Stray Ordinances

Doctrine & Covenants 1: 12-17

12 Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh; 

The Lord is nigh, we better prepare. Prepare for what exactly? Why will preparation  be necessary for that which is to come, even The Lord? 

13 And the anger of the Lord is kindled, and his sword is bathed in heaven, and it shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth. 

Why is the anger of The Lord kindled? Is His "anger" related to Him being "nigh" and us not beholding Him? Why would a loving God's anger be kindled just because He is nigh and we refuse to enter into His Presence? Why would I need to enter His Presence? (See Ether 3:13). I'm not feeling comfortable with this "angry" God. I am getting a dark feeling from these words given us in D&C. 

14 And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; 

The Arm of The Lord SHALL be revealed. His anger is kindled because of this predicament. He SHALL reveal His Arm, and the only way for mankind to survive that revealing of His Arm is to have already beheld Him, in the flesh, while He was simply "nigh".  But we would not!

14 (continued:) and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people; 

More clarity: we must hear His Voice. Either directly from Him to us, or from His servants, and then to give heed to those Voices. Heed meaning we actually act, and do what God and His servants tell us to do. 

Who are the "prophets"? Who are the "servants"? Who are the "Apostles"? Is anyone with a title of Prophet, Apostle or servant automatically who I must give heed to? Are there going to be false prophets or false apostles? If so, how do I know the difference between a true prophet and a false one? 

One test the scriptures give is,

  "By their fruits ye shall know them," Mathew 7:15-16. 

So if thats the test, then the question is,  what are "fruits? Fruits could be identified as "good people" or "good behavior". We can look about us and see if people are behaving in a "good fruit" kind of way. But as we all know, we can be deceived by appearances. We all have experienced the seemingly wonderful person who appeared to have good fruit then commit heinous acts. So there must be another way to understand "fruit".  I mean Joel Osteen doesn't have poop all over him does he?   (Bad Monty Python humor aside). He looks like a guy I could get behind. So we need to know what the fruit is, by which we must judge the matter correctly.  

If the fruit is more than mere appearances, does this passage in D&C itself identify the "fruit" we should use to determine the matter correctly? The next verse gives us a hint of what bad fruit looks like:

15 For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant; 

Does this identify the fruit? If ordinances being changed is "fruit", can we determine if changes to ordinances are a fact or not? It's interesting that we are given a charge to follow God and or His servants, prophets and apostles, and the next verse speaks of changed ordinances! It's almost as if God could see us, the LDS church and how badly we have changed and mangled the ordinances. 

If we do not use changing the ordinances as the "fruit," would false use of titles, signs, phrases and mirror images of the real thing still possibly deceive even the very elect without a proper and correct understanding of fruit? In other words, if we judge fruit as only behavior we may find ourselves part of a vain, false body of "chosen" people who are being deceived and led astray. 

If we use the measuring stick embedded in Christ's words to Joseph as our guide, we can easily and clearly see if the "prophets" and "apostles" and servants we are giving heed to are the real thing. 

Here is a list of three things the LDS church has changed since Joseph died. 

1. Baptism. Up until the early 1900's we performed baptisms for healing and repentance in the Temples. We no longer are allowed by those holding the keys to the temple to do this. We also no longer follow the doctrine of Christ which establishes how to determine whether to baptize someone or not. If we deny baptism based on tithe paying or swearing fealty to men have we changed the ordinance?

2. Sacrament. Up until Heber J. Grant (and coincidentally during a time of prohibition on alcohol  by our government, which brings up questions on who is in fact making these decisions, the "prophet" or the government?) we used wine for the sacrament. We also took it two times on Sundays, where now we only take it once. We reject Christ's own doctrine and His very words given us in the truest book on earth as outlined in both 2 Nephi 31-32, and 3 Nephi. 

3. Temple ordinances. In 1990 the leadership removed portions of the endowment and changed the ordinance drastically. They did not claim revelation on the matter, rather they explained that they had the keys to make the changes, so they did so. In 1994 more changes were made. 

I give no judgement on these changes, other than to point them out. I sustain the 15 men, and I am a member of the LDS church in good standing. I am not challenging their right to make all these changes. I am simply pointing out that changes to our core ordinances have in fact occurred. Therefore, IF, the fruit to measure a true prophet or apostle is based on whether ordinances have been changed (which is how to judge it according to Christ in this passage), then the everlasting covenant has been broken. 

The next verse also gives some clues to the fruit of true vs. false prophets:

16 They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall. 

So if "they seek not The Lord" is bad fruit, what does "seek not The Lord" mean? Does it have anything to do with not "establishing His Righteousness"? And "every man walking in his own way"?

1. Seek not The Lord to establish His Righteousness. 

Go back to verse 12. Prepare ye for God is nigh. Receive Him now in this life, or when He comes, and He is coming, and if you do not, then His anger is kindled because ye have ever abused His laws. The Lord wants to establish His Righteousness in you. If you comprehend that, then you know some of what God is trying to bring about in your person, so that you can abide the day of His coming when He comes again with Vengeance and Fury to burn the wicked. Seek The Lord with the intention of letting God establish HIS Righteousness in you, rather than you trying to cram God into your tiny New Testament image of God. 

2. Every man Walketh in his own way, after the image of his own God, whose image is in the likeness of the world. 

Does "Walketh in his own way" mean not following another man? Or does it mean to not follow Christ?  Can I be following other men and still be walking in my own way after the image of a God, my God, whose image is in the likeness of the world? Is our view of who God is more mainstream Christian now than it was in Joseph's day? Have we changed the basic knowledge and understanding of who God is to fit into and be more like other Christians? Have we distanced ourselves from Joseph's teachings which God vouched for, such as scripture we have removed from our canon, the Lectures on Faith? What is our treatment of the King Follet Sermon? Have we changed basic principles of Gods nature to be popular and more accepted by other Christians? Are we breaking into pieces Babylon or is Babylon breaking us into pieces by our renouncing of our core doctrines? 

President Hinckley denounced the King Follet Sermon as an antiquated "couplet" that "is hardly taught anymore". A committee removed the Lectures on Faith on the 1920's from our scriptures. The Lectures on Faith is described in the Joseph Smith Papers by Joseph Smith, as the "doctrine" of the Doctrine and Covenants. It was voted in as scripture in 1835 by every priesthood body and the general membership. The committee said, "it was not meant as scripture" and took it out. We are left with The book of Covenants, although we pretend we still have the Doctrine and Covenants. We keep the name you see, and that helps us in our apostate status before God to not notice how very far off from the faith Joseph gave us we really are. 

Continuing with D&C:

17 Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments;  (D&C 1)

What exactly is the "calamity" which should come upon us? What is the topic of this entire passage? That's right! It is to behold the face of God! The calamity is us, mankind, the LDS church included, not entering the Presence of God and being redeemed from the fall. And that redemption does not come from participating in a temple re-enactment or play. It comes in the only way it ever came or comes. That is, as Mohonri is taught in Ether 3, by Christ Himself. 

13 "behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you. 

14 Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters. (Book of Mormon, Ether, Ether 3)

Jesus Christ was prepared from the foundation of the world to bring us each back into his Presence and redeem us from the fall. This is the way. It is the only way. The temple points to this, but is not it. To believe on His name and become His sons and daughters requires us to do as Mohonri, Adam, and his sons,  Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph of Egypt, Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, Joseph, Enos, King Benjamin, Abinadi, Alma and Alma, Ammon, Aaron & buds, Captain Moroni, brothers Nephi and Lehi, Nephi at Christ's coming, Mormon, Moroni, Ether (and a whole bunch of dudes in Ethers book), and Joseph Smith have all done. That is, enter into His Presence and be redeemed from the fall. This life is the time to prepare to meet God! If you wait to experience this until after death it is everlastingly too late ( at least in this round) and you will desire the rocks to fall upon you and hide you from Gods Presence. 

Prepare ye, prepare ye! For The Lord is nigh, even at the doors! Will ye not open up to Him? Come ye out from the world and the vain and foolish worship of your fathers! Let Him kindle a fire in you, now, on the earth, while ye are yet in the flesh, so that He will not kindle a flame upon you at His coming which will burn you up, root and branch! For the Arm of The Lord is revealed, and those who will not hear My Voice in the words of My servant will not abide the day. For the least of them is now among you, and ye know it not, and if ye will hearken unto My Voice,  you will hearken unto his words. For his words are My words Thus saith The Lord God Almighty! Prepare ye the Kingdom, that I may come and dwell inside those who will have Me to be their God! Hear ye the Counsel of The Lord! Flee, Flee from the great harlot who sitteth  upon the waters that My people may not drink of the waters of Life freely! The day of Salvation is here. I AM Come. 

Something afoot

There is something afoot!

18 And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people; (Book of Mormon, Mosiah, Mosiah 15)

"now we find ourselves here, in this cycle of creation, and once again the game’s AFOOT. Once again we are left to choose between good and evil. Once again we are asked to exercise great faith and to rise up. We are once again in a position in which it is possible to qualify here and now for what will come after. You have the opportunity before you today. Choose good.

At this moment you have the opportunity to exercise exceeding faith. Choose faith.

You have the opportunity at this moment, in this dark place where we presently reside, to be identified by your good works, to become proven to God. Then, for the next cycle of creation, His foreknowledge of you will include the record of your exceeding faith and good works from here.

Do not think this is a peculiar doctrine. This is part of the Gospel and set out in the scriptures. Creation is cyclical.

"And thus they have been called to this holy calling on account of their faith, while others would reject the Spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds, while, if it had not been for this they might have had as great privilege as their brethren." 

Don't have a hard heart. Don't be blinded by the lies, the half-truths, and the incomplete things that you are taught by those who are trifling with your souls. You may disagree with me, and you are entitled to do so, but God cares about your salvation and offers it to you. But you must rise up to become like Him, and we have no time to idle away with foolish cares. We have no time to waste participating in false, vain and foolish religion." 

O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people!!

If you are not aware of the work God is doing right now in December 2014 upon the earth, you should look around you. Look to The Lord who is mighty to save. 

"[F]or ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." (2 Cor. 6: 16.) 

"I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God; wherefore, gird up your loins and I will suddenly come to my temple." (D&C 36: 8; see also D&C 133: 2-3, 3 Ne. 24: 1.)

How does one get redemption from the fall? Is it by girding up our loins (becoming pure in heart) and then He, God will come to your temple? Is that even possible? Required? Isn't going to the temple enough? Aren't we guaranteed redemption from men? Hasn't God given His Power to men? We do not need to see Christ do we?

"Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you. (Book of Mormon, Ether 3)

 Behold, the Christ!

Christ's Church

"My Church"

Who or what is "the Church?"

D&C 10 says this on the question:

53 And for this cause have I said: If this generation harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them. 

The Lord is making an "if-then" statement here. It is not automatic. Something is required to have Christ's church established among us. Something other than being baptized or joining. That something is to "harden not their hearts". If we desire to belong to His church we must know what The Lord means when He says to "harden not our hearts.  So what does it mean to "harden not" your heart?

54 Now I do not say this to destroy my church, but I say this to build up my church; 

55 Therefore, whosoever belongeth to my church need not fear, for such shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. 

Don't fear this "if-then" statement. "It's ok", I can almost The Lord say! If you really do belong to "My church", says The Lord, you don't need to be afraid. For those who really do belong to His church, will at some future point, inherent the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Here is some clarity spoken by The Lord: His Church and His Kingdom are not the same thing. Those who conflate the two are trying to keep you from attaining His kingdom, which is the purpose of His church. The one leads to the other. The church is the "means", and the Kingdom is the "ends". To conflate the two is to believe you've already attained something you haven't, and leads to an "all is well in Zion" mentality, which damns any who believe it. You cannot get off your rear-end and move yourself to where you need to be if you already believe you have arrived at your goal. You must first awaken to the reality that you need to enter into another place of residence: the Kingdom of Heaven! And Christ's church is designed to help us inherent Christ's Kingdom. 

56 But it is they who do not fear me, neither keep my commandments but build up churches unto themselves to get gain, yea, and all those that do wickedly and build up the kingdom of the devil—yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that it is they that I will disturb, and cause to tremble and shake to the center. 

Here is more clarity! Who is it that should fear?? Yes, those who break His commandments! What commandments? Here told by Christ, that those who are "building up churches unto themselves to get gain", need fear. 

So far we have those NOT OF his church:

1.  "harden their hearts"

2. Fear not Christ 

3.  Keep not His commandments

4. What Commandments? 

Don't build up churches for our own gain

If you do the above you are:

1. wicked

2. Building up the kingdom of the devil

God will disturb, cause to tremble and shake to the center these. 

We also have those of His church:

1. God will establish His church to this who harden not their hearts

2. If we belong to His church we need not fear

3. We need not fear because His church will inherit His Kingdom

 Who benefits from the LDS church's business holdings? Who receives a "modest stipend" and free designer clothing, and access to the largest car fleet in the U.S.? What families "gains" from the "church's" businesses? Does the fact that the church could have built 150 temples with the money they used for City Creek Mall benefit the members or a few elite and select few leaders along with their family and friends? The LDS church's leadership is among the highest paid clergy in the world. 

Interesting... Fear and tremble if you benefit from your church, or if you get "gain" from your church? Getting gain, by this definition of Christ's, are those that "harden their hearts". 

Hardening of the heart and fearing not The Lord, and keeping not His commandments does NOT refer to disobeying your leaders, (according to Christ) rather it is referring to those who gain or profit or make a living off a church, and that church which delivers gain to its leaders, can only ever be, and always has been and ever will be, the Devil's church. 

Don't be upset with me.  Here we have Christ's definition of "harden not their hearts." If this upsets you think about who is speaking in this scripture. It's His definition. Be careful whose words you condemn. The next verse He claims the words as His. 

57 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. 

58 I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. 

59 I am he who said—Other sheep have I which are not of this fold—unto my disciples, and many there were that understood me not. 

60 And I will show unto this people that I had other sheep, and that they were a branch of the house of Jacob; 

61 And I will bring to light their marvelous works, which they did in my name; 

--These are Christ's Words. 

--It's His light which the wicked do not comprehend. 

--Christ has "other sheep" outside the hierarchy of whatever institutions which have ever been built up by men as "a church unto themselves for gain". From the Jews to the Catholics to the Mormons, the history is the same, and God ALWAYS has "other sheep" prepared, and

--These sheep will do Marvelous "Works". If you know what this means you will recognize these "other sheep" when they come among you. For they will perform and will manifest the very Powers of Godliness rather than just imitating a form of it. These "other sheep" are a branch of the House of Jacob because they come from The Lord bearing His message, and performing His works, and by the performance of their righteous works they become the house of God, the house of El. 

62 Yea, and I will also bring to light my gospel which was ministered unto them, and, behold, they shall not deny that which you have received, but they shall build it up, and shall bring to light the true points of my doctrine, yea, and the only doctrine which is in me. 

Who is going to do this? Is it some church or organization? Is it Christ Himself? Who is Christ bringing to light His gospel to? Is it the "other sheep" of which He spoke?

Why and what shall these other sheep "not deny", that those given this revelation do deny? Yes, they (His other sheep) will NOT deny "that which you have received", or in other words, they won't deny the "true points of [Christ's] doctrine" as this group being addressed in D&C 10 (the LDS today) has denied or will deny in our day. Only those in possession of D&C 10 would qualify as having "received" and then "denying" these points of His true doctrine. This refusal to receive is prophesied of us, the church, by Christ Himself! A new group of "other sheep" will not deny the true points of His doctrine and will thereby lay hold upon the blessings offered and promised. 

63 And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them. 

God is doing this all to establish His gospel so that there won't be so much contention. 

Contention... The Lord doesn't like it. What does it mean? Arguing? Fighting? Or does it mean what The Lord means here? The Lord is saying that contention is fighting against "the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not."  Contention is when we fight against Gods truth and light, when we err in the true points of His doctrine, wresting the scriptures in that we don't understand them. Contention is not whether we disagree or even argue about things. Contention is a refusal to accept Christ's true points of doctrine the way He ordains it compared to the way men offer it. 

64 Therefore, I will unfold unto them this great mystery; 

65 For, behold, I will gather them as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if they will not harden their hearts; 

Here is a mystery!? Why is the idea of God gathering "them" (His other sheep) a mystery?? What is so mysterious about that? Is it a mystery because we have wrested the scriptures to support our vain, foolish, "trust in the arm of flesh" (prophet can't lead you astray), all is well in Zion doctrine? We will see why this is "mysterious" to those who ascribe to such nonsense. 

God can and will always do His work, which is, to gather another group (other sheep) as long as they don't harden their hearts! (Seek to get gain from a church). How beautiful! How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him who publisheth Peace!! The "chosen" people always think their chosen status means God cannot and will not ever gather "other sheep"! So this becomes a mystery precisely because the "chosen", look beyond the mark and are blind to Gods work, which is laid out in plainness right before them. They ignore the truth while they toil away in the devils kingdom all the while claiming keys and royal priesthood and lineage (imagined or literal) will save them. It didn't save the Jews, it didn't save the children of Israel, it didn't save Laman and Lemuel, or any of the other "firstborn", older sons who lost their birthright because they didn't think God ever could or would gather "other sheep" or pass the birthright on to others! 

66 Yea, if they will come, they may come, and partake of the waters of life freely. 

Any people, anytime God decides to do so, can partake of the waters of life freely!  The "waters of life" are here referring to the waters of baptism! How do we know this? We will see below. 

67 Behold, this is my doctrine—whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church. 

68 Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me; therefore he is not of my church. 

Here is the definition of "My (Christ's) church": "repent and come unto Christ".  That's it. No swearing fealty to an organization or it's president, no requirement to pay tithes. It's free! Do you believe in Christ, and have you repented? You're in!!

38 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. 

39 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. 

40 And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them. (Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi, 3 Nephi 11)

If any declare more or less than this simple doctrine of Christ, they "come of evil," "the gates of hell stand open to receive such", and "the same is not of me, but is against me; therefore he is not of my church."

The waters of life are here defined by Christ, using almost the exact same language and phrasing as He did to Joseph in section 10, as baptism. This is His church. This is His doctrine. 

69 And now, behold, whosoever is of my church, and endureth of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. 

70 And now, remember the words of him who is the life and light of the world, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Amen. (Doctrine and Covenants, Doctrine and Covenants, D&C 10)

This is the redeemer speaking. These are His words. If anyone has a problem with these words, then take it up with Christ. For these are a His words. If any think those who follow these words are apostate, then take it up with Christ. For they are His words. If I'm given the choice between being "apostate" from God, or "apostate from men, I choose apostasy from men. I'm done being apostate from my Lord. I'm His. I'm all in. 

I am in your midst!

D&C 6:32-37 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them - even so am I in the midst of you. Fear not to do good, MY SONS, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward. Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for IF "ye" are BUILT UPON "MY ROCK", "they" cannot prevail. Behold, I  DO NOT CONDEMN you, go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you. Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. BEHOLD the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen. (My emphasis in caps) 

Ok let's parse this: 

Who is speaking? 

To Whom is Christ speaking? 

Why would "His sons" be able to "fear not" after this REVELATION? 

What is it "ye" must be built on? 

What Rock? 

What is the nature of the Rock to be built on? 

Is it any Rock we find that LOOKS like a good rock? 

How would one know if they were on the  true Rock of Christ if they did NOT UNDERSTAND THE TRUE NATURE OF GOD!? 

What does the phrase, "I  DO NOT CONDEMN you" mean for those Christ is speaking to? 

Does this scripture automatically apply to me or to all who thereafter read this passage? 

What does Christ command the witnesses to this revelation to do? 

Why would He need to command them to behold? 

What is it they behold? 

Does this "beholding" have anything to do with: 

1. Fearing not? 

2. Of Christ being in the midst where two or three are gathered together in my name? 

3. Of being His Sons/daughters? 

4. Doing good? 

5. Sowing and then reaping? 

6. Having the capacity to "build upon My Rock? 

7. To not being condemned? 

8. To having the capacity to "sin no more"? 

9.  To having the capacity to "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not." 

10. Earth and hell NOT prevailing over them? 

How are they qualified or prepared to be able to "behold"? 

Is it because Christ has named them a son, and condemned them not, or in other words, He took away their sins? 

If their sins are taken away are they "sinless"? 

If sinless, and a son, are they not begotten? 

Why does this description of them receiving this so resemble the attributes of Christ as our Savior? 

What exactly is going on here? 

Have you beheld Salvation? 

41 Behold, here is wisdom concerning the children of Zion, even many, but not all; they were found transgressors, therefore they must needs be chastened— 

42 He that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that abaseth himself shall be exalted. 

43 And now, I will show unto you a parable, that you may know my will concerning the redemption of Zion. (Doctrine and Covenants, Doctrine and Covenants, D&C 101)

"they were found transgressors"

Transgressors of what?

"He that exalteth himself"

Do we exalt ourselves when we assume we have the same blessing as those who have stood in the Presence of Christ, and beheld His body and His wounds? In other words, do we exalt ourselves when we assume that when 2 or 3 of us are gathered together that Christ is in our midst? Have we received what those in this scripture received? 

If we haven't, then He may not be in the midst if us, and to assume as much is the height of vanity and pride. Him in our midst would be reserved for those who received all that was given in the revelation and manifestation to those present that day. If we have that, then when we gather, He IS in our midst indeed!

Nibley on the devil

"There is a precedent for the bit of faking--a most distinguished one. Satan, being neither stupid nor inexperienced, knows the value of a pleasing appearance--there are times when it pays to appear even as an angel of light. He goes farther than that, however, to assure that success of his masquerade (given out since the days of Adam) as a picturesquely repulsive figure--a four-star horror with claws, horns, or other obvious trimmings. With that idea firmly established, he can operate with devastating effectiveness as a very proper gentleman, a handsome and persuasive salesman. He "decoys" our minds (a favorite word with Brigham Young) with false words and appearances. A favorite trick is to put the whole blame on sex. Sex can be a pernicious appetite, but it runs a poor second to the other. For example: We are wont to think of Sodom as the original sexpot, but according to all accounts "this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom": that great wealth made her people cruel and self-righteous. The worst sinners, according to Jesus, are not the harlots and publicans, but the religious leaders with their insistence on proper dress and grooming, their careful observance of all the rules, their precious concern for status symbols, their strict legality, their pious patriotism. Long hair, beards, necklaces, LSD and rock, Big Sur and Woodstock come and go, but Babylon is always there: rich, respectable, immovable.."

Hugh Nibley

http://publications.maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/fullscreen/?pub=1114&index=4

Unruly

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but cannot tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."  (John 3: 5-8.)

...the haircut becomes the test of virtue in a world where Satan deceives and rules by appearances. -Hugh Nibley

From a wise man, posted originally Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Nicodemus

When Christ taught publicly and could be heard daily, there was no need to approach Him at night in private.  However, Nicodemus, a Pharisee member of the Sanhedrin, came to Jesus to examine Him "by night" without his peers knowing that he was making this contact.  Christ knew the heart of Nicodemus, and put the matter squarely to him:

 

"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  (John 3: 3.)

 

The assertion made here is: 

 

"Verily, verily"--meaning that Christ was capable of announcing truth.

 

"I say unto thee"--meaning that Christ was capable of making commandments, establishing conditions, announcing the requirements for salvation.  Indeed, Christ was putting Himself into the position of Moses, becoming a lawgiver.

 

"Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of heaven." --meaning that if Nicodemus intended to see heaven, Christ was declaring the condition for entry.  Becoming a new creature was essential.  Without newness, new birth, a new approach to life, all things which Nicodemus followed would lead away from the kingdom of heaven.

Nicodemus responded: "How can a man be born again when he is old?  Can he enter the second time into the mother's womb, and be born? " (John 3: 4.)

 

This isn't a rhetorical or meaningless question, nor does it announce ignorance.  Nicodemus is testing Christ.  If this is a new lawgiver, and possessed the capacity to announce conditions for entry into heaven, then He needs to explain His meaning.  This is a Pharisee Rabbi, asking a young, new Rabbi to set the matter plainly.

Christ responded: "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  That which is born of flesh is flesh: and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but cannot tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."  (John 3: 5-8.)

Now it is put plainly:

 

Born as a new man, by water (baptism) and Spirit (receive Holy Ghost) is required to "enter into the kingdom of God."  Without receiving these new ordinances from the new officiators (John the Baptist and Christ), the old ordinances will no longer be accepted.  This is a call to Nicodemus to receive the new prophets then preaching. Without accepting these new prophets, he could not enter into God's kingdom.

 

Flesh is just flesh. What is required to be able to go where God is will require every person to receive a new Spirit, new life, and become connected with heaven.  

 

Heaven is unruly, unpredictable and blows without predictability.  The Spirit is unruly, requiring things which men do not anticipate.  It takes you places you have not been before.  You cannot just sit within the councils of the Sanhedrin and reason with men's understanding.  You must become inspired by a higher source.  You must accept that new direction from above, or you will never enter into God's kingdom.

Brilliant.  Christ taught the teacher.  Now the matter is put to him: Will he receive a new life, and leave the old one?  Will he become born again.

How hard it must have been for a man in Nicodemus' position to approach Christ.  The fact he came at night testifies to the discomfort of his circumstances.  Yet Christ, in patience, told him how to receive eternal life.

What a revealing encounter.  We are the richer in our understanding for it having occurred. 

End original post

Heaven is unruly, unpredictable and blows without predictability.  The Spirit is unruly, requiring things which men do not anticipate.  It takes you places you have not been before.  You cannot just sit within the councils of the Sanhedrin and reason with men's understanding.  You must become inspired by a higher source.  You must accept that new direction from above, or you will never enter into God's kingdom.

Pantomime

This from one who speaks the words of God.

Pantomime

The LDS Church has been extremely important in my journey back to God. I am grateful to them, even if readers think otherwise. I doubt that in my life I could have succeeded in understanding much at all about God if not for the LDS Church.

But I realize now the LDS Church has been like a pantomime portraying the truth, and not the real thing. You can learn a great deal by watching an illusion. The illusion portrays something true. It equipped me to visualize the true pathway, and to lay hold on it through faith. A church which will do that for its membership is a valuable thing indeed.

When mimes act out a pretense that there is a wall on the stage, as an audience we accept the premise because it is portrayed by the actors as if the invisible wall were really there. When a new actors enters the scene and walks toward the pretended wall, we all expect a collision-- because we know there is the pretense of a wall there, and the new character doesn't. They can't see it but we fully expect the pretense to govern the action. They don't know what's coming, but we do, because we have accepted the pretense. Then, sure enough, when the character hits the wall and falls down, we all laugh at the error. We just "know" there is a wall there because we've seen how every one of the mimes have portrayed it to our view. They've touched it, pushed against it, and walked around it. They made it "real" to us. It's funny the new character was unaware of it and had to be knocked down before joining in the group awareness of the pretended wall.

In the Broadway play Harvey (later a Jimmy Stewart movie), the title character was a non-existent giant rabbit. His existence was dependent upon pantomime by the other characters. But pantomime is not confined to comedy. It can be used to stage anything, including history. The art is valuable because it allows the audience's imagination to provide the walls, chairs, dishes, telephones, food and drink, all at no cost.

In like manner the LDS Church has been extremely useful in depicting an actual house of order, prayer, fasting, faith, learning, glory and sacrifice. We can visualize God having a controlling hand in it. We can imagine what it would be like to have an actual prophet to guide us in these latter days.We can imagine mantles put on, staffs of power wielded, and unseen forces supporting the onward movement rolling forth of a great work. Even if we must substitute one for another, we can use brick, mortar, gold and silver as if it were spiritual achievement. Because of our worship of wealth, we are easily led to substitute one for the other. It is a great act, and valuable for us to behold. It can fire our imagination and lead us to see it would be possible for God to provide something real.

I admire and appreciate the LDS Church. It has been indispensable for me to develop faith in God. I hope it lasts for some time yet, and succeeds in keeping active membership numbers sufficient to pay for its programs and publish the scriptures. I hope it keeps its temples running and performing the rites done there. I hope great numbers participate in the pantomime and pretend they are God's chosen people as they faithfully serve within the organization. No one is hurt from serving others. The pantomime is based on something true, and represents what we might have had if we were faithful.

But I also expect that as faith in God increases, the pantomime will give way to truth. The LDS Church is a useful tool, and should be used. But connecting with God should be at the end of that path.

One pantomime used to control church members is the pretense of "keys" (although that is not well defined, merely claimed). In the LDS Church all of the "priesthood keys" are claimed to be held exclusively by the highest officials (First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve) who are sustained as "prophets, seers and revelators." The church has published as the copyright holder a volume of teachings by President Joseph F. Smith titled Gospel Doctrine. This was originally compiled as a Priesthood Manual. It was recently abridged and reused as a Melchizedek and Relief Society Manual as part of the Teachings of the Presidents series. I mention this because the quote fits even the very narrow definition given by a member of the Church Correlation Committee last week at BYU's Education Week. It was from a President of the Church, given in General Conference, then published by the First Presidency, approved by both the First Presidency and Twelve, used in official church teaching to Melchizedek Priesthood quorums and therefore "doctrine" in even the most narrow of definitions

Here is a quote from Gospel Doctrine (which I could not find in the most recent manual) from President Joseph F. Smith about priesthood:

Then again, if it were necessary, though I do not expect the necessity will ever arise, and there was no man left on the earth holding the Melchizedek Priesthood, except an elder--that elder, by the inspiration of the Spirit of God and by the direction of the Almighty, could proceed, and should proceed, to organize the Church of Jesus Christ in all its perfection, because he holds the Melchizedek Priesthood. 

(Gospel Doctrine, p. 148.)

Therefore every elder can fully organize the church, and this implies nothing special would be lost or keys would go missing if it were done, because any church elder could do it. Where does the pretense begin and what is merely pantomime? The great pantomime of "keys" held only by the church's president in a fullness, is, when reduced to its final substance, the right to run the entire organization because of common consent. So Brigham Young was right after all. He claimed he acquired his authority by being elected to the same office as Joseph Smith. People have been testifying they "know" Brigham and his successors have the very things claimed about them. The pantomime has become reality.

To define "keys" Elder Oaks recently in General Conference could not do so without resorting to using the word "authority" to define its core. It is the right to control, and exercise authority. Yet the scriptures contradict this definition. They state plainly "no power or authority can, or ought, to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood." (D&C 121: 41.)

It is easier to seize control and demand obedience to authority than to persuade using gentleness and pure knowledge. (D&C 121: 41-42.) So the pantomime of "keys" substitutes organizational control for common consent, amalgamates authority and then demands uniformity. At some point perhaps the Saints will tire of the pantomime, seize control through common consent, and repent. But if not, the Lord has the ability to move His great work forward with or without a pantomime running alongside His work. He has something real to accomplish. He is about to do just that. When He does, however, we will all be required to choose between the pantomime and the reality.

Who will appoint time?

Jeremiah 50:44

"who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?"

My life, and my journey to awaken, have at times included:

1. revelation and knowledge from heaven first

2.  scholarly learning or scriptural validation after

 As I have proceeded, I have been blessed at these times to see truth vs. error in what is being taught, precisely because I knew from a heavenly source first, so that the learning I was receiving from the learning of men was a second witness, (or a false witness, depending on the content), which I could then discern between, because one was full of the light and truth, the other not, and thereby the true path became clear. 

I have also at times relied more on the words of others, and my mind has been darkened as I do this. Because from the words of men come  "belief". When belief  of other's words come FIRST, before the heavenly witness,  I must work backwards and get knowledge from God at the end, or after the belief, rather than at the beginning. ("Knowledge from God", meaning I KNOW a thing directly from God and my faith and belief are dormant in that thing) 

The solution is to step away; connect with God. This is an equation which has worked for me.  The amount of revelation I receive is in direct proportion to the amount of time spent seeking Him. The less time on mans opinions, the greater the heavenly outpouring. I love all discussion, and learn a great deal from others.  The Lord who can show me directly without any learning of men. Even if We know a thing, if We share that knowledge, those who receive it can only believe in it, until God shows them the truth of the matter Himself, at which time they know it, rather than just believe what was taught. 

What do I value most? If I want to receive what God is extending to me, I acquire that,  based upon law, which law is sacrifice, which in my experience has  always included as a minimum, a sacrifice first and foremost of my time; giving time to God has ALWAYS resulted in the heavens opening to me. 

The Lord is giving us an equation here: They "Who will appoint me the time", are the ones that God speaks to and comes to and become His friend. That is the law. 

"Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am; (D&C 93)

What sins must I forsake? Worshipping false idols or in other words, giving my time to Babylon. This scripture is all about TIME! You give time to God and you will know Him. If repentance means to "turn and face Him", that would necessarily mean time. 

Who will appoint time to the Holy One of Israel?

P. S. We have among us a friend of God, the Counsel of The Lord, sent to restore the truth so we can then heed it. "Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out". He gave this counsel in a dedication to Passing the Heavenly  Gift on this scripture from Jeremiah 50:

 "for those willing to take counsel and flee Babylon"

We "flee" in one sense by appointing to God our most precious of commodities: Time

Awaken oh my soul!

Open up your eyes 

Now you know dark and light 

Lift up your eyes, love 

Awaken oh my soul to a world so beautiful 

Open up your hands 

Be the love all you can 

Lift up your hands, love 

Awaken oh my soul to a world so beautiful 

Forsaking all I know for a love invisible 

And may all of the words you speak bring only life 

And may all of the thoughts you think bring only peace

Well awaken oh my soul to a world so beautiful 

Forgetting all I know for a love invisible

--Handsome and Gretel

The Call

"The Call"

 -by Regina Spektor

It started out as a feeling

Which then grew into a hope

Which then turned into a quiet thought

Which then turned into a quiet word

And then that word grew louder and louder

'Til it was a battle cry

I'll come back when you call me

No need to say goodbye

Just because everything's changing

Doesn't mean it's never been this way before

All you can do is try to know who your friends are

As you head off to the war

Pick a star on the dark horizon and follow the light

You'll come back when it's over

No need to say goodbye

You'll come back when it's over

No need to say goodbye

Now we're back to the beginning

It's just a feeling and no one knows yet

But just because they can't feel it too

Doesn't mean that you have to forget

Let your memories grow stronger and stronger

'Til they're before your eyes

You'll come back when they call you

No need to say goodbye

You'll come back when they call you

                                     No need to say goodbye