Sunday, February 12, 2023

Evil Speaking

 I was reading a blog post this morning and the author added this comment on evil speaking. I agree with his words:

[Now, as a complete aside, I want to address the misapplication and overreaching misinterpretation of the idea one is “evil speaking” when a person explains something that concerns them. First, we are dealing with the souls of men. We are addressing salvation itself. If there is an error in doctrine or practice, everyone has an obligation to speak up, from the least to the greatest. (D&C 20: 42, 46-47, 50-51, 59, among other places.) Second, the “truth” cannot ever be “evil.” Though the truth may cut with a two edged sword, truth is not and cannot be “evil.” Therefore, if someone should say something that is untrue or in error, then correct their doctrine, show the error, but do not claim what is good to be evil, nor support what is evil by calling it good. (2 Ne. 15: 20.) Using a broad generalization to stifle a discussion of the truth is a trick of the devil, who is an enemy to your soul. It is not the way of our Lord. He was always open to questions, always willing to answer questions, ever willing to speak the truth even when it caused those with authority over Him to be pained by His words. We must follow Him, and not men, in that example. Even if we would personally prefer to not endure insults but remain silent. So, rather than condemn something as “evil speaking” that you believe to be wrong, explain the error and bring us all into greater understanding. But if something is true, then even if it disturbs your peace of mind, it cannot be evil.]

https://denversnuffer.com/2010/07/2-nephi-28-3/

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Matt. 6:34.)

 I have contemplated this phrase by the master, “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matt. 6:34). 

In a world that teaches us to plan ahead, have a vision and prepare every needful thing, this counsel from the Lord seems to possibly contradict good, righteous principles. 

As I contemplate the context and reflect upon my life, I believe it’s more about faith, truly doing his will first and allowing him to reveal his hand and salvation in our lives. 

I love the phrase from our hymnal, “do what is right, let the consequence follow.” I testify that god always delivers the best consequence to us. That circumstance, challenge or blessing that will lead to the greatest growth for all involved. 

Remember the people of Ammon laying down their weapons of war and being slaughtered by the thousands. That day families were destroyed, fathers no longer were available to raise their children. But, in the sorrow joy was born. More laid  down their weapons of war and came unto god than those that were slain that day. 

Hearts were changed because of a sacrifice. In similitude of the sacrifice of son of god, we live by faith. We learn in Lectures on Faith that Jesus is the prototype of the saved man. Would we be saved? Then we must do as he did. 

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths”  (Proverbs 3:5-6). Good counsel. 

Today, while the sun shines, let’s do our duty and be one with god’s work and glory to help bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. That’s what matters. 


Monday, January 30, 2023

Is Jesus Christ our Father?

Throughout scripture and the creeds and doctrines laced throughout Christianity, the godhead has become a mystery. In the Lectures on Faith we learn that in order to exercise faith, we need to have a correct idea of the nature of God, specifically his character, perfections and attributes. God should not be so mysterious that we don’t know how to approach him. We should have a relationship with him, much like a father and son in this mortal experience. 

I believe Denver has shared many scriptural insights which bring clarity to the nature of god. Here is one: 

https://denversnuffer.com/2012/02/ethers-reference-to-christ-as-father/



Saturday, January 28, 2023

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Context

 A friend reconnected with Rachelle and I last night and shared this short presentation she has put together. It would have saved me months of research had I come across this 4-5 years ago. Hopefully it can be of benefit to you:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1wyyWZO4jktEKUdO_ZgV4iJhvUi-Dc6O23WIVpzMzrqE/mobilepresent?slide=id.p


Sunday, January 22, 2023

Who Killed Joseph Smith, Part 2

 https://youtu.be/K5sDJddLojI

At the end of the video they set the stage for a documentary on polygamy and to prove Joseph’s innocence. It’s a joy to see thousands of LDS coming to a knowledge of the truth, willing to lay it all on the line for light and truth. Only in humility can we fully come into the presence of our Christ and the Father. 

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Deseret Book Supports Waving Gay Pride Flag for LDS Members

I’ve enjoyed a lot of CWIC Media and his scriptural insights. He is generally an apologist for the church. I appreciate his concerns he shares here about Deseret Book promoting and supporting gay pride: https://youtu.be/cjgIdcpfLPk


I saw this SEEK ad a few days ago by Deseret Book. CWIC Media is usually an apologist for the church. He doesn't make the connection between Deseret Book and the church. The CEO of Deseret Book is Sheri Dew, former Relief Society General President for the church. Wendy Nelson and Sheri Dew are very good friends. Deseret Book is a wholly owned subsidiary of Deseret Management Corporation (DMC), the holding company for business firms owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church)I would put forth that Deseret Book is very careful to promote what the brethren approve of. 


I believe it goes hand in hand with the Relief Society General Presidency promoting a queer ward young women’s president at BYU Women’s Week. I posted that here: http://bilbaochristian.blogspot.com/2021/11/very-interesting-byu-womens-week-clip.html


I also believe it goes hand in hand with Russell M. Nelson’s affiliation with Skull and Bones and Owl & Key, two secret societies at Utah University. Here is some info on this subject by another LDS apologist: 

https://youtu.be/pKGnM2a9Sj4


If we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have to decide if the gospel of Jesus Christ is being promoted, taught and upheld by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not?


In 3 Nephi 27 the Lord teaches, “…but if it [the church] be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.

And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it.

But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return.

For their works do follow them, for it is because of their works that they are hewn down; therefore remember the things that I have told you” (3 Nephi 27:8, 10-12). 


We have the god-given gift of agency. I believe God expects us to use it to act in truth. When we receive light and truth exposing the light or the dark and we don’t act on it, we lose that additional light. Nephi taught, “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 28:30).


I pray for all of us to have eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts that know and feel. This life is a test of our character, perfections and attributes. We are our own judges because how we judge and live is seen and known by all in our countenances. It is a challenge to BECOME a true disciple of the Lord, Jesus Christ, and him alone. Walk in his way.