Strategies of the Evil One

This past year has been very interesting and trying for me. I have been tried to the core to see if I will put my faith in Jesus Christ or in man, no matter the consequences. I have found the Book of Mormon is continually revealing the enemies of Christ, as President Ezra Taft Benson declared. Since fear is not of God (2 Timothy 1:7), when otherwise good people let fear enter their heart, they also let the evil one have place in them to guide them in his ways. It is so subtle they don’t realize they are acting and thinking under his influence. The thoughts they have in their minds are directed by the evil one because they have made place to entertain fearful thoughts, thus letting him whisper in their ears. We know that the devil “whispereth in their ears” (2 Nephi 28:22). Therefore, those thoughts that are sprung up in fear are in the devil’s territory. Through fearful thoughts their minds have entered the territory of the evil one, even the one they pretend to abhor. I will share a couple common strategies from the Book of Mormon that they soon fall victim to as they listen to the wrong thoughts.

One is falling into a trap of assuming that a particular action equals a particular outcome. Usually this happens because of one’s own past experiences or what one wants to believe. A great example in the Book of Mormon is when the Lamanite daughters are abducted from their place of dancing and singing. The wicked priests of King Noah had abandoned their families and had found the daughters of the Lamanites in this place dancing and singing. The record states,

“And when there were but few of them gathered together to dance, they [the wicked priests of king Noah] came forth out of their secret places and took them and carried them into the wilderness; yea, twenty and four of the daughters of the Lamanites they carried into the wilderness.
6 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites found that their daughters had been missing, they were angry with the people of Limhi, for they thought it was the people of Limhi.
7 Therefore they sent their armies forth; yea, even the king himself went before his people; and they went up to the land of Nephi to destroy the people of Limhi” (Mosiah 20:5-7).

The Lamanites had been at war with Limhi’s people so they immediately assumed that the people of Limhi were the culprits. They let anger and fear guide their thoughts and immediately accused the wrong people and caused the death of many people on both sides of the conflict because of an incorrect assumption. They spread this assumption through rumor. All of a sudden an entire people are upset with Limhi’s people because of rumors. Fear, anger and rumor are great weapons of the evil one.

The next example is found with Amalickiah, a wicked Nephite dissenter. He is a master of deceit. Through deceit, lies and murder, he becomes the head of the entire Lamanite army. In order to become the head of the Lamanites, he has to eliminate the king. As he returns to the chief city, the king comes out to greet them and Amalickiah’s servants bow as if to reverence him. When the first servant stands back up he stabs the king to the heart and kills him. Immediately the king’s servants flee and Amalickiah’s servants lie and cry out to the people, “Behold, the servants of the king have stabbed him to the heart, and he has fallen and they have fled; behold, come and see” (Alma 47:26). From a distance it appears the lie is true.

The record continues, “And it came to pass that Amalickiah commanded that his armies should march forth and see what had happened to the king; and when they had come to the spot, and found the king lying in his gore, Amalickiah pretended to be wroth, and said: Whosoever loved the king, let him go forth, and pursue his servants that they may be slain” (Alma 47:27). Then Amalickiah’s servants, in their successful attempt to explain to the queen how her husband was murdered, make an appeal to the fact that the king’s servants fled from the scene so it is clear they have committed this murder (Alma 47:34).

The strategy here is to claim someone else is doing exactly what you are doing. My experience has taught me this principle over and over and here it is exposed in the great record of the Book of Mormon. Amalickiah states that the servants of the king did exactly what his servants did to the king and creates the image to support his deceit. So many times in our lives our enemies claim that we do something that they are doing. They then spread the false accusations and lies by describing their own feelings and evil acts but ascribing them to be of their enemy. It is a horrible tactic but as you ponder your life you will notice this is a common tactic of the adversary.

Look at those who accused our Lord. They claimed he was a blasphemer and a child of the devil, Beelzebub, when in reality they were the ones setting themselves up as a light and acting under the influence of the devil. It is a time-tested principle of the evil one, to claim someone else is doing whatever you yourself are doing.

It is hard to love those that persecute you in both of these strategies of the evil one. It is real and it becomes the perfect test of charity. When Jesus taught to love your enemies and those that fight against you and speak all manner of evil against you, this was hard doctrine. There is a reason many fall away from following Him as the intensity of the trials increase and all manner of evil is spoken against you and a lie overshadows you. If you care more of what men think of you than what God knows of you, then you will fall. If you only care what God knows of you, then you will live. Trust in God. Carry on in the paths of truth and righteousness and all these things will be for thy experience and for thy good (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7).

Come, Follow Me - How do we follow the prophet without making an idol of him?

President Russell M. Nelson has been trying to turn us to the Lord. I am convinced he would be disappointed in many of our fast and testimony meetings because of our continuous praising of him instead of praising the Lord, Jesus Christ or our Father in heaven. Some well-meaning saints may be trying to praise the Lord by expressing their love and devotion to the president of the church but we need to make sure that this mantra doesn’t derail us from the path to coming unto the Savior of the world, even Jesus Christ.

Listen to several paragraphs from the past general conferences of the church:

“In a coming day, only those men who have taken their priesthood seriously, by diligently seeking to be taught by the Lord Himself, will be able to bless, guide, protect, strengthen, and heal others. Only a man who has paid the price for priesthood power will be able to bring miracles to those he loves and keep his marriage and family safe, now and throughout eternity” (“The Price of Priesthood Power,” Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, April 2016).

“It is doctrinally incomplete to speak of the Lord’s atoning sacrifice by shortcut phrases, such as “the Atonement” or “the enabling power of the Atonement” or “applying the Atonement” or “being strengthened by the Atonement.” These expressions present a real risk of misdirecting faith by treating the event as if it had living existence and capabilities independent of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Under the Father’s great eternal plan, it is the Savior who suffered. It is the Savior who broke the bands of death. It is the Savior who paid the price for our sins and transgressions and blots them out on condition of our repentance. It is the Savior who delivers us from physical and spiritual death.
There is no amorphous entity called “the Atonement” upon which we may call for succor, healing, forgiveness, or power. Jesus Christ is the source. Sacred terms such as Atonement and Resurrection describe what the Savior did, according to the Father’s plan, so that we may live with hope in this life and gain eternal life in the world to come. The Savior’s atoning sacrifice--the central act of all human history--is best understood and appreciated when we expressly and clearly connect it to Him.
The importance of the Savior’s mission was emphasized by the Prophet Joseph Smith, who declared emphatically that “the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it” (Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ Into Our Lives,” Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, April 2017).

Elder Larry Y. Wilson said this, “Some may think we shouldn’t expect daily guidance from the Spirit because “it is not meet that [God] should command in all things,” lest we become slothful servants. This scripture, however, was given to some early missionaries who asked Joseph Smith to obtain revelation they should have received for themselves. In a preceding verse, the Lord told them to come to the mission field “as they shall counsel between themselves and me.”
These missionaries wanted a specific revelation about their travel plans. They hadn’t yet learned to seek their own direction in personal matters. The Lord called this attitude what it is: slothful. Early Church members may have been so happy to have a true prophet that they were in danger of failing to learn how to receive revelation themselves. Being spiritually self-reliant is hearing the Lord’s voice through His Spirit for one’s own life” (“Take the Holy Spirit as Your Guide,” Larry Y. Wilson, General Conference, April 2018).

Elder Neil L. Andersen said this, “A prophet does not stand between you and the Savior. Rather, he stands beside you and points the way to the Savior” (“The Prophet of God,” Neil L. Andersen, General Conference, April 2018).

President Nelson says something very powerful right after indicating the Lord is leading this church. He says, “But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, April 2018). In other words, the Lord is guiding His church but if you don’t know how to communicate with Him, you will fall.

And then from last general conference, October 2018, “For much of the world, the Lord’s Church is presently disguised as the “Mormon Church.” But we as members of the Lord’s Church know who stands at its head: Jesus Christ Himself. Unfortunately, many who hear the term Mormon may think that we worship Mormon. Not so! We honor and respect that great ancient American prophet. But we are not Mormon’s disciples. We are the Lord’s disciples” (“The Correct Name of the Church,” Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, October 2018).

Go through and replace “Mormon” with “President Nelson”.

“For much of the world, the Lord’s Church is presently disguised as [President Nelson’s Church]. But we as members of the Lord’s Church know who stands at its head: Jesus Christ Himself. Unfortunately, many who hear the term [Follow the Prophet] may think that we worship [President Nelson]. Not so! We honor and respect [President Nelson, our current prophet]. But we are not [President Nelson’s] disciples. We are the Lord’s disciples.”

Let us be ever diligent in emphasizing the absolute necessity to follow the Lord, Jesus Christ. Anyone or anything that leads us to Jesus Christ will be of benefit to us, but we follow no man or woman. We must never put our trust in the arm of the flesh. Nephi said, “O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm” (2 Nephi 4:34).

Notes:

Some great talks to emphasize this important distinction and powerful doctrine are found in President Henry B. Eyring’s talk where a young man came to him when he was bishop and was wise enough to not trust the bishop over the Lord. (“The Lord Leads His Church,” Henry B. Eyring, General Conference, October 2017). Another talk is by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “The Doctrine of Christ,” General Conference, April 2012. He emphasizes the need for us to take our own spiritual responsibility in seeking our own witness about every word that cometh from the prophets of the Lord to make sure that the Holy Ghost ratifies the truth of what has been said. “By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things,” (Moroni 10:5).

Flood the Earth with The Book of Mormon

A week ago or so I came across a plea for funding to help create a Book of Mormon movie, “Reign of Judges, Title of Liberty.” https://m.facebook.com/reignofjudgesmovie/ I felt the Spirit, ordered the concept film and watched it yesterday with my children. I felt the strong influence of the Holy Ghost. I decided to help Darin Southam, the hands of the Creator of this project.

So, when I read these words this morning, not only did they apply to Joseph Smith Jr and anyone who has shared the Book of Mormon, but the Spirit witnessed to me that a filmmaker, truly seeking to bring this great book to the inhabitants of the earth will be given the power of God to do so. Here is what Moroni said, “For none can have power to bring it [The Book of Mormon] to light save it be given him of God; for God wills that it shall be done with an eye single to his glory, or the welfare of the ancient and long dispersed covenant people of the Lord.
And blessed be he that shall bring this thing to light; for it shall be brought out of darkness unto light, according to the word of God; yea, it shall be brought out of the earth, and it shall shine forth out of darkness, and come unto the knowledge of the people; and it shall be done by the power of God” (Mormon 8:15-16),

Joseph Smith Jr., and anyone else who are given power to bring to light the Book of Mormon, are given that power from God so others might partake of the heavenly gift, even the power of Jesus Christ. I know God will bless those that share the Book of Mormon.

https://reignmovie.com/

The Sealed Portion

I just shared the impressions that came upon me during my trip to Rome and Spain in my last blog post. It was impressed upon me how individuals, throughout all of history, received more light and truth and then were persecuted for it as they stood firm in the faith of Christ and what He was revealing to them (see “What I Learned on a trip to Rome, the Vatican and to Spain”). Then from these enlightened groups of people, other individuals and groups would receive more light and then be persecuted by their own. It occurred to me that every time this happened, more of the word of God was being revealed. For example, Moses brought forth the higher law and then the lower laws on the tablets of stone, Jesus was the word and brought forth more of His words, the reformers tried to get the word of God into a discernible language so the common person could receive more light and knowledge and then Joseph Smith brought forth another witness of Jesus Christ in the writings of the Book of Mormon. There is a distinct pattern here. If one receives the full word of God then God will find a way to bring more of His word to them. If we say we have enough then we will be condemned for not wanting more and will live in that false world we have created. Nephi and Mormon taught this principle in the Book of Mormon and Jesus taught it in the Doctrine and Covenants.

“Yea, wo be unto him that saith: We have received, and we need no more!
And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall.
Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough!
For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have” (2 Nephi 28:27-30).

“And when they shall have received this, [The Book of Mormon] which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them.
And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation

Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people” (3 Nephi 26:9-11).

In the Doctrine and Covenants 84 we learn more of this pattern,

“17 Which priesthood continueth in the church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or end of years.
18 And the Lord confirmed a priesthood also upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations, which priesthood also continueth and abideth forever with the priesthood which is after the holiest order of God.
19 And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.
20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.
21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;
22 For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.
23 Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;
24 But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory.
25 Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;
26 And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel;
27 Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb” (D&C 84:17-27).

So, where are we at in this pattern. In Moses’ day he tried to elevate the people to see the face of God. We just read where the Aaronic Priesthood deals with repentance, baptism, remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments (D&C 84:27). This happens every week as the Aaronic Priesthood ordinance of the sacrament is the ordinance that opens the way for a formal remission of sins through covenant and applying the atonement of Jesus Christ as we give away our sins to know Him. We also have had the Melchizedek Priesthood ordinances revealed in the temples. Here we go through the formal ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood to see the face of God. But do we really believe it? Are the covenants sinking into our hearts or do we mistakenly think that if we have gone through the temple then we will be exalted like unto God? We have been taught that it takes much more effort than just the ordinance.

Jesus was the word and He came to a people that had the Aaronic Priesthood ordinances. The church at the time was run by the Pharisees and Sadducees who had distorted truth. Moses had established this church but shortly before the Savior came they had not received the fulness of the gospel still. In fact, they had digressed to the point that John the Baptist came and baptized those willing to follow the Lord and prepare for His coming. He baptized with the Aaronic Priesthood.

Joseph Smith Jr. is compared to Moses. He established the truth and brought forth the word of God. He was given the Melchizedek Priesthood to help elevate the people to see the face of God. We are anticipating the coming of the Lord. Are we as a church more or less prepared than the children of Israel in the days shortly before the coming of the Lord? We have been told that out of ten, five would be wise and will have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide (see Matthew 25:1-13; Doctrine and Covenants 45:57). Elder Oaks taught that that percentage is very accurate of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “The arithmetic of this parable is chilling. The ten virgins obviously represent members of Christ’s Church, for all were invited to the wedding feast and all knew what was required to be admitted when the bridegroom came. But only half were ready when he came” (“Preparation for the Second Coming,” Elder Dallin H. Oaks, April 2004 General Conference).

So, are we under condemnation or are we more righteous than the ancient children of Israel?

The Lord shared in 3 Nephi 26:9-10, that the Book of Mormon as we have it will test our faith to see if we believe what is in the Book of Mormon. If we don’t, then the greater things will be withheld. It is interesting to me that in my lifetime, Presidents Ezra Taft Benson, Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson and Russell M. Nelson have all placed renewed emphasis on the Book of Mormon. President Benson also taught what the Lord taught in Doctrine and Covenants, that we are under condemnation until we receive the Book of Mormon. He made it clear we are still under this condemnation. He said, “I reaffirm those words to you this day. Let us not remain under condemnation, with its scourge and judgment, by treating lightly this great and marvelous gift the Lord has given to us. Rather, let us win the promises associated with treasuring it up in our hearts.
In the Doctrine and Covenants, section 84, verses 54 to 58, we read:
“And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received--
“Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.
“And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.
“And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written--
“That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father’s kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion. [D&C 84:54–58]”’ (The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” Ezra Taft Benson, October 1986 General Conference).

The question then becomes apparent, do we really want further light and knowledge? Do we really want the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon? If the prophets keep begging us to read the Book of Mormon and believe it, then we must not be believing and applying its sacred messages.

When more of His word comes forth, how will it come forth? Will it come forth as His words have come forth in the patterns we discussed above? Will we have the Spirit as our guide to help us discern if additional scriptures brought forth are the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon? Let us be wise and take the Holy Spirit as our guide that we may not be deceived. If we fully receive all the principles and doctrines taught in this great Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, we will be ready. We will be filled with the light and power of Jesus Christ and detect what additional scriptures are of Him.

I have had the witness of the Holy Ghost burn into my heart and mind the truths of the Book of Mormon. I have intensely studied this great book for the past 26 years. I know this great book comes from God to us and I rejoice with you that He will one day reveal the fulness of this great book to us as the additional portions in the sealed plates are brought forth. Oh come! Please come! Please join with me in receiving the Book of Mormon! Pray to God that He will see fit in His great wisdom and mercy to bring forth these greater truths to us individually and as a people. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.

The Real Danger of Becoming Less and Less Astonished at a Sign or a Wonder from Heaven

We live in an interesting time. We have had several signs and wonders in the heavens come to pass. The tetrad of blood moons that happened on 4 significant Jewish holidays in a row (2014 Passover and Feast of Tabernacles, 2015 Passover and Feast of Tabernacles), the solar eclipse of August 2017, the fulfilling of Revelation 12 (JST Rev. 12:1-17), September 2017, and many more signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. In the Book of Mormon, the unbelievers set a date to kill the disciples of Christ who believed in the prophecies of Samuel the Lamanite and in the sign of the day and a night and a day as if it were one day, if it didn’t come to pass (3 Nephi 1:9). Nephi cried unto the Lord and the voice of the Lord came unto him, assuring him the sign would be fulfilled that very night (3 Nephi 1:12-14). All these prophecies were fulfilled and Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem and the new star appeared as prophesied. One would think that this fulfilling of prophecy would motivate the people to lasting repentance or change, but in large measure, it did not. For a time many were converted but lasting conversion did not last. I wonder if this was because they only believed because of the signs. The scriptures give us some clues about signs. Signs follow those that believe but we are also taught not to have our faith centered in signs, rather to put our faith in Jesus Christ.

We read:

“And now Korihor said unto Alma: If thou wilt show me a sign, that I may be convinced that there is a God, yea, show unto me that he hath power, and then will I be convinced of the truth of thy words” (Alma 30:43).

“An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign” (Matt. 12:39).

“And he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation” (Doctrine and Covenants 63:7).

“But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe” (Doctrine and Covenants 63:9).

“Wherefore, I, the Lord, am not pleased with those among you who have sought after signs and wonders for faith, and not for the good of men unto my glory” (Doctrine and Covenants 63:12).

So, are signs always negative or does the Lord use them to bless His children?  What is His purpose for signs?

Again, the scriptures give us some insight:

“And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:” (Genesis 1:14).

“And the Gods organized the lights in the expanse of the heaven, and caused them to divide the day from the night; and organized them to be for signs and for seasons, and for days and for years;” (Abraham 4:14, see Moses 2:14).

“And it shall come to pass that he that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come, even for the signs of the coming of the Son of Man.
And they shall see signs and wonders, for they shall be shown forth in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath.

And they shall behold blood, and fire, and vapors of smoke.
And before the day of the Lord shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and the stars fall from heaven” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:39-42).

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:17-18).

“And the angel said unto me that many shall see greater things than these, to the intent that they might believe that these signs and these wonders should come to pass upon all the face of this land, to the intent that there should be no cause for unbelief among the children of men--
And this to the intent that whosoever will believe might be saved, and that whosoever will not believe, a righteous judgment might come upon them; and also if they are condemned they bring upon themselves their own condemnation” (Helaman 14:28-29).

“And these signs shall follow him--he shall heal the sick, he shall cast out devils, and shall be delivered from those who would administer unto him deadly poison;
And he shall be led in paths where the poisonous serpent cannot lay hold upon his heel, and he shall mount up in the imagination of his thoughts as upon eagles’ wings.
And what if I will that he should raise the dead, let him not withhold his voice” (Doctrine and Covenants 124:98-100).

“And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith” (Mosiah 27:14).

“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15).

“...because thou believest in the Son of the most high God; wherefore, thou shalt behold the things which thou hast desired.
And behold this thing shall be given unto thee for a sign, that after thou hast beheld the tree which bore the fruit which thy father tasted, thou shalt also behold a man descending out of heaven, and him shall ye witness; and after ye have witnessed him ye shall bear record that it is the Son of God” (1 Nephi 11:6-7).

“But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe” (Doctrine and Covenants 63:9).

“And he that believeth shall be blest with signs following, even as it is written.
And unto you it shall be given to know the signs of the times, and the signs of the coming of the Son of Man” (Doctrine and Covenants 68:10-11).

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:17-21).

“And these signs shall follow them that believe--in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover;” (Mormon 9:24).

“Therefore, repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and believe in my gospel, and be baptized in my name; for he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned; and signs shall follow them that believe in my name” (Ether 4:18).

So, we must be faithful and diligent in recognizing the purpose of signs but not let our faith become dependent upon them. One of the reasons it is so is because God’s ways are not our ways and neither are His thoughts our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Some have seen these signs and been discouraged because things haven’t progressed the way they envisioned them happening. Hopefully their faith is in Christ and the timing of God, not in their own personal interpretation of what should have happened by now after the fulfillment of these signs. These signs should encourage to continue to seek after God and His righteousness. If your faith isn’t centered in Christ, then these signs can actually result in more unbelief, one of the great sins uncovered in the Book of Mormon over and over again. This leads to one of the main purposes of this post.

Within 3 years of the day and a night and day appearing as one day, the people began to forget the signs and wonders they had seen. It reads,

“And it came to pass that thus passed away the ninety and fifth year also, and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen--
2 Imagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought by men and by the power of the devil, to lead away and deceive the hearts of the people; and thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain thing.
3 And it came to pass that the people began to wax strong in wickedness and abominations; and they did not believe that there should be any more signs or wonders given; and Satan did go about, leading away the hearts of the people, tempting them and causing them that they should do great wickedness in the land” (3 Nephi 2:1-3).

There is a huge list of horrible things that happen as they forget the signs and wonders of God in their lives. Not only would this be applicable to the signs and wonders in the heavens but also in our lives. As we forget the miracles God has wrought in each of our own personal lives, the same wicked fruits listed above can and will take place within us; less and less astonished at a sign or wonder from heaven, hardness of heart, blind in the mind, disbelieving of that which one has heard and seen, imagining that these things were done by men or the devil, waxing strong in wickedness and abominations, disbelieving in future signs and believing the doctrine of Christ to be a foolish and vain thing.

What a list of gross wickedness. Satan gets possession of one’s hearts as they disbelieve in the signs that God has given us in our lives. Ultimately disbelieving in the doctrine of Christ is the final nail in the coffin as a result of disbelief, or unbelief.

I have noticed that there are several groups and levels of faith in a church or organization. One of these groups are those that believe that the scriptures are true and the miracles happened to people in the past. They love to share the experiences of the faithful from the scriptures and their family histories. They are generally faithful in trying to do good works and be good. The interesting thing is they still fall into the category of the unbelieving. They don’t believe these miraculous things could ever happen to themselves. So they do a lot of good things but they really don’t believe they are as good as God knows they are. They don’t dare ask for the blessings God has promised to all the faithful, mainly of coming to know Him intimately and personally in this life, not just after death beyond the veil but piercing the veil and coming into His presence as is promised over and over in scripture. Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, Alma, the Brother of Jared etc, all testified that they saw Jesus Christ. We gain faith in Christ because we believe their testimonies and this motivates us to be good disciples of Him. This is why we are encouraged to study the scriptures that testify of Him. The Book of Mormon testifies of Him over and over and over again.

The other group of people believe the scriptures and believe that if these marvelous experiences happened to people in the scriptures then they truly can happen to themselves if they meet the qualifications to do so. They seek to do and to BECOME true followers of Jesus Christ and enter into His presence. Believing, believing, believing is the key. I could share scripture after scripture, quote after quote. I will share just one and let you search the scriptures to find out if this is true. I’ll point you to a few verses to start your search. Once you find out what is written is true, I would encourage you to humbly and boldly speak with your Father and let Him know you want this fruit of faith in Christ. Ask Him “what lack I yet?” And He will tell you over and over again until you come unto Christ and are perfected in Him.

“This principle ought in its proper place to be taught, for God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but what He will make known unto the Twelve, and even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them, for the day must come when no man need say to his neighbor, 'Know ye the Lord; for all shall know Him who, remain from the least to the greatest” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 149).

Genesis 12:7

Exodus 19:10-11

Exodus 20:22

Exodus 24:10-11

2 Chronicles 7:14

Matthew 11:27

JST Matthew 7:14-15

JST Matthew 25:11

John 14:23

1 Nephi 2:16

2 Nephi 2:4

1 Nephi 15:11

2 Nephi 32:6

Alma 19:13

Ether 3:13

Ether 3:17

Ether 3:20

Ether 12:9

Ether 12:39

Doctrine and Covenants 50:45

Doctrine and Covenants 67:10-11

Doctrine and Covenants 84:22-23

Doctrine and Covenants 88:68

Doctrine and Covenants 93:1

Doctrine and Covenants 97:16

Doctrine and Covenants 101:38

Doctrine and Covenants 107:19

Doctrine and Covenants 130:3

Moses 1:1

As you come to believe these scriptures, your faith will increase in Jesus Christ and His promises. You’ll find an intense drive to come unto Him and be perfected in Him. You will become a true disciple because the closer you become to Him, the more you’ll feel the longing to have any darkness or evil rooted out of your heart and mind. You will become a new creature in Christ, truly born again.

So, what is the real danger of unbelief? It is not fulfilling the purpose of our creation, to become as God is (see Moses 1:39, John 17:3, King Follett Discourse by Joseph Smith Jr.).

What I Learned on a trip to Rome, the Vatican and to Spain

I recently went on a trip to Rome, the Vatican, Florence and then over to northern Spain (where I served a proselyting mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). I wondered why I was there. I knew it would be enjoyable but there had to be something more, some deeper purpose for me being there. I had a constant impression sink deep into my heart and mind as I toured these wonderful places.

We walked around the beautiful ruins of Rome. I love how Rome has left evidences of the past all around their beautiful city. It is a great reminder of what once was and now is. We went to the Vatican and saw where the Romans once had their chariot races and would torch Christians on burning stakes so they could light up the venue for their games. In this same area, now surrounded with statues of Christian saints, sainted by the Catholic Church, is the center stage where the pope will speak to the Christian world. Just a few feet away from this stage is the Basilica where it is believed that Peter was crucified upside down, declaring his testimony of the risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A Christian church or temple built on the exact spot of a faithful, Christian martyr. What a contrast! What happened? Christian martyrs were now held up as heroes where once they were persecuted, mocked, and murdered.

My mind went to the past and the Lord pieced history together for me and rested it upon my soul. I will let you do the research and put the dates on the timeline but here is what settled upon me...The children of Israel were given light and knowledge from the Lord beginning with Abraham, their father. He was persecuted by his father and had to flee to save his life. Then he had children and eventually had a great nation that was put in bondage in Egypt. Then Moses was raised up to free the children of Israel from the persecution and bondage in Egypt. The children of Israel were miraculously preserved by the Lord and settled the promised land in Israel where a fresh body of water empties into a salt body of water. They rejected the greater truths Moses brought down from Mt. Sinai and only wanted Moses to commune with God for them, thus, they were given a Levitical priesthood and the associated laws that would help prepare them for something greater, greater laws and blessings. This nation came to be the Jews in Jerusalem. In time, the Jews were the ones that rejected the greater light and truth that John the Baptist came to give them in preparation for receiving Jesus Christ and the fulness of the gospel. Those that believed in Jesus Christ were called Christians. The Jews persecuted and even murdered the Christians. The Jews later were persecuted and murdered by Nazi Germany for their beliefs. The Christians that accepted Jesus Christ originally were murdered by the Jews and Romans. Later, from among these same Christians, God raised up individuals with greater light and knowledge. These were knows as reformers...Tyndale, Luther and others were persecuted and even murdered for seeking to spread God's word to the people and give them greater power through light and knowledge. These followers created the great Protestant churches we have today. In time, individuals from these Protestant churches recognized there was something missing and further light and knowledge would come. It did and greater light and truth was given to a young boy, Joseph Smith. As Joseph shared his message some received it. Of those that did, many were persecuted and even murdered for joining the Church of Christ that Joseph Smith restored, known today as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

So, there is an interesting pattern that has developed over the centuries. God gives light and truth to individuals. They accept it and are persecuted and even killed for it. The same groups that come from these enlightened individuals and are persecuted for believing are eventually the same people that persecute and even kill those that spring from their own groups with further light and knowledge. Over and over this pattern has been consistent.

On my trip to Spain I visited the Inquisition Museum. I saw the depravity of man and the degeneration as individuals hate those that go against the norm of their day and are willing to bring forth more light and truth. Truly the verses in scripture that describe why Jesus was killed can apply to the faithful martyrs who stood firm to the light and truth God gave them. The Gospel of John reads, "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God" (John 3:19-21).

The Book of Mormon gives a profound warning to Zion, "Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion! Wo be unto him that crieth: All is well! Yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost! Yea, wo be unto him that saith: We have received, and we need no more! And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall. Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough! For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have. Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost. Wo be unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord God of Hosts! For notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to day, they will deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts" (2 Nephi 28:24-32). The whole chapter needs to be read, pondered over and prayed about.

In my studies of the Book of Mormon, searching for the enemies of Christ that President Ezra Taft Benson told us it uncovers, I have noticed unbelief is one of the major enemies to Christ. My prayer is that we will always believe in the gifts of the Holy Ghost, continue in fasting and prayer, repenting of our sins, and offering our whole souls unto God that we might prepare for the coming of our Lord and recognize Him because we will be like Him, having received all the light and truth He is anxious to give us. As President Russel M. Nelson recently exhorted us to do, just as the scriptures do too, seek the mysteries of the kingdom, even the secrets of the universe (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” by Russell M. Nelson, April 2018 General Conference). That we might ever be faithful to God and not to man is my humble prayer, in the holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Comfort and Strength in Jesus Christ

I was reading in Alma 31 this morning and came across verse 31. It reads, “O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou comfort my soul in Christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people.” He prayed for strength and comfort in Christ because of the afflictions which would come upon him because of the iniquity of the people he would preach to. He knew great persecution would come but he knew who to turn to. The Lord knew what it felt like to preach the truth and then be persecuted and eventually killed for speaking the truth. As Alma explained, “he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities” (Alma 7:12). If history repeats itself, then as we go forth “speaking the truth in love,” (Ephesians 4:15) we will be rejected by the majority. If we want comfort and strength then we can turn to the Lord and He will give us those gifts. He promises He will not leave us comfortless. In fact, He will come to us. “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:18). As we continue on in faithfulness, keeping His commandments, He and the Father will love us, manifest Themselves unto us and make Their abode with us (John 14:21, 23). God loves us all but to feel of His love is the greatest motivator in the world. What could be more exquisite! What could fill your soul with as much joy then to feel the love of God and know He has approved of your life! Nephi said it beautifully, “the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things...the most joyous to the soul” (1 Nephi 11:22-23). Nothing else matters and so we lay down our lives in the cause of truth and the cause of our Redeemer, even Jesus Christ, seeking to elevate the people by sharing the words of eternal life and living a life and offering sacrifices in the similitude of our Savior that we may one day become like Him and live with Him (see Doctrine and Covenants 138:13).