No Coincidences

Tag: god

  • Satan’s Story Continued: What I learned from the Qur’an

    Satan’s Story Continued: What I learned from the Qur’an

    In Satan’s Story, I explored the origins of Satan before we came to earth.  This was back when we knew Satan, in the premortal existence.  This was when he was attempting to (mis)lead us.  It was an interesting revelation for me to learn what led to Satan’s revolt.

    If you haven’t read that post, you can click the link (Satan’s Story) above to read it.  It’s not required to understand this post.

    In this post I’d like to explore a little more about the Father of all Lies (John 8:44).

    I’d like to give the same sort of disclaimer I gave in the first post.  My interest in studying Satan is to further my testimony of One person.  That is Jesus Christ.  By studying Satan, I am studying the exact opposite of all that Jesus Christ is.  By studying Satan, I hope to understand him better only to avoid the same traps he is laying today that he laid in the premortal existence.  Those traps led to 1/3 of our brothers and sisters coming out in full rebellion to the light and love that created us.

    First, an update.  After I finished writing and had posted Satan’s Story (part 1), I started a book called Islam by John Alden Williams.  This book contains a quick historical overview of the beginning, development, growth, laws, and customs of Islam. 

    The book started with reviewing portions of the Qur’an (Koran? Quaran?).  While reading, I came across some interesting text about Satan. 

    I’ve found there are many translations of the Qur’an, similar to our modern day Bible. This was the text provided in the book (my own emphasis and commentary in parentheses added):

    “We created you, then we shaped you,

    then we said to the angels: ‘Bow yourselves

    to Adam’; so they bowed themselves,

    save Iblis (Iblis = Satan)-he was not of those

    that bowed themselves.

    Said He (God), ‘What prevented thee to

    Bow thyself, when I commanded thee?’

    Said he (Satan), ‘I am better than he; Thou

    createdst me of fire, and him Thou

    Createdst of clay.’ (God created Adam out of clay)

    Said He (God), ‘Get thee down out of it;

    It is not for thee to wax proud here,

    So go forth; surely thou art

    Among the humbled.’

    It goes on to provide other interesting details about Satan being cast out of heaven.  I find it interesting that so many of the world’s religions and especially the many sects of Christianity have such unique views on Satan’s story.  I think the mythology and legend of Satan in all cultures goes to show the significance of Satan on all of us here. 

    Another noteworthy item from the above, notice the first two lines. We created you. We said to the angels. Who are we? If it is only God, why is he referring to we? Joseph Smith taught and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints theology teaches us that we is referring to Jesus Christ and God.

    That portion of Satan speaking in the Qur‘an I found to add somewhat to the idea that Satan ultimately revolted because he was jealous of Adam and prideful, feeling he deserved the honor that Adam received. We see that pride is the great detriment to all souls. Pride took Satan from “an angel of God who was in authority in the presence of God” to one called Perdition, who fell, who the heavens wept over. (Doctrine and Covenants 76:25-27)

    The book goes on to say that Adam inherited the earth with his wife.  While there “Satan whispered to them…And he swore to them, Truly, I am for you a sincere adviser.”

    So, we see that Satan was a liar and has always been a liar, “from the beginning” (D&C 93:25, John 8:44).

  • Bold Testimonies

    Bold Testimonies

    Nearly everything I write is a testimony of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

    Today I had a thought that I wanted to write a particular testimony.

    As I read church history, which I’m doing a lot of at the moment, I’m often inspired by the testimonies borne by the early adopters of the faith.  People like Orson and Parley Pratt, Brigham Young, Sydney Rigdon, Orson F. Whitney, and Heber C. Kimball come to mind.  Of course, there are countless others.  Early men and women of the church were not only of devout faith, but of great courage in proclaiming the gospel.

    Parley P. Pratt

    Times have changed. But have they changed so much that we can’t powerfully declare the truth of the restored Gospel to all the world?  Missionaries are throughout the world, in every corner.  They proclaim the truth of the gospel. Christ’s Church has always been a missionary church.

    There are roughly 16 million members across the globe.

    Imagine if all 16 million of us were as outspoken about the truth as Parley P. Pratt was.  In D&C 49 we see an example of the boldness of Parley P. Pratt.  He was sent, by revelation, to the Shaker faith to give them a message.  Parley P. Pratt believed, and knew, that this revelation came from Jesus Christ Himself.  When he arrived at the Shaker church and learned those that had come ahead of him were passive in their declaring of the message, Parley wasn’t having it.  According to Elder Pratt, “they had come with the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the people must hear it.”

    Sometimes I think I take for granted, or forget, the veracity of the message I have been sent to this earth to deliver.

    Sometimes I’m ashamed of my lack of boldness.

    I’ve been meeting with a small group of guys to study the Bible.  I have only met with them a couple times but have loved both meetings immensely.  These few gentlemen come from different faiths than me.  Mostly non-denominational Christianity.

    In these discussions so much light, knowledge, and truth is exchanged.  I know we are all edified by the discussion.  I know that I benefit greatly from the faith and example of these men.  Especially as the youngest in the group, I can look to these family men as examples of raising faithful families, striving for truth, and striving to be better.  In the couple meetings I’ve had, I’ve come to admire these guys.

    I had a thought today that struck me.

    So much goodness is happening in these meetings, no doubt.  Studying the Bible will seldom lead anyone astray.

    My thought recently was this – I’m basically a secret agent in the group.  The person who invited me knows I’m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  But does he know what that means?  Have I shared with him my testimony that I have what he’s been searching for:  the message of his Lord and Savior, the message of Jesus Christ’s restored Church. 

    Maybe this friend that has invited me has let the others know my faith background.  It’s no secret.  The “secret agent” part comes from my demeanor.  Throughout the discussions I’ll drop things here and there that show I’m peculiar.  I have learned different things in my faith journey. I understand different things.  Why?  Because of revealed truths that prophets in THIS dispensation have revealed.  Because a prophet in the 1800s saw Christ on the right hand of the Father and restored Jesus Christ’s Church.

    It occurred to me recently what I should do.

    At the end of one of these meetings I should thank these men for all they teach me and how I grow by learning from them.

    Then I should share what Jesus Christ has commissioned me to share.

    Here is the testimony I imagined giving:

    “Thank you, guys, for another great meeting.  I always learn so much from you.  I have something I need to share.  What you’re seeking, what you’re studying in the Bible, what we’re studying in the Bible in each of these meetings, the truth you’re seeking, it is here.  Christ’s Church, as it was in the meridian of time, has been restored.  The principles taught by Christ are here on the earth today: faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists.  The Church of Jesus Christ exists today.  It is led by a prophet, just as Christ left the Church in the hands of his prophet, Peter, before he ascended to heaven.  A man saw God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ.  Christ’s kingdom exists today, and it is growing.  All the ordinances of the gospel are restored.  The second coming is upon us, and the long-prophesied gathering of Israel is taking place.  Today thousands gain the testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored church and unite themselves with the Saints of the Lord.  The gathering is happening as tribulation in the world continues to increase and come upon us. As a member of this church, fully aware of this truth I have been blessed with, I would be a selfish, abominable person, if I didn’t share with truth-seekers like yourselves this great and important message.  Christ lives!  And He leads His church.  The heavens are not sealed and blocked.  God has not forsaken us.  He is our Father, and He loves us.  The time is coming that we all must unite and gather under one banner.  The strength of Zion is increasing.  It’s my responsibility to share this with you.

    You don’t need to take my word for it.  A book exists that will testify of this truth.  The Book of Mormon is a book inspired of God just as the books of Moses, the Book of Acts, the Book of Revelations, the Book of Isaiah, all the books that were written by men of God and brought forth to help us, these many books are all from the old world, Jerusalem.  What of America?  History now tells us God had millions of His children on the American continent.  Are we to believe Christ was only sent to the old world?  Are we to believe that the word of God was never shared with those on another portion of the earth?  God loves all His children; how could it be?

    Read the book.  Please.  Don’t take my word for it.  Read it.  If it doesn’t touch your heart and scream of the power of the spirit of God that you have spent your lives cultivating the ability to hear and feel, if it doesn’t spur your spirit to know that it is true, then set it aside and continue in your faith.  But read it.  Please.  Determine for yourselves.”

    Do I have the boldness to say these words?…

    I don’t know.

    I’ve written them.

    Maybe I’ll share it with these men. 

    For I am on this earth with the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the people must hear it.

  • Love has Afforded Me Much

    Love has Afforded Me Much

    Ivy is the first grandchild on both sides.  Ivy has 13 aunts and uncles.  She has two sets of grandparents who, while around her, make no qualms about her being the princess of the universe and most important thing to ever come to earth. As I watch her with family, I’m blown away by the amount of love.  She is loved so much.  Beth and I love her so much.  See The Greatest Moment of My Life Every Day for further evidence.

    I wonder how much this love positively impacts Ivy’s future.  How much does it impact the person she will become?

    As I watch her, something occurred to me recently.  I was surrounded by this same love growing up.  I wasn’t the first grandchild on either side, but I was surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, and grandparents that loved and adored me.  Love was poured out upon me without measure as a baby.  Not only was I loved by those I could see, but I was made to know that God and so many I couldn’t see also loved and cared about me.

    While watching Ivy, it occurred to me how lucky and blessed I was to be surrounded by all that love.

    How much was I positively impacted by the love I was surrounded by?  How much did it shape who I am today?

    Not all children are given this great gift.

    It was a humbling thought.  It’s humbling to consider all that I’ve been given.  If I ever get prideful about any good qualities I may have, I can quickly look at all the attention, direction, and love I’ve been given in my life and realize there is nothing to be prideful of.  I have been afforded much.

    And to whom much is given, much is expected (Luke 12:48, D&C 82:3).

    This used to be a daunting scripture.  Now it is a great responsibility, and a great blessing.

    As I’ve gotten older, I have become more aware of how blessed I was to be raised with the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.  That is why I write this blog.  That is why I try to talk to friends, family, coworkers, etc. about the Book of Mormon.  That’s why I share my testimony of Jesus Christ.

    I am grateful for The Family A Proclamation to the World for what is teaches authoritatively and without reservation about the importance of the family unit.  My family unit has blessed my life in so many ways.  I wish every child could be loved like I was, like I still am, like Ivy is.

    God expects me to share the love I’ve been given.  Not in a prideful way, but with a humble recognition of how lucky I truly am.

    The two great commandments are to love and to love.  When you receive love, you must give love.  That’s what God asks from us.

  • The Redemption of the Jews

    The Redemption of the Jews

    How will God convince the Jews that Jesus is the Redeemer, the Messiah, the Son of God?

    Is the Jewish nation to wait for Christ to return in His glory for them to realize the truth?  Will God’s chosen people be left to learn of Christ’s divinity at the same moment that the rest of the world does, when Christ returns?

    Will the Jewish nation learn of the divinity of Jesus Christ when they see Him come down in glory, and behold the prints in His hands and feet?

    Has God provided a tool for the redemption of His people?  A second witness?

    I don’t think God would leave only one witness of such an important thing.  Especially when it concerns not only all His children, but His chosen people.

    So, what is that tool?  What is the second witness?

    Obviously, it is the Book of Mormon.

    Another testament of Jesus Christ. 

    I had this realization recently and wanted to share.  It’s easy to take for granted what the Book of Mormon is.  Another testament of Jesus Christ.  Another book of scripture.  Another witness.  More proof that Jesus was and is the Christ.  Jesus is the Savior.  Jesus is where our redemption lies. 

    What a blessing to live in a time where we have further evidence.  What a blessing that we have additional scripture.  I look forward, as the dispensation of the fullness of times continues to expand, for more scripture to be revealed.  I look forward to receiving more of God’s word.  Will the world reject future scripture just as they’ve rejected the Book of Mormon?  Surely God isn’t done with us.  Surely, He still speaks to us.

    I’m grateful for the Book of Mormon. 

  • What is the Power of Faith?

    What is the Power of Faith?

    What is the power of faith?

    Well, by it the worlds were made so… what can our faith do?

    I’ve written about a miracle I saw happen in my post Miracle Baptisms.

    I was once told a story that strengthened my faith and taught me something about the power of faith. By the way, this is a true story, not made up. If you don’t believe me, have faith.

    The story goes like this…

    There was a guy attending ASU.  His parents planned a big cruise vacation over the winter break.  This guy had been praying and looking for an opportunity to share the gospel with someone. Who? He didn’t know, just someone.  He had made a commitment to baptize a friend before the end of winter break.

    When his parents told him about the plans for the cruise he declined. His parents were shocked.  “Why??? We’re going on a family cruise!” He explained he already had plans.

    Best Large Cruise Ship Winners (2021) | USA TODAY 10Best

    “What plans?!” They asked. “What could be more important than our family cruise?”

    “I’ll be baptizing a friend at that time,” was his response.

    Oh… they thought.  Well, that is important.  They asked who the friend was.  He told them he didn’t know, yet. 

    Let’s break this down.  Here was a cruise.  It existed.  It was paid for.  It was happening.  It was a guarantee. 

    This guy, though, had another guarantee.  He had a commitment.  He would be baptizing someone at that time.

    Soon after the conversation with his parents (aka the testing of his faith) he was sitting outside on campus reading the Book of Mormon.  An acquaintance from class walked by and asked what he was reading.  A few weeks later our hero was baptizing this friend at the precise time his family was on their cruise.

    Some would say the cruise was a sure thing and the baptism was not.  The baptism was a pipe dream, a shot in the dark.  It was unlikely to happen.

    What role did faith play in this story?

    Obviously, faith was everything.

    Soon after declining a sure thing, an all-expense paid cruise vacation, the interaction happened.

    While this guy could have been on a cruise, he was doing something vastly more important, baptizing a friend.

    What is a cruise when compared to the eternal salvation of a soul, of one of God’s children?

    I don’t know the rest of the story. I don’t know what happened with the individual that was baptized. My faith tells something special happened. What if this individual joined the Church of Jesus Christ and devoted himself to it? What if he went on a mission? What if he baptizes five individuals on his mission and shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ with countless others? What if he marries in the temple and has five children? What if those children are raised to worship Christ and bear testimony of Him throughout their lives?

    Fact – that cruise turned into one baptism.

    Faith – that one baptism turned into thousands hearing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and coming closer to their Savior.

    Where does faith end and fact start? – That’s up to us.

    “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”

    Doctrine and Covenants 18:10

    “And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!”

    Doctrine and Covenants 18:15