No Coincidences

Tag: knowledge

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.

“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

June 17, 2021
Godhead – My Understanding
Two posts ago I discussed the doctrine of the Trinity and my opposition to it.

This will be a much gentler post, detailing how I personally come to the belief and understanding of the Godhead as true doctrine.

First, an explanation I didn’t give last time. Definitions:
1. Trinity or Trinitarian belief: God is one God, but three coeternal and consubstantial persons; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The three persons are distinct, yet are one “substance, essence or nature” (homoousios). In this context, a “nature” is what one is, whereas a “person is who one is. (From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity). (Also, huh?).
2. Godhead: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost form a group known as the Godhead. Each member is a different, individual being, yet all three are united in thought, desire, knowledge, power, and purpose. (From https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2019-08-0080-godhead?lang=eng). (Also, visit that link to watch a 7-minute video to learn more).
How can I say “I know” the Godhead to be true?

The Godhead is one of the unique beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A majority of Christianity believes in the Trinity.

In this post, I won’t go into detail on the doctrine, differences, importance, history, etc. of the distinctions between Trinitarian and Godhead belief. That I’ll likely save for another day. In this post I simply want to explain how I have come to know for myself that the Godhead is true and correct doctrine.

The short answer to how I can know the Godhead to be true is:

Through study, prayer, and upbringing.

My understanding of this principle and the knowledge I have of it can be broken down very simply. It’s a similar breakdown that explains much of my testimony in the restored gospel.

In reading the Book of Mormon, I know without a shadow of a doubt that it is the word of God. I know that it was translated through the power of God.

If the Book of Mormon is true, then Joseph Smith is a prophet.

Joseph Smith told us he saw God the Father, and Jesus Christ on His right hand.

Joseph Smith History 1:17:

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!

Joseph Smith never wavered on this fact.

This could be where it ends, but I’ll add some notes on upbringing and study.

Upbringing – obviously, I must mention that my upbringing played a role in my believing this to be true. I was raised to believe in the Godhead; therefore, it is much easier for me to accept as truth. That said, it was up to me to ask questions, read the book for myself, study Joseph Smith’s history and understand the principle for me to come to the knowledge. Because I was raised to believe it to be true didn’t make it true. Which leads to the next point.

Study – As I said, through study and research I have determined the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. It is an inspired book.

Prayer – My testimony of the Book of Mormon, mentioned in study, not only comes from logical, mind-centered study, but from personal revelation. I’ve felt the Book of Mormon is true. I’ve prayed to know the Book of Mormon is true. I’ve received my answer, through prayer, that the Book of Mormon is true. Prayer is an irreplaceable ingredient.

The principle of the Godhead has been distorted, attacked, and misunderstood for centuries. One of the first attacks Satan always makes is on the nature of God. If Satan can confuse us on who God is, he can confuse us on who we are. We are children of the Almighty God.

I am grateful for modern revelation and prophets that make simple and powerful truths known. I am grateful to know that while God is magnificent and powerful, He is not un-knowable. The understanding of God as my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as my brother, who gave His life for me, strengthens my faith and helps me put my trust in them.

This truth is eternal, and this truth is important.
June 3, 2021
Organized Religion
What do you think the point of organized religion is?

I had an obvious realization recently, only recently. The point of organized religion is to bring you closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. If organized religion doesn’t bring you closer to God, then why do it? I think it’s why we see so many people disenfranchised with organized religion. In their hearts and souls, they know and hope what organized religion will bring – closeness with God. When it doesn’t do that (and in fact sometimes does the opposite) they move away from it.

The second point of organized religion: to bring us peace.

This second part isn’t as simple as “I belong to a church so I am happy and peaceful.” We know that Christianity is not always comfortable. This peace is bigger than worldly comfort. This peace is the knowledge that you are right with God. This peace is more eternal than this life.

Why don’t organized religions do these two things? Some do, and I’m not discounting those who come closer to God and find peace in any faith. My point stands, that a lot of people have moved away from organized religion. Why? Why don’t most organized churches bring us closer to God or bring us peace? They don’t have the proper authority from heaven to do so.

God, through revelation has told us exactly what we need to do to come closer to Him and to have peace:
1. Faith in Jesus Christ
  - Start by simply believing in Jesus Christ. Believe He was born, believe He lived, believe He is the son of God, believe He died for you and your sins.
2. Repentance
  - Once you believe, be better. Don’t take for granted the suffering Christ went through for you. Pray to God and ask forgiveness for the mistakes you have made and continue to make.
3. Baptism
  - Religion has corrupted this simple principle. All God asks is you make a symbolic gesture to show that you have faith in Him, faith in Jesus Christ, and will remember them. Then use that show of faith to change and be better. God has asked us to be baptized. Follow His commandments and be baptized.
4. Gift of the Holy Ghost
  - The world is ever distracting and evil. God has given us someone to provide strength. The Holy Ghost is one with God and Jesus Christ and can be with us always.
  - I have the perfect example to help illustrate the important role the Holy Ghost plays. I received a text from a friend one afternoon while I was working telling me his dad had passed away. My friend didn’t want me to find out over social media, so he texted me. When I read it I initially thought selfishly. I was at work. There wasn’t anything I could do. I wanted to kneel and pray and cry. But as I was sitting there something happened. As clear as if a person whispered in my ear, I heard and felt a message. Clear as day I knew important things. This was my friend. He was hurting. Clear as day, “go to your friend.” I’m not affectionate, it’s hard for me, ask my wife. Beth knows that better than anyone. It’s not in my nature to want to go comfort and cry with a friend. That seems hard and vulnerable. But in that very important moment I know the Holy Ghost came to me and directed me. I know it was important for me, and I believe it was important for my friend. The Holy Ghost did that. I know that because I’ve worked so hard to be able to hear when the Holy Ghost speaks to me. I have so many examples of that. I could go on for days about the important moments that the Holy Ghost guided me.
After the Holy Ghost, the final step: endure to the end. Take the sacrament each week to renew your covenants from baptism. Repent every day. Remember Jesus Christ every day. That’s it. That brings you closer to God. I know because it has for me.

People don’t change overnight. I know to many it seemed like I changed overnight. I didn’t. It was years of slowly changing habits, changing thoughts. Many saw first-hand who I used to be but didn’t see the slow, gradual change to who I am now. I always told myself I was “good.” What good was me telling myself I was good if my actions and my selfishness said otherwise? Four years ago, if I received the text I mentioned above I would have said “I’m sorry” and “let me know if you need anything.” Today, I’m different. I’m different because of Jesus Christ.

What’s important? I know why I’m here. I know where I come from. I know where I’m going. This brings peace.
April 1, 2021
Letter to a Sinner

I write this with as much humility as possible. Fully knowing and understanding my weaknesses have given me perspective. It is my faults and errors that make me feel like I can write this letter.

I remember when I came back to church I was asked to not take the sacrament for three weeks. It was one of the more difficult things I had to do, although it doesn’t sound like much. I think it was the moment I realized I had changed. Something that in the past might not have affected me too much, really hurt. It was difficult coming back and immediately feeling like maybe I’m not enough. Maybe I could have gone the route of resentment. Instead I realized how much I didn’t want to have to go through that again.

I don’t in any way imply I’m better than someone who can’t take the sacrament and does feel resentment. We all have our own paths. Mine was of being completely away, coming back, and realizing I deserved my three weeks. Some are never officially away so that state of probation seems unfair or not right. I understand that.

This is my letter to the sinner. A reminder, that includes all of us. This is the sinner who has made mistakes. This particular sinner might come from a perfect family and part of their struggle is feeling like they don’t fit in in the one place they should feel welcome. This sinner might feel judged by the very people that should love them the most. It doesn’t matter if those family, friends, and caring loved ones are right or wrong. It matters how the sinner interprets things. We all live our own experiences and encounter the world in different ways. We must, to the best our abilities, see the world in perfect light and perfect truth.

Here is my letter to a hypothetical sinner:

You will never be like the “perfect” people you see around you. You won’t. Your path has been set. Your path has been set partly by different “luck,” different experiences. Partly by your choices. My life was set by very bad choices. But now that I’ve come out of the other side, my joy is greater than I could have ever imagined. You won’t be “perfect”, but you’ll be who Heavenly Father sees you can be. You won’t be “better” than those who never made the mistakes you made, but you might be stronger. Your path will lead you somewhere wholly different. And if you decide you want to come through to the other side: to truly know your Savior, to know forgiveness, to know what being welcomed home feels like even if you don’t think you’ll ever deserve it – if you come to that other side with that relationship with your Savior, your testimony will be welded in steel, as hard as diamond. You’ll have gone through the refiner’s fire and come out united with He who gives all strength. This is no excuse to continue to sin. You know the light. You’ve seen and felt the light. I knew the light and I turned from it. I hope to help anyone not make the same mistake.

You will make mistakes. You will sin. But no matter what, you have to remember Jesus Christ. Because while the world will judge you and you’ll have to struggle with that, He will judge you with a perfect love and comprehension. Remember that those around you are trying to judge you with love. They’re trying to love you righteously. Jesus Christ doesn’t try. He is perfect love. Don’t forget it. Don’t forget that those around you whose points of view you can’t understand, they’re trying to be like Jesus Christ. They may be falling short. But that’s not for you to judge. Just as they can’t judge you, you can’t judge their intentions or efforts. Just love and do your best.

I’m sorry you have to go through trials. But do not lose sight of Jesus Christ. Do not. He is the only person true peace can come from. Whatever you do, whatever mistakes you make, do not forget HIM. He won’t forget you. I promise.

At this point I must apologize. Throughout this letter I’ve referred to you as “the sinner.” I know that phrase hurt the whole way through. I know it because I’ve felt it. I did it throughout the whole letter to get to this point. I want to remind you, “sinner” is not who you are. It will never be who you are. We all sin but that’s not what God and Jesus Christ see in us. No matter how many mistakes we make. No matter how many slip ups or downright wrong things you do, you are not a sinner. You are a child of Heavenly Father. You are growing. You are learning. I reiterate something I said earlier, this does not excuse your sin. Sin is wrong, you know that. Christ will see your sin. What means much more to Him is your repentance. He doesn’t see who you were but who you will be.

“God cares a lot more about who we are and who we are becoming than about who we once were. He cares that we keep trying.”
Elder Dale G. Renlund in April 2015 Conference talk “Latter-day Saints Keep on Trying”

March 25, 2021
Lectures on Faith – Lectures 3 and 4: The Character and Attributes of God.
These two lectures are combined because they are so closely linked. They were also combined into one video in the series I’m watching that teaches about the Lectures on Faith.

Lectures 3 and 4 are about the unchanging attributes of God and why understanding those attributes is necessary for our faith.

The points made in the video were so good I’m going to just list the character traits and attributes of God given in these lectures and then give points from the video. All the points from the video I believe inspire some thought-provoking ideas.

Character of God:
1. He was God before the world was created and continued to be God after.
2. He is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness, He was from everlasting, and will be to everlasting.
3. He is unchanging, there is no variableness with Him, His course is one eternal round.
4. He is a God of truth and cannot lie.
5. He is no respecter of persons.
6. He is love.
Attributes of God:
1. Knowledge
2. Faith or power
3. Justice
4. Judgement
5. Mercy
6. Truth
It is obvious why these two lectures go hand in hand as there is a lot of overlap between the character and attributes of God.

I’ll now go over some interesting thoughts from the video.
1. Pretty obvious but worth saying, this is not a finite list of attributes. It’s meant to help our minds to understand who God is so we can put complete faith in Him.
2. Unfortunately, this has become less true in our day, but most of us don’t have a problem believing in God, it’s what He’s like where we have an issue – and so much disagreement.
3. The first attribute listed is mercy. One of the first attributes of God Nephi mentions in the Book of Mormon is mercy. In Moroni’s last chapter, the concluding chapter of the book of Mormon, mercy is mentioned again.
  - 1 Nephi 1:14 And it came to pass that when my father had read and seen many great and marvelous things, he did exclaim many things unto the Lord; such as: Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty! Thy throne is high in the heavens, and thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!
  - Moroni 10:3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
  - It is important for us to understand the mercy of God.
4. If we have the idea that God is easy to anger it makes it harder for us to have faith in Him. In the parable of the talents, why did the servant bury his talent? Because he was afraid.
5. The fifth and sixth attributes can be combined. God is a God of love because He is no respecter of persons. He loves us all.
6. God doesn’t stop loving people when they sin. The difference is God is not able to bless people when they sin.
7. Where there is doubt faith cannot exist. Questions are different from doubts.
I’ll conclude with a statement directly from lecture 4:16 because I think it is extra relevant to us today.

“And lastly, but not less important to the exercise of faith in God, is the idea of the existence of the attribute truth, in him. For, without the idea of the existence of this attribute the mind of man could have nothing upon which it could rest with certainty: all would be confusion and doubt; but with the idea of the existence of this attribute in the Deity, in the mind, all the teachings, instructions, promises and blessings become realities, and the mind is enabled to lay hold of them with certainty and confidence.”

We see the fruits of this today. If no one knows for sure what truth is we become so shaken and confused, thrown about by any wind, blown about on the sea like a boat without paddle. That’s how we are today when we try to understand truth without putting our faith in the truth of God. One expert disagrees with another expert. No one knows how to fix anything. It is all confusion. We don’t know who to listen to or who to trust. Trust God. His attribute of truth allows us to put our complete confidence in Him and know He will never lead us astray.

To read the lectures yourself you can find them HERE.

For the videos about the lectures you can go HERE.
February 25, 2021