Sunday, August 31, 2008
Ether 11:13 "The prophets mourned and withdrew"
We learn that the Spirit will withdraw himself from anyone who refuses to listen to his promptings or offends him. The prophets (and missionaries in our day) can likewise only do so much to try to bring a people to repentance. If the people are stubborn or have hardened their hearts, then the prophets will simply have to move on. Of course this would be very difficult because they would feel Godly love for the people and understand the grievous mistake that the people are making.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Children of God
Why is it a big deal that we are children of God? This is something that we have learned at church since we were small. "I am a Child of God" is one of the first songs you learn as a child or convert. But what about it? Why is it so important? I don't get to physically see Him or hear His voice like an earthly father.
After talking with a few sisters in my ward, these are few ideas that can help us appreciate our divine heritage:
1. Since we are children of God, we also have the potential to become like Him. Because our Father in Heaven has eternal life and glory, we can inherit that since we are His children. He has perfect attributes such as charity, omniscience and omnipotence. Those are things that we can develop and will eventually achieve by His grace.
2. Eternal Life is a giant goal. It means perfection and glory without bound. How will I ever achieve that? Because God loves me as His daughter, He will help me. He wants me to achieve eternal life - that is why He sent His Son! With His loving help I can do anything.
3. My life is not perfect. I make mistakes all the time, and it makes me frustrated and sad. Yet because I am a daughter of God, I know that eventually I will be able to be perfect like Him. I must keep striving to do my best and learn from my mistakes.
4. Sometimes life is crazy, unpredictable or painful. But I know that God is in control. He has a master plan, and even though my life seems like havoc, the truth is that God has it all worked out. Everything will turn out alright, no matter what happens before then.
After talking with a few sisters in my ward, these are few ideas that can help us appreciate our divine heritage:
1. Since we are children of God, we also have the potential to become like Him. Because our Father in Heaven has eternal life and glory, we can inherit that since we are His children. He has perfect attributes such as charity, omniscience and omnipotence. Those are things that we can develop and will eventually achieve by His grace.
2. Eternal Life is a giant goal. It means perfection and glory without bound. How will I ever achieve that? Because God loves me as His daughter, He will help me. He wants me to achieve eternal life - that is why He sent His Son! With His loving help I can do anything.
3. My life is not perfect. I make mistakes all the time, and it makes me frustrated and sad. Yet because I am a daughter of God, I know that eventually I will be able to be perfect like Him. I must keep striving to do my best and learn from my mistakes.
4. Sometimes life is crazy, unpredictable or painful. But I know that God is in control. He has a master plan, and even though my life seems like havoc, the truth is that God has it all worked out. Everything will turn out alright, no matter what happens before then.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Ether 4 Believe in the Book of Mormon
This is a beautiful chapter that can be used in the context of introducing the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is sometimes criticized because it is not a part of the Bible, but rather a separate book of scripture. Some people believe that there is no other scripture necessary besides the Bible. I completely disagree. In fact, in this chapter it seems that the Lord is talking to those very people.
Be your own judge
The Lord says, "And he that believeth not my words believeth not my disciples; and if it so be that I do not speak, judge ye; for ye shall know that it is I that speaketh, at the last day." (verse 10) This is one of many times that the Lord invites you to judge for yourself. It is important that you judge correctly - is the Book of Mormon true scripture written by prophets or is it not? The prophet Mormon teaches us in the Book of Mormon that you will be judged by this book. (See Words of Mormon verse 11) Do you believe it or not? I do, so I will strive to live as it teaches me to live (ie: have faith in Christ and always follow His commandments, which can be found in the Book of Mormon and other scripture) What about you? Try reading the Book of Mormon and praying to God to know if really this is a true book. Because if it is, it is crucial for you that you start living according to the teachings found therein. Be your own judge - it is your right as a son or daughter of God
So what if the Book of Mormon is true?
There are so many blessings that come from knowing that the Book of Mormon is true scripture. It means that Jesus Christ is really your Redeemer and that God loves you. It means that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, because it was through him that God gave us this book. It means that there really is only ONE path to Eternal Life, and part of that path is being baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
There are more beautiful blessings that await the believing heart and the studious pupil. You have judged and accepted the word of the Lord. Here are some blessings that await you as you continue to read and study the Book of Mormon and other scripture:
1. "But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. for because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good." (verse 11) You will do good!
2. "... I will show unto you the greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief." (verse 13) One of my favorite things about studying the scriptures is the additional insight I receive every time I study. Once you start to believe in the Book of Mormon, you will start learning great things at church that you've never heard anywhere else on earth.
3. "...it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief." (verse 14) You will understand more about this life, before this life, and what will happen after this life (the great things the Lord hath laid up for you). These are things that are explained in the Book of Mormon, other scriptures, and by modern Church leaders. We learn about this Plan of Salvation in detail at church regularly.
4. "...Ye shall know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel." (verse 15) Do you know what covenants your fathers have made? Read the Book of Mormon and slowly you will start learning.
5. "And then shall my revelations which I have caused to be written by my servant John be unfolded in the eyes of allt he people." (verse 16) You know that book of Revelation in the Bible? Sometimes difficult to understand? Don't worry - the Book of Mormon and teachings of the Church will enlighten you and help you understand that Revelation is a pure and simple prophecy of our day and days to come. This is not the only time that John's words are mentioned in the Book of Mormon. This is an example of how the Book of Mormon testifies of the Bible and that the teachings found therein are TRUE! There are many other examples.
6. "Therefore, when ye shall reveive this record ye may know that the work of the Father has commenced upon all the face of the land." (verse 17) Once you realize that the Book of Mormon is true, you will start to learn at church about the glorious and marvelous things that have been happening since Joseph Smith's time. We are in the last dispensation and the true and everlasting gospel is being preached to all the ends of the earth. You are only one of millions to recently become a part of the Lord's one and only true Church. You have the priviledge of hearing a living prophet - a man with the same authority that Moses, Abraham, and Jacob had while on the earth.
7. "...Signs shall follow him that believe in my name." (verse 18) I promise that you will see miracles. Trust in the Book of Mormon and live according to it's teachings. It will change your life. It has changed my life! President Gordon B. Hinckley, the late Prophet promised, "Those who read the Book of Mormon will be blessed with an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God. " It is true. I've seen it change other people's lives, too, and I cannot doubt the power of it's teachings.
Be your own judge
The Lord says, "And he that believeth not my words believeth not my disciples; and if it so be that I do not speak, judge ye; for ye shall know that it is I that speaketh, at the last day." (verse 10) This is one of many times that the Lord invites you to judge for yourself. It is important that you judge correctly - is the Book of Mormon true scripture written by prophets or is it not? The prophet Mormon teaches us in the Book of Mormon that you will be judged by this book. (See Words of Mormon verse 11) Do you believe it or not? I do, so I will strive to live as it teaches me to live (ie: have faith in Christ and always follow His commandments, which can be found in the Book of Mormon and other scripture) What about you? Try reading the Book of Mormon and praying to God to know if really this is a true book. Because if it is, it is crucial for you that you start living according to the teachings found therein. Be your own judge - it is your right as a son or daughter of God
So what if the Book of Mormon is true?
There are so many blessings that come from knowing that the Book of Mormon is true scripture. It means that Jesus Christ is really your Redeemer and that God loves you. It means that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, because it was through him that God gave us this book. It means that there really is only ONE path to Eternal Life, and part of that path is being baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
There are more beautiful blessings that await the believing heart and the studious pupil. You have judged and accepted the word of the Lord. Here are some blessings that await you as you continue to read and study the Book of Mormon and other scripture:
1. "But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. for because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good." (verse 11) You will do good!
2. "... I will show unto you the greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief." (verse 13) One of my favorite things about studying the scriptures is the additional insight I receive every time I study. Once you start to believe in the Book of Mormon, you will start learning great things at church that you've never heard anywhere else on earth.
3. "...it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief." (verse 14) You will understand more about this life, before this life, and what will happen after this life (the great things the Lord hath laid up for you). These are things that are explained in the Book of Mormon, other scriptures, and by modern Church leaders. We learn about this Plan of Salvation in detail at church regularly.
4. "...Ye shall know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel." (verse 15) Do you know what covenants your fathers have made? Read the Book of Mormon and slowly you will start learning.
5. "And then shall my revelations which I have caused to be written by my servant John be unfolded in the eyes of allt he people." (verse 16) You know that book of Revelation in the Bible? Sometimes difficult to understand? Don't worry - the Book of Mormon and teachings of the Church will enlighten you and help you understand that Revelation is a pure and simple prophecy of our day and days to come. This is not the only time that John's words are mentioned in the Book of Mormon. This is an example of how the Book of Mormon testifies of the Bible and that the teachings found therein are TRUE! There are many other examples.
6. "Therefore, when ye shall reveive this record ye may know that the work of the Father has commenced upon all the face of the land." (verse 17) Once you realize that the Book of Mormon is true, you will start to learn at church about the glorious and marvelous things that have been happening since Joseph Smith's time. We are in the last dispensation and the true and everlasting gospel is being preached to all the ends of the earth. You are only one of millions to recently become a part of the Lord's one and only true Church. You have the priviledge of hearing a living prophet - a man with the same authority that Moses, Abraham, and Jacob had while on the earth.
7. "...Signs shall follow him that believe in my name." (verse 18) I promise that you will see miracles. Trust in the Book of Mormon and live according to it's teachings. It will change your life. It has changed my life! President Gordon B. Hinckley, the late Prophet promised, "Those who read the Book of Mormon will be blessed with an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God. " It is true. I've seen it change other people's lives, too, and I cannot doubt the power of it's teachings.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Ether 3:8,15 We are Created in the Image of God
The brother of Jared was shocked when he saw the finger of the Lord. He exclaimed, "I knew not that the Lord had flesh and blood." Why was this such a shock? He was after all, a man that had had many many conversations with the Lord up until this time.
One of the very most precious doctrines that is misunderstood by many religions is that Jesus Christ has a resurrected body, and that we are like Him in our image. Our Spirits look like His spirit, and His Spirit looks like His body, and thus our bodies look like His body.
There are few doctrinal points that this encounter supports:
1. The body is a gift from God and it is precious.
2. Just like a child looks like his parents, we look like our Heavenly Father.
3. We will be resurrected and have a body like Him.
It is interesting that the Lord commands the brother of Jared not to reveal this important doctrine, but to write it down in a confounded language (verse 22). If the brother of Jared, a super righteous man, was so shocked by the fact that the Lord looks like a man and will have flesh and blood, how would others (perhaps not so righteous) have reacted?
One of the very most precious doctrines that is misunderstood by many religions is that Jesus Christ has a resurrected body, and that we are like Him in our image. Our Spirits look like His spirit, and His Spirit looks like His body, and thus our bodies look like His body.
There are few doctrinal points that this encounter supports:
1. The body is a gift from God and it is precious.
2. Just like a child looks like his parents, we look like our Heavenly Father.
3. We will be resurrected and have a body like Him.
It is interesting that the Lord commands the brother of Jared not to reveal this important doctrine, but to write it down in a confounded language (verse 22). If the brother of Jared, a super righteous man, was so shocked by the fact that the Lord looks like a man and will have flesh and blood, how would others (perhaps not so righteous) have reacted?
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Ether 2:16-18 According to the Instructions of the Lord
How do you build a barge?
If the Lord commanded me to go and build a barge that my family would have to survive in, how would I build it? I've never built a boat before, so I would go and find the best boat-building instructions around. I would look up the very best techniques and use the very best materials available. Price would not be a matter - because we are talking about the safety of my family!
Perhaps somebody came to me and said, "nope... do it this way instead," referring to a way that I'd never seen before. I would definitely be hesitant to be experimenting with the safety of my family.
Yet that is what happened to the brother of Jared. Had he ever built a barge before? I don't know. He had to trust the Lord and build the barges "according to the instructions of the Lord."
In essence we are building barges for our families! The homes we live in are the vessels that will bring our families back to live with Heavenly Father. How should we build our homes? There are many philosophies that you learn about on TV and read in books. Some are "proven by studies" or are easier implement than others. But the truth is that the way we build our homes affects the eternal safety of our families. There is no better instruction manual than the gospel. The scriptures and words of Church leaders along with the guidance of the Spirit are the materials we can use to build and make the foundation for our home. I'm sure that the Lord directed the brother of Jared to use boat-building methods that he'd never seen before. The Lord has also shown us ways to build our homes that are unheard of by the world. For example, the Lord directs mothers to be the primary care-givers to their children. This is preposterous to feminists and career-driven societies.
The Lord knows best the storms that lie ahead
The Lord tells the brother of Jared "ye shall be as a whale in the midst of the sea; for the mountain waves shall dash upon you..." (Ether 2:24) The Lord knew what storms they would be facing. The brother of Jared did not. For this reason it was essential that the brother of Jared follow the Lord's instructions in everything! The Lord promised, "I will prepare you against these things; for ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come." (Ether 2:25)
Even though they are not the customary nor accepted ways that the world works, I will use the Lord's methods to build our home and raise our family. Why? Because the Lord knows better what kind of storms lay ahead for us. He knows better than anyone how to achieve Eternal Life. Since that is my goal for myself and my family, I will follow His instructions.
If the Lord commanded me to go and build a barge that my family would have to survive in, how would I build it? I've never built a boat before, so I would go and find the best boat-building instructions around. I would look up the very best techniques and use the very best materials available. Price would not be a matter - because we are talking about the safety of my family!
Perhaps somebody came to me and said, "nope... do it this way instead," referring to a way that I'd never seen before. I would definitely be hesitant to be experimenting with the safety of my family.
Yet that is what happened to the brother of Jared. Had he ever built a barge before? I don't know. He had to trust the Lord and build the barges "according to the instructions of the Lord."
In essence we are building barges for our families! The homes we live in are the vessels that will bring our families back to live with Heavenly Father. How should we build our homes? There are many philosophies that you learn about on TV and read in books. Some are "proven by studies" or are easier implement than others. But the truth is that the way we build our homes affects the eternal safety of our families. There is no better instruction manual than the gospel. The scriptures and words of Church leaders along with the guidance of the Spirit are the materials we can use to build and make the foundation for our home. I'm sure that the Lord directed the brother of Jared to use boat-building methods that he'd never seen before. The Lord has also shown us ways to build our homes that are unheard of by the world. For example, the Lord directs mothers to be the primary care-givers to their children. This is preposterous to feminists and career-driven societies.
The Lord knows best the storms that lie ahead
The Lord tells the brother of Jared "ye shall be as a whale in the midst of the sea; for the mountain waves shall dash upon you..." (Ether 2:24) The Lord knew what storms they would be facing. The brother of Jared did not. For this reason it was essential that the brother of Jared follow the Lord's instructions in everything! The Lord promised, "I will prepare you against these things; for ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come." (Ether 2:25)
Even though they are not the customary nor accepted ways that the world works, I will use the Lord's methods to build our home and raise our family. Why? Because the Lord knows better what kind of storms lay ahead for us. He knows better than anyone how to achieve Eternal Life. Since that is my goal for myself and my family, I will follow His instructions.
Ether 2 Questions
1. Do I have any friends that I trust so much that I would uproot my family if they said I needed to? (Ether 1: 41, 2:1)
The friends and family of Jared and his brother left their homes following the revelation received by the brother of Jared. Perhaps these friends knew that Jared and his brother were men of revelation. If the Prophet told us that we needed to move (or do anything else) then I would believe him and we would go and do as he tells us to. This brings up another point. Perhaps the term "friends" meant those that were also God fearing people, and knew Jared and his brother through their faith. On the same lines, would that make us "friends" to the Prophet?
2. Why did the Lord make him ask twice?
In Ether 2:19 the brother of Jared asks about how to light the barges, and how to breathe in the barges. The Lord answers one of the two questions, but the brother of Jared must come back second time to ask again, "wilt thou suffer that we shall cross this great water in darkness?" (Ether 2:22)
It is interesting that his second prayer included the phrase "I have done even as thou hast commanded me..." referring to his obedience to the answer to his first prayer. Was the brother of Jared being tested in obedience? Sometimes we to pray more than once to receive an answer.
3. Why did the Lord have the brother of Jared find his own solution to darkness?
The Lord answered quite clearly what he should do to allow for him and his family to breathe. (Ether 2:20) But he did not give a clear answer on how to have light in the barges. He returns the question back to the brother of Jared. "What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?" (Ether 2:23) Why? Perhaps the Lord knew that the brother of Jared was capable of thinking of a way.
4. Why didn't the Lord explain about the holes to breathe before or while the barges were being built?
Maybe it was necessary for the holes to be built afterward for stronger barges.
Maybe the Lord just left it for the brother of Jared to find the problem himself and inquire about it. The Lord leaves us puzzles all the time that we need to solve for ourselves, of course with the option to go to the Lord for help.
5. What would you have done to light your barges?
The Lord eliminates some choices for the brother of Jared. "ye cannot have windows... ye shall not go by the light of fire." (Ether 2:23) The Lord makes it clear in verse 25 that it was true that he needed light. I imagine those would have been the two methods that the brother of Jared would have thought of himself. He did not know about light bulbs or clappers. Somehow he came up with the idea of using stones (Ether 3). What sparked that idea? What would you have done to light your barges? Remember the Lord said, "...what will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?" (Ether 2:23) So the Lord is willing to help, but it is up to you to come up with the idea.
The friends and family of Jared and his brother left their homes following the revelation received by the brother of Jared. Perhaps these friends knew that Jared and his brother were men of revelation. If the Prophet told us that we needed to move (or do anything else) then I would believe him and we would go and do as he tells us to. This brings up another point. Perhaps the term "friends" meant those that were also God fearing people, and knew Jared and his brother through their faith. On the same lines, would that make us "friends" to the Prophet?
2. Why did the Lord make him ask twice?
In Ether 2:19 the brother of Jared asks about how to light the barges, and how to breathe in the barges. The Lord answers one of the two questions, but the brother of Jared must come back second time to ask again, "wilt thou suffer that we shall cross this great water in darkness?" (Ether 2:22)
It is interesting that his second prayer included the phrase "I have done even as thou hast commanded me..." referring to his obedience to the answer to his first prayer. Was the brother of Jared being tested in obedience? Sometimes we to pray more than once to receive an answer.
3. Why did the Lord have the brother of Jared find his own solution to darkness?
The Lord answered quite clearly what he should do to allow for him and his family to breathe. (Ether 2:20) But he did not give a clear answer on how to have light in the barges. He returns the question back to the brother of Jared. "What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?" (Ether 2:23) Why? Perhaps the Lord knew that the brother of Jared was capable of thinking of a way.
4. Why didn't the Lord explain about the holes to breathe before or while the barges were being built?
Maybe it was necessary for the holes to be built afterward for stronger barges.
Maybe the Lord just left it for the brother of Jared to find the problem himself and inquire about it. The Lord leaves us puzzles all the time that we need to solve for ourselves, of course with the option to go to the Lord for help.
5. What would you have done to light your barges?
The Lord eliminates some choices for the brother of Jared. "ye cannot have windows... ye shall not go by the light of fire." (Ether 2:23) The Lord makes it clear in verse 25 that it was true that he needed light. I imagine those would have been the two methods that the brother of Jared would have thought of himself. He did not know about light bulbs or clappers. Somehow he came up with the idea of using stones (Ether 3). What sparked that idea? What would you have done to light your barges? Remember the Lord said, "...what will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?" (Ether 2:23) So the Lord is willing to help, but it is up to you to come up with the idea.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Ether 1 Questions
1. Why did Jared ask his brother to do all the praying?
Maybe Jared did pray also. Today we accept the custom of asking others to fast along with us for important causes.
Perhaps the brother of Jared had a gift of receiving answers. But then, why didn't the brother of Jared come up with these questions himself? Was that Jared's gift?
Maybe it is because this is a record by Jared's descendants. If I were to make a record, I might say "My grandpa did this," and then "my grandpa's brother did this in response."
Maybe Jared did pray also. Today we accept the custom of asking others to fast along with us for important causes.
Perhaps the brother of Jared had a gift of receiving answers. But then, why didn't the brother of Jared come up with these questions himself? Was that Jared's gift?
Maybe it is because this is a record by Jared's descendants. If I were to make a record, I might say "My grandpa did this," and then "my grandpa's brother did this in response."
Ether 1:38 Prayer and the Holy Ghost
This is a rather specific question with details and a plan of action! It seems that Jared knew what might happen to their family (being driven out) before he even asked in prayer. How did he know to ask this question? Perhaps he had seen other families driven out of their land. Likely the Holy Ghost had started to give him impressions and he had some feelings as to what might happen. Can the Holy Ghost guide our prayers like this? I believe so. Because Jared followed the promptings of the Holy Ghost to pray about this topic, the brother of Jared was able to receive a great revelation from the Lord. This revelation showed them what to do and promised great blessings for their family - that the Lord would go before them and that from them would rise a great nation.
His prayer is full of the intent to act! This shows faith. He intended to go where the Lord wanted him to go. Although it must have been difficult accept a response that he would have to completely move his family, he was willing to DO it and ACT according to the Lord's will. Elder Bednar teaches us that this is a critical element of sincere prayer - the intent to act!
Unfortunately it is not always easy to accept the Lord's will. Let's say that I pray and ask, "should I move away from my home?" And Lord says, "yes." Would I actually move? Perhaps I could start doubting why I ever asked that in the first place. I had a friend that didn't want to pray about getting married to his girlfriend because he was afraid that the answer might be "yes!" So he delayed praying about his future because he wasn't willing to make the change that the answer might require of him.
His prayer is full of the intent to act! This shows faith. He intended to go where the Lord wanted him to go. Although it must have been difficult accept a response that he would have to completely move his family, he was willing to DO it and ACT according to the Lord's will. Elder Bednar teaches us that this is a critical element of sincere prayer - the intent to act!
Unfortunately it is not always easy to accept the Lord's will. Let's say that I pray and ask, "should I move away from my home?" And Lord says, "yes." Would I actually move? Perhaps I could start doubting why I ever asked that in the first place. I had a friend that didn't want to pray about getting married to his girlfriend because he was afraid that the answer might be "yes!" So he delayed praying about his future because he wasn't willing to make the change that the answer might require of him.
Brother of Jared's preparation
The brother of Jared is one of my favorite Book of Mormon heroes because of his faith and the miracles that come because of his faith. He did a lot!
What did he do?
1. He received answers to prayers (Ether 1)
2. He and his family started a new nation on a new continent
How was he prepared to do these things?
1. The brother of Jared was familiar with the process of prayer and receiving answers. During the time of the Tower of Babel, he prayed that the Lord would not confound his language, and so it was done. (Ether 1:35) He also prayed that the Lord would not confound the language of his friends and family, and so it was done. (Ether 1:37) If it stopped here, I would still conclude that the brother of Jared saw great mercies and miracles - to be able to keep his close relationships with friends and family. But it does not stop there. He seeks after the Lord to know what his family should do in a time of turmoil. He receives revelation (Ether 1:41-43) and very specific steps as to what he should do to ensure the safety of his family.
2. The brother of Jared and his friends and family were going to travel to a new land. The Land of Promise, or the American continent is a land with great promises and curses. Ether 2:7-12 explains that "whoso should possess this land of promise... should serve him... or they should be swept off when the fullness of his wrath should come upon them." (Ether 2:8) So it was important that the brother of Jared and his family lived a way that would enable them to receive blessings rather that curses when living in the promised land. The Lord teaches the brother of Jared an important lesson in Ether 2:14-15: "... the Lord chastened him because he remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord." Considering that brother of Jared was having this conversation while the Lord was concealed in a cloud tells me that Jared hadn't completely severed his prayerful communication with the Lord. Perhaps he was getting a little lazy in his prayers. But there was an important lesson that the Lord had to teach the brother of Jared before he could live in the land of promise. "...my Spirit will not always strive with man; wherefor, if ye will sin until ye are fully ripe ye shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord." (Ether 2:15) It was essential that the brother of Jared and his family were devoted in their prayers to keep the presence of the Spirit. Without this, they would eventually fall into sin and they would be cursed while they lived in the Land of Promise.
What do we learn from the brother of Jared and his preparation?
1. It is interesting to note that the 3-verse long revelation does not come as an answer to his first prayer. The Lord could have easily told him to leave right away, but instead blesses him with protection in response to his prayers. Perhaps it is because the brother of Jared needed to learn to pray and trust in the Lord even in times of turmoil.
The Lord gave the brother of Jared extremely specific instructions to prepare his family to depart. "Go to and gather together thy flocks... and also of the seed of the earth... and thy families... and also thy friends...." (Ether 1:41) Why doesn't the Lord give us super-specific instructions like this? I believe that the Lord CAN and WILL give us super-specific instructions if the lines of communications between Him and us are sufficiently strong and "well-oiled." It is significant that the brother of Jared had previously received answers to fervent prayers. The prayers offered in verses 35 and 37 asked for a "yes" or a "no" answer, but this prayer in verse 39 required much more than a "yes" or a "no" answer. But since the brother of Jared had regular lines of communication open, he was very capable of receiving a very detailed answer to his prayer. I'm sure that the Lord wants to tell us things regarding our family, safety, etc. If we keep our prayers strong and faithful, we will be prepared to receive revelation when we need it.
2. We are living in the Americas now! We are also subject to the same curses and blessings by living on this continent! It is extremely easy to lose the presence of the Spirit in our homes and our lives. When this happens, there is only one downward direction we can go. When we allow ourselves to live without the Spirit, we are asking to be cursed and destroyed - we know the doctrine! In a sense, every day that we live without the guidance of the Spirit brings us closer to the devil - and eternal destruction. Without the guidance of the Spirit it is inevitable to get caught up (however slowly) in the ways of the world and forget our purpose... To get back to Heavenly Father!
What did he do?
1. He received answers to prayers (Ether 1)
2. He and his family started a new nation on a new continent
How was he prepared to do these things?
1. The brother of Jared was familiar with the process of prayer and receiving answers. During the time of the Tower of Babel, he prayed that the Lord would not confound his language, and so it was done. (Ether 1:35) He also prayed that the Lord would not confound the language of his friends and family, and so it was done. (Ether 1:37) If it stopped here, I would still conclude that the brother of Jared saw great mercies and miracles - to be able to keep his close relationships with friends and family. But it does not stop there. He seeks after the Lord to know what his family should do in a time of turmoil. He receives revelation (Ether 1:41-43) and very specific steps as to what he should do to ensure the safety of his family.
2. The brother of Jared and his friends and family were going to travel to a new land. The Land of Promise, or the American continent is a land with great promises and curses. Ether 2:7-12 explains that "whoso should possess this land of promise... should serve him... or they should be swept off when the fullness of his wrath should come upon them." (Ether 2:8) So it was important that the brother of Jared and his family lived a way that would enable them to receive blessings rather that curses when living in the promised land. The Lord teaches the brother of Jared an important lesson in Ether 2:14-15: "... the Lord chastened him because he remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord." Considering that brother of Jared was having this conversation while the Lord was concealed in a cloud tells me that Jared hadn't completely severed his prayerful communication with the Lord. Perhaps he was getting a little lazy in his prayers. But there was an important lesson that the Lord had to teach the brother of Jared before he could live in the land of promise. "...my Spirit will not always strive with man; wherefor, if ye will sin until ye are fully ripe ye shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord." (Ether 2:15) It was essential that the brother of Jared and his family were devoted in their prayers to keep the presence of the Spirit. Without this, they would eventually fall into sin and they would be cursed while they lived in the Land of Promise.
What do we learn from the brother of Jared and his preparation?
1. It is interesting to note that the 3-verse long revelation does not come as an answer to his first prayer. The Lord could have easily told him to leave right away, but instead blesses him with protection in response to his prayers. Perhaps it is because the brother of Jared needed to learn to pray and trust in the Lord even in times of turmoil.
The Lord gave the brother of Jared extremely specific instructions to prepare his family to depart. "Go to and gather together thy flocks... and also of the seed of the earth... and thy families... and also thy friends...." (Ether 1:41) Why doesn't the Lord give us super-specific instructions like this? I believe that the Lord CAN and WILL give us super-specific instructions if the lines of communications between Him and us are sufficiently strong and "well-oiled." It is significant that the brother of Jared had previously received answers to fervent prayers. The prayers offered in verses 35 and 37 asked for a "yes" or a "no" answer, but this prayer in verse 39 required much more than a "yes" or a "no" answer. But since the brother of Jared had regular lines of communication open, he was very capable of receiving a very detailed answer to his prayer. I'm sure that the Lord wants to tell us things regarding our family, safety, etc. If we keep our prayers strong and faithful, we will be prepared to receive revelation when we need it.
2. We are living in the Americas now! We are also subject to the same curses and blessings by living on this continent! It is extremely easy to lose the presence of the Spirit in our homes and our lives. When this happens, there is only one downward direction we can go. When we allow ourselves to live without the Spirit, we are asking to be cursed and destroyed - we know the doctrine! In a sense, every day that we live without the guidance of the Spirit brings us closer to the devil - and eternal destruction. Without the guidance of the Spirit it is inevitable to get caught up (however slowly) in the ways of the world and forget our purpose... To get back to Heavenly Father!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Correct Information
There are a lot of misconceptions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Why? I believe that it is because people get the wrong ideas from members who perhaps don't explain themselves well or don't live a life that correctly portrays our beliefs. (Which happened in Book of Mormon times too! Alma 39:11) If there are misconceptions about our religion, it is almost certain that there are misconceptions about other religions. I believe it is very important find out information from a reliable source. Heavenly Father has taught us many times "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God..." (James 1:5) So if I want to know what God says, I will ask Him. If I want to know what somebody else says, I will ask that person.
As a missionary I spent 6 months in a very small town in the very most southern part of Bolivia called Bermejo. Bermejo is in the middle of a beautiful luscious jungle. I've never seen such a beautiful landscape! This would be the most beautiful place to live except for the hellish heat and insects that bite up your skin like you are their last meal. One Elder said, "Bermejo is the preparatory state for hell." Despite this, these were 6 of the most cherised months of my entire life.
There are 4 branches in the Bermejo district. There are even 2 chapels! This is remarkable for such a small town where there are no buses you hardly ever even need to take a taxi. There is also a Jehovah's Witness chapel in the middle of the town. While I was there, there was also a German missionary named Juan.
I met Juan one day when we were walking down the street of their chapel. I was new to the area and didn't know that this building belonged to the Jehovah's Witnesses. Juan was painting the outside wall. He was tall and white (obviously not Bolivian) around 30 years old. Perhaps looking for an opportunity to speak English, I spoke to him. I asked, "What are you doing in Bolivia?" He answered, "I am a missionary." I said, "Oh really? We are too!" (As if he couldn't tell by our name tags.) I found out later that he and his wife had lived in Bolivia for several years already and planned on staying for much longer. I always said "hi" to him when we passed him in the streets. Bermejo is really small. We saw him at least once a week.
While my companion and I went about our business, we met several Jehovah's Witnesses. One of the most basic commandments that we taught to investigators was to keep the Sabbath Day Holy. It is important to devote the day to the Lord. We show our devotion to Him on Sunday by going to church meetings and keeping a reverent attitude throughout the day, even at home. One day we asked a Jehovah's Witness family what their church believed concerning this commandment. They weren't sure. (Which is understandable for a family had not practiced their religion with much devotion.) So the question remained.
Jehovah's Witnesses have some interesting doctrines - a few of which are very close to the sacred doctrines that we believe in. So I was interested to know what they thought about keeping the Sabbath Day holy, a commandment that most of the world does not observe, or at least they observe it very differently that we do.
One day I saw Juan walking up the street. He was passing by the small store where we were making photocopies. I stepped out of the doorway of the store and stopped Juan to talk to him. (He was a little surprised). I told him that I wanted to know what the Jehovah's Witnesses believed concerning keeping the Sabbath Day Holy. I explained to him, "I want to ask you because I know you know the answer. If I ask just anyone, I may not get clear information about your church." He stopped and looked at me and said, "I really appreciate that." He then continued to explain to me what they believed (if you are interested, ask a devoted Jehovah's Witness, not me).
Just like it had happened many times as a missionary, I said something else that perhaps I didn't realize would make a big impact. "Will you do me a favor?" He said, "It depends... " (that probably made him nervous, haha!) "If you ever have a question about our church, will you please directly ask me?" He said he would. Then he asked for a Book of Mormon. We gave him one.
A year later another sister missionary went to serve in Bermejo. A few months later she told me a story about going to see Juan. Juan had that Book of Mormon and was full of questions and the sister missionaries spend over an hour going into detail about the Plan of Salvation and other doctrines. Juan explained to them, "I want to ask you because I know you know the answer. If I ask just anyone, I may not get clear information about your church." That sister missionary didn't know about the conversation that Juan and I had had over a year earlier.
Conclusion:
If you want to know what someone thinks, ask that person. Go to a reliable source. The time that I directly asked Juan about his church led to his returning to the missionaries later to ask them about our church. I really appreciate what Juan did.
So if you have questions about my church, you can ask me and I will help direct you to the source of my answer. For example, "How do you observe the Sabbath Day?" Here's my answer: "Thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates... wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." (Mosiah 13: 16-19, also Exodus 20) And I would also look up some talks by Church leaders and give you my personal experiences in following these commandments.
As a missionary I spent 6 months in a very small town in the very most southern part of Bolivia called Bermejo. Bermejo is in the middle of a beautiful luscious jungle. I've never seen such a beautiful landscape! This would be the most beautiful place to live except for the hellish heat and insects that bite up your skin like you are their last meal. One Elder said, "Bermejo is the preparatory state for hell." Despite this, these were 6 of the most cherised months of my entire life.
There are 4 branches in the Bermejo district. There are even 2 chapels! This is remarkable for such a small town where there are no buses you hardly ever even need to take a taxi. There is also a Jehovah's Witness chapel in the middle of the town. While I was there, there was also a German missionary named Juan.
I met Juan one day when we were walking down the street of their chapel. I was new to the area and didn't know that this building belonged to the Jehovah's Witnesses. Juan was painting the outside wall. He was tall and white (obviously not Bolivian) around 30 years old. Perhaps looking for an opportunity to speak English, I spoke to him. I asked, "What are you doing in Bolivia?" He answered, "I am a missionary." I said, "Oh really? We are too!" (As if he couldn't tell by our name tags.) I found out later that he and his wife had lived in Bolivia for several years already and planned on staying for much longer. I always said "hi" to him when we passed him in the streets. Bermejo is really small. We saw him at least once a week.
While my companion and I went about our business, we met several Jehovah's Witnesses. One of the most basic commandments that we taught to investigators was to keep the Sabbath Day Holy. It is important to devote the day to the Lord. We show our devotion to Him on Sunday by going to church meetings and keeping a reverent attitude throughout the day, even at home. One day we asked a Jehovah's Witness family what their church believed concerning this commandment. They weren't sure. (Which is understandable for a family had not practiced their religion with much devotion.) So the question remained.
Jehovah's Witnesses have some interesting doctrines - a few of which are very close to the sacred doctrines that we believe in. So I was interested to know what they thought about keeping the Sabbath Day holy, a commandment that most of the world does not observe, or at least they observe it very differently that we do.
One day I saw Juan walking up the street. He was passing by the small store where we were making photocopies. I stepped out of the doorway of the store and stopped Juan to talk to him. (He was a little surprised). I told him that I wanted to know what the Jehovah's Witnesses believed concerning keeping the Sabbath Day Holy. I explained to him, "I want to ask you because I know you know the answer. If I ask just anyone, I may not get clear information about your church." He stopped and looked at me and said, "I really appreciate that." He then continued to explain to me what they believed (if you are interested, ask a devoted Jehovah's Witness, not me).
Just like it had happened many times as a missionary, I said something else that perhaps I didn't realize would make a big impact. "Will you do me a favor?" He said, "It depends... " (that probably made him nervous, haha!) "If you ever have a question about our church, will you please directly ask me?" He said he would. Then he asked for a Book of Mormon. We gave him one.
A year later another sister missionary went to serve in Bermejo. A few months later she told me a story about going to see Juan. Juan had that Book of Mormon and was full of questions and the sister missionaries spend over an hour going into detail about the Plan of Salvation and other doctrines. Juan explained to them, "I want to ask you because I know you know the answer. If I ask just anyone, I may not get clear information about your church." That sister missionary didn't know about the conversation that Juan and I had had over a year earlier.
Conclusion:
If you want to know what someone thinks, ask that person. Go to a reliable source. The time that I directly asked Juan about his church led to his returning to the missionaries later to ask them about our church. I really appreciate what Juan did.
So if you have questions about my church, you can ask me and I will help direct you to the source of my answer. For example, "How do you observe the Sabbath Day?" Here's my answer: "Thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates... wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it." (Mosiah 13: 16-19, also Exodus 20) And I would also look up some talks by Church leaders and give you my personal experiences in following these commandments.
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