Spirit giveth understanding

Nehemiah 8:8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

Jesus Christ was not shy about his criticism of the scribes and pharisees among tbe Jews. This corrupt system had lead the prople away from God.  But who started this system that gave ecclesiastical authority to scholars (men of letters)?   Didn't Ezra and Nehemiah come into town by the command and with tbe silver of Ataxerxes?  And didn't Ezra and Nehemiah supplant the kingly line of Zarubbabel and priestly line of Joshua son of Josidek?  Ezra and Nehemiah taught that the scholar gave understanding but doesn't the scriptures teach that it only the Holy Spirit and not man that giveth understanding. 

1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

Malachi, a contemporary of Ezra and Nehemiah,  tells us that God would one day remove the scholar and the rabbi from Israel.   It is unfortunate that mainstream Christianity fell into the same error by giving ecclesiastical authority to scholars and persons with divinity and theological degrees. 

Malachi 2:12 The Lord will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the Lord of hosts.

Taking the Name of God in Vain

Taking the name of God in vain is not talking about swearing, The apostate Jewish scribes changed this commandment into something about not saying the name of God but calling God "Hashem" and writing "G-d", and other such practices.

While we should use the name of diety with respect, in actuality, this commandment is a condemnation against Priestcraft.  Priestcraft involves anyone who falsely claims God commanded them or others to do or say such-and-such and God did not command it.   It is falsely claiming you have been called by God and you have not been called.  Its falsely claiming God's priesthood authority, steadying the ark, and evil speaking of those whom God has called.  Taking God's name in vain would also involve partaking of the Lords Supper or any ordinance unworthily. 

Sign of the Son of Man?

https://www.ldsliving.com/What-the-Sign-of-the-Son-of-Man-at-the-Second-Coming-Means/s/90964

https://youtu.be/u9Ht_yqf_b4

Joseph Smith provides valuable commentary on this subject, explaining that when this sign is seen by the world’s population, they will speculate that “it is a planet, a comet, etc.” He also said that while the wicked will not understand its true significance—attributing it to a natural cause—the righteous will know what it means.

C/2014 UN₂₇₁ (Bernardinelli-Bernstein), or simply 2014 UN₂₇₁, is a large Oort cloud comet discovered by astronomers Pedro Bernardinelli and Gary Bernstein in archival images from the Dark Energy Survey.^[6] When first imaged in October 2014, the object was 29 AU (4.3 billion km) from the Sun and almost as far as Neptune's orbit. As of 2021, it is currently approaching the Sun at a distance of 20.2 AU (3.0 billion km) and will reach its perihelion of 10.9 AU (just outside of Saturn's orbit) in January 2031.^[4]

Sign of tbe Son of Man

https://www.ldsliving.com/What-the-Sign-of-the-Son-of-Man-at-the-Second-Coming-Means/s/90964

https://youtu.be/u9Ht_yqf_b4

Joseph Smith provides valuable commentary on this subject, explaining that when this sign is seen by the world’s population, they will speculate that “it is a planet, a comet, etc.” He also said that while the wicked will not understand its true significance—attributing it to a natural cause—the righteous will know what it means. 

Lesson of Leman Copley

Leman Copley was an LDS convert who had came from the Shaker community. Despite his initial conversion and zeal, Leland was unable to leave certain Shaker beliefs and traditions behind and eventually returned to it. The new Church had to deal with lots of outsider belief (eg. speaking in tongues, estatic experiences,  racism). Incorrect tradition was a stumbling block many times.  Sometimes past traditions don't mix with truth. 

Copely let Saints live on his land. Land Act 1820 allowed people to buy 160/80 acres at a time. Leland had 700 acres and allowed Coleville Saints to live on his land .  Leland got mad at some unfair criticism and kicked Saints from their homes, off his land, and charged back rent. 

The Coville Saints were sent to Missouri to lay the foundation of Zion. This episide was the basis of the  United Order and covenant and deed which cannot be broken.  160 acres is more than you could need, or even want. Excess was to be given to Bishop to divide up to the Saints and not rented in a manner to exploit other. 

One day, God's people will need to be willinh to leave behind our false economic traditions to establish Zion.