I’ve been reminded twice during the past week about how different LDS theology and practices can be. My wife has a good friend who has been living in France for about six months. He is LDS and is dating a French woman who is not. Besides the fact that he does not drink, smoke, or have pre-marital relations the relationship is going well. She is exploring a completely different realm as she tries understand the membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Today, I was reminded again about points of LDS theology that differs from what other churches believe. While most churches believe that there is a heaven and a hell, LDS doctrine says there’s more. I’ve always thought that I as a member of the LDS Church was different because I don’t smoke or drink or party like other American young men. However, this week made me pause because I realized that some doctrines which I believe are very different compared to what others may believe.
As a Latter-day Saint, I believe that after I die, I will go to a place called the spirit world which is divided into two parts—spirit heaven and spirit paradise. It is much like the heaven and hell in which most Christians believe. However, after I been to the spirit world, for how long I don’t know, I’ll be resurrected, like all mankind, by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Resurrection means that my body will be reunited with my spirit and they will never part again. Then I’ll be judged by God and inherit a kingdom of glory. This is where LDS theology differs from doctrine of other churches.
Mormons believe that after we have been resurrected and judged, we will inherit one of three different degrees of glory. The first we call the Celestial Kingdom; the second is called the Terrestrial Kingdom; the third is called the Telestial Kingdom. Each differs from the other in how much glory exists within each. Figuratively, one can compare the glory of the kingdoms to that of the sun, moon, and stars, each being magnificent, but the sun is the most glorious just like the Celestial Kingdom is the most glorious of the three. Each person on the Earth will be in one of these kingdoms for eternity based on what we choose, do, and desire during our life on earth and time in the spirit world.
We believe that most of this knowledge was lost from the Earth but restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. Much of what we believe about the life hereafter can be found in section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants, a book of scripture that we believe was received as revelation by the prophet Joseph Smith. But also, the Bible also has some references about such an after-life. One may be Matt 5:12 which says, “for great is your reward in heaven.” It seems from this little fragment that heaven is not the reward but the reward is what is in heaven. Christ doesn’t elaborate further but it does leave a question. Of course, great meaning placed on a small word, although Luke in chapter 6 verse 23 has similar language. In 1st Corinthians 15: 40-42 Paul writes about resurrected bodies that differ in glory much like the sun, moon, and stars. The Book of Mormon too has many scriptures about heaven and what comes after life. All we must do is search, ponder, and pray to find if it is true.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Insights to the Creation
Section 59 of the Doctrine and Covenants is great. It talks about the Sabath Day, worshiping God, and the blessings there in.
In verse 16 it says, "as ye do this, the fulness of the Earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth." But what is "this?"
This is worshiping God on his Sabath Day, offering sacraments, confessing sin, fasting, and rejoicing with thanksgiving. God explained the blessing of keeping the Sabath Day holy.
I also like verse 20 which says, "And it pleaseth God that he hath given all thses things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgement, not to excess, neither by extortion." We will be blessed with the "fulness of the Earth" if we keep the sabath day but we are not to use it unwisely. God is pleased when we use the Earth for our benefit but it is not to "excess" or by "extortion." What does that mean to you?
To me, it means that I should not be wasteful. I should be economical in the things I buy and use. I should recycle and love nature. I'm greatful for the Earth and its beauty. I'm thankful to God, who gave us life on this Earth that we might learn, grow, and return to him through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Monday, November 16, 2009
How do you see?
Art. What is it?
There are so many different mediums, writing, music, clothing, paint, gardening, the list could go on. Sometimes I wish I was a more traditional artist expressing an idea through paint and sculpture. True art seems to convey an idea more poignantly than words. But in the end, words, music, or art all do the same thing. These things communicate a feeling, a thought, a deed that should be remembered.
This week I went to the BYU Museum of Art to look at the religious collection exhibition entitled “Types and Shadows” I want to share three paintings that I saw.
This first one is entitled “Man of Sorrows” by Chris Young. I like the picture because it explains that the perfect man, Jesus Christ has carried us, the very imperfect cross. This painting seems to embody the mission of Jesus Christ. It produces gratitude in the viewer because we notice that the most perfect person has born our grief.
This second painting by Trevor Southey entitled “After Jesus and Mary. This is the moment after the resurrection of Christ. I like the colors of the painting because they give the painting an feeling that it has been placed somewhere between the living and the dead but also between the heavenly and the mundane. What would it have been like to really see Jesus after his resurrection? Have you ever truly thought about what it would have been like for Mary to see Jesus living? Even after she saw him die? I believe this painting captures this moment of unbelief and awkwardness. What a odd feeling Mary must have experienced.
This third piece is a sculpture entitled “Christ Bearing the Cross” by Sledz a polish folk artist. I like it number one, because it is from Poland, but I also like the simplicity of the folk art. It is not sophisticated. It is a snapshot of time, when all of heaven must have been watching Christ carrying his cross. How difficult it must have been to watch as he struggled and strained to finish that which God had commanded. I know that Jesus Christ suffered, died, and resurrected that we might live.
There are so many different mediums, writing, music, clothing, paint, gardening, the list could go on. Sometimes I wish I was a more traditional artist expressing an idea through paint and sculpture. True art seems to convey an idea more poignantly than words. But in the end, words, music, or art all do the same thing. These things communicate a feeling, a thought, a deed that should be remembered.
This week I went to the BYU Museum of Art to look at the religious collection exhibition entitled “Types and Shadows” I want to share three paintings that I saw.
This first one is entitled “Man of Sorrows” by Chris Young. I like the picture because it explains that the perfect man, Jesus Christ has carried us, the very imperfect cross. This painting seems to embody the mission of Jesus Christ. It produces gratitude in the viewer because we notice that the most perfect person has born our grief.
This second painting by Trevor Southey entitled “After Jesus and Mary. This is the moment after the resurrection of Christ. I like the colors of the painting because they give the painting an feeling that it has been placed somewhere between the living and the dead but also between the heavenly and the mundane. What would it have been like to really see Jesus after his resurrection? Have you ever truly thought about what it would have been like for Mary to see Jesus living? Even after she saw him die? I believe this painting captures this moment of unbelief and awkwardness. What a odd feeling Mary must have experienced.
This third piece is a sculpture entitled “Christ Bearing the Cross” by Sledz a polish folk artist. I like it number one, because it is from Poland, but I also like the simplicity of the folk art. It is not sophisticated. It is a snapshot of time, when all of heaven must have been watching Christ carrying his cross. How difficult it must have been to watch as he struggled and strained to finish that which God had commanded. I know that Jesus Christ suffered, died, and resurrected that we might live.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Moses and Brigham Young: Exoduses
When you look at the world, what do you see first? Water, the continents, your favorite country, or the ice caps? I've started thinking and I've noticed how similar Utah, in the United States is similar to Israel in geography and climate. Both of these places have a saltwater lake connected to a fresh water lake with a river in between. Here are some pictures.
Can you tell which one is the Great Salt Lake in Utah? They look so similar. After studying for a semester in Israel, at the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies, I've come to realize how simliar the regions are. Both are deserts; both receive snow; both have a salty lake.
That is what brings me to the next similarity. God led his people to both regions by a prophet. In my last post, I mentioned how Brigham Young and Moses were similar. American Historians even call Brigham Young the American Moses because he led thousands of people across the plains into the Great Salt Lake Valley and settled many place in the intermountain west. Las Vegas even started as a Mormon settlement.
Why is this important? What is the coincidence that a man in America, who claimed to be a prophet, would lead his people to a similar place as the promised land in the Bible? Either God works in patterns, or Brigham Young studied the Bible and American geography really well.
There are certain parallelisms between the two narratives that are hard to ignore. A Prophet, receiving the law on a mountain or temple, an exodus, a journey, a salt water lake, a river, a promised land.
But what does it represent? That we can be saved from our bondage or sin and led to the promised land by Christ our Savior. He lived on the earth, he died for our sins, and he was resurrected with a body. It is great to know the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Can you tell which one is the Great Salt Lake in Utah? They look so similar. After studying for a semester in Israel, at the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies, I've come to realize how simliar the regions are. Both are deserts; both receive snow; both have a salty lake.
That is what brings me to the next similarity. God led his people to both regions by a prophet. In my last post, I mentioned how Brigham Young and Moses were similar. American Historians even call Brigham Young the American Moses because he led thousands of people across the plains into the Great Salt Lake Valley and settled many place in the intermountain west. Las Vegas even started as a Mormon settlement.
Why is this important? What is the coincidence that a man in America, who claimed to be a prophet, would lead his people to a similar place as the promised land in the Bible? Either God works in patterns, or Brigham Young studied the Bible and American geography really well.
There are certain parallelisms between the two narratives that are hard to ignore. A Prophet, receiving the law on a mountain or temple, an exodus, a journey, a salt water lake, a river, a promised land.
But what does it represent? That we can be saved from our bondage or sin and led to the promised land by Christ our Savior. He lived on the earth, he died for our sins, and he was resurrected with a body. It is great to know the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Revelation of God
The story of the Children of Israel is filled with symbolism. Moses delivered the Children of Israel from Egypt and brought them to the Promised Land, literally showing that Jesus liberates those who believe in him from the captivity of sin allowing those who believe in him, his children, to reach the Promised Land or heaven. Along the way, Moses received the law of God in Mount Sinai, they traveled in the wilderness for 40 days, and then Joshua, which means Jehovah saves and the Hebrew equivalent of the Greek name Jesus, brought them across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land, just as Jesus helps us cross into heaven.
This theme is also present in the New Testament, except, prophets aren’t symbolizing Jesus, but rather He was on the Earth. But it is important to note, that fifty days after the resurrection of Christ, the Pentecost occurred just as it was represented by Moses, after he lead the Children of Israel from Egypt for fifty days.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has much of the same symbolism. After the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ, a temple was built, the modern equivalent of a mountain, and there the Lord gave his law. After this, the early saints were driven from Kirkland, Ohio then to Nauvoo and finally on to Salt Lake City. They were lead by Brigham Young who some call the American Moses.
I bring up this symbolism because section 42 of the Doctrine and Covenants is sometimes called the Law. Just as Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai, just as the Pentecost in the New Testament, section 42 of the Doctrine and Covenants was given to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This revelation is significant because it establishes rules and commandments that Latter-Day Saints are to live by. Such as verse 22 which says, “Thou shalt love thy wife with all they heart, and cleave unto her and none else” or verse 30 that says, “thou wilt remember the poor.”
The Lord had promised this revelation earlier in section 39 of the Doctrine and Covenants. In verse 32 He says, “Wherefore, for this cause I gave unto the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high.” We declare that God reveals commandments and counsel concerning man through a living prophet. Section 42is the supreme example.
This theme is also present in the New Testament, except, prophets aren’t symbolizing Jesus, but rather He was on the Earth. But it is important to note, that fifty days after the resurrection of Christ, the Pentecost occurred just as it was represented by Moses, after he lead the Children of Israel from Egypt for fifty days.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has much of the same symbolism. After the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ, a temple was built, the modern equivalent of a mountain, and there the Lord gave his law. After this, the early saints were driven from Kirkland, Ohio then to Nauvoo and finally on to Salt Lake City. They were lead by Brigham Young who some call the American Moses.
I bring up this symbolism because section 42 of the Doctrine and Covenants is sometimes called the Law. Just as Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai, just as the Pentecost in the New Testament, section 42 of the Doctrine and Covenants was given to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This revelation is significant because it establishes rules and commandments that Latter-Day Saints are to live by. Such as verse 22 which says, “Thou shalt love thy wife with all they heart, and cleave unto her and none else” or verse 30 that says, “thou wilt remember the poor.”
The Lord had promised this revelation earlier in section 39 of the Doctrine and Covenants. In verse 32 He says, “Wherefore, for this cause I gave unto the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high.” We declare that God reveals commandments and counsel concerning man through a living prophet. Section 42is the supreme example.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Print and Power
I went to the Crandall Printing Museum this week. It is on center street here in Provo. I've heard about it over and over again while I've attended BYU. I always wanted to go, and I finally went. Take a look at the website:
http://crandallmuseum.org/
In this museum they have three printing presses. They have a working replica of the Gutenberg press, Benjamin Franklin’s press, and a press that E.B. Grandin used to print the Book of Mormon.
We first watched a demonstration of Gutenberg’s press. Beginning with a demonstration on how he made his movable type. The museum explained that Gutenberg was a metallurgist. This is how he knew what metals to mix so that he could get a good metal combination to make his movable type. They printed a page from the Vulgate bible. I am a Latin student, not a very happy one after my test today, and it was interesting to see a replica of the Vulgate Bible. I’ve also taken a calligraphy class, and I understand what amount of work it takes to produce a illuminated bible. Printers makes my life so easy.
Next we moved to the Benjamin Franklin Room where the replica of Franklin’s press was located. There was also a replica of Franklin himself, one of the curators dressed up. They discussed the power that printing had in the colonies. Franklin was able to print some 500,000 copies of Paine's "Common Sense." When he did this, there were only two million colonists living in America. That means one out of every four colonists living in America had a copy of "Common Sense." I don’t know of any kind of literature today that would represent that type of dissemination. The Museum argued that without the press the American Revolution would have never occurred, saying that the printed word unified the colonists. After learning one in four Americans had a “Common Sense” I believe them.
Lastly, we saw a replica press that printed the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith went to the E.B. Grandin Print Shop which, as I learned, was the most modern printing press avaliable in the 1820's. For Joseph Smith to have such a modern press so close is remarkable. The museum showed us the entire process of printing the Book of Mormon-- from pressing the sheets, to hanging them, to stitching the binding together. The museum noted that E.B. Grandin, the printer, printed 5,000 books in seven months. This, I guess, was extremely fast for that time period because the printers reset a new page of the Book of Mormon every two minutes. It was incredible that they printed that many books that fast.
I was thinking how lucky I am to have books. Every day I read the newspaper, the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I read things on the internet, about Roman history, about American history. I even am reading Livy. I read ALL the time. We take books and printed material for granted. But are we grateful for the chance to read?
My wife is a High School Teacher. When she began to teach, she was surprised that the reading comprehension of her students. She would say many basic words like synopsis and summary, and they did not know the meanings of these words. Howeever, when we learn to read it changes everything. We gain power because we control what we learn. We gain power because we can spread ideas, concepts, and principles. Without the ability to read and write, we wanderer through life.
http://crandallmuseum.org/
In this museum they have three printing presses. They have a working replica of the Gutenberg press, Benjamin Franklin’s press, and a press that E.B. Grandin used to print the Book of Mormon.
We first watched a demonstration of Gutenberg’s press. Beginning with a demonstration on how he made his movable type. The museum explained that Gutenberg was a metallurgist. This is how he knew what metals to mix so that he could get a good metal combination to make his movable type. They printed a page from the Vulgate bible. I am a Latin student, not a very happy one after my test today, and it was interesting to see a replica of the Vulgate Bible. I’ve also taken a calligraphy class, and I understand what amount of work it takes to produce a illuminated bible. Printers makes my life so easy.
Next we moved to the Benjamin Franklin Room where the replica of Franklin’s press was located. There was also a replica of Franklin himself, one of the curators dressed up. They discussed the power that printing had in the colonies. Franklin was able to print some 500,000 copies of Paine's "Common Sense." When he did this, there were only two million colonists living in America. That means one out of every four colonists living in America had a copy of "Common Sense." I don’t know of any kind of literature today that would represent that type of dissemination. The Museum argued that without the press the American Revolution would have never occurred, saying that the printed word unified the colonists. After learning one in four Americans had a “Common Sense” I believe them.
Lastly, we saw a replica press that printed the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith went to the E.B. Grandin Print Shop which, as I learned, was the most modern printing press avaliable in the 1820's. For Joseph Smith to have such a modern press so close is remarkable. The museum showed us the entire process of printing the Book of Mormon-- from pressing the sheets, to hanging them, to stitching the binding together. The museum noted that E.B. Grandin, the printer, printed 5,000 books in seven months. This, I guess, was extremely fast for that time period because the printers reset a new page of the Book of Mormon every two minutes. It was incredible that they printed that many books that fast.
I was thinking how lucky I am to have books. Every day I read the newspaper, the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I read things on the internet, about Roman history, about American history. I even am reading Livy. I read ALL the time. We take books and printed material for granted. But are we grateful for the chance to read?
My wife is a High School Teacher. When she began to teach, she was surprised that the reading comprehension of her students. She would say many basic words like synopsis and summary, and they did not know the meanings of these words. Howeever, when we learn to read it changes everything. We gain power because we control what we learn. We gain power because we can spread ideas, concepts, and principles. Without the ability to read and write, we wanderer through life.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Patty Bartlett Sessions
Patty Batlett Sessions joined the LDS Church in 1834. At that time she was living in Maine. After she had joined the Mormon Church, she moved to Missouri with her husband, David Sessions, and family (Wikipedia Patty Barlett Sessions). I am named after this David Sessions. They were forced from their home in Missouri, moved to Nauvoo, and then to Salt Lake City, Utah. Her son, Parrigrine Sessions, settled Bountiful, Utah where his residence still exists at 500 South and Main Street. Patty Sessions was given a journal by her daughter in which she recorded 20 years of daily life (Wikipedia). Patty delivered 248 babies during her lifetime and lived until she was 97 (Wikipedia).
If it was not for this grandmother, I would not be in Utah today. She joined the church and gathered with the saints. The early saints were commanded to move to Ohio (sec 37 of d&c). They came from all over the United States and Europe. This revelation has directly influence in my life because it is the reason that I live in Utah. Had the early LDS saints not gathered to Ohio and to Missouri, they wouldn't have been forced to Nauvoo and later to Salt Lake City. This gathering supported the saints in building the LDS Church. I'm sure if Patty and David had decided to stay in Maine, they would not have remained faithful to the LDS Church.
Today, this gathering still has effect in my life. Not only has it affect my ancestors and thereby affecting me, but also it has helped me to understand that I need to "gather" every Sunday to my ward and help support those who are living today. I'm grateful for the fellowship of the Latter-Day Saints and the help that it has given me.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Emma Smith: A Modern Woman
The Lord directed section 25 of the Doctrine of Covenants to Emma Smith, wife of Joseph Smith. Considering the historical context of this revelation, Emma was truly a modern woman. In a time when women did not even have the right to vote, the Lord gave this revelation to a woman. This revelation shows that God is not a respecter of persons. He considers man and woman equally.
In the first verse of this section, the Lord calls Emma Smith his daughter. The Lord considered her equal because He had called Joseph Smith His son. He didn’t call her the wife of My son Joseph. He didn’t call her wife of the prophet. He called her His daughter. What love God has for us since we are his children. We as LDS Church members believe that we are literal children of God, created in His image. This means that our bodies were patterned after His. I believe all people would act differently if they truly believed that they were a literal son or daughter of God. This knowledge changes how I act and behave when I am alone and with others. This is not only evidence that woman are equal to men but that we are all children of our Father in Heaven.
The Lord asked Emma Smith to be a scribe. Women in the 19th century did little but cook, clean, and care for children. I’m sure it was a shock to Emma Smith for the Lord to command her to be a scribe for her husband. Women at that time simply didn’t do that. In my opinion, this is evidence that the Lord has tailored a specific earth experience for each of his children here on the earth. However, the Lord leaves it to us, to decide how we will live. Emma had a specific role to fulfill and it was more than housework.
Verse 7 also provides more evidence that Emma was truly a modern woman. The Lord says, “thou shalt be ordained under his hand to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit.” These words must have blasted Emma away. Not only was she to be a scribe, but she was to “expound scriptures” and “exhort the Church” and it would be “given” her “by the spirit” and not by Joseph. These powerful words show that Emma, a 19th century woman, was equal in the Lords sight. It also instructs us that women should be equal in our sight too.
I’m grateful for the women in my life, especially Carly whom I married this past July. I strive to treat her everyday with the equality that the Lord expects. I want her to know that she is a daughter of God. He knows her and her situation here on Earth. I hope she can find her role as a woman in the 21st century. She is smart and very capable in whatever she does. I hope she can find what roles the Lord would like her to play. She is the love of my life and I want her to be happy. I love living life with her. I love her!
In the first verse of this section, the Lord calls Emma Smith his daughter. The Lord considered her equal because He had called Joseph Smith His son. He didn’t call her the wife of My son Joseph. He didn’t call her wife of the prophet. He called her His daughter. What love God has for us since we are his children. We as LDS Church members believe that we are literal children of God, created in His image. This means that our bodies were patterned after His. I believe all people would act differently if they truly believed that they were a literal son or daughter of God. This knowledge changes how I act and behave when I am alone and with others. This is not only evidence that woman are equal to men but that we are all children of our Father in Heaven.
The Lord asked Emma Smith to be a scribe. Women in the 19th century did little but cook, clean, and care for children. I’m sure it was a shock to Emma Smith for the Lord to command her to be a scribe for her husband. Women at that time simply didn’t do that. In my opinion, this is evidence that the Lord has tailored a specific earth experience for each of his children here on the earth. However, the Lord leaves it to us, to decide how we will live. Emma had a specific role to fulfill and it was more than housework.
Verse 7 also provides more evidence that Emma was truly a modern woman. The Lord says, “thou shalt be ordained under his hand to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit.” These words must have blasted Emma away. Not only was she to be a scribe, but she was to “expound scriptures” and “exhort the Church” and it would be “given” her “by the spirit” and not by Joseph. These powerful words show that Emma, a 19th century woman, was equal in the Lords sight. It also instructs us that women should be equal in our sight too.
I’m grateful for the women in my life, especially Carly whom I married this past July. I strive to treat her everyday with the equality that the Lord expects. I want her to know that she is a daughter of God. He knows her and her situation here on Earth. I hope she can find her role as a woman in the 21st century. She is smart and very capable in whatever she does. I hope she can find what roles the Lord would like her to play. She is the love of my life and I want her to be happy. I love living life with her. I love her!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Articles and Covenants of the Church: D&C 20
Section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants is a powerhouse revelation. This section is significant to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because it tells a short history of the church, it gives a short summary of what the Church believes, and it gives instructions on how to govern the church. It is important because it gives a short summary of the church for anyone who would want to join it.
The first verses of Doctrine and Covenants section 20 gives a short history of the Church to that point in time. God relates to that he appeared to Joseph Smith in 1820, that the Angel Moroni appeared in 1823, and that Joseph Smith had received the Book of Mormon in order to translate it. These three events are important because they formed Joseph Smith’s knowledge of what he was supposed to do. It allowed him to understand that he was going to restore the Church of Jesus Christ. Therefore, anyone by reading section 20, can understand what Joseph Smith experienced and realize that he was a prophet of God.
Besides containing a short history of the Church, section 20 also contains the basic doctrines of the Church. In verses 21-24 it explains how Christ, the Son of God, came to earth was crucified and resurrected. In verse 25, God explains that all need to be baptized. This forms the basis of the Church of Jesus Christ. That all men need to believe on his name and be baptized in his name. Section 20 laid explained the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who wonder what we believe.
Lastly, section 20 explains how such ordinances of the Gospel should be administered. It explains how to bless the sacrament and how to baptize. We believe, just as Jesus taught by his example, that all men must be baptized by immersion. God, through section 20, gives us directions on how to perform such a baptism.
These three reasons are why section 20 is important to us, Latter-Day Saints. It helps us understand where we have come from, what we believe, and what we are to do. The section creates a path, which helps anyone, member or not, determine where they are in relation to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is therefore, not surprising that God commanded the early missionaries of the Church to take this section with them so that others might be able to read and understand their own position in accordance to the Church of Jesus Christ. It is a powerhouse revelation that has governed the Church since its revelation.
The first verses of Doctrine and Covenants section 20 gives a short history of the Church to that point in time. God relates to that he appeared to Joseph Smith in 1820, that the Angel Moroni appeared in 1823, and that Joseph Smith had received the Book of Mormon in order to translate it. These three events are important because they formed Joseph Smith’s knowledge of what he was supposed to do. It allowed him to understand that he was going to restore the Church of Jesus Christ. Therefore, anyone by reading section 20, can understand what Joseph Smith experienced and realize that he was a prophet of God.
Besides containing a short history of the Church, section 20 also contains the basic doctrines of the Church. In verses 21-24 it explains how Christ, the Son of God, came to earth was crucified and resurrected. In verse 25, God explains that all need to be baptized. This forms the basis of the Church of Jesus Christ. That all men need to believe on his name and be baptized in his name. Section 20 laid explained the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who wonder what we believe.
Lastly, section 20 explains how such ordinances of the Gospel should be administered. It explains how to bless the sacrament and how to baptize. We believe, just as Jesus taught by his example, that all men must be baptized by immersion. God, through section 20, gives us directions on how to perform such a baptism.
These three reasons are why section 20 is important to us, Latter-Day Saints. It helps us understand where we have come from, what we believe, and what we are to do. The section creates a path, which helps anyone, member or not, determine where they are in relation to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is therefore, not surprising that God commanded the early missionaries of the Church to take this section with them so that others might be able to read and understand their own position in accordance to the Church of Jesus Christ. It is a powerhouse revelation that has governed the Church since its revelation.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Marvelous Work
“Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.” Doctrine and Covenants 4:1.
In the revelations to Joseph Smith, the Lord repeats this sentence many times. At a glance, I saw four different sections that started with this sentence. Why is it so important?
As we’ve been discussing in one of my religion classes, “the marvelous work which” was “about to come forth” was the Book of Mormon. Many people find it wrong that we, being Christians, read the Book of Mormon. They feel that since we have the Book of Mormon, we ignore the Bible, but that simply isn’t true. We read both of them. Here are some reasons why I read and cherish the Book of Mormon along with the Bible.
1. The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ.
a. Have you ever wondered if Christ really lived? Was he really the Son of God? When you read the Book of Mormon along with the Bible, you discover that Christ really lived. You learn that He is the Savior of the World. You come to understand His Atonement, and it allows you to feel it in your life today. The Book of Mormon as I have read it with the Bible has strengthened my personal testimony of Jesus Christ. It has helped me understand him and his mission. If you are struggling to understand Jesus Christ, his mission, or if we even need him, read the Book of Mormon and you will discover that he truly lives.
2. The Book of Mormon helps us determine if Joseph Smith was a prophet.
a. If God were to have a man on the earth that filled the role of a prophet like Moses, or Isaiah, or Jeremiah, would it not be important to have a way to determine if he was true or not? Luckily, God has provided such a way to determine if Joseph Smith was a prophet. If we read the Book of Mormon, with “real intent” meaning with sincere desire to understand its message of Christ, and if we pray sincerely asking God if it is true, he will tell us if it is a true book. If it is a true book, Joseph Smith was a true prophet and God established His church through him. It is imperative that people read for themselves with sincerity the Book of Mormon in order to discover if Joseph Smith was a prophet. Without true intent reading the Book of Mormon is wasted energy. But if you truly want to know, if you sincerely ask God, you will get an answer. Also if Joseph Smith was a prophet, it means that we have a prophet today. It means that God speaks to men today, just as he spoke to Moses. If that isn’t important, I don’t know what is.
3. The Book of Mormon helps me see what is important.
a. Just as there are many stories in the Bible from which we can gain personal application, the Book of Mormon too contains stories that help us in our lives today. One of my favorite may be Abinadai. He was chosen by God, to preach to a wicked King. He testified of Christ and of the King’s need to repent. The king burned him at the stake for his words. I like this story because of Abinadi’s personal character. It has taught me to be faithful to God and my morals in any situation. I’m thankful for the Bible and the Book of Mormon stories.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Being Faithful to God
As I’ve begun reading the Doctrine and Covenants for a class I’m in, I can’t help but think what it was like for Joseph Smith to receive revelation from God. For a little background, I am a Latter-Day Saint, or Mormon. We claim that God the Father and Jesus Christ called Joseph Smith as a prophet. It was a shock to young 14-year old Joseph when God and Jesus Christ appeared to him, when he was simply praying to find forgiveness of his sins. After many years and much personal growth, Joseph Smith discovered that God church was not on the earth and that he was to be a modern day prophet. He translated the Book of Mormon, established the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and fulfilled God’s purposes. Joseph Smith received constant revelation from God. It appears in many ways such as the Book of Mormon and temple worship services. The Doctrine and Covenants is more revelation given by God, to us, through the Prophet Joseph Smith and other latter-day prophets.
At the beginning of his translation of the Book of Mormon, Martin Harris, the scribe, asked Joseph if he could take 116 pages of translation to his wife, in order to convince her of Joseph’s legitimacy. As we have learned in class, Martin Harris was somewhat rich and had promised Joseph money for the publication of the Book of Mormon. Martin was pressuring Joseph, and I’m sure Joseph was afraid of losing the promised money. Joseph, after having been told by the Lord not to give the 116 pages to Martin, lent Martin Harris the manuscript. In section 3 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord chastised Joseph for not listening to Him.
How many times do we make this same mistake? How many times have I been peer pressured into doing something that I know isn’t the best thing to do? The Lord said, “behold, you should not have feared man more than God…you should have been faithful…” Thankfully, the Lord gave Joseph and us the gift of repentance through his son Jesus Christ. We are able to learn, move on, and not make such a mistake again.
I am reminded of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who didn’t make such a mistake but were faithful to God and said, “our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O King, But if not be it know unto thee, O King, that we will not serve they gods, nor worship the golden image which thou has set up” (Daniel 3:17-18). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faithful to the Lord and promised to follow him, even if there was no miracle to save them from the fiery furnace. What faith and what allegiance they showed.
We have the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, to teach us what to do when our values are being jeopardized. We have Joseph Smith to teach us that if we do make a mistake, we can come back. I’m thankful for prophets who teach. I’m thankful for prophets who struggled through mortality just like every other human on earth and therefore, more able to teach us the truths of Jesus Christ.
At the beginning of his translation of the Book of Mormon, Martin Harris, the scribe, asked Joseph if he could take 116 pages of translation to his wife, in order to convince her of Joseph’s legitimacy. As we have learned in class, Martin Harris was somewhat rich and had promised Joseph money for the publication of the Book of Mormon. Martin was pressuring Joseph, and I’m sure Joseph was afraid of losing the promised money. Joseph, after having been told by the Lord not to give the 116 pages to Martin, lent Martin Harris the manuscript. In section 3 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord chastised Joseph for not listening to Him.
How many times do we make this same mistake? How many times have I been peer pressured into doing something that I know isn’t the best thing to do? The Lord said, “behold, you should not have feared man more than God…you should have been faithful…” Thankfully, the Lord gave Joseph and us the gift of repentance through his son Jesus Christ. We are able to learn, move on, and not make such a mistake again.
I am reminded of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who didn’t make such a mistake but were faithful to God and said, “our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O King, But if not be it know unto thee, O King, that we will not serve they gods, nor worship the golden image which thou has set up” (Daniel 3:17-18). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faithful to the Lord and promised to follow him, even if there was no miracle to save them from the fiery furnace. What faith and what allegiance they showed.
We have the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, to teach us what to do when our values are being jeopardized. We have Joseph Smith to teach us that if we do make a mistake, we can come back. I’m thankful for prophets who teach. I’m thankful for prophets who struggled through mortality just like every other human on earth and therefore, more able to teach us the truths of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
I'm Alive
I know nobody even follows this blog but I am going to try and become a blogger. I needed to do a blog for a class and this was it. I've decided to try and pick up the habit again. I've changed the name because I was married about a month and a half ago. Married life is wonderful. I married the most wonderful woman. Her name is Carly. I love her! I'm so lucky that she wanted to marry me. This blog will follow our lives together. Hopefully it will be interesting. I'm not sure. We came to the conculsion today that we were interesting enough to be the stars of a reality show so hopefully we'll be interesting enough to catch the attention of blog readers. Maybe not. Anyway. Peace out. Hope you like it.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
The Week of Easter
This has been a terrible week. Homework and tests piled on since we only have two days left until the end of the semester. Last night I was worried with how much I had to do. I had to study for a test, revise a paper which is 40% of my grade, and complete a few chores. I felt overwhelmed and I was only thinking of myself.
Our Elders Quorum, which is a group of men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, had a service project. They were going to work at Habitat for Humanity. Unfortunately, I had written it off. I didn't have time. I needed to study. But then, I was reading in the Book of Mormon.
Every night before I go to bed, I read from the Book of Mormon. The last few nights, I've been reading from the translated Polish version, Ksiega Mormona. I started reading in a book called Mosiah in the third chapter. This spot in the Book of Mormon is about a king named Benjamin. He was talking to his subjects because he was about to die. He taught them about Jesus Christ about whom he had had a vision the night before. The people of King Benjamin's kingdom, immediately begin to believe in his words. During part of the sermon, King Benjamin said,
"For behold, are we not all beggars? Bo we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?"
"And behold, even at this time ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a remission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with you, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy."
"And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye out to impart of the substance that ye have one to another."
As I was reading this passage I thought to myself, "I am so selfish. Here it is Easter week, Good Friday even, and I'm worried about a few tests and some papers." I was worried about trivial things, which do have meaning, but not eternal, lasting meaning. I decided to go to the Habitat for Humanity house in Provo. I truly feel better when I serve others.
Who knows what will happen in the future? Will I help a stranger like the Good Samaratin? Will I help my friends? Will someone help me when I need it? May we serve others more quickly and fervently this week as we get closer to Easter Sunday, when Our Savior served us.
Our Elders Quorum, which is a group of men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, had a service project. They were going to work at Habitat for Humanity. Unfortunately, I had written it off. I didn't have time. I needed to study. But then, I was reading in the Book of Mormon.
Every night before I go to bed, I read from the Book of Mormon. The last few nights, I've been reading from the translated Polish version, Ksiega Mormona. I started reading in a book called Mosiah in the third chapter. This spot in the Book of Mormon is about a king named Benjamin. He was talking to his subjects because he was about to die. He taught them about Jesus Christ about whom he had had a vision the night before. The people of King Benjamin's kingdom, immediately begin to believe in his words. During part of the sermon, King Benjamin said,
"For behold, are we not all beggars? Bo we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?"
"And behold, even at this time ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a remission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with you, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy."
"And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye out to impart of the substance that ye have one to another."
As I was reading this passage I thought to myself, "I am so selfish. Here it is Easter week, Good Friday even, and I'm worried about a few tests and some papers." I was worried about trivial things, which do have meaning, but not eternal, lasting meaning. I decided to go to the Habitat for Humanity house in Provo. I truly feel better when I serve others.
Who knows what will happen in the future? Will I help a stranger like the Good Samaratin? Will I help my friends? Will someone help me when I need it? May we serve others more quickly and fervently this week as we get closer to Easter Sunday, when Our Savior served us.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
General Conference Weekend
This past weekend was the 179 Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was able to learn so much this past weekend. You can view it in english at http://lds.org/move/index.html?type=conference04-2009&event=april179&lang=english
I had many favorite talks was from President Thomas S. Monson from the sunday morning session. He told a story about a woman from Prussia who had to leave her home. She lost her husband during WWII and she had to make the trek to Germany with her four children by herself. On the way to Germany, all four of her children died. She wanted to committ suicide but she felt compelled to pray. And she did. While she was praying, she felt God say that He loved her. How often do we feel that God has abandoned us? He hasn't. He is there waiting to listen to our prayers.
My favorite song during this past conference was "My Redemeer Lives" by the Mormon Tabernacle. They sang it during the Saturday Morning Session of Conference. It is q short song but I really like the arrangment. It was beautiful.
I'm thankful for a prophet today-- one that speaks the words that God and Jesus Christ would say to us. God has always had prophets on the earth, and I truely believe that God has a living prophet today. He gives us peace and counsel in a world that is full of trials. I'm am greatful for that and I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet.
I had many favorite talks was from President Thomas S. Monson from the sunday morning session. He told a story about a woman from Prussia who had to leave her home. She lost her husband during WWII and she had to make the trek to Germany with her four children by herself. On the way to Germany, all four of her children died. She wanted to committ suicide but she felt compelled to pray. And she did. While she was praying, she felt God say that He loved her. How often do we feel that God has abandoned us? He hasn't. He is there waiting to listen to our prayers.
My favorite song during this past conference was "My Redemeer Lives" by the Mormon Tabernacle. They sang it during the Saturday Morning Session of Conference. It is q short song but I really like the arrangment. It was beautiful.
I'm thankful for a prophet today-- one that speaks the words that God and Jesus Christ would say to us. God has always had prophets on the earth, and I truely believe that God has a living prophet today. He gives us peace and counsel in a world that is full of trials. I'm am greatful for that and I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
God in Everyday Life
I had an interesting week this past week. A lot happened which I knew was going to happen but I wasn't quiet prepared for it to happen. And yes, I am trying to be ambiguous as possible. I just want to say that it was such a week that you feel that three months were packed into three days. But I survived and I feel stronger for it.
I want to write about this because I felt the power of God in my life during the last couple of days. He gave me little presents for which I'm very grateful. You know, those things that happen and they only happen because there is a God. It is unmistakable where such little things come from because they just don't happen. Something greater than us mortals on Earth has to make them happen. I hadn't talked to anyone about what was thinking or going through and yet God sent people to me that helped me through the last couple of days.
All that I can say is that God knows who I am. He has told me that I am of great worth. He cared enough about me to sent me people to me to help me because I prayed and asked for help. It is that simple!
The semester is going to end soon. I have about three weeks left. It is incredible how quickly time goes. I feel just yesterday, I was complaining because it was the middle of the semester and I had so much time left. Everyday is a new day. We can have a new beginning every day. We just have to wake up and say, it is a new day, lets see what I cam make of it. There is hope because God sent his son Jesus Christ. What a perfect plan.
I want to write about this because I felt the power of God in my life during the last couple of days. He gave me little presents for which I'm very grateful. You know, those things that happen and they only happen because there is a God. It is unmistakable where such little things come from because they just don't happen. Something greater than us mortals on Earth has to make them happen. I hadn't talked to anyone about what was thinking or going through and yet God sent people to me that helped me through the last couple of days.
All that I can say is that God knows who I am. He has told me that I am of great worth. He cared enough about me to sent me people to me to help me because I prayed and asked for help. It is that simple!
The semester is going to end soon. I have about three weeks left. It is incredible how quickly time goes. I feel just yesterday, I was complaining because it was the middle of the semester and I had so much time left. Everyday is a new day. We can have a new beginning every day. We just have to wake up and say, it is a new day, lets see what I cam make of it. There is hope because God sent his son Jesus Christ. What a perfect plan.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Religious Art
This past week I went to the Museum of Art here on Brigham Young University campus. We looked at part of the religious collection that was on display. One of them was the this Carl Bloch painting of Jesus at the pools of Bathesda. Having been in Jerusalem, the pools were one of my favorite spots in the city. It is a peaceful place with little tourist traffic. There is a great church next to the pools that is simple and clean. It was under construction when I was there but it was still quiet.
It was interesing to contemplate what happened there. How many people would go to the pools for the market or to be healed? How busy was it? What was it like? Then there came a day when Jesus came. He told this invalid, take thy bed up and walk. Christ healed him.
How many times are we waiting at the pool and we can't get up? We all have problems, questions, distractions. We only have turn to the savior who is sitting there waiting to heal us.
Brigham Young University owns the original painting. Any reproduction has does little justice to the real painting. I would like to thank www.carlbloch.com for the image which is posted on my blog. What a wonderful painting by a gifted artist.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Trials of Life
Life is full of problems. I've seen many in my life. I've seen friends addicted to alchohol. I've had friends get pregnant in high school. I've seen get sick and die. There is no shortage of hard things in life.
In one of my classes, we've been talking about genocide. What causes people to murder others? Does that mean that God doesn't exsist? Does life get so bad that it is not worth it?
I would say God does exsist and life is always worth it. Unfortunately terrrible things happen, but we have a decision to make. We can use a bad situation to become bitter or we can grow and become better. Luckily, We have the Savior Jesus Christ, who is able to help us through our problems. We only have to pray to him. In the end, when we rely on Jesus Christ and pray to our Father in Heaven, we come to know them better. We can develop a true relationship with them. But like I said, we must first try and pray to them.
In one of my classes, we've been talking about genocide. What causes people to murder others? Does that mean that God doesn't exsist? Does life get so bad that it is not worth it?
I would say God does exsist and life is always worth it. Unfortunately terrrible things happen, but we have a decision to make. We can use a bad situation to become bitter or we can grow and become better. Luckily, We have the Savior Jesus Christ, who is able to help us through our problems. We only have to pray to him. In the end, when we rely on Jesus Christ and pray to our Father in Heaven, we come to know them better. We can develop a true relationship with them. But like I said, we must first try and pray to them.
Monday, March 2, 2009
History Symposium
I attended BYU's Church History Symposium this past week. Being a history major it was interesting to see historians at work. The first breakout session that I attended was entitled "The Gensis of Mormon Historical Writing." I, being in a historical writing class, thought the discussion would focus on historical writing. I was wrong. It was rather boring actually. The next session I attended was about Andew Jensen. He was a Church Historian who traveled basically around the world gathering information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was interesting. The last session I attended was about women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was more postmodernist in nature. It seemed to be more of the 'history' that I've been studying in my history 200 class.
One of the keynote speakers was Elder Marlin K. Jensen. He is currently the Church Historian. He said that history is inseperable from reality. He argued that we, as LDS Church members, cannot understand today and what the Church represents today without learning the past. That is why we, as members of the Church, should be students of Church history. Not bad for me who is already a student of history.
Another note from my life this past week. I had a nephew that was baptized. I was also able to study about baptism this past week. Baptism is an ordiance. It is an act, which we preform with true authority, to make a covenant with God. A covenant is a two-way promise. We promise God to follow His commandments and represent Jesus Christ while He promises us to have a remission of sins and the Holy Ghost. What an opportunity everyone has to make a covenant with God. We are able to see his power in our lives.
One of the keynote speakers was Elder Marlin K. Jensen. He is currently the Church Historian. He said that history is inseperable from reality. He argued that we, as LDS Church members, cannot understand today and what the Church represents today without learning the past. That is why we, as members of the Church, should be students of Church history. Not bad for me who is already a student of history.
Another note from my life this past week. I had a nephew that was baptized. I was also able to study about baptism this past week. Baptism is an ordiance. It is an act, which we preform with true authority, to make a covenant with God. A covenant is a two-way promise. We promise God to follow His commandments and represent Jesus Christ while He promises us to have a remission of sins and the Holy Ghost. What an opportunity everyone has to make a covenant with God. We are able to see his power in our lives.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Crandall Printing Museum
I went to the Crandall Printing Museum this week. I've heard about it over and over again while I've been here at BYU. I finally went. It was really good. Take a look at the website:
http://crandallmuseum.org/
They have three presses. They have a working model of the Gutenburg press. They even demonstrated how he made the letters. I think that was my favorite part.
They also have a replica of Benjamine Franklin's press. They discussed the power that printing had in the colonies. Franklin was able to print some 500,000 copies of Paine's "Common Sense." There were only two million colonists at that point. That means that one out of every four people could read "Common Sense." They argued that without the press the American Revolution would have never occured. It unified the colonists.
Next we saw a press that is a replica of the press that printed the Book of Mormon. The museum showed us the entire process of printing the Book of Mormon. The printer printed 5,000 books in seven months. It was extreamly fast. The museum said they reset a new page every two minutes. It was incredible that they printed that many books that fast.
We take books and printed material for granted. It is so easy to hop onto the web and learn something. But do we really learn? What power books have in our lives. I'm greatful for the Book of Mormon. It is one book that has changed my life.
http://crandallmuseum.org/
They have three presses. They have a working model of the Gutenburg press. They even demonstrated how he made the letters. I think that was my favorite part.
They also have a replica of Benjamine Franklin's press. They discussed the power that printing had in the colonies. Franklin was able to print some 500,000 copies of Paine's "Common Sense." There were only two million colonists at that point. That means that one out of every four people could read "Common Sense." They argued that without the press the American Revolution would have never occured. It unified the colonists.
Next we saw a press that is a replica of the press that printed the Book of Mormon. The museum showed us the entire process of printing the Book of Mormon. The printer printed 5,000 books in seven months. It was extreamly fast. The museum said they reset a new page every two minutes. It was incredible that they printed that many books that fast.
We take books and printed material for granted. It is so easy to hop onto the web and learn something. But do we really learn? What power books have in our lives. I'm greatful for the Book of Mormon. It is one book that has changed my life.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Joseph in Jail
First, I must say that this has been an awesome weekend. Valentine's day was perfect, I did go out with that special someone and I didn't have school on Monday. Let me just say it was hard to go to school this morning.
This past week, we have been discussing Joseph Smith's experience in Liberty Jail. He was incarcerated for about five months. He was being held on faulty charges. It was a very trying time for him, and for all the members of the early church. There is one passage which I would like to quote.
"If the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore, hold on they way,, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannont pass... fear not what man can do for God shall be with you forever and ever." (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-9)
God was comforting Joseph in a time when Joseph felt nothing was going right. We too must have faith and trust in God. Only then will we be able to make it though, because we are linked with God by the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
This past week, we have been discussing Joseph Smith's experience in Liberty Jail. He was incarcerated for about five months. He was being held on faulty charges. It was a very trying time for him, and for all the members of the early church. There is one passage which I would like to quote.
"If the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore, hold on they way,, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannont pass... fear not what man can do for God shall be with you forever and ever." (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-9)
God was comforting Joseph in a time when Joseph felt nothing was going right. We too must have faith and trust in God. Only then will we be able to make it though, because we are linked with God by the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
What is a Temple?
Any ancient civilizations had temples. The Greeks, the Egyptians, the Romans, the Israelites, and I'm sure the list could go on. I had a civilization course last semester, and we discussed how temples connect men with God.
Latter-day Saints also have temples. Just as in ancient times, Latter-day Saint temples connect us with God. There, in the temple, we are able to learn what blessings God has for us, as his children. Temples give us direction. Temples give us a refuge.
Under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the early Mormon Saints built the Latter-day temple in Kirkland, Ohio. They later built a temple in Nauvoo, which was later burned. We now have over 120 temples.
Two weeks ago, I was able to go to the Draper Temple open house with my family. It was a beautiful building. The temple reminds me that I can be sealed with my family for eternity. What a wonderful blessing.
Here is a link to the Draper Temple Openhouse. Anyone can get tickets and see it.
http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/draper/
Latter-day Saints also have temples. Just as in ancient times, Latter-day Saint temples connect us with God. There, in the temple, we are able to learn what blessings God has for us, as his children. Temples give us direction. Temples give us a refuge.
Under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the early Mormon Saints built the Latter-day temple in Kirkland, Ohio. They later built a temple in Nauvoo, which was later burned. We now have over 120 temples.
Two weeks ago, I was able to go to the Draper Temple open house with my family. It was a beautiful building. The temple reminds me that I can be sealed with my family for eternity. What a wonderful blessing.
Here is a link to the Draper Temple Openhouse. Anyone can get tickets and see it.
http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/draper/
Monday, February 2, 2009
What is heaven really like?
This last week we had a test. I hope there aren't tests in heaven. That is all I can say. We have been discussing the life after this one. To me, it is an important question. I'm sure there is not a human being alive that hasn't thought about what is after death, if there is anything. I think it is natural for people to think about such things.
Joseph Smith was reading in John 5:29. John writes that the good, meaning people, shall come to a resurrection of life, and the evil will come to a resurrection of evil. Joseph Smith thought about this and had some questions. He asked God and recieved revelation which is now in the Doctrine and Covenants section 76.
We believe heaven has three degrees of glory. We will be resurrected to one of these glories. 1 Corinthians 15:40-42 puts it this way, "There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrrestial but the glory of the celestisal is one and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead."
We believe that after we are resurrected, we will live in different glories, some people comparable to the sun, some to the moon, and some comparable to the stars. It is up to us, to do what God has commanded so we are able to reach the highest glory.
Joseph Smith was reading in John 5:29. John writes that the good, meaning people, shall come to a resurrection of life, and the evil will come to a resurrection of evil. Joseph Smith thought about this and had some questions. He asked God and recieved revelation which is now in the Doctrine and Covenants section 76.
We believe heaven has three degrees of glory. We will be resurrected to one of these glories. 1 Corinthians 15:40-42 puts it this way, "There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrrestial but the glory of the celestisal is one and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead."
We believe that after we are resurrected, we will live in different glories, some people comparable to the sun, some to the moon, and some comparable to the stars. It is up to us, to do what God has commanded so we are able to reach the highest glory.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Beginning of Dave's Religion Blog
Hello! I'm David Sessions. I am a student at Brigham Young University. I am currently in a religion class in which we have a project to blog for the entire semester. This blog will mostly be about religion, my personal thoughts about religion, and what role it plays in my life. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In other words, I am a Mormon.
The idea for this project came from a talk given by Elder M. Russell Ballard. He is an apostle of Jesus Christ. In our church we believe that Jesus has established his Church again and called twelve apostles. Elder Ballard is one of these men.
His talk, "Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet" suggests to engage in conversations over the internet about our church. In this way people have opportunity to see how our church effects individual lives.
When I was in Poland serving a mission, I was talking with some people who were interested. They wondered who we were, what we were doing, and they wanted to see if it was for them. Unfortunately, after our first conversation, they went home, looked up Mormon on the internet and found loads of false information.
Therefore, it is my goal to show how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints effects my life. Hopefully others, with the help of this blog, may see past the false misconceptions and truely understand my beliefs.
Mam nadzieje tez pisac troche po polsku aby miec rozmowy z polakami na te temat. Jestem troche ograniczony jezykiem polskim ale chce tak sie starac
Here are some helpful links:
www.mormon.org
www.mormoni.pl
www.lds.org
Here is the link to Elder Ballards talk about sharing the gospel through the internet.
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=72443645a2cba110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1
The idea for this project came from a talk given by Elder M. Russell Ballard. He is an apostle of Jesus Christ. In our church we believe that Jesus has established his Church again and called twelve apostles. Elder Ballard is one of these men.
His talk, "Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet" suggests to engage in conversations over the internet about our church. In this way people have opportunity to see how our church effects individual lives.
When I was in Poland serving a mission, I was talking with some people who were interested. They wondered who we were, what we were doing, and they wanted to see if it was for them. Unfortunately, after our first conversation, they went home, looked up Mormon on the internet and found loads of false information.
Therefore, it is my goal to show how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints effects my life. Hopefully others, with the help of this blog, may see past the false misconceptions and truely understand my beliefs.
Mam nadzieje tez pisac troche po polsku aby miec rozmowy z polakami na te temat. Jestem troche ograniczony jezykiem polskim ale chce tak sie starac
Here are some helpful links:
www.mormon.org
www.mormoni.pl
www.lds.org
Here is the link to Elder Ballards talk about sharing the gospel through the internet.
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=72443645a2cba110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1
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