chashathaway

Kolob, as explained in Abraham chapter 3, is the star "nearest unto the throne of God; and there were many great ones which were near unto it." The Lord describes Kolob as the "the greatest of all the Kokaubeam (stars) that thou hast seen, because it is nearest unto me." The scriptures aren't clear on what is meant by "greatest," except to say that it is the nearest star to God's dwelling. And whether the term star was being used in the exact same definition as its use today isn't clear. Abraham 3, with the whole discussion of the cosmos, is one of the most beautiful metaphors of Jesus Christ. Abraham got the most incredible object lesson imaginable. But the prophets have never suggested that the vision was ONLY a metaphor. Actually, there have been many things said implying that it is very literal. The scriptures are packed with true stories that illustrate grand principles and provide incredible types of the Savior. Actually, the more science learns, the more it falls in line with what the prophets have been teaching for centuries. What once sounded to people like strange mythology (such as the idea of the sun rotating around something bigger, and that rotating around something bigger than that), is now known scientific fact. Regarding the Eden/earth traveling through space question, we know very little. One quote that suggests this idea came from Brigham young, when he said, "This earth is our home, it was framed expressly for the habitation of those who are faithful to God, and who prove themselves worthy to inherit the earth when the Lord shall have sanctified, purified and glorified it and brought it back into his presence, from which it fell far into space. . . "When the earth was framed and brought into existence and man was placed upon it, it was near the throne of our Father in heaven. And when man fell. . . the earth fell into space, and took up its abode in this planetary system, and the sun became our light. . . "When it is glorified it will return again unto the presence of the Father, and it will dwell there.” - Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, (London: Latter-day Saints Book Depot, 1874), 17:144 Joseph Smith said, "This earth will be rolled back into the presence of God, and crowned with celestial glory." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, page 181) Not sure what that means, but it's awesome.

Presently, scientists and astronomers have several working theories about the creation of the universe, and I find them fascinating to study. One aspect that seems consistent in all the theories is the idea that the universe is presently expanding. They calculate that based on the blue shifts in distant stars, indicating that the color of a star's light is being distorted by the insane speeds at which it is racing away from our location. The thing I find cool about the idea of the expanding universe is that it falls right along with Abraham's vision of the stars, in which the Lord showed him the sun, moon, and stars. The verse says, "12 And he said unto me: My son, my son (and his hand was stretched out), behold I will show you all these. And he put his hand upon mine eyes, and I saw those things which his hands had made, which were many; and they multiplied before mine eyes, and I could not see the end thereof." Sounds to me like Abraham saw the universe expanding, which makes sense, coming from a creator who is constantly creating.

I'm living proof that you don't have to grow up in order to do it!

Hey all, my name's Chas, and I'm an active, faithful member of the church. I'm excited to participate in the discussions and stuff. A little about myself. I'm a happy husband and father of four. For a job, I'm an author and composer. Obviously writing and music are my biggest hobbies, but I'm also big on gardening, art, crafts, and I love learning new stuff. Thanks for letting me aboard!

These are perfect! Keep 'em coming. Thanks!

Hey all! I'm writing a book about the second coming of Jesus Christ, and I have a section in each chapter about rumors vs. doctrine about the second coming--kind of like a 2nd coming Snopes Anyway, what are some rumors you've heard about anything to do with the second coming? (the mark of the beast, gathering to zion, lost tribes of Israel--anything, really)

My wife also works in the primary. Basically, they are allowed to use any current church publication. This is because they are doing official church business. It doesn't mean you must only have church published material in your home. It's only for primary, Sunday school, and other official church meetings. This not only makes sense, but is vital with the explosion of both media and information that is flying about through social media and professional marketing industries. It's a simple rule that's easy to follow. It's not a censorship issue, it's a means to keeping the doctrine pure in official church meetings. Chas

Elder L. Aldin Porter of the 70 said: "Some years ago I enjoyed a stake conference assignment as a junior companion to Elder LeGrand Richards, who had, under the influence of this directing Spirit, reorganized a stake presidency. We were driving home; he was very pensive. After a rather long period of silence, I asked him if there was something he would like to teach me. Quietly he said, “We have too many in the Church who deny the spirit of prophecy and of revelation.” That was it—he said no more about it. As I reminisced about the calling of the new stake president that day, it occurred to me then that this Church could not function for even one day without the spirit of prophecy and revelation." President Monson receives revelation every day, whether by seeing God, dreams, open vision, the still small voice, or simply by acting on feelings. I suspect the Lord reveals things to Him in different ways as He sees fit. The prophet receives revelation as surely as Joseph Smith, Moses, or any other prophet, and it is just as important – even more important that we follow his counsel than for us to follow dead prophets. The prophet still walks and talks with God regularly.

I like the paintbrush analogy. Another might be, if I were to take a trip to China, which would get me there, the pilot or the airplane? Of course, the answer to both questions is, “yes.” Jesus Christ provided the path that we must follow to obtain the fullness of salvation. The Temple ordinances are an essential part of that path. I love the scripture cited above. It is one of the great temple ordinance verses. To me it means that the Temple ordinances teach us how to get to the gate, and what to do when we get there. Jesus Christ will be the keeper of that gate, and if we have faithfully lived up to the Temple covenants He provided, we can receive of His fullness, as He promised.