As I reflect upon my own personal life I can see many, many examples of the Lord presence. I would like to close with a thought and that is: it is said in the scriptures that God has created worlds without number. (Moses 1:33) Now if Father has created worlds without number and the Saviors atonement served all of Gods' creations, then how cool is it that of all of Heavenly Fathers worlds, we live on the one that Jesus Christ lived his mortal life on?!
Now, remember!
It was violence that caused the Lord to flood the earth and immorality that caused the Lord to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. And how lucky are we to have a lot of both in our days on the earth. All we have to do is look at the news for the view of mass violence and wars and see how the Internet has developed an infestation of filth available at your fingertips courtesy of one evil moron.
So, with this view point I can't help but feel special we are to be worthy to be here on the earth at this time.
Joseph Smith called our day, “The fullness of times.” Basically the final show before the Second Coming.
I laugh at the wisdom of men who think that this life at this time is so different than any other time period. The only thing different is technology. The behavior of people has never changed.
Before I go on I'd like to look at three verses in Doctrine and Covenants 1(vs. 7, 10, 13). This is cool because it is Jesus speaking:
“Wherefore, fear and tremble, O ye people,
for what I the Lord have decreed in them shall be fulfilled.”
Basically to me the Lord is giving us a final warning that something is seriously going to hit the fan.
“Unto the day when the Lord shall come to recompense unto every man according to his work, and measure to every man according to the measure which he has measured to his fellow man.”
This states that is in your plans that you will meet with the Lord to look at your life and he will judge you as you have judged everyone else. WOW!
“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.”
All I can say is look at the world in Noah's time, look at Sodom and Gomorrah and then look at our world. If God is the same yesterday, today and forever then you know what His reaction is to our current world’s behavior. He’s ticked off which leads to some very unpleasant conclusions!
In my life I must have joined about 10-12 different churches. All basically the same, the Bible is the only book on the earth that contains the teachings of our Lord. And God keeps his distant so He can be worshiped on the Sabbath, but not interfere with the affairs of men thus behavior may be justified.
But that is not how God wanted it. He does interfere with the affairs of His children because He loves you, and wants to see you again.
I look at my life as a volunteered venture, here to be tested to see if I'll do what the Lord asks of me. How do you see your life?
Friday, August 8, 2008
Plan of Salvation
Some times in life we get caught up in the moments of the day, and we loose or have lost the real meaning of every day activity.
Lets look at the very simple plan that our Father in Heaven created so that you may come to earth, go through personally selected trials, gain faith, and learn about and trust God.
First of, you lived before you came to this earth in what we call a pre-mortal or pre-existence life.
WOW
Don’t you find this incredible?
The day you where born, you passed through a kind of veil. This is where all that you knew would be forgotten and you would have to learn to live on faith.
We learned this from the prophet Abraham and also about what the purpose of our life is...
“...We (the Father and the Son) will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these (us - all of his children) may dwell; And we will prove them here with, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;”
(Abraham 3:24-25)
We lived, walked, talked and enjoyed the company of each other and Father in Heaven before we came here for our turn on the earth that He created for us.
Let me share a fun story that gives a glimpse of what it may have been like in the pre-existence...
A Mission
The following event took place in a ward in Salt Lake City in 1974. It occurred during Sacrament meeting and was told by a Regional Representative of the Twelve, who was in the meeting.
A young man, just before leaving on his mission, stood in Sacrament meeting and bore, in essence, the following testimony:
“Brother and Sisters, as you know, during the past few weeks I have been awaiting my mission call. During the time I was waiting I had a dream. I knew it was not an ordinary dream. I dreamed I was in the pre-existence and was awaiting my call to come to earth. I was filled with the same excitement and anticipation that I had before I received my mission call. In my dream, I was talking to a friend. He was a very dear friend and I felt a special closeness to him, even though I’ve never met him in this life.
As we talked, a messenger came and gave me a letter. I knew it was my call to go to earth. In great excitement, my friend and I opened the letter. I gave it to him and asked him to read it aloud. The letter said:
“You have been called to earth in a special time, and to a
special land. You will be born into the true Church, and you
will have the priesthood of God in your home. You will be
raised with many advantages and many blessings. You will be
born in a land of plenty, a land of Freedom. You will go to
earth in the United States of America.”
My friend and I rejoiced as we read my call. And while we rejoiced, the messenger returned. This time he had a letter for my friend. We knew it was his call to earth. My friend gave me the letter to read aloud. The letter said:
“You have been called to go to earth in circumstances of
poverty and strife. You will not be raised in the true
Church. Many hardships will attend your life. Your land
will be fraught with political and social difficulties
which will hinder the work of The Lord. You will be born
in Costa Rica.”
We wept, my friend and I, as we read his call. And my friend looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, “When we are down on earth, you in your choice land and me in Costa Rica, my friend, come and find me.”
Then this young missionary, with tears in his own eyes, said, “Brothers and Sisters, I have received my mission call. I am going to Costa Rica.”
There is a sequel to this story. About a year after this Sacrament meeting, the Bishop of this ward received a letter from the missionary. The letter had one sheet of paper in it, and on that sheet, written in inch-high letters were four words:
“I FOUND MY FRIEND”
Of course each of our experiences are different, but we all received a call to come to this blessed nation and some of us to be born into the true church of Jesus Christ.
Now here you are currently on earth. You get to live out your mortality in the wildest time the planet has ever known.
Just look around at the actions going on throughout the world!
Did you know that it was violence that forced God to destroy the planet in Noah’s time with a flood? (See Gen 6:11-13)
Did you know that it was immorality that forced the Lord to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah? (See Gen 19:1-25)
Think about this...if God destroyed the earth in Noah’s time because of violence and then destroyed the two great cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of immorality? How cool is it to live in todays world where we have BOTH! IN ABUNDANCE!
So if we see how God reacts to this kind of behavior in the past and He is the same yesterday, today and forever...you then know how He feels about our time and you can only imagine about what and when His reaction is going to be!
Hmmmm! That is something to think about.
So here you are in what is known as the “Last Days” living your life. But, as everyone that has lived, is living and will live, you will have your turn to face that not so big mystery known as...death.
The ancient prophet Nephi called this life the “days of our probation.” So when your days have ended your physical body will be laid to rest in the earth while your spiritual body will go to the spirit world.
The Spirit world is a temporary place where your body and spirit are separated sending your spirit to paradise or prison…
Then when the time is right you receive an astonishing FREE gift from Jesus Christ…you will be resurrected!
Your body and spirit will again reunite…FOREVER…How cool is this!!!
But as real is your life and pending death are so is what Nephi describes that…”the day should come that you must be judged of your works, yea, even the works which were done by the temporal body in your days of probation.” (1Nephi 15:32)
This means that you will get to have a personal meeting
with Jesus Christ, known as “The Judgment”!
In your personal interview with Jesus Christ you will review your life, your feelings, your thoughts and you’re your actions.
I think for some people this will be a very scary moment in life, but you can make it one of the best events in your life!
As I have learned and continue to learn about God’s plan for us one of the most fascinating discoveries I made was when I read Section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants.
This speaks of the final resting places of God's children, which you are one. They are known as the Celestial Kingdom or the Glory of the Sun, The Terrestrial Kingdom, Glory of the Moon and the Telestial Kingdom or the Glory of the Stars.
Here is a brief description of each and who will reside there.
First there is the Celestial Kingdom. The Glory of the Sun:
Here is where you will learn all of the great mysteries of our Father and you will get to live with Him and your family forever.
Next, is the Terrestrial Kingdom: The Glory of the Moon:
Here is where those who chose not to follow Jesus Christ but where honorable none the less. These are they who will be able to be visited with Jesus, but He will not live with them and they will no be with their family forever but will be alone.
Finally, the Telestial Kingdom: The Glory of the Stars:
This is where the most wicked of our Father in Heaven’s children will live. They will only see the Savior once…at Judgment Day. Then after that they will be visited only be Administering Angels.
Think about this…As you look at your life, you have to admit that your family is very important to you. If this is so, wouldn’t it seem important to be together forever as a family? If this is how you feel, than Celestial glory is your goal.
Here is a story…
I couldn’t believe it. I knew this was coming but I never imagined it would come so soon! My head swam, the room seemed to circle around me while I sat stationaryon my private little bench. I was so nervous I had to fight the feelings of nausea in my stomach. I wished and prayed with all my heart that I could have had just a little more time. I remember the waiting, the terrible waiting, hoping my turn would never come.
There were a lot of people around me waiting their turns as well. Some paced in tight circles, some crossed from bench to bench looking for a more comfortable seat. Some sat with their faces in their hands crying and shaking their heads. Still others were sitting in an almost relaxed fashion smiling to themselves. The waiting area was a huge room. The only walls I could see were the ones next to me. The ceiling was high above my head and held crystal chandeliers every few feet apart. The soft white glow filled every corner and space without leaving a shadow any where. Once I tried to count the sea of heads, but quickly discovered it to be difficult since I couldn’t see them all and it seemed that there were people coming in all the time.
When I heard my name it startled me. I wasn’t really sure at first that I had actually been called. Perhaps there was another person with the same name. With so many people around it didn’t seem unreasonable to think that way! As I looked around I could not escape the guides' unmistakable stare. It was my name that had been called without a doubt. As I stood my legs felt as if they were made of lead, but some how I managed to walk.
I followed the guide down a quite hallway to huge, metal-looking doors. They gave the impression of being very heavy. The guide didn’t have any problem moving them. I would have liked to study the engravings and artwork on
the doors, but something else captured my attention. It was a long wooden table made with the most exceptional material and craftsmanship I had ever seen. Behind the table and positioned in the center sat a kindly-looking man. I lost my breathy as I recognized Him.
“My Lord!”, I said dropping to my knees. I could feel His gaze on me as I bowed my head and began to cry. I can’t remember what thoughts or feelings made me start. I cried for a few moments then struggled to regain myself.
He called me by name and told me to rise and come forward. I obeyed as the tears streamed down my face. The lump in my throat tightened as I looked into His eyes. Although His features were similar, there was something indescribably different from all the pictures I had seen of Him. The words echoed in my head as He said softly, “Witness the doings of they life.” Involuntarily, images filled my mind and eyes. I tried to suppress them by singing a hymn I had sometimes used to block unwanted thoughts. I shut my eyes, held them tight and concentrated. Nothing worked. I saw my whole life parade before me.
After it was all over I hung my head and looked at the shiny floor. I wasn’t that bad, I reasoned to myself. I haven’t killed anyone or anything like that. I admit that I wasn’t perfect either. Surely He didn’t expect me to be perfect! I looked up just in time to see a tear roll down His cheek. Crying? He was crying for me?! “Yes, crying for you.” He said in the same soft tone as before. “Why are you surprised?”
“I bled in the Garden of Gethsemane, suffered on the cross of Calvary and agonized many things for you. Why shouldn’t I cry? My whole life was spent teaching and preparing a way for you so that you could dwell in the mansions of our Father. I cry because you did not heed the warnings. I cry because my sacrifice meant very little to you. Do you not realize that even though you did do some things right you ignored others just as important? I cry for you because you potential is lost. You have settled for brass when gold was within your reach. You have put limits on yourself that with just a little more effort could’ve been removed. You procrastinated your full repentance and now those little things you thought wouldn’t matter will hold you for an eternity.”
I dropped to my knees sobbing and reaching towards Him. “Please, My Lord! Have mercy on my soul! I do love you, please forgive me!”, I begged.
“I cannot.”, He answered calmly. “The law of justice cannot be denied. Mercy will not save you from your torment as you spend the eternities understanding what it is that you have given up. You selected your own fate. I love you, but it is too late to grant forgiveness. This judgment is true and just. Your progression has ended.”
I stood numb. My whole body trembled as the gravity of what had just taken place began to sink into my heart. The guide met me at the huge doors. I didn’t even look at them. We walked silently for a long time away from the waiting area. Finally I couldn’t stand it any longer. “Am I to be cast out?” I stammered.
“That depends on your definition of being cast out.”, he said without looking at me. “If you mean cast out into outer darkness, no you’re not. If you mean never seeing you Heavenly Father again, then yes, you are cast out.”
He paused and we stood face to face. He gave me a little smile in an attempt to comfort me and said, “Continue in this direction and you will find others of the Terrestrial Kingdom.” He turned and left me standing alone. With tears welling in my eyes and flowing down my cheeks I asked myself, “Why? Why didn’t you prepare fully?!” I felt empty and completely alone. As I began slowly walking I realized with a new understanding that I had cheated myself. I’ll never get a second chance!
“BUT BEHOLD, YE CANNOT HIDE YOUR CRIMES FROM GOD; AND EXCEPT YE REPENT THEY WILL STAND AS A TESTIMONY AGAINST YOU AT THE LAST DAY.” Alma 39:8
(You Will Never Get a Second Chance By: J. Douglas Green)
The Lord has not made the ability to live with him unobtainable. His plan of salvation shows you what God has designed for His children. God wants you, like all of your brothers and sisters, to succeed in life and return to live with Him.
So, He created what I call, the Path of Truth, in which God teaches about his priesthood; His use of prophets; the organization of the Church that Jesus Christ created during His earthly ministry; also about the great apostasy and finally about the restoration and organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Don’t worry. It will all make sense
If you believe in the Bible then you understand the story of Adam and Eve. While in the Garden of Eden they were innocent like young children and walked with God. Then like you they where tempted by Satan and partook of the forbidden fruit, which they where instructed by Father not to. For God said…“for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Gen 2:17) This one action caused two things to happen:
1.Physical Death (Adam, Eve and all of us were turned mortal and our bodies will die.)
2.Spiritual Death (Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden and out of the presents of God)
Adam and the rest of mankind would have to go through life learning about God and faith.
Now, Heavenly Father truly loves you and created for you what can be called a LINE OF TRUTH. If you learn and follow this line, it will lead you back to live with Him. But the only way to learn about this line is through His prophets. (Amos 3:7)
Adam was the first man to live on earth he began to pray to God for help and understanding and God started teaching Adam about His plan and the way back to return to Him. This made Adam a prophet.
Now Adam was given the Lord’s holy priesthood which enabled him to act in the name of God, and he taught all his children how to follow God’s commandments.
Whenever God has created something for his children Satan creates a counterfeit. Also Satan will influence men that they are better than God and/or don’t need God’s plan or advice, thus creating an Apostasy or Falling Away. Every time there is an apostasy the Lord sends another prophet to bring His children back to the line of truth. God uses prophets to continue to teach all of us His true plan of life.
God is kind of selfish in the fact that He wants to see you, His child, again.
You can read about many prophets in the Old Testament. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses etc... These men all acted in behalf of the Lord for his people which meant that they where not only were they prophets but also held what? The priesthood. What usually happens? Satan tricks man into an apostasy. And why does God call these righteous men? To teach God’s children at the time His plan of salvation and to bring them back to the path of truth.
Do you see a pattern here? God sends a Prophet to show us the way, man reject the Prophet and go into Apostasy, then the Lord sends another Prophet to show man how to return to the line of truth. This pattern has repeated itself throughout time.
Then during a period of unbelief, Father sent His only begotten son, Jesus Christ. Among the innumerable amount of miracles He performed, Jesus organized His church known as the Church of Jesus Christ (of formal days) Jesus called 12 rightious men to be apostles and prophets.
In the book of Ephesians in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul taught that Jesus’ church was built upon the “Foundation of apostles and prophets...that Jesus Christ himself is the chief corner stone.” (Eph 2:19-20)
Question: If Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God created a church with the foundation of apostles and prophets and He as the chief cornerstone, what percentage of truth would this church teach?
Answer: 100%
Jesus Christ taught us how we are to live this life her on earth. He taught that we needed to control our mind and our body and to love God the Father and all of our brothers and sisters as we love ourselves, and also to forgive one another.
In the end it was Jesus Christ that saved all of us from the two deaths that came from the Garden of Eden: physical and spiritual.
Jesus saved us from physical death with the resurrection. A gift to all mankind and He saved us from spiritual death by His atonement, a gift only to those who take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ.
It doesn’t end there. After the crucifixion of Jesus, the wicked men of the time hunted down and killed the apostles and members of the Church of Jesus Christ or the Christians.
Question: When you remove the foundation of a building...what happens?
Answer: It collapses.
And this is what happened to the Church of Jesus Christ when all of the apostles and prophets where assassinated and the priesthood of God was removed causing the world to fall into “the Great Apostasy”, ushering in the dark ages.
Isn’t it amazing how you miss something more than usual when you lose it? The word of God is no exception. So many of the scholars of the time put together the writings of the Jews and created a library or collection of books known as the Bible. As magnificent as this book is, it is only one witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ.
The Bible is the teachings of the prophets who held God’s holy priesthood and directed all of God’s children on the path of truth. But out of this one book arose over 2500 different “Christian” religions all professing to be the one true religion or that there is no true religion.
Question: If God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and according to His pattern of doing things, what does God do so we know we are on His path of truth?
Answer: Bring in another prophet with His holy priesthood.
The following story is in the words of a boy named Joseph Smith who prayed to God and received an answer.
...there was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced with the Methodists, but soon became general among all the sects in that region of country. Indeed, the whole district of country seemed affected by it, and great multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties which created no small stir and division amongst the people, some crying, “Lo, here!” and others, “Lo, there!” Some were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist.
During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit. In process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt some desire to be united with them; but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong.
In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together?
If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?
While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads:
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally, and unbraideth not;
and it shall be given him.”
Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.
At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to “ask of God,” concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture.
So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet mad the attempt to pray vocally.
After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.
But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction-not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being-just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me, I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other-
This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!
My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)-and which I should join.
I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of
men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”
(JSH1:5,8,10-19)
WOW! There it is!
Joseph Smith had questions about religion just like everybody, but he found a solution...to ask God. So with pure intent on learning wisdom he prayed. And did you notice how Satan made an attempt to stop the prayer? That is why he bound Joseph’s tongue as too not let him speak. But Joseph’s determination earned him a visitation by God the Father and Jesus Christ, his son, our Savior.
Joseph Smith would do many wonderful things but two of the greatest events was the restoration of the holy priesthood of God and the bringing forth of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
You see, with the Bible you had one testament which was interpreted in many different ways. But, with another testament available there is only one way to interpret that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of the Living God and that He has again restored the path of truth for our day, and with true apostles and prophets back on the earth, and Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone, He has reconstructed His church again creating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
And God has brought back prophets today to testify of His teachings and life. Also to help us stay on God’s path of truth.
Lets look at the very simple plan that our Father in Heaven created so that you may come to earth, go through personally selected trials, gain faith, and learn about and trust God.
First of, you lived before you came to this earth in what we call a pre-mortal or pre-existence life.
WOW
Don’t you find this incredible?
The day you where born, you passed through a kind of veil. This is where all that you knew would be forgotten and you would have to learn to live on faith.
We learned this from the prophet Abraham and also about what the purpose of our life is...
“...We (the Father and the Son) will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these (us - all of his children) may dwell; And we will prove them here with, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;”
(Abraham 3:24-25)
We lived, walked, talked and enjoyed the company of each other and Father in Heaven before we came here for our turn on the earth that He created for us.
Let me share a fun story that gives a glimpse of what it may have been like in the pre-existence...
A Mission
The following event took place in a ward in Salt Lake City in 1974. It occurred during Sacrament meeting and was told by a Regional Representative of the Twelve, who was in the meeting.
A young man, just before leaving on his mission, stood in Sacrament meeting and bore, in essence, the following testimony:
“Brother and Sisters, as you know, during the past few weeks I have been awaiting my mission call. During the time I was waiting I had a dream. I knew it was not an ordinary dream. I dreamed I was in the pre-existence and was awaiting my call to come to earth. I was filled with the same excitement and anticipation that I had before I received my mission call. In my dream, I was talking to a friend. He was a very dear friend and I felt a special closeness to him, even though I’ve never met him in this life.
As we talked, a messenger came and gave me a letter. I knew it was my call to go to earth. In great excitement, my friend and I opened the letter. I gave it to him and asked him to read it aloud. The letter said:
“You have been called to earth in a special time, and to a
special land. You will be born into the true Church, and you
will have the priesthood of God in your home. You will be
raised with many advantages and many blessings. You will be
born in a land of plenty, a land of Freedom. You will go to
earth in the United States of America.”
My friend and I rejoiced as we read my call. And while we rejoiced, the messenger returned. This time he had a letter for my friend. We knew it was his call to earth. My friend gave me the letter to read aloud. The letter said:
“You have been called to go to earth in circumstances of
poverty and strife. You will not be raised in the true
Church. Many hardships will attend your life. Your land
will be fraught with political and social difficulties
which will hinder the work of The Lord. You will be born
in Costa Rica.”
We wept, my friend and I, as we read his call. And my friend looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, “When we are down on earth, you in your choice land and me in Costa Rica, my friend, come and find me.”
Then this young missionary, with tears in his own eyes, said, “Brothers and Sisters, I have received my mission call. I am going to Costa Rica.”
There is a sequel to this story. About a year after this Sacrament meeting, the Bishop of this ward received a letter from the missionary. The letter had one sheet of paper in it, and on that sheet, written in inch-high letters were four words:
“I FOUND MY FRIEND”
Of course each of our experiences are different, but we all received a call to come to this blessed nation and some of us to be born into the true church of Jesus Christ.
Now here you are currently on earth. You get to live out your mortality in the wildest time the planet has ever known.
Just look around at the actions going on throughout the world!
Did you know that it was violence that forced God to destroy the planet in Noah’s time with a flood? (See Gen 6:11-13)
Did you know that it was immorality that forced the Lord to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah? (See Gen 19:1-25)
Think about this...if God destroyed the earth in Noah’s time because of violence and then destroyed the two great cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of immorality? How cool is it to live in todays world where we have BOTH! IN ABUNDANCE!
So if we see how God reacts to this kind of behavior in the past and He is the same yesterday, today and forever...you then know how He feels about our time and you can only imagine about what and when His reaction is going to be!
Hmmmm! That is something to think about.
So here you are in what is known as the “Last Days” living your life. But, as everyone that has lived, is living and will live, you will have your turn to face that not so big mystery known as...death.
The ancient prophet Nephi called this life the “days of our probation.” So when your days have ended your physical body will be laid to rest in the earth while your spiritual body will go to the spirit world.
The Spirit world is a temporary place where your body and spirit are separated sending your spirit to paradise or prison…
Then when the time is right you receive an astonishing FREE gift from Jesus Christ…you will be resurrected!
Your body and spirit will again reunite…FOREVER…How cool is this!!!
But as real is your life and pending death are so is what Nephi describes that…”the day should come that you must be judged of your works, yea, even the works which were done by the temporal body in your days of probation.” (1Nephi 15:32)
This means that you will get to have a personal meeting
with Jesus Christ, known as “The Judgment”!
In your personal interview with Jesus Christ you will review your life, your feelings, your thoughts and you’re your actions.
I think for some people this will be a very scary moment in life, but you can make it one of the best events in your life!
As I have learned and continue to learn about God’s plan for us one of the most fascinating discoveries I made was when I read Section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants.
This speaks of the final resting places of God's children, which you are one. They are known as the Celestial Kingdom or the Glory of the Sun, The Terrestrial Kingdom, Glory of the Moon and the Telestial Kingdom or the Glory of the Stars.
Here is a brief description of each and who will reside there.
First there is the Celestial Kingdom. The Glory of the Sun:
Here is where you will learn all of the great mysteries of our Father and you will get to live with Him and your family forever.
Next, is the Terrestrial Kingdom: The Glory of the Moon:
Here is where those who chose not to follow Jesus Christ but where honorable none the less. These are they who will be able to be visited with Jesus, but He will not live with them and they will no be with their family forever but will be alone.
Finally, the Telestial Kingdom: The Glory of the Stars:
This is where the most wicked of our Father in Heaven’s children will live. They will only see the Savior once…at Judgment Day. Then after that they will be visited only be Administering Angels.
Think about this…As you look at your life, you have to admit that your family is very important to you. If this is so, wouldn’t it seem important to be together forever as a family? If this is how you feel, than Celestial glory is your goal.
Here is a story…
I couldn’t believe it. I knew this was coming but I never imagined it would come so soon! My head swam, the room seemed to circle around me while I sat stationaryon my private little bench. I was so nervous I had to fight the feelings of nausea in my stomach. I wished and prayed with all my heart that I could have had just a little more time. I remember the waiting, the terrible waiting, hoping my turn would never come.
There were a lot of people around me waiting their turns as well. Some paced in tight circles, some crossed from bench to bench looking for a more comfortable seat. Some sat with their faces in their hands crying and shaking their heads. Still others were sitting in an almost relaxed fashion smiling to themselves. The waiting area was a huge room. The only walls I could see were the ones next to me. The ceiling was high above my head and held crystal chandeliers every few feet apart. The soft white glow filled every corner and space without leaving a shadow any where. Once I tried to count the sea of heads, but quickly discovered it to be difficult since I couldn’t see them all and it seemed that there were people coming in all the time.
When I heard my name it startled me. I wasn’t really sure at first that I had actually been called. Perhaps there was another person with the same name. With so many people around it didn’t seem unreasonable to think that way! As I looked around I could not escape the guides' unmistakable stare. It was my name that had been called without a doubt. As I stood my legs felt as if they were made of lead, but some how I managed to walk.
I followed the guide down a quite hallway to huge, metal-looking doors. They gave the impression of being very heavy. The guide didn’t have any problem moving them. I would have liked to study the engravings and artwork on
the doors, but something else captured my attention. It was a long wooden table made with the most exceptional material and craftsmanship I had ever seen. Behind the table and positioned in the center sat a kindly-looking man. I lost my breathy as I recognized Him.
“My Lord!”, I said dropping to my knees. I could feel His gaze on me as I bowed my head and began to cry. I can’t remember what thoughts or feelings made me start. I cried for a few moments then struggled to regain myself.
He called me by name and told me to rise and come forward. I obeyed as the tears streamed down my face. The lump in my throat tightened as I looked into His eyes. Although His features were similar, there was something indescribably different from all the pictures I had seen of Him. The words echoed in my head as He said softly, “Witness the doings of they life.” Involuntarily, images filled my mind and eyes. I tried to suppress them by singing a hymn I had sometimes used to block unwanted thoughts. I shut my eyes, held them tight and concentrated. Nothing worked. I saw my whole life parade before me.
After it was all over I hung my head and looked at the shiny floor. I wasn’t that bad, I reasoned to myself. I haven’t killed anyone or anything like that. I admit that I wasn’t perfect either. Surely He didn’t expect me to be perfect! I looked up just in time to see a tear roll down His cheek. Crying? He was crying for me?! “Yes, crying for you.” He said in the same soft tone as before. “Why are you surprised?”
“I bled in the Garden of Gethsemane, suffered on the cross of Calvary and agonized many things for you. Why shouldn’t I cry? My whole life was spent teaching and preparing a way for you so that you could dwell in the mansions of our Father. I cry because you did not heed the warnings. I cry because my sacrifice meant very little to you. Do you not realize that even though you did do some things right you ignored others just as important? I cry for you because you potential is lost. You have settled for brass when gold was within your reach. You have put limits on yourself that with just a little more effort could’ve been removed. You procrastinated your full repentance and now those little things you thought wouldn’t matter will hold you for an eternity.”
I dropped to my knees sobbing and reaching towards Him. “Please, My Lord! Have mercy on my soul! I do love you, please forgive me!”, I begged.
“I cannot.”, He answered calmly. “The law of justice cannot be denied. Mercy will not save you from your torment as you spend the eternities understanding what it is that you have given up. You selected your own fate. I love you, but it is too late to grant forgiveness. This judgment is true and just. Your progression has ended.”
I stood numb. My whole body trembled as the gravity of what had just taken place began to sink into my heart. The guide met me at the huge doors. I didn’t even look at them. We walked silently for a long time away from the waiting area. Finally I couldn’t stand it any longer. “Am I to be cast out?” I stammered.
“That depends on your definition of being cast out.”, he said without looking at me. “If you mean cast out into outer darkness, no you’re not. If you mean never seeing you Heavenly Father again, then yes, you are cast out.”
He paused and we stood face to face. He gave me a little smile in an attempt to comfort me and said, “Continue in this direction and you will find others of the Terrestrial Kingdom.” He turned and left me standing alone. With tears welling in my eyes and flowing down my cheeks I asked myself, “Why? Why didn’t you prepare fully?!” I felt empty and completely alone. As I began slowly walking I realized with a new understanding that I had cheated myself. I’ll never get a second chance!
“BUT BEHOLD, YE CANNOT HIDE YOUR CRIMES FROM GOD; AND EXCEPT YE REPENT THEY WILL STAND AS A TESTIMONY AGAINST YOU AT THE LAST DAY.” Alma 39:8
(You Will Never Get a Second Chance By: J. Douglas Green)
The Lord has not made the ability to live with him unobtainable. His plan of salvation shows you what God has designed for His children. God wants you, like all of your brothers and sisters, to succeed in life and return to live with Him.
So, He created what I call, the Path of Truth, in which God teaches about his priesthood; His use of prophets; the organization of the Church that Jesus Christ created during His earthly ministry; also about the great apostasy and finally about the restoration and organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Don’t worry. It will all make sense
If you believe in the Bible then you understand the story of Adam and Eve. While in the Garden of Eden they were innocent like young children and walked with God. Then like you they where tempted by Satan and partook of the forbidden fruit, which they where instructed by Father not to. For God said…“for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Gen 2:17) This one action caused two things to happen:
1.Physical Death (Adam, Eve and all of us were turned mortal and our bodies will die.)
2.Spiritual Death (Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden and out of the presents of God)
Adam and the rest of mankind would have to go through life learning about God and faith.
Now, Heavenly Father truly loves you and created for you what can be called a LINE OF TRUTH. If you learn and follow this line, it will lead you back to live with Him. But the only way to learn about this line is through His prophets. (Amos 3:7)
Adam was the first man to live on earth he began to pray to God for help and understanding and God started teaching Adam about His plan and the way back to return to Him. This made Adam a prophet.
Now Adam was given the Lord’s holy priesthood which enabled him to act in the name of God, and he taught all his children how to follow God’s commandments.
Whenever God has created something for his children Satan creates a counterfeit. Also Satan will influence men that they are better than God and/or don’t need God’s plan or advice, thus creating an Apostasy or Falling Away. Every time there is an apostasy the Lord sends another prophet to bring His children back to the line of truth. God uses prophets to continue to teach all of us His true plan of life.
God is kind of selfish in the fact that He wants to see you, His child, again.
You can read about many prophets in the Old Testament. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses etc... These men all acted in behalf of the Lord for his people which meant that they where not only were they prophets but also held what? The priesthood. What usually happens? Satan tricks man into an apostasy. And why does God call these righteous men? To teach God’s children at the time His plan of salvation and to bring them back to the path of truth.
Do you see a pattern here? God sends a Prophet to show us the way, man reject the Prophet and go into Apostasy, then the Lord sends another Prophet to show man how to return to the line of truth. This pattern has repeated itself throughout time.
Then during a period of unbelief, Father sent His only begotten son, Jesus Christ. Among the innumerable amount of miracles He performed, Jesus organized His church known as the Church of Jesus Christ (of formal days) Jesus called 12 rightious men to be apostles and prophets.
In the book of Ephesians in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul taught that Jesus’ church was built upon the “Foundation of apostles and prophets...that Jesus Christ himself is the chief corner stone.” (Eph 2:19-20)
Question: If Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God created a church with the foundation of apostles and prophets and He as the chief cornerstone, what percentage of truth would this church teach?
Answer: 100%
Jesus Christ taught us how we are to live this life her on earth. He taught that we needed to control our mind and our body and to love God the Father and all of our brothers and sisters as we love ourselves, and also to forgive one another.
In the end it was Jesus Christ that saved all of us from the two deaths that came from the Garden of Eden: physical and spiritual.
Jesus saved us from physical death with the resurrection. A gift to all mankind and He saved us from spiritual death by His atonement, a gift only to those who take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ.
It doesn’t end there. After the crucifixion of Jesus, the wicked men of the time hunted down and killed the apostles and members of the Church of Jesus Christ or the Christians.
Question: When you remove the foundation of a building...what happens?
Answer: It collapses.
And this is what happened to the Church of Jesus Christ when all of the apostles and prophets where assassinated and the priesthood of God was removed causing the world to fall into “the Great Apostasy”, ushering in the dark ages.
Isn’t it amazing how you miss something more than usual when you lose it? The word of God is no exception. So many of the scholars of the time put together the writings of the Jews and created a library or collection of books known as the Bible. As magnificent as this book is, it is only one witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ.
The Bible is the teachings of the prophets who held God’s holy priesthood and directed all of God’s children on the path of truth. But out of this one book arose over 2500 different “Christian” religions all professing to be the one true religion or that there is no true religion.
Question: If God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and according to His pattern of doing things, what does God do so we know we are on His path of truth?
Answer: Bring in another prophet with His holy priesthood.
The following story is in the words of a boy named Joseph Smith who prayed to God and received an answer.
...there was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced with the Methodists, but soon became general among all the sects in that region of country. Indeed, the whole district of country seemed affected by it, and great multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties which created no small stir and division amongst the people, some crying, “Lo, here!” and others, “Lo, there!” Some were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist.
During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit. In process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt some desire to be united with them; but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong.
In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together?
If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?
While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads:
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally, and unbraideth not;
and it shall be given him.”
Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.
At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to “ask of God,” concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture.
So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet mad the attempt to pray vocally.
After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.
But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction-not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being-just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me, I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other-
This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!
My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)-and which I should join.
I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of
men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”
(JSH1:5,8,10-19)
WOW! There it is!
Joseph Smith had questions about religion just like everybody, but he found a solution...to ask God. So with pure intent on learning wisdom he prayed. And did you notice how Satan made an attempt to stop the prayer? That is why he bound Joseph’s tongue as too not let him speak. But Joseph’s determination earned him a visitation by God the Father and Jesus Christ, his son, our Savior.
Joseph Smith would do many wonderful things but two of the greatest events was the restoration of the holy priesthood of God and the bringing forth of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
You see, with the Bible you had one testament which was interpreted in many different ways. But, with another testament available there is only one way to interpret that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of the Living God and that He has again restored the path of truth for our day, and with true apostles and prophets back on the earth, and Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone, He has reconstructed His church again creating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
And God has brought back prophets today to testify of His teachings and life. Also to help us stay on God’s path of truth.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
How I found the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
I’m 17 years old and my dream is to be a rock-n-roll star and as in any endeavor you must pay your dues. As a bass player, I played in five different styles of bands: a rock-n-roll (60’s & 70’s music); a pop (early 80’s, now classic); a school orchestra, the Maryland state orchestra, and the band for the play Godspell. So needless to say I thought I could do it. My story really begins with the play Godspell, a play that was promoted by my home city’s hunger committee as a way to raise money for the food bank. We performed about 70+ shows in the summer of 82.
At the end of most of the shows we would hold cast parties, that where usually pretty rowdy and ruckus. On one particular party I had actually acquired a case of Budweiser beer, with the sole purpose of getting drunk, seeing double, and falling down. (Twisted perception of fun) As I put the beer in the fridge and grabbed one to get started, I began talking to the light manager. Very soon one of the other guitar players joined in the conversation. (Steve, whom I played in the pop band with) Quickly the conversion turned to talking about Jesus Christ. An individual I knew about, but had no desire to bring into my life. I grew up Lutheran but never had to go to church.
This conversation went on from 10 pm until 4 am, the whole time of the party. It is hard too describe how I felt when I left the party because I did not have one drink of beer. I was totally sober. But my heart was beating hard and my whole body was tingling and it felt like I floated out of the house. Once, at home I was pacing back and forth trying to figure out this feeling that I had in my whole body. Finally I concluded that it was religious and went for the big Lutheran family Bible that we had. I opened up the book to a page that had a picture of Jesus on the left side and one scripture on the right. It read,
And Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matt 18:20)
The spirit of the Lord came down on me and I slid down to my knees and confessed to myself, “This guy lives?!”
At that point I said my first non-panic prayer: “Lord I know this is you, if I can find a church that can match this feeling I will join it and serve it.” At that point my “quest” began.
I started going to different churches with a friend who had also became born-again. I must’ve joined about twelve different religions ranging from Pentecostal; Presbyterian; Baptist; Southern Baptist; many different born-again churches. I eventually went back to my old ways of life, but attended church on Sunday.
Trying to pursue a music career my one band started doing some cool gigs. But life was getting crazy. At this time my brother showed up for some unknown reason, but ended helping my father convert our garage into a living room. While he was there he kept setting up appointments with these geeks in suits, missionaries.
Well time went on and the living room was finished and my brother went on his merry way. But for the next 5 months I was visited by these geeks in suits, who called me by name. (I was actually considered an investigator) I never let them get passed my door and told them to get lost. Then one day a knock came on my door and there stood two of the most beautiful women I’d ever seen.
I invited the sister missionaries in where they taught me the first discussion, but I admitted I was more interested in them then what they where teaching, but that wasn’t good so I kicked them out. But something they said sunk deep inside me. It was about this time that a guy I knew vanished, then one day I ran into him and I asked him where he had been. He told me he had joined the Navy. Thinking about my friend, I started thinking about my life and how it was getting crazy. Then one night I found myself kneeling in front of a police squad car being busted for drugs that weren’t mine. But because I was the only one over 18 I could get arrested as an adult. Luckily for me the cop let me go. As I pondered the events that night I thought, “If I stay on my same path I could end up either dead or in jail by 23.”
Question: How can you change your life in one day? Change everything about you, your home, your friends, everything?
Answer: Join the military.
I first went to the Navy, but they where gone so I went to the next door, which was the Army. Score!
After finishing basic training and advanced individual training, (where I learned to drive truck). My first duty station was with the 7th Infantry Division at Ft. Ord CA. Truly a piece of heaven on earth, right on the Monterey Peninsula, it was truly the best place I’ve ever lived.
Well the Lord works hard and there was something about the “Mormons” that kept me interested, but I couldn’t find one to save my life.
(This next part is the story from my friend Ray Hirshmugl)
Ray had a dream, to take a pamphlet from his church and put it in our chow hall. (Lunch hall) He ignored it and went to lunch. Half way there, he said he was stopped and felt “very” strong about going and getting a church pamphlet. He listened this time and went and got “Christ in America” and put it on a table with other religious articles for anyone who wanted them.
(My story) Within an hour I came through for lunch. As I stood in line I looked down and saw this pamphlet and although I didn’t read it, it had the phone number for the missionaries. I left the line and called the number. This is one phone call I will never forget:
Missionary: Hello?
Me: Hi, my name is Chuck Ilsley…I’m interested in learning more about your church so I can join it…
Missionary: Hello!?
(I repeat my statement, then the Elder hands the phone to his companion. I heard their conversation.)
Missionary 1: Who is it?
Missionary 2: I don’t know…some guy who wants to join the church…
(Number 1 missionary comes on the phone and very rudely goes…)
Missionary 1: WHO IS THIS!!!
After some time I finally convinced the missionaries that I was legitimate. So I set up a meeting with them.
(It should be known that the only reason the missionary was incredibly rude to me was he thought I was another set of missionaries because the missionary who answered the phone had only been in the field a week.)
My living conditions were myself and 3 other roommates. I bought a VCR and one of them bought a TV. They pummeled me and took my VCR. (All in love) When ever we where in our room these guys would watch pornography non-stop. Here’s my situation: I’m living with Satan and God is coming to my door.
I met with the missionaries twice and on the second discussion they asked if I’d like to be baptized… “Sure”, I said. My idea at the time was: “If I join all the churches and I die, I’m set”
The reason I cannot remember the name of the missionaries is because after my baptism I never saw them again, and I was not fellowshipped into the church. Thank goodness for the Spirit of God. About every 3 months I’d return back to church but no one would talk to me, except the bishop. (But that’s how it was in all the other churches I joined. Only the pastor would talk to me.)
My testimony
On one fast and testimony Sunday, I went to church and found a seat in the over flow section. (The space between the pews and the cultural hall) The nearest person to me was three seats to my left, other than that I was alone. One by one people went to the stand and bore their testimonies about the truthfulness of the Gospel. Mind you, I had been going to this ward for three months, and the only one who ever spoke to me was the Bishop. I sat in my chair with my arms crossed thinking to myself, “These fools! How can you really know, that the church is true…I’m leaving!” But I could not pull myself out of the chair. Then my thoughts changed to what I would say up on the pulpit. Then I started arguing with myself in my mind.
Now, I don’t know if you as a reader have ever argued with the Spirit of God but I promise…you do lose.
As I sat there I felt a hand press against my back and push me out of my seat. As I stood up I look around and quickly sat down…still looking around, there was no one near me. Again, I felt a push on my back that put me out of my seat and as I stood up a second time, I quickly looked around and sat down. On the third thrust, I gripped the side of the folding chair, gritted my teeth, and mumbled, “I’m not moving from this seat.” Just then my hands got weak and I had to release my grip from the chair. I started to think how weird I was beginning to feel, when I glanced over to my left and there a woman, sitting three seats away, pointing at me stated, “You need to bear your testimony.”
You could’ve knocked me down with a feather.
I got up and sat waiting for my turn. Within a couple of minutes I looked up and every eye was looking at me, so with nothing better to do, I stood up and walked to pulpit. To this day I only remember saying my room mates name John, but that’s it. I have no recollection after that, but when I finished I looked at the bishopric and all three where smiling…I didn’t understand why. Again I’d been going to this ward for three months with no one but the bishop talking to me. I felt anger come to me and I asked them what they where smiling for, they just laughed, and each shook my hand. At this point I was starting to get real angry and as I walked back to my seat and with my peripheral vision, I could see many people looking at me. Then about 5 feet away I stopped and I had a vision come to my minds eye. That night, five years earlier when I gave my prayer, “If I can find a church that would match this feeling, I would join it.” Then a vision of that day came to me, then the two melded into one and I floated back to my seat with the Spirit of God, as I sat down I thought..., “This is it…This is the true church of Jesus Christ.” I was 23 years old.
On January 1st 1988 was my official day of becoming a real member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One year later my bishop asked if I would like to go on a mission for the church. Upon receiving much resistance from my family I served for two-years in the New Jersey Morristown, Mission.
There’s more…on December 31st 1990 I was sitting down getting ready to eat when my door opened and in walked Rich Austin and Matt Anderson, my guitar player and drummer of days of old. They picked me up and carried me out stating since I no longer drank, I was going to be the designated driver. It was a wild reunion with a lot of my old high school friends who I haven’t seen in seven years. The last party we went to was the wildest, truly a wine, women, and song type, Sodom and Gomorrah in comparison. As I sat on some stairs overlooking this party, a dark figure came next to me and as I looked to my left, there was a black space allowing nothing to be seen around. Then I heard a voice as clear as if I was talking to you the reader, saying in a very condescending voice:
“So Elder of Israel, Do you think you can sssave these people.”
I thought for a moment then said to this very real being:
“You know, I may not be able to save them, but…I can save myself.”
Upon that I told my friends I will wait for them in the car. As soon as I left, the spirit was gone.
This is my story and it teaches me many things, but these two great lessons are what I will share:
I learned that:
1. Jesus Christ lives, and He is very mindful of mine (and your) existence.
He made someone have a dream to bring a pamphlet to our lunch hall… for me!!
And…
2. Satan lives and he is aware of mine (and your) existence. He will do everything to destroy you.
You are very important to our Father in Heaven and He knows who you are for you are His child. But the evil one wants you to suffer as he will suffer. Let us stand tall and tell him to go to Hell, because that is where he belongs, not you.
At the end of most of the shows we would hold cast parties, that where usually pretty rowdy and ruckus. On one particular party I had actually acquired a case of Budweiser beer, with the sole purpose of getting drunk, seeing double, and falling down. (Twisted perception of fun) As I put the beer in the fridge and grabbed one to get started, I began talking to the light manager. Very soon one of the other guitar players joined in the conversation. (Steve, whom I played in the pop band with) Quickly the conversion turned to talking about Jesus Christ. An individual I knew about, but had no desire to bring into my life. I grew up Lutheran but never had to go to church.
This conversation went on from 10 pm until 4 am, the whole time of the party. It is hard too describe how I felt when I left the party because I did not have one drink of beer. I was totally sober. But my heart was beating hard and my whole body was tingling and it felt like I floated out of the house. Once, at home I was pacing back and forth trying to figure out this feeling that I had in my whole body. Finally I concluded that it was religious and went for the big Lutheran family Bible that we had. I opened up the book to a page that had a picture of Jesus on the left side and one scripture on the right. It read,
And Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matt 18:20)
The spirit of the Lord came down on me and I slid down to my knees and confessed to myself, “This guy lives?!”
At that point I said my first non-panic prayer: “Lord I know this is you, if I can find a church that can match this feeling I will join it and serve it.” At that point my “quest” began.
I started going to different churches with a friend who had also became born-again. I must’ve joined about twelve different religions ranging from Pentecostal; Presbyterian; Baptist; Southern Baptist; many different born-again churches. I eventually went back to my old ways of life, but attended church on Sunday.
Trying to pursue a music career my one band started doing some cool gigs. But life was getting crazy. At this time my brother showed up for some unknown reason, but ended helping my father convert our garage into a living room. While he was there he kept setting up appointments with these geeks in suits, missionaries.
Well time went on and the living room was finished and my brother went on his merry way. But for the next 5 months I was visited by these geeks in suits, who called me by name. (I was actually considered an investigator) I never let them get passed my door and told them to get lost. Then one day a knock came on my door and there stood two of the most beautiful women I’d ever seen.
I invited the sister missionaries in where they taught me the first discussion, but I admitted I was more interested in them then what they where teaching, but that wasn’t good so I kicked them out. But something they said sunk deep inside me. It was about this time that a guy I knew vanished, then one day I ran into him and I asked him where he had been. He told me he had joined the Navy. Thinking about my friend, I started thinking about my life and how it was getting crazy. Then one night I found myself kneeling in front of a police squad car being busted for drugs that weren’t mine. But because I was the only one over 18 I could get arrested as an adult. Luckily for me the cop let me go. As I pondered the events that night I thought, “If I stay on my same path I could end up either dead or in jail by 23.”
Question: How can you change your life in one day? Change everything about you, your home, your friends, everything?
Answer: Join the military.
I first went to the Navy, but they where gone so I went to the next door, which was the Army. Score!
After finishing basic training and advanced individual training, (where I learned to drive truck). My first duty station was with the 7th Infantry Division at Ft. Ord CA. Truly a piece of heaven on earth, right on the Monterey Peninsula, it was truly the best place I’ve ever lived.
Well the Lord works hard and there was something about the “Mormons” that kept me interested, but I couldn’t find one to save my life.
(This next part is the story from my friend Ray Hirshmugl)
Ray had a dream, to take a pamphlet from his church and put it in our chow hall. (Lunch hall) He ignored it and went to lunch. Half way there, he said he was stopped and felt “very” strong about going and getting a church pamphlet. He listened this time and went and got “Christ in America” and put it on a table with other religious articles for anyone who wanted them.
(My story) Within an hour I came through for lunch. As I stood in line I looked down and saw this pamphlet and although I didn’t read it, it had the phone number for the missionaries. I left the line and called the number. This is one phone call I will never forget:
Missionary: Hello?
Me: Hi, my name is Chuck Ilsley…I’m interested in learning more about your church so I can join it…
Missionary: Hello!?
(I repeat my statement, then the Elder hands the phone to his companion. I heard their conversation.)
Missionary 1: Who is it?
Missionary 2: I don’t know…some guy who wants to join the church…
(Number 1 missionary comes on the phone and very rudely goes…)
Missionary 1: WHO IS THIS!!!
After some time I finally convinced the missionaries that I was legitimate. So I set up a meeting with them.
(It should be known that the only reason the missionary was incredibly rude to me was he thought I was another set of missionaries because the missionary who answered the phone had only been in the field a week.)
My living conditions were myself and 3 other roommates. I bought a VCR and one of them bought a TV. They pummeled me and took my VCR. (All in love) When ever we where in our room these guys would watch pornography non-stop. Here’s my situation: I’m living with Satan and God is coming to my door.
I met with the missionaries twice and on the second discussion they asked if I’d like to be baptized… “Sure”, I said. My idea at the time was: “If I join all the churches and I die, I’m set”
The reason I cannot remember the name of the missionaries is because after my baptism I never saw them again, and I was not fellowshipped into the church. Thank goodness for the Spirit of God. About every 3 months I’d return back to church but no one would talk to me, except the bishop. (But that’s how it was in all the other churches I joined. Only the pastor would talk to me.)
My testimony
On one fast and testimony Sunday, I went to church and found a seat in the over flow section. (The space between the pews and the cultural hall) The nearest person to me was three seats to my left, other than that I was alone. One by one people went to the stand and bore their testimonies about the truthfulness of the Gospel. Mind you, I had been going to this ward for three months, and the only one who ever spoke to me was the Bishop. I sat in my chair with my arms crossed thinking to myself, “These fools! How can you really know, that the church is true…I’m leaving!” But I could not pull myself out of the chair. Then my thoughts changed to what I would say up on the pulpit. Then I started arguing with myself in my mind.
Now, I don’t know if you as a reader have ever argued with the Spirit of God but I promise…you do lose.
As I sat there I felt a hand press against my back and push me out of my seat. As I stood up I look around and quickly sat down…still looking around, there was no one near me. Again, I felt a push on my back that put me out of my seat and as I stood up a second time, I quickly looked around and sat down. On the third thrust, I gripped the side of the folding chair, gritted my teeth, and mumbled, “I’m not moving from this seat.” Just then my hands got weak and I had to release my grip from the chair. I started to think how weird I was beginning to feel, when I glanced over to my left and there a woman, sitting three seats away, pointing at me stated, “You need to bear your testimony.”
You could’ve knocked me down with a feather.
I got up and sat waiting for my turn. Within a couple of minutes I looked up and every eye was looking at me, so with nothing better to do, I stood up and walked to pulpit. To this day I only remember saying my room mates name John, but that’s it. I have no recollection after that, but when I finished I looked at the bishopric and all three where smiling…I didn’t understand why. Again I’d been going to this ward for three months with no one but the bishop talking to me. I felt anger come to me and I asked them what they where smiling for, they just laughed, and each shook my hand. At this point I was starting to get real angry and as I walked back to my seat and with my peripheral vision, I could see many people looking at me. Then about 5 feet away I stopped and I had a vision come to my minds eye. That night, five years earlier when I gave my prayer, “If I can find a church that would match this feeling, I would join it.” Then a vision of that day came to me, then the two melded into one and I floated back to my seat with the Spirit of God, as I sat down I thought..., “This is it…This is the true church of Jesus Christ.” I was 23 years old.
On January 1st 1988 was my official day of becoming a real member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One year later my bishop asked if I would like to go on a mission for the church. Upon receiving much resistance from my family I served for two-years in the New Jersey Morristown, Mission.
There’s more…on December 31st 1990 I was sitting down getting ready to eat when my door opened and in walked Rich Austin and Matt Anderson, my guitar player and drummer of days of old. They picked me up and carried me out stating since I no longer drank, I was going to be the designated driver. It was a wild reunion with a lot of my old high school friends who I haven’t seen in seven years. The last party we went to was the wildest, truly a wine, women, and song type, Sodom and Gomorrah in comparison. As I sat on some stairs overlooking this party, a dark figure came next to me and as I looked to my left, there was a black space allowing nothing to be seen around. Then I heard a voice as clear as if I was talking to you the reader, saying in a very condescending voice:
“So Elder of Israel, Do you think you can sssave these people.”
I thought for a moment then said to this very real being:
“You know, I may not be able to save them, but…I can save myself.”
Upon that I told my friends I will wait for them in the car. As soon as I left, the spirit was gone.
This is my story and it teaches me many things, but these two great lessons are what I will share:
I learned that:
1. Jesus Christ lives, and He is very mindful of mine (and your) existence.
He made someone have a dream to bring a pamphlet to our lunch hall… for me!!
And…
2. Satan lives and he is aware of mine (and your) existence. He will do everything to destroy you.
You are very important to our Father in Heaven and He knows who you are for you are His child. But the evil one wants you to suffer as he will suffer. Let us stand tall and tell him to go to Hell, because that is where he belongs, not you.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Beware of Pride by EzraTaft Benson on April 1, 1989
My beloved brethren and sisters, I rejoice to be with you in another glorious general conference of the Church. How grateful I am for the love prayers and service of the devoted members of the Church throughout the world.
May I commend you faithful Saints who are striving to flood the earth and lives with the Book of Mormon. Not only must we move forward in a monumental manner more copies of the Book of Mormon, but we must move boldly forward into our own lives and throughout the earth more of its marvelous messages.
This sacred volume was written for us – for our day. Its scriptures are to be likened unto- for our day. Its scriptures are to be likened unto ourselves. (see 1 Nephi 19:23)
The Doctrine and Covenants tells us that the Book of Mormon is the “record of a fallen people” (D&C 20:9) Why did they fall? This is one of the major messages of the Book of Mormon. Mormon gives the answer in the closing chapters of the book in these words:
“Behold, the pride of this nation, or the people of the Nephites, hath proven their destruction.” (Moroni 8:27)
And then, lest we miss that momentous Book of Mormon message from the fallen people, the Lord warns us in the Doctrine and Covenants,
“Beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old.” (D&C 38:39)
I earnestly seek an interest in your faith and prayers as I strive to bring forth light on this Book of Mormon message – the sin of pride. This message has been weighing heavily on my soul for some time. I know the Lord want this message delivered now.
In the premortal council, it was pride that felled Lucifer, A son of the morning.” (2 Nephi 24:12-15; see also D&C 76: 25-27; Moses 4:3.) At the end of this world, when God cleanses the earth by fire, the proud will be burned as stubble and the meek that inherit the earth. (See 3 Nephi12:5, 25:1;D&C 29:9; JS-H 1:37; Malachi 4:1)
Three times in the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord uses the phrase “beware of pride, Beware of pride,” including a warning to the second elder of the Church, Oliver Cowdery, and to Emma Smith, the wife of the Prophet.
Pride is a very misunderstood sin, and many are sinning in ignorance. (See Mosiah 3:11; 3 Nephi 6:18) In the scriptures there is no such thing as righteous pride—it is always considered a sin. Therefore, no matter how the world uses the term, we must understand how God uses the term, we must understand the language of holy writ and profit thereby. (See 2 Nephi 4:15; Mosiah 1:3-7; Alma 5:61)
Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing.
The central feature of pride is enmity – enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means “hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.” It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.
Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God’s When we direct our pride toward God, it is in the spirit of “my will and not thine be done.” As Paul said, they “seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” (Philippians 2:21)
Our will in competition to God’s will allows desires, appetites, and passions to go unbridled. (see Alma 38:12; 3 Nephi 12:30)
The proud cannot accept the authority of God giving direction to their lives. (see Helaman 12:6) They pit their perceptions of truth against God’s great knowledge, their abilities verses God’s priesthood power, their accomplishments against his mighty works.
Our enmity toward God takes on many labels, such as rebellion, hard heartedness, stiff neckedness, unrepentant, puffed up, easily offended, and sign seekers. The proud wish God would agree with them. They aren’t interested in changing their opinions to agree with God’s.
Another major portion of this very prevalent sin of pride is enmity toward our fellowmen. We are tempted daily to elevate ourselves above others and diminish them (see Helaman 6:17; D&C 58: 41.)
The proud make every man their adversary by pitting their intellects, opinions, works, wealth, talents or any other worldly measuring device against others. In the words of C.S. Lewis:
“Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man…It is the comparison that makes you proud: the Pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element Of competition has gone, pride has gone.” (“Mere Christianity”, New York; Macmillan 1952, pp. 109-10.)
In the pre-earthly council, Lucifer placed his proposal in competition with the Father’s plan as advocated by Jesus Christ. (see Moses 4:1-3.) He wished to be honored above all others. (see 2 Nephi 24:13) In short, his prideful desire was to dethrone God. (see D&C 29:36; 76:28.)
The scriptures abound with evidences of the severe consequences of the sin of pride to individuals, groups, cities, and nations. “Pride goeth before the destruction.” (Proverbs 16:18.) It destroyed the Nephite nation and the city of Sodom. (See Moroni 8:27; Ezekiel 16: 49-50.)
It was through pride that Christ was crucified. The Pharisees were wroth because Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, which was a threat to their position, and so they plotted His death. (see John 11:53)
Saul became an enemy to David through pride. He was jealous because crowds of Israelite women were singing that “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” (1 Samuel 18: 6-8)
The proud stand more in fear of men’s judgment that of God’s judgment. (see D&C 3:6-7; 30:1-2;60:2.) “What will men think of me?” weighs heavier than “What will God think of me?” King Noah was about to free the prophet Abinadi, but an appeal to his pride by his wicked priests sent Abinadi to the flames. (see Mosiah 17:11-12.) Herod sorrowed at the request of his wife to behead John the Baptist. But his prideful desire to look good to “them which sat with him at meat” caused him to kill John. (Matthew 14:9; see also Mark 6;26)
Fear of men’s judgment manifests itself in competition for men’s approval. The proud love the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:42-43.) Our motives for the things we do are where the sin is manifest, Jesus said He did “always those things”that pleased God. (John 8:29) Would we not do well to have the pleasing of God as our motive rather than to try to elevate ourselves above our brother and out do another?
Some prideful people are not so concerned as to whether their wages meet their needs as they are that their wages are more that someone else’s. Their reward is being a cut above the rest. This is the enmity of pride.
When pride has a hold on our hearts we lose our independence of the world and deliver our freedoms to the bondage of men’s judgment. The would shouts louder than the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. The reasoning of men overrides the revlations of God, and the proud let go of the iron rod. (see 1 Nephi 8:19-28;11:25;15:23-24.)
Pride is a sin that can readily be seen in others but is rarely admitted in ourselves. Most of us consider pride to be a sin of those on top, such as the rich and the learned, looking down at the rest of us. (see 2 Nephi 9:42) There is , however, a far more common ailment among us – and that is pride from the bottom looking up. It is manifest in so many ways, such as fault finding, gossiping, backbiting, murmuring, living beyond our means, envying, coveting, withholding gratitude and praise that might lift another, and being unforgiving and jealous.
Disobedience is essentially a prideful power struggle against someone in authority over us. It can be a parent, a priesthood leader, a teacher, or ultimately God. A proud person hates the fact that someone is above him. He thinks this lowers his position.
Selfishness is one of the more common faces of pride. “How everything affects me” is the center of all that matters—self-conceit, self pity, worldly self fulfillment, self gratification, and self seeking.
Pride results in secret combinations which are built up to get power, gain, and glory of the world. (see Helaman 7:5; Ether 8:9,16, 22-23; Moses 5:31) This fruit of the sin of pride, namely secret combinations, brought down both the Jaredite and the Nephite civilizations and has been and will yet be the cause of the fall of many nations. (see Ether 8:18-25)
Another face of pride is contention. Arguments, fights, unrighteous dominion, generation gaps, divorces, spouse abuse, riots, and disturbances all fall into this category of pride.
Contention in our families drives the Spirit of the Lord away. It also drives many of our family members away. Contention ranges from a hostile spoken word to worldwide conflicts. The scriptures tell us that “only by pride cometh contention.” (Proverbs 13:10; see also Proverbs 28:25)
The scriptures testify that the proud are easily offended and hold grudges. (see 1 Nephi 16:1-3) They withhold forgivenenss to keep another in their debt and to justify their injured feelings.
The proud do not receive counsel or correction easily. (see Proverbs 15:10; Amos 5:10) Defensiveness is used by them to justify and rationalize their frailties and failures. (see Matthew 3:9; John 6:30-59)
The proud depend upon the world to tell them whether they have value or not. Their self-esteem is determined by where they are judged to be on the ladders of worldly success. They feel worthwhile as individuals if the numbers beneath them in achievement, talent, beauty, or intellect are large enough. Pride is ugly, It says, “If you succeed, I am a failure.”
If we love God, do His will, and fear his judgment more than men’s, we will have self-esteem.
Pride is a damning sin in the true sense of the word. It limits or stops progression. (see Alma 12:10-11) The proud are not easily taught. (see 1 Nephi 15:3, 7-11) They won’t change their minds to accept truths, because to do so implies they have been wrong.
Pride adversely affects all our relationships – our relationship with God and His servants, between husband and wife, parent and child, employer and employee, teacher and student, and all mankind. Our degree of pride determines how we treat our God and our brothers and sisters. Christ wants to lift us to where he is. Do we desire to do the same for others?
Pride fades our feelings of sonship to God and brotherhood to man. It separates and divides us by “ranks,” according to our “riches” and our “chances for learning.” (3 Nephi 6:12) Unity is impossible for a proud people, and unless we are one, we are not the Lord’s. (see Mosiah 18:21; D&C 38:27; 105:2-4; Moses 7:18)
Think of what pride has cost us in the past and what it is now costing us in our own lives, our families, and the Church.
Think of the repentance that could take place with lives changed, marriages preserved, and homes strengthened, if pride did not keep us from confessing our sins and forsaking them. (see D&C 58:43)
Think of the many who are less active members of the Church because they were offended and their pride will not allow them to forgive or fully sup at the Lord’s table.
Think of the tens of thousands of additional young men and couples who could be on missions except for the pride that keeps them from yielding their hearts unto God. (see Alma 10:6; Helaman 3: 34-35)
Think how temple work would increase if the time spent in this godly service were more important than the pursuits that compete for our time.
Pride affects all of us at various times and in various degrees. Now you can see why the building in Lehi’s dream that represents the pride of the world was large and spacious and great was the multitude that did enter into it. (see 1 Nephi 8:26-33; 11:35-36)
Pride is the universal sin, the great vice. Yes, pride is the universal sin, the great vice.
The antidote for pride is humility – meekness, submissiveness. (see Alma 7:23) It is the broken heart and contrite spirit. (see 3 Nephi 9:20, 12:19; D&C 20:37, 59:8; Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 57:15; 66:2) As Rudyard Kipling put it so well:
The tumult and the shouting dies; The captains
and the kings depart. Still stands thine ancient
sacrifice, an humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we
forget, lest we forget. (Hymns, 1985, No. 80)
God will have a humble people. Either we can choose to be humble or we can be compelled to be humble. Alma said, “Blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble.” (Alma 32:16)
Let us choose to be humble.
We can choose to humble ourselves by conquering enmity toward our brothers and sisters, esteeming them as ourselves, and lifting them as high or higher than we are. (see D&C 38:24; 81:5; 84:106)
We can choose to humble ourselves by rendering selfless service. (see Mosiah 2:16-17)
We can choose to humble ourselves by going on missions and preaching the word that can humble others. (see Alma 4:19; 31:5; 48:20)
We can choose to humble ourselves by getting to the temple more frequently.
We can choose to humble ourselves by confessing and forsaking our sins and being born of God. (see D&C 58:43; Mosiah 27:25-26; Alma 5:7-14,49)
We can choose to humble ourselves by loving God, submitting our will to His and putting Him first in our lives. (see 3 Nephi 11:11; 13:33; Moroni 10:32)
Let us choose to be humble. We can do it. I know we can.
My dear brethren and sisters, we must prepare to redeem Zion. It was essentially the sin of pride that kept us from establishing Zion in the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was the same sin of pride that brought consecration to an end among the Nephites. (see 4 Nephi 1:24-25)
Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion. I repeat: Pride “is” the great stumbling block to Zion.
We must cleanse the inner vessel by conquering pride. (see Alma 6:2-4; Matthew 23:25-26)
We must yield “to the enticings of the Holy Spirit,” put off the prideful “natural man,” become “a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord,” and become “as a child, submissive, meek, humble.” (Mosiah 3:19; see also Alma 13:28)
That we may do so and go on to fulfill our divine destiny is my fervent prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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