temple. These include the dietary laws, laws on what could not be done on the Sabbath, etc. The Prophets are the teachings of the prophets in the Old Testament. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel and Ezekiel had prophesied of things in their day, often with future events to still occur. These had not yet been fulfilled. For Jesus, the Ten Commandments were not fulfilled in his resurrection. The many little laws of Moses were fulfilled. The Covenant is the thing that has not been fulfilled. What covenant? The covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We enter this covenant at baptism. Components of this law include a promise of land, posterity, and priesthood power. These have both a temporal and spiritual side to them. Through Lehi and Nephi, the Nephites received a new Land of Promise, but they would someday receive the heavenly Promised Land. Nephi was promised posterity, but the real posterity is an eternal one. Priesthood power is a blessing in this life, but limited, compared to the great works and creations God performs. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob represent an earthly symbol of the Godhead. For those who seek the covenant of Abraham, they become “the seed of Abraham” (D&C 84:34) here on earth, and the seed of God in heaven.

Jana is not that bad, Vort. I don't agree with all her viewpoints, but there are some real issues that occur, which the Church may someday have to deal with, just as they struggled with blacks and the priesthood, etc. Beefche, sounds like it would be a good time to take a sick day off.... cough cough! BTW, I will be blogging it at Millennial Star, and Kristine Haglund will do it for BCC.

Beefche, Can Dravin come out and play?

For those in the area (Indianapolis), on Sept 28, IUPUI will be having a conference on Mormonism in the 21st century. Speakers include Jan Shipps, Jana Riess, Robert Bennett, Kathleen Flake, and Philip Barlow. No cost, but you have to reserve a seat. More info at: Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture Reserve a seat by emailing: raac @ iupui. edu Conference will be at: Indiana History Center (450 West Ohio Street)

In regards to Elder Talmage's book, the Great Apostasy, it is a decent book. That said, it is a dated book, with arguments that many LDS scholars would not use today. A century ago, the Church believed in a complete apostasy. Most LDS scholars do not agree with that assessment today. Talmage suggests the history containing some less-than-stellar popes (some of whom excommunicated each other) as evidence of the apostasy, but we can use some bad historical events in LDS history to suggest the same thing! For me, the key issues are these: While it continues its apostolic claim, the Catholic Church mainly views revelation in regards to individuals, not the whole Church. For example, the concept of unbaptized children's salvation in Limbo is again up in the air, because previously held beliefs have been determined un-Biblical by the current pontiff. A continuous apostolic revelatory experience would allow the college of cardinals and Pope to receive a revelation to determine the answer. There are a few other key issues, such as keys of authority. I do not know if the Catholic Church retains some priesthood authority. They very well may. But I believe that some authority was lost along the way, requiring a restoration of authorities and lost teachings.

I must admit that I thoroughly enjoy mocking Vort. I'm not sure whether it is because he is a Mormon, or just that he's Vort. Either way: mock, mock, mock!!!

The problem with number theory, is God does not use it. Or if he does, he does not use number theory in the way you suggest. There are many ways back to God, although the closer one gets to God, the narrower the path. God does not mathematically weigh our souls to determine who is saved or not.

Anatess, in a large group/set of Americans, there are very few Hitlers born. There is a great chance of having many great people born. These are children of God, with innate potential from their Father and Mother in heaven. Your point suggests we should wipe out the human race, simply because an occasional Hitler rises up. My point is, in America, we have very few Hitlers rise to power, and more likely to have wonderful people doing amazing things. So, no, I won't stop using it. My point is straight on, while your point points out anomalies of nature.

I believe God to be pragmatic, affording to each individual the maximum amount of happiness he/she chooses to have. Number theory or whatever other form of logic God may use, are just means to an end. His end is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

except with 60 million more (unaborted) Americans, we would have a larger tax base, more people paying into Social Security and Medicare. We would have less selfishness, as more people would be raising children, rather than skipping responsibility. Remember, before the war on poverty, most black families included a father and mother. Now we have hurt them by ripping the fathers out of the home, leaving boys to be raised by their gang peers. While blacks make up about 20% of the population, they make up 1/2 the people incarcerated. The war on poverty is a major reason for this. Among those 60 million abortions could have been the persons to find a cure for cancer, discover great technologies to feed the hungry, or end wars. Instead of having a great number of educated people here to continue America's advancing technological power, we are an aging people with fewer kids to take our place. China and India are replacing us.

Logic and reason work only insofar as the individual or group have true, valid, and sufficient data. God having all knowledge can use logic and reason to come up with the best of all conclusions. Consider a chess game. God against Gary Kasparov. Kasparov has the skill and ability to see most possible moves 15 moves ahead of the current game play. God has the skill and ability to see all possible moves from beginning to end of the game, and can calculate, from knowing everything about Kasparov, just what is most likely going to be each and every move Gary makes. Both have logic and reason, but God's is more complete. Then consider that we often start reasoning with faulty information. Why are there so many Christian religions? Because different people saw Bible issues differently from one another. Martin Luther's thesis against Catholic abuses was a shock for most Catholic priests to hear about, because it was not logical for them. Indulgences and bribes had been a part of the program for so long, that they did not recognize it as illogical and wrong. Because the Bible spoke of the 4 corners of the earth, and the earth being in the center of all God's creation, it caused Catholic priests to reject Galileo's scientific discovery. Joseph Fielding Smith and Bruce R McConkie both taught that evolution was a heresy from the devil, as it did not fit their reading of the scriptures. Of course, Richard Dawkins has never experienced the Holy Spirit before, and so makes all his atheist statements that there is no God, based upon his limited experience. Herein lies the problem with logic and reasoning. Mortals come to believe they know the truth from the things they previously knew to be true, but they don't know the truth. They know theories based upon logic, reason and scientific experimentation. While we know evolution occurs, we still call it a theory, because we do not have all the details or facts on how it works in each and every instance. Darwinism has been replaced with new theories, but still based upon evolution.