Mormon Direction

I read a recent August 2010 – Ensign article entitled, “Being Worthy to Enter the Temple”. It was a basic article on temple worthiness but the word “worthy” stood out in this article. As I focused on that single word, the word “exclusion” came into my mind.

I then began to pondered why many Non-Mormons attacked this LDS Church since the first day they heard the words from Joseph Smith speak about his First Vision and what God said to him. As I pondered, I began to see a pattern appear and the single word that would describe this pattern is the word “exclusion”. The word “exclusion” is to omit or to exclude.

What God said in the First Vision about other Christian churches was in fact, an act of exclusion by God and that appears to have triggered the sour resentment by others. There were others since Joseph Smith who claimed prophecy from God, but none have suffered the persecution and attacks more than this LDS Church, because none of the others have “excluded” other Christian creeds to the extent that God had in the First Vision and none received any visions equal to the First Vision by Joseph Smith.

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I found on YouTube some excellent videos posted by “AdventistaSampaguita”. I am supposing she is an Adventist, but that does not matter when it comes to such a blessing as her voice and her hymn songs. She has posted other videos on Youtube singing several hymns and it is a great pleasure and joy to my soul to listen. Good and blessed work found anywhere is praise worthy and this work by AdventistaSampaguita is clearly a blessing to her and to us from God.

Please take the time to listen and view some of her other musical videos, they are well worth it.

You would need to click the link to attend YouTube, the embedding of this video outside Youtube was restricted.

Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=389hE_hWO98

A while back, I posted an article about the use of the word “cult” against the latter-day Saints usually named as Mormons. That article ( http://mormondirection.com/2009/04/27/cult-misuse-use-of-the-webster-dictionary/ ) spoke of the misuse by people, even ex-mormons.

To add to that posting, here is an interesting video on YouTube displaying the meaning of a cult, the actual meaning and usage. How the video shows how the world at large, which includes the Anti-Mormons, their own cult like practices, but because the world at large condones and even promotes it, then such cult like practices are acceptable. It is the true religious and faithful practice of the Latter-day Saints that others dislike, as people in the world at large, which includes the Anti-Mormons and Ex-Mormons.

Interesting, we Latter-day Saints advocate the one true gospel, a single set of doctrines from Jesus Christ, even the revelation of Jesus Christ (D&C 84:1 / Galatians 1:12 ), yet the world at large advocates diverse doctrines that are not from Jesus Christ, but from worldly men.

This YouTube video is good and any truly reasonable person would agree.

View the video just below, or click this link for the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqr_09-Z5fU&feature=player_embedded

I always enjoy the truth, because it always gives light.

Amen

Yesterday, as I finished paying for some groceries at the cash till, another lady behind me went next. The lady asked for some cigarettes and the cash till clerk asked the lady for some identification, since she looked young. As the lady was getting her identification to prove her age, the cash till clerk stated in a guilty type of tone as she tried to excuse herself, saying, “Sorry, but I have to cover my butt“.

This struck me as very interesting and odd.

In Canada, it is law in most of the provinces that a person must be 19 years of age to purchase cigarettes and all merchants are under law to confirm that age by proper identification or risk a hefty fine. The purpose of this law is to reduce the use of tobacco by younger persons. Since it is law, where is the reason to be guilty or feel bad to ask another for proper identification when the there is legal right and authority to do so?

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The Lord, through his Church, instituted long ago the need to establish and maintain “official doctrine”, a standard and measuring rod by which the Church is governed and salvation is taught to all the faithful. Official Doctrine is what the Church teaches and sustains as from God. This doctrine, as part of its official stamp, must be in harmony with all other laws and ordinances of the gospel (the four standard works).¹ This says that anything endorsed by the Church as official doctrine must harmonize with the revealed gospel. Anything that is not in harmony with the revealed gospel is rejected. The current four standard works held by this, the Lord’s Church are The Book of Mormon, Holy Bible, Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. The “official doctrine” applies to everyone in the Church, no matter the authority, position or status. Therefore, even the president of the Church is subject to this rule.

“You cannot accept the books written by the authorities of the Church as standards in doctrine, only in so far as they accord with the revealed word in the standard works. ”Every man who writes is responsible, not the Church, for what he writes. If Joseph Fielding Smith writes something which is out of harmony with the revelations, then every member of the Church is duty bound to reject it. If he writes that which is in perfect harmony with the revealed word of the Lord, then it should be accepted” ²

Over the century that this Church has existed, many leaders of this Church published articles, made speeches and made some profound statements. Was it all doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? That depends if what they said stands in harmony with “official doctrine”. Does the doctrine or principle expressed sanctify the soul or lead us closer to God? If it does, then it can be accepted as among the doctrines of the Latter-day Saints.³

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We have all seen it, the thousands of websites and blogs that declare Mormons have false doctrines, that Mormons believe in unacceptable things, that the Mormon Church preaches falsehoods. These places on the web have used quotes and writings from prophets and leaders of the Church both past and present. The intent with these Anti-Mormon postings and works are to scare people away from the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and from this, mark all Mormons as infected religious-plague victims.

It can be daunting for some members to have to face the deluge of claims and accusations. I am sure that when some members of this Church face claims made against past statements by Church leaders that they do not understand, it can be hard for the average member to deal with it. Many of the things preached, said or written by earlier Church leaders, is considered, by some, as deep doctrine that the average Church member may have difficulty comprehending, which is not surprising. I also had some difficulty with some of the things said by early Church leaders, but through time and work, things became clearer, but disaffected members and Anti-Mormons do not want anyone to spend time trying to understand, they just want you to reject and then deny. What then can any average member do when faced with these Anti-Mormon attacks based on extracted quotes from early Church leaders claiming it represents Mormon doctrine, especially when the Church today does not teach it? What does a member do under these circumstances?

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IN the scriptures, it is said that if we deny Christ, he would deny us (Matthew 10:33,Luke 12:9,2 Timothy 2:12) and those who deny Jesus Christ are also denying his power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5). It was warned for these latter-days that many will deny him even though they profess to be with him. When hearing all the claims by Christians, one may wonder how this can happen, well it already has.

I was reading a magazine published by the Seventh Day Adventists named “Adventist World”. In it was an article titled, “Adventists and Muslims: Five Convictions – How to build on what we have in common”, written by William G. Johnsson. This article appeared OK until I came to a paragraph at the bottom of page 26. What William G. Johnsson said surprised me. In light of the intensity that most Bible only believers call themselves Christian, his paragraph on page 26 addressed the usage of the name “Christian” when interacting with Muslims. In the context of that article, William G. Johnsson wrote about how he chose to interact with those of the Muslim faith. Mr. Johnsson said,

“In meeting Muslim leaders, I emphasize from the outset that I prefer to be known as an Adventist rather than as a Christian. For Muslims the name “Christian” carries such negative associations—associations that do not belong with Seventh-day Adventists—that I would rather avoid the term. And “Adventist” captures well the driving pulse of who we are—our hope in Jesus’ return and sense of divine calling to tell it to the world.”

On-line URL: http://adventistworld.org/article.php?id=708

As I re-read that paragraph and then again the remainder of the article, I understood Mr. Johnsson to say that he does not want to be identified as a Christian because of the negative reputation it has and the negative reaction by the Muslims. Was I incorrect in reading this? To get some clarification, I emailed the magazine asking for clarification and I received an answer from William Johnsson himself and is as follows.
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The scriptures say that we are to provide a sacrifice to heavenly Father and this can be done in many ways, such as what was said in Romans 12: 1 or Ephesians 5: 2.

The word of God speaks of self-sacrifice, one where we are to subjugate ourselves to the ways of God and to put aside the ways of the world. Some of these “self-sacrifices” refer to placing ourselves into a humbled state, a contrite spiritual state which subjects ourselves to his Spirit (Psalms 51:17), which is also seen  in one of the most well known scriptural verses, “..he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it ( Matt. 10:39).”

It is clear that God is telling us to forsake mortal tendencies of life and embark onto a spiritual path and way, but how many really do this as they claim faith in God and his Spirit?

Indulgence or sacrifice?

The battle between being spiritual, the offering of oneself to God, or submitting ourselves to indulgences of the flesh and of the world. How easy it is for anyone of us to loose ourselves in indulgences, big and small and not even think of what we are really doing. Simple things, coffee, chocolate, junk food, cakes, or even drink (speaking generally), this is to name a few.

Think about it. When you fast for two meals, do you not desire to drink and eat? To have that treat, that potato chip, cup of hot chocolate or that slice of pizza?  That is an example of the human nature, that of the natural man or woman, the carnal mind and heart, wanting things of the flesh and the world, but when you refuse those desires to continue the fast, then you are spiritual, submitting oneself as a sacrifice to heavenly Father.

Now let us seriously consider as to whether the everyday thing is an indulgence or sacrifice. What things are you doing in your life that would be counted as an indulgence? Having need to eat that chocolate every day, or have that tea every morning, or that need for something that is gained from the world or from the flesh, the pleasures.

It is so easy to get into ideas of “self-pampering”, or “I deserve this” or “treat myself”, etc. These philosophies are taught by many “self-help” gurus that claim this is increasing personal power. How easy the corruption of God’s principles and practices can occur so subtlety and quickly because they appeal to the very thing we all have, that is the “ego” which is where pride resides.

God knew that unless we act in “self-sacrifice” we would be caught up by the world and the flesh, locked into the carnal mind and end up with a heart  of stone, spiritually speaking. Self-sacrifice assists us to humble ourselves and develop a contrite spirit, not to submit ourselves to indulgences, but to submit ourselves to the Spirit, which are spiritual things.

The important thing is to learn when things are not an indulgence and when they are. Making excuses to indulgence, even justify it as “free will or choice” is a selfish act because it serves no one but yourself. Athletes know the importance of self-sacrifice when it comes to performance. True they do it to perform better, it is for themselves, but the manner which it is done is the same. They do not indulgence in things that will hamper their “discipline”.

When God said that our bodies must be like a temple, that means we are to develop and maintain our physical nature unto God. Keep healthy, exercise and every so often, subjugate the body to a fast and to spiritual ways and things. Overcoming the things of the flesh is what opens us up to the Spirit, because by subjugating the flesh and the natural man or woman within, putting aside indulgences and excuses to indulge, shifts the body mind and soul into a spiritual focus and all good spiritual focuses are of God, which invites the Spirit. As athletes do this to perform, we can do the same, spiritually speaking for our faith unto God.

So what would it be for your faith, indulgence of sacrifice?

There are some who believe and feel within the Christian communities that we are not to judge other beliefs or faith. When something is said about someone’s beliefs or faith, the retort given is “we cannot judge them”. This can be especially disconcerting when the matter at hand has to do with determining the value or truth of another person’s faith or beliefs. It seems by this, that nothing can be said or determined in order to avert false beliefs and false faiths, that we would then, by this restriction of not judging another, would likely have to accept false beliefs or faiths.

It is true, in the Bible, that we are to be careful about judging one another, as per Romans 2:1, but this passage does not prohibit judgement, it clarifies bad judgment. In Romans 2:1, Paul is speaking to the Romans and as anyone should see, the context which Paul is addressing are bad judgments from wicked people. In another part of the Bible, John 7:24, we are to make righteous judgment. So what of this concern by some that we are not to judge the faith or beliefs of another? In particular, if these faiths or beliefs are subject of condemnation?

The idea or philosophy that we are not to judge others because that belongs to God, goes against the Bible itself. The dilemma occurs when a person fails to understand the scriptures and what God has really done in what he has revealed to us. Poor interpretation, poor understanding, abiding in false doctrines or personal philosophies cannot and will not allow that person to properly understand the word of God, his gospel and what God has given as his will through revelation.

This shortcoming of many, both in and out of the Church, causes many to falter and fall from faith and even fail a good relationship with God. Failing in a good relationship with God occurs when a person falls to false beliefs, doctrines or personal philosophies that are of the world and because of these things, a relationship of God is affected and diminished (John 8:47), all because that person is not able to exercise God’s judgments against false beliefs, doctrines, philosophies and ideas!

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So many Christians have accused Mormons that we created another gospel, one that does not belong to the Bible and from this they claim they are “Bible Only Believers”. To them it is easy to make this accusation because this Church professes the Book of Mormon as given by God through revelation to Joseph Smith, his chosen prophet and by this, they easily claim the bindings of the Bible, whatever version they hold, is separate and distinct from the bindings of the Book of Mormon. It is the “me versus them” pattern so prevalent in the Christian world.

None, that I have seen or heard, have realized that “another gospel” is really among themselves in their preaching and teachings. They have not realized that they are changing, adding, diminishing or removing from the gospel to suit their own devices and teachings.

A case in fact, a preacher known as Adrian Rogers has a website that sends out devotionals. Usually using single passages from the Bible. Here is one of his devotionals sent by email,

Graced by His Prayers
–from the messages of Adrian Rogers

BIBLE MEDITATION:
Hebrews 7:25 – “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Do you ever feel you are all alone when a struggle hits your life? Tell yourself, “I am graced by His prayers.” Jesus is watching over you, and He is praying for you. The Savior. The Shepherd. The King. The Prince. He is praying for you! Do you feel encouraged? I do! Just to know that the One who died for me “ever liveth to make intercession” for me is enough. He lives to stand in the gap for you and for me. What a mighty God we serve! What mercy we don’t deserve! You are on Jesus’ prayer list! You. He knows you. And He is praying you through the eye of the storm.

ACTION POINT:
Do you have a prayer list? Go through that list today and pray for someone you haven’t prayed for in awhile and trust God to answer, even today!

This devotional sounds good does it not? It appears that this preacher knows the word of God and speaks from what the Bible says? How many follow in his thoughts, his teachings, interpretations and usage of the Bible? I am sure all appears good, that he appears to know the word of God and speaks it from the Bible as the Bible says it. I am sure many follow his thoughts and has a large following to his teachings, interpretations and usage of the Bible.

Is all this true? – Well, it is not, in regards to his knowledge and usage of God’s word and that he is actually preaching another gospel.

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