The Covenant Path

We don’t need to get a complex or get a feeling that you have to be perfect to be saved. You don’t. There’s only been one perfect person, and that’s the Lord Jesus, but in order to be saved in the Kingdom of God and in order to pass the test of mortality, what you have to do is get on the straight and narrow path — thus charting a course leading to eternal life — and then, being on that path, pass out of this life in full fellowship. I’m not saying that you don’t have to keep the commandments. I’m saying you don’t have to be perfect to be saved. If you did, no one would be saved. The way it operates is this: you get on the path that’s named the “straight and narrow.” You do it by entering the gate of repentance and baptism. The straight and narrow path leads from the gate of repentance and baptism, a very great distance, to a reward that’s called eternal life. If you’re on that path and pressing forward, and you die, you’ll never get off the path. There is no such thing as falling off the straight and narrow path in the life to come, and the reason is that this life is the time that is given to men to prepare for eternity. Now is the time and the day of your salvation, so if you’re working zealously in this life — though you haven’t fully overcome the world and you haven’t done all you hoped you might do — you’re still going to be saved. You don’t have to do what Jacob said, “Go beyond the mark.” You don’t have to live a life that’s truer than true. You don’t have to have an excessive zeal that becomes fanatical and becomes unbalancing. What you have to do is stay in the mainstream of the Church and live as upright and decent people live in the Church — keeping the commandments, paying your tithing, serving in the organizations of the Church, loving the Lord, staying on the straight and narrow path. If you’re on that path when death comes — because this is the time and the day appointed, this the probationary estate — you’ll never fall off from it, and, for all practical purposes, your calling and election is made sure.

The Probationary Test of Mortality

Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Address given at the University of Utah Institute of Religion January 10, 1982

The Law of Return

Matt 24:32-34 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

Dan 9:24-25 Seventy weeks (shabuas) are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city. . . Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

Some believe that the reestablishment of Israel is the fulfillment of Matt 24. According to scripture, the state of Israel is the "fig tree". Therefore, if this is so, according to Matt 24, the generation born to see the nation of Israel restored would not pass away until all of the End Times prophesies of Matt 24 are fulfilled.

The prophesies of Daniel have multiple fulfillment. But they also apply to the Last Days as well. Daniel tells us that after a command goes forth to rebuild Jerusalem, there is a special 70 "Shabua" time period set aside until Jerusalem and the temple are fully restored and sanctified. Shabua can mean "a week of 7 days" or can refer to the "Feast of Weeks". Therefore, 70 Shabuas can mean 490 years or it can mean just 70 years.

So, when is the start of Daniel's timeline of 70 prophetic years? Some start the clock at the UN declaration creating the Nation of Israel in 1947. I do not agree with this. It is my personal opinion that Daniel's clock begins with the "Law of Return" where the Jewish government itself called for the gathering of Jews to Israel on July 5, 1950 (20 Tammuz 5710).

Accordingly, if Daniel's prophetic timeline begins in 1950, and 70 Shabuas = 70 years, then it should end in 2020. I'm not saying this marks the Second Coming of Christ. No man knows the day nor the hour. However, Daniel seemed interested in telling us when to expect the restoration and sanctification of the 3rd Temple in Jerusalem.

That said, the final 7 years from Shabua 62 to 69 seem to be a period of tribulation, war, and desolation. This Tribulation period is described as the 7 Trumpets by John in Revelation which preceeds the 7 vials of wrath. While the righteous are not appointed unto wrath, believers will be subject to the trials and adversity of the Tribulation. So, we should be prepared. When should the Tribulation begin? If "The Law of Return" starts the clock, and 70 Shabuas = 70 years, then the 62nd Shabua should begin in the year 2012. The Abomination of Desolation will occur in the midst of the Tribulation week (Dan 9:27).

Although the Tribulation period will be painful like any medical procedure. Remember, God is allowing the wicked to unleash these trials to wake us up and get the is to repent to turn back to Him. The Tribulation can only be as bad as man has technology to torment man. This may include technology to trigger Earthquakes in strange places, arson, disease, famine, steer and potentiate storms, civil unrest, and war. Satan has no power over astrological phenomenon. Celestial signs and wonders are Gods domain and is saved for the Wrath upon the wicked only. Just remember, that Zion waits just on the other side of the Tribulation.

2020 may also mark the 120th Jubilee (Gen 6:3).

Fight or FEMA Camp: Alma vs. Limhi

A recent new report was discussing the use of US Military being used as peace keepers on American soil in violation of the Pose Comitatus Act. Over the past 10 years, there has been an increasing trend for FEMA to call upon the US Military to assist with domestic disaster relief as opposed to using the State National Guard which are under the command of the Governors as opposed to DOD. (Caesar has crossed the Rubicon).

Accordingly, Many concerned citizens point to several instances where during these disaster relief operations, US Military were used to conduct warrantless door-to-door searches, gun confiscation, and forced relocations. Critics of this kind of domestic use of the US Military claim it is in clear violation of the Pose Comitatus Act of 1878 . Pose Comitatus prohibits US Military from engaging in "law enforcement," "military occupation" or "peace keeping" activities on non-federal property. Last October, NorthCOM using the threat of WMD's as justification, assigned the US Army 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team (otherwise known as the Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear, and Explosive Consequence Management Response Force or CCMRF) to operate within the US. The issue FEMA and Pose Comitatus got me thinking about the following scenario.

1. We know that Utah (Wasatch Fault) is way overdue for an 8-9 Earthquake (Utah has been feverishly retrofitting for last 25 years). 2. A magnitude 8-9 earthquake along the Wasatch Front would result in considerable devastation. 3. When that Earthquake occurs or any another large-scale domestic disaster, US Military will likely assist local law enforcement in peacekeeping activities as was done in New Orleans, Billings, MT and Greenburg, KS 4. If called upon, the US Military could engage in house-to-house searches and gun confiscation. 5. FEMA could use the military to enforce a mandatory vaccination program 6. Disaster victims could be forcibly removed, relocated, and transported to a system of FEMA residential facilities.

So, some unconventional questions are these: When the Big Utah Quake happens (or the next big domestic disaster), and FEMA activates the Consequence Management Response Force (CMRF) to imposes a policy of gun confiscation, forced vaccination and relocation; What do you think the reaction of the general public will be? Would anyone militantly resist gun confiscation and forced vaccination? The choice between [Fight] or [FEMA Camp] seems like a lose-lose, false dichotomy to me. It is my conviction that by being spiritually and temporally prepared, listening to the prophet, and taking the Holy Spirit as our guide, we will not have to fear either of these false choices.

Having and sharing a year supply nicely avoids the (fight vs FEMA camp) dichotomy. While many people may voluntarily get on the trains headed toward FEMA residential centers because of the promise of food and water. If we follow the prophet and have food storage, we can share with our neighbors, ban together, and keep some semblance of community. Then again, having a 72-hour kit and hitting the road early and getting out of Dodge may be wise depending on the circumstances.

Again, lets imagine that Utah's Wasatch Fault finally has its 8-9.5 Earthquake and the entire Wasatch Front is in shambles. Marshall Law is imposed, Federal Troops are on the street and going door to door rounding up people and enforcing policies of forced vaccination, gun confiscation, and forced relocation to FEMA residential camps. What would be the correct response? I don't like the [Fight vs. FEMA Camp] dichotomy, but it reminds me a lot of the situation of the people of Limhi vs. the people of Alma in the Book of Mormon.

Limhi's was the son of wicked King Noah who burned the prophet Abinadi at the stake. Limhi's people were enslaved by the Lamanites and put under a kind of martial law. In response, the people of Limhi marshaled themselves and went to battle against impossible odds and were badly defeated again and again before they were eventually delivered.

On the other hand, Alma and a small band of believers were warned and escaped the City of Nephi before the Lamanites enslaved its citizens. Eventually Alma's City of Helam was taken captive for a short time. In fact, a law was made that if the guards found them praying, they would be put to death. However, we are told Alma's and his people did not resist and God did quickly delivered them.

I think we all hope we would have some prior warning of danger like Alma at the Waters of Mormon. However, If I were forced to choose between Alma or Limhi, I choose Alma every time.

I think the important thing here is to follow the prophet, get out of debt, acquire a food supply, and keep an open mind when anticipating instruction to "defend the constitution" vs. "comply and seek redress later in the courts?" (D&C 101:76, 134:11) I hope that most citizens understand that the Pose Comitatus Act of 1878 only applies to the point where the Insurrection Act of 1807 takes over. Therefore, when I hear anyone say they would militantly resist a policy of gun confiscation, I can't help but think about the lesson of People of Limhi vs. the People of Alma in the Book of Mormon.

My hope is that regardless of what may happen (earthquakes, dirty bombs, financial collapse) many of us who have listened to the living prophets and have a food storage will be able to stay put and maybe share our food storage with 1-2 Ishmael-like families with skills and resources that will help us survive, instead of relocating to FEMA residential centers or major cities where food and water distribution is promised.

D&C 112:25 And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord;

D&C 45:57 For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.

Brigham Young's Misunderstood Teachings

Adam- God: (misunderstood by people who heard it)

1. Adam has already entered into His eternal life. 

2. Adam is a physical father of Jesus Christ through Mary.
3. Adam is our physical father who has achieved godhood who is the only god physically we are related to and "have to do with".

The point of this was to say, "isn't it cool that the father of mankind has already entered into his godhood". If Adam has done so, then so can we.

Blood Confession: (Blood Atonement is a misnomer and always a false doctrine )

1. Only the shedding of Christ's blood brings forgiveness, blessing, diverance, reception, salvation and exaltation. (Period)
2. This doctrine has to do with how a person obtains forgiveness from a seemingly unforgivable sin and how you can trust the confession (eg malafactor, Sherem).

a. Confess Christ as the Savior and Redeemer
b. Make full and public disclosure and confession and restitution if possible.
c. Voluntarily accept and submit to all required consequences and punishments even including capital punishment if required. (No endless appeals on death row and no plea deals).

Submitting to death penalty does not atone for sin, and may not always be required, but only as it is required by society depending on the crimes committed, a person by voluntarily submitting to the full consequences and penalties of the law seals their confession with their own blood as true. This is how the great latter-day conspiracy could be revealed. 

The great conspiracy sends many false defectors. But you know they are false because they don't confess and don't submit to punishment. Anyone high up in the Great and Abominable Church who would know anything about it would be required to have done heinous things, which would require a shocking confession and the most severe punishments.

But if someone were to come forward and actually, confess and submit to full punishment without a plea deal, you'd know the confession he made was true. (Sherem)  This is a very important doctrine and why it's so misunderstood. The implimentation of this doctrine would take Satan's Church down. 

No More Prophets?

Heb 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Evangelicals believe in the notion of "Sola Scriptura". Sola Scriptura means that the Bible, as it currently exists,  is the sole infallible source of authority for Christian faith and practice.  Evangelicals claim this scripture in Hebrews 1:1 means that since the coming of Jesus Christ. God no longer uses prophets and there will not be any more scripture given. The Bible is closed.  Believers are to rely on the testimony of the Apostles alone who were eye witnesses of Christ  in the New Testament.

Evangelicals claim that since the coming of Jesus Christ, that Christ's Himself manifests Himself to mankind directly via His word in the New Testament and the Holy Ghost without need for a mediator, intermediary, emessary, witness or prophet as was done in the Old Testament.  This is, in reality, a reactionary protestant doctrine that rejects the authority of the Catholic Pope. 

But does the Bible itself support this interpretation?

1. Luke was the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Luke is not an Apostle, but was a missionary companion of Paul.  Luke himself confesses that he was not an eye witness of the sayings or acts of Jesus Christ but claims to have recorded the witnesses of people who did. 

While, Luke is reliable in my mind. Doesn't Luke serve as an intermediary of Christ's words? 

Luke 1:2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;

2. John is visited by an angel. In Revelation, John the Beloved is shown a vision of the Last Days.  John mistakenly attempts to worship the angel sent to deliver Christ's words.  But, the angel forbade John stating that John should only worship God.   But if God no longer uses intermediaries other than Christ, and Christ deals with mankind directly without any other intermediary; why did  Jesus send His testimony vua this angel in Rev 19:10 and Rev 22:9 and not directly?

Rev 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

3. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan, who respresents Christ, personally cared for the man who fell among thieves.  But then Christ states that the Samaritan left the man in the care of the host of the inn.  If Christ no longer uses prophets, representatives, or other authorized representatives, why does the Samaritan in the Parable arrange for someone else, (the innkeeper) to continue care of the injured man on His behalf?

Luke 10:35. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

4.  Revelation says in the Last Days, there will be two witnesses who prophesy in Jerusalem. Isn't witnesses who prophesy just another way of describing a prophet?

Rev 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

Considering these four examples from the Bible,  is it reasonable to continue to believe in the protestant/Evangelical tradition of Sola Scriptura, which tradition itself is not found in the Bible?

Faith and Seatbelts

Mainstream Christianity and their doctrine of "Sola Fide" or salvation by faith alone, sadly often misunderstands, and dilutes the true meaning of faith.  James teaches to, "be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only (James 1:22), and "faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone (James 2:17)".  Christ Himself taught, "Not every one 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).

When Paul says we are saved by grace and not by dead works, Paul is talking about the amoral requirements of the Law of Moses. Paul is not talking about the moral requirements of a Christian life to be virtuous,  honest, true, and chaste, and to care for the poor and needy, the fatherless and the widow. 

A good analogy to faith is the seatbelt in a car.  I can say that I believe that using a seatbelt will save my life in the event of an accident.  I can form a foundation and launch a crusade to raise seatbelt awareness and advocate for its use. But, in addition to my words and advocacy, true faith also requires my daily consistent personal use. I can talk all day long about how I believe seatbelt use saves lives. but If I don't use my seatbelt, I am being hypocritical, and I will not be free of the consequences. 

Paul teaches that Christ's righteousness is imputed to us.  But our justification through Christ's grace does not negate our need to wear a seatbelt and will not deliver us from the consequences of not wearing one. What justification in Christ allows, is the presence of the Holy Ghost to be with us, even in our imperfect state, to help us via our conscience (peace or guilt), to keep keep Christ's commandments, and, in this case, consistently wear our seatbelt. 

The workings of the Holy Spirit could be compared to the annoying car notification that sounds when we have not yet fastened our searbelt.  The presence of the Holy Ghost, given by Christ's grace, through faith, aids in our sanctification and perfection. The Holy Ghost will not protect us from harm and the consequences of being in a car accident without a seatbelt and  when we have, as Captain Moroni writes to Pahoran. failed to make use of the means the Lord has already provided for us. The Holy Ghost is only there to "bring all things to our remembrance"  and help us remember to put on our seatbelt in the fiest place.  Protection comes by our obedience. 

Alma 60:21 Or do ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us, while we sit upon our thrones and do not make use of the means which the Lord has provided for us?

There were some ancient Jews in the Book of Mormon (Wicked King Noah) and the Bible (Pharisees) who mistakenly believed if they kept all the amoral particulars of the Law of Moses, that they were given leeway to break all the moral commandments.  As Christians, we need to be careful that we don't make the same mistake.  and believe that saying "Lord, Lord", excuses us from keeping the commandments.  Professed Christians are not given permission to lie, cheat, steal, get drunk, do drugs, look at porn, or have sex before or outside of marriage. 

We need to beware telling ourselves that its okay because everyone is doing it and God wouldn't punish so many people.  God did punish a whole lot of people in the Great Flood, and warned us these Last Days would be the same as the days of Noah.  Confessing Christ but continuing in sin won't protect us from the spiritual and physical consequences. While. no one is perfect, what accepting Christ will do, is allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and help us improve every day.  Our responsibility is to continue in the grace of Christ and in our daily striving, improving, and endure to the end. 

Salt Lake Temple Foundation

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ, according to scripture, is linked to the ancient Israelite marriage custom. The Second Comming is the final marriage feast where the groom (Jesus Christ) is finally united and eternally sealed together with His bride (the Church). But according to tradition, after the engagement, the groom spent a year away from his betrothed building a house for their family to live. The day of the wedding was unknown until the father of the groom inspected the home and declared it accepted.

The house of the Lord Jesus Christ is the temple. In Bible times the temple was built in Jerusalem to one nation, kindred, tongue and people. But in the Last Days, the mountain of the Lord's House and the everlasting covenant would be established to all nationd, kindreds, tongues and peoples. The Salt Lake Temple built in Utah, built in the tops of the mountains, is the House of the Lord Jesus Christ.

10 years after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, President Buchanan sent Johnstons Army in 1857 to occupy Utah, assert federal authority. and quell a falsely perceived inserection. Not wanting temple square to be occupied, Brigham Young had the all the stones and foundations of the Salt Lake temple up to that point cast into its excavation, covered with dirt. and the ground plowed to appear like a farmers field.

After Jonston's Army passed through and established a camp in another area of the valley, work eventually resumed on the Salt Lake temple. However, when the foundation was reexcavated, the builders discovered many cracks. Undaunted, Brigham Young ordered the entire sandstone foundation removed and replaced with a granite (dolomite) foundation including an unusual detail featuring 16 inverted arches. Brigham Young said at the time that he desired the Salt Lake Temple and its foundation to last through the Melennium.

Years later, Elder Boyd K Packer was recounting this history and the temple's mysterious 16 inverted foundation arches in a 1993 talk entitled. "The Temple, the Priesthood". Elder Packer said, "sixteen large inverted granite arches were built into the new foundation. There is no record as to why they did that. That manner of construction was unknown in this country then. But, if someday per chance there'd be a massive force wanting to lift the temple from beneath, then we shall know why they are there."

Today, we finally know why God inspired and showed Brigham Young to place these inverted arches in the temple's foundation. At 7:09 a.m. MDT on March 18, 2020, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, with an epicenter 6 km (3.7 mi) north-northeast of Magna, Utah. The result of the shaking was the angel Moroni atop the Salt Lake temple dropped his trumpet. All public church gatherings were suspended on March 12, 2020. March 16, and 20 saw missionary work curtailed and some missionaries sent home early. Two weeks later, on March 25, the First Presidency announced all temples would close.

Damage to the Salt Lake City temple foundation was extensive enough that experts worried. a more serious earthquake would completely destroy the temple. So, while all the other lds temples eventually reopened, and resumed normal operation, the Salt Lake temple has remained closed and us undergoing a massive 7-year long seismic upgrade.

The temple itself has been literally lifted up by its foundation with the help of its 16 inverted arches using state-of-the-art hydraulics and the massive edifice with foundation has been placed on a base-isolation technology system. The technology to lift an entire building and its foundation didn't exist in Brigham Young's day or even in Elder Packer's day. But Brigham Young, in 1853, said the Lord showed him the completed temple in a vision before any stones had been laid.

see more ar Rise Zion 

United Order (Order of Enoch)

Individuals can live consecration individually. The United Order is likely more of an economic, banking, credit, and insurance system that facilitates an entire community to live consecration where the community lives with "all things common"; NOT, all things [in].common. Maybe that's how Satan is bound by keeping him from controlling the economic system. There is likely a way to have a free market and free enterprise without dependency on the dictates of the unelected machiavellian capitalist money elite.

Brigsm Young experimented with establishing the United Order with the establishment of Orderville also affectionately known as "souo town" in 1875. 

Flash of Light at Carthage

"The ruffian, of whom I have spoken, who set him against the wellcurb, now gathered a bowie knife for the purpose of severing his head from his body. He raised the knife and was in the attitude of striking, when a light, so sudden and powerful, burst from the heavens upon the bloody scene, (passing its vivid chain between Joseph and his murderers,) that they were struck with terrified awe and filled with consternation. This light, in its appearance and potency, baffles all powers of description. The arm of the ruffian, that held the knife, fell powerless; the muskets of the four, who fired, fell to the ground, and they all stood like marble statues, not having the power to move a single limb of their bodies."  -- William Daniels, at Carthage as part of the mob. 

Mary Lightner remembered that within days of the martyrdom

"a number of men came and called us to the door and said, "The Smiths are dead, and they do say a great light appeared when they were killed." I said, "That should prove to you that Joseph was a true Prophet and a man of God." One answered "It proves that the Lord was well pleased with what was done."  -- Mary Lightner

The Martyrdom of Joseph Smith: An Archetypal Study 

The Book of Abraham

In facsimile 3. it is apparently a marriage. (holding hands) But marriage ceremonies often also reflects a dramatization of a mythological scene.  In our culture, marriage reflects the union of Adam and Eve.  When watching a play, movie, or TV there is a need to differentiate references to the actor from the character being depicted.  The same may apply when interpreting facsimile 3.

The use and recontextualization of specific Egyptian artwork may be saying that Abraham was the main character in this ritual on one occasion or was asked to officiate the wedding ceremony (Maat ritual), for the Phoaroh's son on another occasion. 

And in the case of the hypocephelus,  Joseph Smith always translated what should have been written and not exactly what was written-- if God had allowed a divine cheat sheet containing important answers to give angels who stood as sentinels at the gates of heaven..

Judge Righteous Judgement

Toxic people confuse sympathy with empathy.  Empathy means you see and feel things from anothers perspective and then judge if sympathy is warranted.  Sonetimes, out of empathy, sympathy is NOT warranted. Toxic people feel entitled to sympathy in all circumstances because of their delusions of victimization (victim complex, specialness,  exceptionalism).

Narcissism equates to the Bibilical sin of pride. Sadly, the narcissist lacks any ability of insight, even up to the point of standing before Jesus Christ, and having Him condemn them to their face declaring, "you never knew Me" and then proceeding to argue with God about it-- talking to God as if He is somehow mistaken.

So, if this is you or me, we likely have No idea.

I think the key, is to have the attitude of Jesus Christ's 11 Apostles, upon hearing Christ declare that one among them would betray Him, each asking with sincerity, "Is it I?"

This is an interesting argument for the LDS attitude about salvation/exaltation (fear and trembling) vs. the Evangelical false certainty.

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5

Psalm 139:23–24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart… see if there be any wicked way in me.”

Lamentations 3:40: “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.”

James 1:22: “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

Counting the Omer

I dont know but President Hinkley got me thinking about a 7-year pattern after declaring the opening of the 7th seal on April 6, 2000 General Conference. President Hinkley referenced Joseph in Egypt and the 7 years of famine in 1998 and again 7 years later in 2005.

The Tribulation may have a connection with Feast of Shavuot/Pentecost or Weeks or 7's. Tribulation could be 7x7 or 49 (50) years. 7 Trumpets sound after the opening of the 7th seal. Pentecost is named for the 50 days (omer) following Passover (Pesach). Are we currently counting the omer?

Trumpet 1, 2001, 9/11

Trumpet 2, 2007, Housing Crisis

Trumpet 3, 2014-15, Russia in Crimea, Same-gender marriage legalized 

Trumpet 4, 2020, COVID

Trumpet 5, 2027-8, (Locusts, Woe 1)

Trumpet 6, 2035, (Armageddon, Woe 2)

Trumpet 7, 2042, (7 Vials Wrath, Woe 3)

There is likely a connection between the completion of the Lord's House in 2027 before the Wedding Feast. (Andrea W). In ancient hebrew wedding tradition, the bridegroom spends a year away from his betrothed building her a home. The day of the wedding is not appointed until the Father of the groom accepts the home as completed. The House of the Lord is the Salt Lake Temple which will be rededicated in 2027 after an extensive seismic upgrade.

Beware extreme beliefs with regard to the Last Days such as mistakenly subscribing to the Scofield Bible idea of the 7-year tribulation and pre-trib rapture or the extreme attitude that "if it gets bad I'd rather just die".  Both lead people to not be prepared.  Yes, there will be a rapture. but it will be pre-wrath, not pre-trib. The 7 vials of wrath are poured out as part of the 7th Trumpet.  Believers will need to be watching and be prepared for 1-6. 

Remember the Bible teaches that in this life we will have tribulation (John 16:33)  but are not appointed unto wrath (1 Thes 5:9). Also, we are promised that if we are prepared, we don't need to fear (D&C 38:30),  The Last Days will be great for some and terrible for others.  But if we are prepared, are watching and have plenty of oil for our lamps we can look forward to the Second Coming of Christ with optimistic and hopeful anticipation. 

Again, President Hinkley suggested a pattern of 7 in 1998 and again in 2005.  The 7-year tribulation tradition comes from the Scofield Bible. But maybe the 7 trumpets occur over a 49(50) year time frame (Shabua/Omer) and not all in 7 years.  2001 (9/11), 2007 (housing), 2014 (Same-sex, Crimea), 2020 (Covid), 2028 (Woe1), 2035 (Woe2), 2042 (Wrath). 

The reason for President Nelson's emphasis on being prepared for the Second Coming and the correlation with the finishing of the Temple is although we may be midway into the Tribulation, the 1st Woe (Trumpet 5) may be upon us.  Life may be altered in a similar way to COVID but for a longer period. The Brethren have said that COVID was just a trial run. 

Maybe the 2 Menorah/candlesticks representing the 2 witnesses who prophecy could mean 14/15 annointed Apostles and not just 2. The Church has been unable to preach in Jerusalem which may have been overcome by BYU Jerusalem Center and the Internet or it can be literally 2 persons.

Reverence for Sacred Things

https://youtu.be/WPPPFqsECz0?si=cZ1TSELZFSTLF8Tf

The following video discusses gratitude as an antidote for dissatisfaction. The video describes gratitude as an expression, feeling, and behavior. The video discusses ways in which we can "feel" more gratitude and satisfaction in our lives by expressing and showing more gratitude.   I suggest that "reverance" is exactly how we "show" gratitude. Reverence is the scripturally defined "behavior" of gratitude. 

Therefore, if we wish to feel more satisfied, positive, and grateful for someone or something, we can begin by both expressing gratitude for them, as well as showing gratitude towards them.  Service is a way we show reverence to God and others. 

Mos. 5:13 For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?

We may fall into a trap thinking if we are not feeling love for our spouse, it is because they aren't doing enough.  We may think that the only way to feel more love and gratitude for our spouse or others is for them to do more or serve us than they are currently doing.  In reality, the opposite may be true. Maybe the key to feeling more love and gratitude for another is for us to serve, express gratitude, and reverence them more than we are doing. Maybe we need to be doing more for them. 

Remember that Jesus Christ loves us with a perfect love not because of anything we have done for Him, but because of what He has done for us. 

A key point of the research is that gratitude affects how we interpret the intentions of others.  It may be that Jesus taught His disciples to do good to them that use them and dispitefullty abuse them.  This may be because in some cases, (other than outright physical abuse) we might actually mistakenly think that people are being mean to us or victimizing us when they are not.  We may harbor delusions of victimization by interpreting neutral expressions and neutral responses as negative or feeling intense feelings of abandonment when others disagree with us, say no, or maintain a boundary.  We may even be tempted to treat others in the same negative manner in which we feel we have been treated (eye for an eye) instead of always overcoming petceived evil with good and always treating others in the way we wished they had treated us (golden rule). 

Reverence for Sacred Things

https://youtu.be/WPPPFqsECz0?si=cZ1TSELZFSTLF8Tf

The following video discusses gratitude as an antidote for dissatisfaction. The video describes gratitude as an expression, feeling, and behavior. The video discusses ways in which we can "feel" more gratitude and satisfaction in our lives by expressing and showing more gratitude.   I suggest that "reverance" is exactly how we "show" gratitude. Reverence is the scripturally defined "behavior" of gratitude. 

Therefore, if we wish to feel more satisfied, positive, and grateful for someone or something, we can begin by both expressing gratitude for them, as well as showing gratitude towards them.  Service is a way we show reverence to God and others. 

Sometimes we may fall into the trap thinking test we will feel more love and gratitude for our spouse or others if they do more or serve us more than they are doing.  In reality, the opposite may be true. Maybe the key to feeling more love and gratitude for another is for us to serve, express gratitude, and reverence them more than we are doing. 

Remember that Jesus Christ loves us with a perfect love not because of anything we have done for Him, but because of what He has done for us 

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Gates of Hell

The region of Bashan, which includes the area of Caesarea Philippi, near the city of Dan, was associated with the underworld or Sheol or Hades, where the spirits of the dead, including the Rephaim (ancient kings), were believed to dwell.  Mount Hermon (Transfiguration), a prominent feature in the landscape of Bashan, was also seen as a place of evil and a gateway to the underworld. 

Caesarea Philippi, the Grotto of Pan, a deep cave with a spring at its mouth, (Spring of B[P]anias) was believed to be an entrance to the underworld, or "the gates of hell" by the pagan inhabitants. The spring, believed to be a path for gods to travel between earth and the underworld, was a central feature of their beliefs. Pagans grusomely offered infant baby sacrifices into the pool.  If the baby or other animal was mutilated and blood seen flowing the lower waters the offering was considered rejected.  If the infant or animal simply sank and disappeared it was considered accepted. 

This juxtaposed to the temple baptism for the dead which is performed in fonts on the back of 12 oxen (bulls of Bashan or 12 tribes of Israel) . Instead of throwing in your child to be killed, Latter-day children are being baptized in pools of water spiritually saving our children and others whose work is performed in sacred temples.  

Psalm 22:12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.

Place where Abraham rescued Lot.(Gen 14:14) Place where Joshua defeated 5 tribes (Joshua 11:3). Place were Israel intermarried with pagan tribes. (Judges 3:3). Place were Jereboam built a false temple (1 King 12:29-30). Mount Herman (Transfiguration) was the place were Peter Janes and John were given sealing keys. Ceserea Philippi is located in the uncoincidently contested area of the Golan Heights.

Aristotle's God

Mainsteam Christianity doesn't consider members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be Christian because we don't subscribe to the Trinitarian conception of God. However. the Trinity in many aspects sounds a lot like Aristotle's and the Greek Hellenistic conception of diety. Must LDS be Greek to be Christian? Aristotle's god sounds a lot like the god of Thomas Aquinas. 

Aristotle conceived of God as the Unmoved Mover, the ultimate final cause of all motion and change in the universe. This "God" is not a personal, intervening deity but rather the source of order and purpose in the cosmos, a purely intellectual and immaterial being engaged in perfect contemplation of itself. 

Unmoved Mover:

Aristotle argued that everything in the universe is in motion, and each movement must be caused by something else. This chain of causes can't go on infinitely, so there must be a first mover that is itself unmoved, the Unmoved Mover. 

Final Cause:

This Unmoved Mover is the ultimate purpose or end toward which all things in nature are striving. It is not a causal force in the way that a person might move an object, but rather it is the motivating force that gives things direction and purpose. 

Divine Nous:

Aristotle also described God as Divine Nous, meaning "divine intellect." This Nous is the perfect actuality of thought thinking itself, the most perfect form of being. 

Immaterial and Eternal:

God is not a material being but rather a pure spirit, incorporeal and without any physical attributes. God is also eternal, meaning that God has always existed and will always exist, as there would be no time without change and God is the cause of all change.

 

Contemplation:

God's activity is primarily one of contemplation, reflecting on itself in a state of perfect self-knowledge. 

Not a Personal God:

It's important to note that Aristotle's God is not a personal, anthropomorphic deity in the way that God is often conceived in the Abrahamic religions. God is not concerned with the affairs of the world or with human beings' actions. 

A Source of Order:

Aristotle believed that God's existence and nature explain the order and intelligibility of the natural world. All things in nature are ordered and strive towards a specific goal, and this order is ultimately traceable to the influence of the Unmoved Mover. 

Microcosms of Creation

The Bible reveals divine patterns that are reflected in creation as well as all throughout scripture. Symbolic elements in Creation can be seen in the biblical feasts, prophetic history, as well as pointing to and prophesying details of the coming of Messiah, the Son of God.

Day 1, light/dark, sin/death,

Dispensation: Adam.

Exodus: Plagues of Egypt

Tabernacle: Altar of Sacrifice

Ministry: Temptation of Christ

Passion: Christ enters Jerisalem

Gospel: Faith and Resurrection

Feast: Passover (Pesach) 

7 Churches: Ephesus, Adam, Apostolic Church, Labor, Secret Combinations, Tree in Paradise

1 Nephi: Feast of Trumpets, Zedekiah is King. Lehi is Shofar, 9 Prophets in Israel. 

Book of Mormon: Vision of Tree of Life

Restoration: First Vision 

Genesis: Adam has dominion in garden

Day 2, sky/water, flood.

Dispensation: Noah,

Exodus: Isrsel passes through Red Sea

Tabernacle: Bronze Laver

Ministry: Christ changes water to wine

Passion: Christ purifies the temple and curses the fig tree.

Gospel: Repentance and Atonement

Feast: Unleavened Bread

7 Churches: Smyrna, Enoch. Martyr Church, 10 week calender.

1 Nephi: Yom Kippur, Casting Lots. Laman cast out, Nephi (high priest) kills Laban (white one)

Book of Mormon: Crossing the Ocean

Restoration: Joseph Smith killed, Brigham Young flees into wilderness 

Genesis: Cain slays Abel and is cast out. Noah and thr Flood leaves Promised Land to Middle East. 

Day 3, water/land, plants/seed, covenant.

Dispensation: Abraham

Exodus: manna given

Tabernacle: Table of Showbread

Ministry: Christ gives the Sermon on the Mount

Passion: Christ teaches the Parable of the Tenants and the Olivet Discourse

Gospel: Baptism, Obedience and Knowledge

Feast: Fistfruits

7 Churches: Pergamon, Compromising Church, Moses, Balaam, manna.

1 Nephi: Sukkot,  Nephi marries, dwell in tents, vision of tree of life: stick (lulav) and fruit (citron), spacious building (sukka)

Book of Mormon: King Benjamin's Sermon.

Restoration: Church planted in Utah

Genesis: New Covenant, Joseph in Egypt

Day 4, sun, moon, stars appear, scripture, Dispensation: Moses.

Exodus: Israel given 10 Commandments

Tabernacle: Golden Lampstand (menorah)

Ministry: Christ heals the sick, blind and deaf.

Passion: Christ is anointed at Bethany.

Gospel: Gift of Holy Ghost, Sacrifice and Increase 

Feast: Pentacost

7 Churches: Thyatira, Catholic Church, rod of iron, star. 

1 Nephi: Shemini Atzeret, Liahona given, broken Bow, righteousness, God provides rain. 

Book of Mormon: Abinadi's Testimony 

Restoration: LDS Church spreads

Genesis: Abraham teaches Phaoroh to interpret stars, Joseph interprets dream. 

Day 5, fish/birds. Disciples spread gospel and bestow the Holy Ghost.

Dispensation: Peter

Exodus: Israel given the Tabernacle

Tabernacle: Insense Altar

Ministry: Christ multiplies the loaves and fishes

Passion: Christ celebrates the Last Supper, washes feet, suffers at Gethsemane

Gospel: Initiatory, Gospel and Second Conforter

Feast: Trumpets

7 Churches: Sardis, Reformation Church, white reinment, 

1 Nephi: Passover, judgement by water, Nephi in bondage, yizkor.

Book of Mormon: Alma Organizes Church of Christ.

Restoration: Gathering of Israel

Genesis: Joseph gathers wheat. 

Day 6, Man created from dust, apostasy and restoration,

Dispensation: Joseph Smith.

Exodus: Isreal wanders 40 years in desert.

Tabernacle: Veil of the Temple

Ministry: Christ raised Lazarus

Passion: Christ is tried, crucified and dies

Gospel: Endowment, Chastity and Divine Presence 

Feast: Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

7 Churches: Philadelphia, Revival Church, Peter, key of David

1 Nephi: Firstfruits, plants seed in Promised Land.

Book of Mormon: Rise of Gadianton Robbers

Restoration: Tribulation 

Genesis: Famine in Israel

Day 7, God rests, All enemies subdued.

Dispensation: Jesus Christ

Exodus: Isreal enters promised land.

Tabernacle: Ark of the Covenant

Ministry: Christ triumphantly enters Jerusalem and clenses temple.

Passion: Christ rests, preaches to the world of spirits

Gospel: Sealing,  Consecration and Deification 

Feast: Tabernacles (Sukkot)

7 Churches: Laodiceans, Joseph Smith, Worldly Church, rich and need nothing, lukewarm

1 Nephi: Shavuot, Pentecost, Nephi is listing and counting. gathering of Israel. 

Book of Mormon: Appearance of Jesus Christ in America

Restoration: Adam-ondi-Ahman 

Genesis: Israel rests in Egypt

Day 8,

Passion: Christ's resurrection, Olam HaBa

Judgements in Revelation can be seen as a kind of anti-creation.  There may be a pattern that follows the curse of the earth, sea, rivers, sun, locusts, and air. The Fall of Rome is an example.  First, Rome was invaded by Alaric and the Goths by land.  Second, Rome was invaded by Geiseric and the Vandals by sea. Third, Rome was invaded by Attila the Hun who followed the rivers. Fourth, Rome was divided from within by Odoacer and the Barbarian Foeterati. Fifth, Roman cities were overrun by Arab Muslims like locusts (arbeh and locust share a common Hebrew root).  Sixth, Constantinople was finally conquered in 1453 by the Ottoman Turks which moved their caliphate to Iraq and controlled the Euphrates river. Seventh, the curse of the air with the Thirty Years War and Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 and then the Battle of the Third Coalition and the Treaty of Pressburg in 1805 marking the final end to the Holy Roman Empire. 

10 Plagues of Egypt are also an anti-creation. God speaks 10 times over 7 days. 

1. Water to Blood, Pharoah sin killing male babies of Israel. Water to Egypt was like light to creation. 

2,3.4 Frogs, Lice, Flies = water, earth air = undo separation of water and land as frogs inhabit both. Flies from the dust decreate man created from the dust. Flies multiply and fill the earth. 

5,6 pestilence and boils  = illness and uncleaned. decreate animals

7, 8 hail and locusts decreate grass, trees, and vegetation

9 Darkness the can be felt decreates light

10 Death of firstborn decreates man created in image of God. 

Creation Patterns and Parallels

The Bible reveals divine patterns that are reflected in creation as well as all throughout scripture. Symbolic elements in Creation can be seen in the biblical feasts, prophetic history, as well as pointing to and prophesying details of the coming of Messiah, the Son of God.

Day 1, God divides the light/dark. In the first 1000 years man falls, sin and death is introduced. Dispensation of Adam, Pesach.

Day 2, God divides the sky/waters. In the 2000 years the flood destroys the Earth. Dispensation of Noah. Firstfruits.

Day 3, God divides the water/earth and causes the plants/seed to grow. In the 3000 years, God covenants to bless the seed of Abraham with a promised land. Dispensation of Abraham, Unleavened Bread.

,

Day 4, God causes the sun, moon, stars to appear. In the 4000 years, Law of Moses is given. Dispensation of Moses, Shavuot.

Day 5, God createa the fish/birds and causes them to multiply, In the 5000 years Jesus Christ is born as the Messiah and Son of God. Disciples spread the gospel and give the Holy Ghost. Dispensation of Peter, Rosh Hashanah.

Day 6, God creates mankind and commands them to multiply and take dominion, subdue all animals (including serpent), In the 6000 years Israel was to subdued all enemies but failed and were overcome. The Great Apostasy, Day of Atonement.

Day 7, God rests and creates Eve. In the 7000 years, all enemies are subdued, The Earth enjoys its Millennial rest. Israel receives its full promised inheritance.  

Dispensation of Joseph Smith, Sukkot.

Testimony of Christ in Biblical Feasts

The holidays or feasts in the Old Testament look backward and commemorate aspects of the Exodus of Israel from bondage in Egypt while at the same time point forward to the coming of the Messiah; the Son of God.

Most Christians recognize the parallels between the Jewish feasts and the first and promised second coming of Jesus Christ. The Spring feasts corresponds to Christ's first coming in the Meridian of time, while the Fall feasts point to events which are to occur as part of Christ's Second Coming.

Spring Feasts

1. Passover (Pesach) = angel of death passed over the firstborn if lambs blood was placed over the doorway = Faith = Christ's crucifixion

2. Unleavened Bread (Hag ha-Matzot) = Israel left with haste from Egypt eating flat bread = Repentance = Christ's burial

3. Firstfruits (Hag ha-Besht) = giving of manna, barley harvest, Baptism = Christ's resurrection.

4. Pentecost/Weeks (Shavuot) = giving of the 10 commandments, wheat harvest, Gift of Holy Ghost = Coming of Holy Ghost.

Fall Feasts

5. Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Teruah) = trumpets sounded before the fall of Jericho. Initiatory = 50 year tribulation period preceeding fall of Babylon and Christ's Second Coming.

2001 = 9/11 (earth)

2007 = housing crisis (sea)

2014 = crimea (rivers, wormwood)

2020 = covid-19 (darkness)

2027 = ??? (locusts)

2035 = ??? (euphrates)

2042 = ??? (wrath)

2050 = ???

6. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) = Israel punished for worshipping golden calf. Endowment = Moral corruption punished prior to Christ's Second Coming.

7. Tabernacles (Sukkot) = Israel dwelt 40 years in the wilderness. Sealing = Saints will again dwell in tents at Adam-ondi-Ahman before Christ's Second Coming.

Employment Theory of the Atonement

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the real mystery.  While, I am profoundly grateful and striving to appreciate and accept the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for me; I cannot ever claim to fully understand it. Many Protestant and Evangelical Christians understand the nature of the atonement in terms of what is called the "penal substitution theory".  

The penal substitution theory of the atonement is illustrated in the story of the school-age kid who takes the punishment for his hungry classmate who was caught stealing food.  While the kid taking the beating is noble, the teacher in the scenario ends up concluding, "someone's got to get a whipping to pay for the crime".  While this attempts to address the justice vs. mercy paradox, it feels inadequate. 

Another inadequate theory is illustrated in Cleon Skousen's, "Meaning of the Atonement" which presents an "injustice theory" where the atonement situation was such an injustice,  who could possibly accuse Christ of being unjust for saving a sinner considering the injustice Christ faced and overcame.  

However, when it comes to the teaching that "mercy cannot rob justice;" justice is not a monster that God is forced to appease. God's justice is God doing exactly as He has said.  Likewise, God's mercy is doing, exactly as He has said.  Accordingly, as God has said, the consequences of sin is death, but there has been prepared a way for mercy based on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the "conditions of repentance".  The conditions of repentance is the good news of the gospel. (Hel 5:11)

The atonement theory I prefer comes from the scriptures called the "employment theory of the atonement". In the employment theory, as we all fall short from the glory of God and sin in this life, we are serving the devil.  Consequently, we will then all receive the wages of sin, which is death.  

Romans 6:23  "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord". 

However, a way has been prepared whereby we can resign from our fallen employment and get a higher and holier calling as a disciple of Christ.  As we labor for God, strive to continually repent and improve to the end of our lives, we are promised to be saved. As we serve God, we come to know Him and become like Him.  Our repentance and sanctification makes us more fit for His service. 

Alma 3:27 "For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey"

Rom 6:16 "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"

2 Tim 2:16 "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"

#1 The Moral Influence Theory

#2 The Ransom Theory

#3 Christus Victor

#4 The Satisfaction Theory (Anselm)

#5 The Penal Substitutionary Theory

#6 The Governmental Theory

#7 The Scapegoat Theory

Romans 4:4 - "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt."   

Paul is talking about circumcision and the non-moral requirements of the Law of Moses. Yes. we are unprofitable servants, and our employment by Christ is an unmerited gift of grace. 

Book of Mormon is a Type of Christ

I love the symmetry between the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you look close, you will see that the Book of Mormon is a type of Christ. First that the book contains the word of God just as Christ. Second, that it was sealed in a stone box (cyst, ossuary, ark) and came forth out of the Earth just like Christ rose from the dead from the Garden Tomb. Third, that the coming forth of the Book of Mormon was accompanied by angelic beings. You will remember that angels who attended the tomb at Christ's resurrection. Fourth, that both the body of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon were in the custody of a Joseph: Joseph of Arimathea and Joseph Smith respectively, and Fifth, that Both the Book of Mormon and Jesus Christ had 12 special witnesses of their divinity. 3 of which were given a more powerful spiritual manifestation while the others a more physical witness (idea from CRAIG R. FROGLEY, CES).

First divine witness of the golden plates and angel was Mary Whitmer before the 3 and 8 witnesses.The stone box contained golden plate containing the covenant. Anciently, the Ark of the Covenant was a gold box carrying stone tablets and other artifacts. The golden plates with the other artifacts (urim and thummin,  breasrplate, Liahona, sword of Laban) in a stone box constitute an ark of the new covenant. - Don Bradley

Latter-day Prophet on the Latter-days

"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost." 

—Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” April 2018

“I plead with you who have distanced yourselves from the Church and with you who have not yet really sought to know that the Savior’s Church has been restored. Do the spiritual work to find out for yourselves, and please do it now. Time is running out.”

—Russell M. Nelson, “Come Follow Me,” April 2019

"You were taught in the spirit world to prepare you for anything and everything you would encounter during this latter part of these latter days. That teaching endures within you!"

—Russell M. Nelson, Facebook, September 12,  2019

“This is not the end of the world but merely a test. A trial run for the Second Coming if you will—physically and spiritually. If you’ve been following the counsel from the prophet about ministering, emergency preparedness, and at-home Church, you have no need to fear, you passed the test.”

—President Dallin H. Oaks on March 14, 2020.

“Of course, we can store our own reserves of food, water, and savings. But equally crucial is our need to fill our personal spiritual storehouses with faith, truth, and testimony."

—Russell M. Nelson, “Opening Message,” April 2020

—Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail,” October 2020

“[I]t is now time that we each implement extraordinary measures—perhaps measures we have never taken before—to strengthen our personal spiritual foundations. …"

“My dear brothers and sisters, these are the latter days. If you and I are to withstand the forthcoming perils and pressures, it is imperative that we each have a firm spiritual foundation built upon the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.”

—Russell M. Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” October 2021

“We have never needed positive spiritual momentum more than we do now, to counteract the speed with which evil and the darker signs of the times are intensifying. Positive spiritual momentum will keep us moving forward amid the fear and uncertainty created by pandemics, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and armed hostilities. Spiritual momentum can help us withstand the relentless, wicked attacks of the adversary and thwart his efforts to erode our personal spiritual foundation.*

“Many actions can ignite positive spiritual momentum. Obedience, love, humility, service, and gratitude are but a few.”

—Russell M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” April 2022

“As I have stated before, the gathering of Israel is the most important work taking place on earth today. One crucial element of this gathering is preparing a people who are able, ready, and worthy to receive the Lord when He comes again, a people who have already chosen Jesus Christ over this fallen world, a people who rejoice in their agency to live the higher, holier laws of Jesus Christ."

“I call upon you, my dear brothers and sisters, to become this righteous people. Cherish and honor your covenants above all other commitments. As you let God prevail in your life, I promise you greater peace, confidence, joy, and yes, rest.”

—Russell M. Nelson, “Overcome the World and Find Rest,” October 2022

—Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!” October 2023

—Russell M. Nelson, “Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys,” April 2024

“Using a baseball analogy, we are in the last half of the ninth inning,” President Nelson declared. “Our Heavenly Father and His Son chose you to be on Their team when the game is on the line. This means They know you, They trust you and will help you fulfill your personal mission on this earth.”

—Russell M. Nelson, FSY 2024

“Brothers and sisters, now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Now is the time for us to make our discipleship our highest priority."

—Russell M. Nelson, “The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again,” October 2024

The Reason for God

"If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn't rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead."

Timothy Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism

“Each of us has to face the matter — either the Church is true, or it is a fraud. There is no middle ground. It is the church and kingdom of God, or it is nothing.” —President Gordon B. Hinckley

Faith and Trust

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

We talk about having faith and trust in Christ.  What is trust?  I think trust comes down to who I trust to look after my dog while away on vacation or who I trust to babysit my daughter on datenight.  

Charles Blondin was a French acrobat and tightrope walker in the who was famous for walking across Niagra Falls Gorge first in 1859. On one occasion he carried his manager Harry Colcord across. 

Blondin gave his manager the following instructions: “Look up, Harry.… you are no longer Colcord, you are Blondin. Until I clear this place be a part of me, mind, body, and soul. If I sway, sway with me. Do not attempt to do any balancing yourself. If you do we will both go to our death.”

I think this is exactly the kind of faith and trust Jesus Christ is asking of us. Or in other words, this is exact kind of reliance we can have on our Savior to get us safely across the chasm of mortality. 

Smithsonian Magazine

Jonathan Browning: The Covenant of Virtue Over the Sword

Jonathan Browning, a 19th-century American gunsmith renowned for his innovative firearms, presents a striking paradox: a man who crafted instruments of defense yet insisted that true preservation lay not in weapons, but in *covenants of virtue and righteousness*. His life and work, deeply rooted in his faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), offer a profound lesson on the interplay between moral integrity and societal survival. Here’s an exploration of his philosophy and its enduring relevance:

1. The Gunsmith and the Gospel: A Paradox Resolved**

Browning’s firearms, including early repeating rifles and the iconic "Harmonica Gun," were tools of survival in an era of frontier violence and westward expansion. Yet he engraved his weapons with the phrase **“Holiness to the Lord Our Preservation”**—a declaration that physical defense was secondary to spiritual and moral fidelity. For Browning, even tools of war were sanctified only when wielded by a people bound to divine principles.

Browning’s craftsmanship was not a contradiction to his faith but a reflection of it. He recognized that weapons, while necessary in a fallen world, were ultimately *secondary* to the covenant-keeping that ensured divine protection and societal cohesion. As the Book of Mormon teaches, “The Lord would preserve a righteous people” (Alma 62:41)—not through firepower alone, but through righteousness.

2. Covenants vs. Carnage: The LDS Framework

In LDS theology, **covenants** are sacred agreements with God that bind individuals and communities to holiness. These include commitments to honesty, charity, chastity, and consecration. Browning’s emphasis on covenants reflects a broader LDS worldview:

- **Moral Foundations**: A society grounded in virtue (e.g., integrity, self-reliance, and mutual aid) fosters trust, stability, and resilience.  

- **Divine Preservation**: Covenants invite God’s favor, as seen in the LDS pioneer exodus to Utah—a community that survived hardship through collective faith and discipline.  

- **Accountability**: Covenants reject narcissism and entitlement, demanding personal responsibility. Browning’s guns, in this light, were tools for defending *principles*, not indulging pride or aggression.

3. Lessons from Rome: Why Weapons Fail Without Virtue

Browning’s warning echoes the fall of Rome, where moral decay—not military weakness—precipitated collapse. The Roman legions, once invincible, became reliant on mercenaries (*foederati*) as citizens abandoned civic duty for decadence. Similarly, Browning foresaw that societies prioritizing weapons over virtue would crumble from within.  

**Modern Parallel:**  

Today’s debates over gun rights, social fragmentation, and technological dependency mirror this tension. Advanced technologies like photolithography (essential for AI) require not just technical skill but a society disciplined enough to sustain them. Moral decay—drug abuse, apathy, or corruption—erodes the social capital needed to maintain such systems.

4. The Balance: Defense and Devotion

Browning’s philosophy does not reject practical defense but subordinates it to higher principles:  

- **Weapons as a Last Resort**: Firearms protect life and liberty, but their ethical use depends on a people trained in self-restraint and justice.  

- **Virtue as the First Line of Defense**: A covenantal community deters conflict through unity, trust, and moral authority. As Proverbs 16:7 states, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”  

5. A Warning for the 21st Century

Browning’s engraving speaks directly to modern crises:  

- **Technological Fragility**: AI, microchips, and photolithography depend on a society disciplined enough to maintain cleanrooms, honor contracts, and educate engineers. Moral decline threatens these foundations.  

- **Cultural Narcissism**: A society obsessed with victimhood, entitlement, or hedonism cannot sustain the virtues required for long-term survival.  

Browning’s Prescription:

- **Renew Covenants**: Prioritize family, faith, and community accountability.  

- **Sacred Stewardship**: Treat technology, defense, and labor as holy callings.  

- **Reject Exception Culture**: No one—elite or “victim”—is exempt from moral duty.  

Conclusion: Holiness as Preservation

Jonathan Browning’s legacy transcends firearms. He reminds us that *true preservation*—whether of a frontier settlement or a digital civilization—flows from holiness, not hardware. Weapons may defend a people, but only covenants can sustain them. In an age of AI, climate crises, and geopolitical strife, Browning’s message is urgent: **Societies survive not by the weapons they wield, but by the virtues they keep.**  

As the LDS hymn declares, “Do what is right; let the consequence follow.” For Browning, and for us, righteousness remains the ultimate safeguard.   (DeepSeek R1)

Kindergarten Recess

I really appreciate Jared at Christian Homestead for making this comparison. Jared compared this mortal life to kindergarten. There is a saying and a book entitled "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" by Robert Fulghum. That list includes:

1. Share everything

2. Play fair

3. Don't hit people

4. Put things back where you found them.

5. Clean up your own mess.

6. Don't take things that aren't yours.

7. Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.

8. Wash your hands before you eat.

9. Warm cookies and cold milk are good.

The point of the Book is that these basic kindergarden rules are really the same basic rules for a good life.

The point I appreciated by Jared was that, all the many worldly pursuits we get wrapped up in is like kindergarten recess. Like kindergarten recess, it's important to take a break from the lessons and get some fresh air and run around, but the running around is not the point or purpose of it all. Accordingly, we should be careful as we make career, vacation, expenditures plans and sacrifices that we are not wasting all our effort trying to "win" at kindergarten recess.