"Ye are the salt of the earth..."

As a follow up to the previous post I wanted to also touch on the role each of us has to play in alleviating the suffering of God's children in this world. Continuing with the Sermon on the Mount, that was quoted previously, the Lord also lets us know of our responsibility as Christians:

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the slat have lost his savour, wherewith shall the earth be salted?" (Matthew 5:13)
This verse, as well as the others that follow it, can have multiple implications. One is that it is our responsibility as followers of Christ to share his gospel with others. If we do not share the testimony that is ours (the salt) then how can the rest of the world come to know of Christ? Another implication, which is what I wish to focus on here, is that it is our responsibility also to be the Lord's hands in helping others. If he wanted to the Lord could relieve every pain, stop all war, and bring peace to the world in one blink of the eye. However this is not his plan nor the purpose for which he sent us here. We are his servants who fulfill his plans for the world. Through us he works his miracles and spreads his message. Therefore, through us he also brings peace and care to those who suffer around the world. If we do not seek to take part in this work, then how can those who suffer expect to find relief?
Jesus goes on to teach, in his sermon, about our responsibility in helping each other:'

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, bit on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5: 14-16)

Again, there are missionary implications here, but one cannot deny that the Lord is also saying that those who are blessed with faith, hope and love are responsible to share that with others. What is the point of having tons of money if you never use it to help others? What is the point of being happy if no one else can share it with you? What is the point of finding peace and comfort in your living conditions if you do not seek to help improve those of others? The point is that it is our duty to serve others. It is our duty to help others, not only our neighbors, but more importantly those around the world whose neighbors cannot offer the relief they need. For those, like us here in the U.S., who live in a nation blessed with freedom and stability and security of life, we should seek to help others who do not enjoy those same blessings. This can be done in so many ways and does not mean that we have to leave everything we have and all our comforts to go travel the world (although wouldn't that be great!). We can help in so many ways: donating to humanitarian causes and churches, being aware of what is going on in the world (first and foremost), taking advantage of opportunities to visit other countries for brief periods of time to help provide service (building houses, distributing food and supplies, training locals on health, medicine and science, etc.)

Even doing all this, one still cannot help but feel overwhelmed by the immense amount of people that need help around the world and the inability to fix everything. This can lead to feelings like, "What difference can I really make then?" "Does one person like me really change anything?" "I am just me, my efforts won't make that big of a difference, so I'll just let the humanitarians out there who are already doing it keep on doing it." To these feelings I offer this short and well-known anecdote (given from memory and may vary slightly from other versions):

There was a boy who went out one morning for a walk on the beach and was shocked to see that the terrible storm the night before had washed up thousands of clams onto the shore. The boy felt compelled to save the clams. Immediately the boy began to pick up one clam at-a-time and toss it back into the sea. Undaunted by the immensity of the task he kept on, tossing one clam back into the sea, then another, then another. After some time in this labor the boy was only making a minute dent in the population of stranded clams. About this time the boy's father came looking for him, only to find his son engaged in what seemed to him (the father) as a pointless effort. He approached his son and asked, "Son, what are you doing? It doesn't matter how hard you try, you can't save them all" The boy simply picked up another clam, turned to his father and said, "It matters to this one," and then tossed it back into the sea.

We cannot hope to provide relief to every soul that suffers on this earth. However if we can change the life of ONE person, it makes all the difference in the world. We have to see each individual as God sees them: important, invaluable and loved (see Doctrine and Covenants 18:10). When we understand God's love for his children we will then understand, as the boy in the story, that helping even just one person makes a difference and is a honorable and glorious thing.

Through the prophet Joseph Smith the Lord has commanded us to "succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees" (Doctrine and Covenants 81:5). May we all seek to follow the Lord's counsel in ancient and modern times to seek out those who suffer and help provide the relief and love they need.

How do we cope with all the violence and suffering in the world?

I have been thinking about this recently and felt it would be a good topic to write about it. When one takes a good look at the world around him/her, specifically in developing countries, he/she cannot help but ask, "How does God allow this to happen?" "Has God forsaken us, those people, that country?" I have also asked this question before and was thinking about it again. As I have been studying the word of God a few things have come to me to help me understand how God works in all of this. I will use scripture both from the Bible as well as modern scripture revealed through the prophet Joseph Smith (namely: the Book of Mormon).

The first comforting thought that gave me peace concerning this topic was the atonement of Jesus Christ. As reveled in modern times we know that not only did the Lord suffer for and pay the price for our sins, but he also suffered all the pains, afflictions, sorrows and feelings of mankind. In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Alma teaches this principle beautifully. Speaking of Christ he says, "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people" (Alma 7:11) It is interesting that sin is not even mentioned in this verse. This is not to say that Alma disregarded or disbelieved in any way the redemption from sin that Christ made possible through his suffering. More so it shows that Alma's focus at this time for this people was to understand even more profoundly WHAT Christ suffered for and why.

Alma goes on to explain this more in the following verse:

"And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities" (Alma 7:12, emphasis added).

Now we really see what Alma is trying to teach us: that Christ suffered so much for us so that he could understand how we feel in every situation. Of course he knows all and has eternal understanding, but this physical experience gave him not only the knowledge of what we would feel, but exactly how it feels. It's like studying math, you can read all the books and "know" what math is and "how" to do it, but until you actually have to work out a problem and apply those skills, your knowledge is nothing more than information in your brain. Combined with his infinite wisdom and knowledge, this physical experience "according to the flesh" that the Lord went through allows him to perfectly say "I can help you because I really know what you are feeling." In this way not only is the Lord a perfect counselor, but will also be a perfect judge because his judgment will be based on a perfect knowledge of what we have been through.

Therefore, because of the atonement of the Lord Jesus, we can all rest assured that he knows how each of God's children on earth feels. And because of this he can offer them perfect and divine assistance. Do we understand how that all works? No. But we do have the reassuring words of modern prophets and apostles that "all that is unfair about life can be made right through the atonement of Jesus Christ" (Preach My Gospel manual, p.52; “News of the Church,” Ensign, May 2006, 122–28). This statement gives us great hope when facing the cruel reality of the tragic and violent lives of millions around the world. God is just and will make up for it all somehow and at some point. It is very important, when considering this topic of "how can there be so much bad," to have an eternal perspective. When we only look at this life as the focus of our existence and the only years that matter, we get lost in what God sees and what God has planned for our eternal existence and happiness. Not always will all wrongs be made right in this life, and we must have faith in God and live with this belief. Without it we are hopeless. Without it we will most certainly become depressed about this world. Without it we cannot hope to find peace in this life.

The Lord has also given other reassurances of his awareness and love for those who suffer in this life. In his memorable Sermon on the Mount the Lord promises the following blessings:

"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth...Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:4-5, 9).

Here we may feel and know that God is aware of all those in this world who are poor, meek and who mourn and suffer. He will not abandon them, but holds for them eternal blessings of marvelous happiness and wonder. It is the testimony of the prophets, both ancient and modern, that God loves his children with an eternal and endless love; a love we cannot comprehend. He does in fact know each of child's pains and sorrows and will make restitution for all that is unfair and cruel about their lives. I add my personal testimony that this is true and that the thoughts shared above are true. May we all seek to believe in God with a greater trust that he is in fact in control and that he will bless all his children.

It's been a while...

It has been a really long time since I have edited this blog.. I guess that is because initially I had a strong feeling to create this blog in order to provide more positive and truthful internet resources for people looking for information about the Mormon/LDS church. After I got out most of what I felt were the main issues, I just sort of let it sit there. Well, I still think about this blog and hopefully soon I'll have another message or thought to share. I just need to stay up on it more regularly and add good spiritual messages... things I think about as I study, attend church, chat with others, etc.

True Christianity and Discipleship of Christ

In our modern world filled with countless Christian denominations a sincere seeker of Christ may ask, "what is Christianity?" "What does it mean to be Christian?" "What is true religion?" "Where can I find pure faith?" Answers to these questions can be found in the teachings in the New Testament. They will help us to learn about Christianity as well as defend the position of the LDS faith that they indeed are Christians. The truths to be discussed should make each ask his/herself if they personally are indeed a true Christian.

First of all the mere profession of belief in the Lord Jesus Christ does not qualify for being a disciple of Him or a Christian. The Lord taught that, "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matt 7:21). Therefore it is not enough to simply profess his name as your savior. You must do the will of his and our father in heaven, God. His will is revealed in the scriptures clearly.
What is His will? He teaches this clearly throughout his ministry: believe in Him, repent, be baptized, and love others. He taught this to his disciple before his ascension into heaven: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matt 28:19-20). Peter also taught the same thing on the day of Pentecost when thousands were converted. After hearing the testimony of the apostles concerning Christ they were moved in their hearts and asked, "what shall we do?" Peter said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:37-38)

In addition Christ teaches that those who love him keep his commandments (John 14:15) and those who do what ever he asks are his true "friends" (John 15:14). Therefore in order to be Christ's friend and show our love for him we must keep his laws. If we do not we are not true Christians.

The apostle James teaches a lot on true religion. First and foremost he declares, "be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22). This imperative statement compels us to not only read and believe God's word, but to practice what it teaches us. Many claim "Christianity" yet fail to act on the basic teachings of the Bible. One of the most basic is the idea at the heart of Christ's teachings, Love. James goes on to say that "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27). It is clear and simple; true religion is caring for others and striving to keep ourselves worthy. How often do we look out for our neighbor? How often to we visit a lonely widow, widower, or friend? Do we offer to help someone carry a heavy load, rake their leaves, open the door for someone, or simply say "hi"? Serving others is the true manifestation of Christianity.

James makes this clear in the next chapter where he talks about faith and works. In verses 14-26 of chapter two, he teaches that in order for faith to be real it must be accompanied by our works. What does this mean? Look at the example he gives in 14-18. If we simply salute a homeless person and say, "go and be taken care of" will it happen? No. If we want to help them, we have to help them. Therefore if we claim to be Christians we need to be Christ-like and help others as well. If not, then we are not true Christians. Our Faith always motivates us to action, to live, to love, to serve, to learn, to repent, to try harder, etc. The strength of our faith is easily measured by the level of our desires to do those things. The greater our faith, the greater our desire to be good and help others, and thus the greater our happiness will be.

Now asks yourselves, "Am I a true Christian?" "How can I better follow Christ and his teachings?" This discussion hopefully has helped us to see how we can better become like our Savior and do what is right. There are many more scriptures to teach about these principles of discipleship and faith.

Christianity and Gay Marriage

Do you believe in God and Jesus Christ? Well, that would technically make you a "Christian." So what are the Christian teachings about homosexuality? What does God really think about it? Let's survey the scriptures:

In the Holy Bible, Romans 1:22-32, it is very clear that homosexuality is a sin. It's described as "vile affection," "lust," and "unseemly." Paul, the alleged author of the epistle to the Romans, teaches that those who practiced homosexuality had changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator. They were pursuing pure lust of the body, denying the God who'd created them. He goes on to say that women did change the natural use into that which is against nature, meaning seeking after women which is contrary to their nature to be with a man. He says concerning men that they likewise, leaving the natural use of the woman burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly. Notice here how Paul specifically mentions the relationship between and man and woman being the natural relationship. He goes on to teach that as they pursued this lust they became people full of unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity, whispers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without NATURAL affection, implacable, unmerciful. That is quite the list. Homosexuality has that path of any sin. The longer you stay on it the more wicked and open to other sin you become. And clearly stated here homosexuality is a grave sin because it is contrary to God's will and plan for his children on earth. Finally Paul says that those who practice homosexuality are extremely defiant of God. He says that they knowing the judgments of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but approve of them, or sympathize with them that do them. In other words Paul is saying that knowing that this is such a grave sin, they did it anyway and loved being around those who did.

Teachings on Marriage and God's Plan
In continuation of the above conversation, it is appropriate to now define the proper relationship of a man and a woman as constituted in the scriptures by God. The first account we have about the sacred marriage relationship is found in the book of Genesis. In Genesis 2: 21-24 the Lord creates a Eve in order to complete the creation of mankind. He then teaches the importance of this union of man and woman: therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh (v.24). The union between a man and a woman is stated here to be the most important in this life and in eternity. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose (The Family, A Proclamation to the World). As taught by modern apostles today and as supported in scripture, our gender is essential to our personal divinity and potential. Men are men, and woman are woman for a reason. The relationships between them are designed for a purpose. This purpose was also clearly taught when God blessed and gave a commandment to Adam and Eve saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth... (Genesis 1:28). Men and women are divinely unified in love to play a significant role in God's plan; bringing children to this earth. This teaching is further emphasized in The Family proclamation: We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife. We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan. Marriage is for a man and a woman. How does God's plan move forward with gay couples? It doesn't. Yet we hear in their defense, "God's love," "tolerance," "equality." God has infinite love for all his children. He commands us to love everyone, even the sinner... but NOT THE SIN. God does not tolerate sin. Why should we? We can still have equality, love and tolerance. This DOES NOT mean condoning gay-marriage. Condoning and tolerance are not the same thing. We must all treat each other with kindness and equality. Not approving gay-marriage has nothing to do with denying anyone rights to anything they are naturally entitled to. What is God's view? Well what do the wicked receive in times past, present and future? Judgment. God does not let the sinner off the hook to be "equal" or "tolerant." Unless we repent and come into alignment with God's will, we shall not merit his mercy.
Remember, this is not an "official statement" of the LDS Church nor does it represent all "mormons'" feelings on the matter. They are simply my personal feelings and thoughts as supported by holy scripture and the teachings of the LDS church. For all official LDS information see www.lds.org, or www.mormon.org.

To learn more about the divine nature of the family click the link below to read an official LDS document.
The Family view as HTML view as PDF

What is the "restoration of the true gospel" that the mormons are always talking about?
See a brief video that will help answer your questions by clicking on the link below.

The Restoration

What do Mormons believe?

THE ARTICLES OF FAITH OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS:

1 We ^abelieve in ^bGod, the Eternal Father, and in His ^cSon, Jesus Christ, and in the ^dHoly Ghost.

2 We believe that men will be ^apunished for their ^bown sins, and not for Adam’s ^ctransgression.

3 We believe that through the ^aAtonement of Christ, all ^bmankind may be ^csaved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4 We believe that the first principles and ^aordinances of the Gospel are: first, ^bFaith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, ^cRepentance; third, ^dBaptism by ^eimmersion for the ^fremission of sins; fourth, Laying on of ^ghands for the ^hgift of the Holy Ghost.

5 We believe that a man must be ^acalled of God, by ^bprophecy, and by the laying on of ^chands by those who are in ^dauthority, to ^epreach the Gospel and administer in the ^fordinances thereof.

6 We believe in the same ^aorganization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, ^bprophets, ^cpastors, ^dteachers, ^eevangelists, and so forth.

7 We believe in the ^agift of ^btongues, ^cprophecy, ^drevelation, ^evisions, ^fhealing, ^ginterpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8 We believe the ^aBible to be the ^bword of God as far as it is translated ^ccorrectly; we also believe the ^dBook of Mormon to be the word of God.

9 We believe all that God has ^arevealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet ^breveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10 We believe in the literal ^agathering of Israel and in the restoration of the ^bTen Tribes; that ^cZion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will ^dreign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be ^erenewed and receive its ^fparadisiacal ^gglory.

11 We claim the ^aprivilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the ^bdictates of our own ^cconscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them ^dworship how, where, or what they may.

12 We believe in being ^asubject to ^bkings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in ^cobeying, honoring, and sustaining the ^dlaw.

13 ^aWe believe in being ^bhonest, true, ^cchaste, ^dbenevolent, virtuous, and in doing ^egood to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we ^fhope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to ^gendure all things. If there is anything ^hvirtuous, ⁱlovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Joseph Smith

What is the Book of Mormon?

A record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas, brought forth by the grace and power of God in our day as a second witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior and redeemer of all mankind. The Book of Mormon is a companion volume of scripture to the Bible. It is not another version or translation. It is a separate record of Christians who fled from Jerusalem about 600 BC and arrived in the ancient Americas, where they established a great civilization. It teaches the word of God clearly enough that a young child could learn his duty to God. It is evidence that God has called modern prophets, for it was translated and brought forth through the prophet Joseph Smith in the early 1800s. I want to declare my personal witness to any reader of this page that I know that the Book of Mormon is true. It has changed my life and brings constant inspiration and comfort to me. As a missionary for the LDS church for two years in Nashville, TN I served among the Spanish and English population and saw wonderful blessings and happiness come in to the lives of those who read the Book of Mormon. Would you like to learn more about how it can bless your life too? Get a free copy(click this link and see bottom of page for free book request) or contact the LDS representatives in your area who can share more about it with you.

Learn more about the Book of Mormon
Learn more about Joseph Smith
Learn more about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Find out why God needed to call more prophets in our day
Why did God call prophets? What does that mean for me?

Are Mormons Christian?

If the name of the church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) doesn't give it away, watch the following discourse from a LDS church leader

• Elder Jefferey R. Holland, Mormons are Christians (2:27)

Read an official church publication about the LDS belief in Christ

• The Living Christ
  

Watch a video that will help increase your personal faith in Christ (compiled from events in the life of Jesus as recorded in the Holy Bible)

• Finding Faith in Christ (29:10)

For more information visit www.mormon.org

Are Mormons a Cult?

First of all, let's define the word cult. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (online) the original definitions for cult include:

• Worship; reverential homage rendered to a divine being or beings.

• A particular form or system of religious worship; esp. in reference to its external rites and ceremonies

Therefore any religion that includes worship of a divine being and has any type of religious practices or ceremonies is a cult. There are modern associations to the word that define a cult to be "A relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister." The current membership of the LDS church is more than 11 million worldwide. A bit large for a "small group of people" don't you think? In addition the beliefs and practices of the church are all in harmony with the teachings of the Bible. So does that make us "strange or sinister?" Moses and the Israelites preformed sacred ordinances in the ancient tabernacle/temple. Mormons today preform sacred ordinances in temples likewise. Here we are married for time and eternity. All the practices of the LDS church are in harmony with the designs of God. If others disagree it is because their knowledge of God's plan is limited. It would be more beneficial, therefore, for the inquirer to seek the word of God and to understand it before criticizing any other faith.

• learn more about the Mormon beliefs by clicking here