No Coincidences

Tag: scripture

One True Church

I initially tried to write this post with the hope of using scripture and doctrine and principles to convince anyone who would read that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God’s true church, restored from the meridian of time on the same principles that Christ established while He was here. I have agonized over this post. Eventually I realized something obvious. No one is going to read this and dive into the deep scriptural and doctrinal references that add to the truth claims of this church. Plenty has been written on the truth claims of this church. All of it by much more learned and accomplished religious scholars than I. For the best intellectual break down of every truth claim of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder is the book to read.

What I can do is reference some scriptures, but ultimately give my testimony of this Church and Christ’s gospel. This will be my best attempt to explain why it’s important to have one faith, one body, one church (Ephesians 4:5).

Into some scripture from the Book of Mormon:

“Thou hast beheld that if the Gentiles repent it shall be well with them; and thou also knowest concerning the covenants of the Lord unto the house of Israel; and thou also hast heard that whoso repenteth not must perish.”
1 Nephi 14:5

In a recent post He Lives I talked about why any church is important. Why covenants? Why repenting? Because it turns us to Jesus Christ.

“And he said unto me: Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth.”
1 Nephi 14:10

It’s important to note that this scripture doesn’t mean if you don’t belong to the Church of Jesus Christ you belong to the Church of the Devil. But. An important point is made. There is a church of the Lamb of God. There is a church that if Christ were here today, He would be the head of. There is a church that Christ is the head of spiritually. It must be. God and Jesus Christ have not left us. What this scripture is saying is you either must follow the devil or follow Christ and there will be a church on the earth with proper keys and authority to help you in following Jesus Christ.

“There is only light and darkness; there is no dusky twilight zone [in regard to covenant salvation]. Either men walk in the light or they cannot be saved. Anything less than salvation is not salvation. It may be better to walk in the twilight or to glimpse the first few rays of a distant dawn than to be enveloped in total darkness, but salvation itself is only for those who step forth into the blazing light of the noonday sun.”
Bruce R. McConkie

The beauty of the doctrine taught by Joseph Smith (given him from Jesus Christ) is that everyone will have a chance to hear the gospel. Every one will have their chance to choose to walk in the light. Agency is a core truth in God’s Plan. Without agency it would all be for not. What would our faith and devotion mean if it was by coercion? There is an idea perpetuated by other faiths and churches that if you aren’t baptized you are doomed to hell or if you don’t believe a certain way, you’re destined for eternal suffering. This is not how God works. It can’t be. Where is the grace, love, and compassion in that plan? Many faiths that emphasize the grace of Christ also claim hell as the destination for those who have never heard of Him. All will have their chance to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. We are all the more blessed if we accept Him while here on earth when we are walking completely by faith. The covenants we make here draw us closer to Him These are truthful doctrines taught by Joseph Smith that should speak to all hearts that believe in a God who is our loving Father.

“Many in the religious world claim that no church is better than any other, just different. As “all roads lead to Rome,” it is reasoned that all beliefs must lead to heaven. If all religious paths do indeed lead to heaven, the righteous will be at a considerable disadvantage. If the gates of the celestial city are to be thrown open that widely, why the need for Apostles and prophets, their doctrines, their priesthood and keys; indeed, why the need for the Savior himself and a strait and narrow way? The doctrine of one true church is as offensive to much of the Christian world today as was the testimony of Christ anciently that he was “the way, the truth, and the life”” (John 14:6).
Joseph McConkie and Robert Millet

Part of my agonizing over this post was the fear of offending all my friends of other faiths. I would never want to disparage other churches and especially any church that leads to God and faith in Jesus Christ. That said, I will not apologize for claiming Christ has ONE church.

“There is only one true way to eternal life and that is by obedience to valid covenants. That is what the Book of Mormon testifies. When one comes to an understanding of the Lord’s covenant process of salvation, what great things the Lord did with our fathers in bringing them to a knowledge of this covenant process, and that this message is being sent forth to all the world, then one can not help but become convinced that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.”
Alan C. Miner

I can’t agree with Brother Miner’s words more because that is what I have experienced. My baptism, the priesthood, my temple covenants draw me to Jesus Christ in a way that would not be possible otherwise. I know others can come to Christ and be devoted to Him without these covenants. What shall be bound on earth shall be sealed in heaven. We aren’t here for worldy things but for eternal. I am grateful for my covenants. They draw me closer to my Heavenly Father, my Savior, and eternity.

“For the time speedily shall come that all churches which are built up to get gain, and all those who are built up to get power over the flesh, and those who are built up to become popular in the eyes of the world, and those who seek the lusts of the flesh and the things of the world, and to do all manner of iniquity; yea, in fine, all those who belong to the kingdom of the devil are they who need fear, and tremble, and quake; they are those who must be brought low in the dust; they are those who must be consumed as stubble; and this is according to the words of the prophet.”
1 Nephi 22:23

I will not talk down on other churches. But does that scripture strike a chord with anyone else? Sound familiar. These are the churches of our day. They draw near to God with their lips but deny the power thereof (Joseph Smith History 1:19, 2 Timothy 3:5).

This will continue to be a theme of my writing. My greatest desire is for others to experience the love of Jesus Christ as I have felt it. This comes through covenants. This comes from knowing who we follow. This comes from knowing what He has done for us.

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ’s church on the earth today. There are many churches that do much good. But there is one way. Covenants are only binding if they are initiated by God. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the establishment by which Christ initiates his covenants with man. This is my testimony. In His name.

February 11, 2021
Rameumptom

It’s amazing to read the Book of Mormon and compare those people to our day. One story from the Book of Mormon that recently stood out to me was the story of the Zoramites and the rameumptom.

The Zoramites were a people who corrupted religion in many ways. They built a large tower. This tower was called a rameumptom and it was used for prayer. People would go to the top of the tower and loudly proclaim a rehearsed prayer. In the prayer they would thank God that He chose them. They would thank God that He had enlightened them and saved them while He would damn all the others to hell for their false beliefs. They would say their prayer, leave the tower, and go about their week without another thought towards God. They would use their week to serve no one but themselves.

Let’s compare the many false beliefs of the Zoramites to our society today.

First, praying on the rameumptom. What good deed is done today without proclaiming it to the world? We’re all guilty of it. Social media is our modern day rameumptom. It is where we proudly shout our greatest deeds for the world to see. Prayer and good deeds should be done in private. Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.

Second, the Zoramites had a temple that only the rich were able to go to. Churches today have become much more about prestige and power than about humility and kindness.

Third, rehearsed prayer. The Zoramites used a rehearsed, scripted prayer to talk to God. There are many problems with this. It takes any effort from the procedure. The prayer has no thought or feeling to it, it’s like reading in class. There’s no genuine questions, no genuine requests, no genuine gratitude. It is a script. We see this in many churches today.

Fourth, prayer without action. This is a byproduct of rehearsed prayer. What does prayer without effort lead to? Life without effort. The Zoramites loudly spoke their prayers from their tower, stepped down, and that was the extent of their worship. They wouldn’t speak to God again until the next week when they would give their five minute rehearsed prayer and move on with their life. This is the worship of our society today. With all God has given us we can’t even give Him a day of worship in return. Most don’t go to church at all. Many who do go, go on Sunday, listen for an hour, and the rest of the week don’t do a selfless act. Christ was our example. He taught us to pray always, serve others, and love others. If we aren’t doing that, we aren’t of Him, no matter how loud our prayer.

Fifth, the Zoramites thanked God that they were chosen by Him. They thanked Him for enlightening them and turning them away from the foolish traditions of their fathers and neighbors. They were selected by God and would be saved. All others were fools who would burn in hell. Sound familiar? Many churches today believe you will only be saved if you follow their beliefs or belong to their church. What kind of selective God is this? It spits in the face of a loving, caring Heavenly Father who is no respecter of persons. This is a blasphemous and poisonous teaching that goes back to the pride and selective nature of churches. God loves all His children and will provide a way for all of them to attain as much glory as they desire. The doctrine of Jesus Christ taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that there are many mansions in heaven and God’s wonderful plan has provided a way for a vast majority, almost all of His children to go to Heaven. All that repent, follow His commandments, and believe in His Son will find a place worthy of their righteous hearts. This is truth.

I have a close friend of a different Christian faith. We have many good religious conversations. One day the topic of heaven came up. He told me that surely I didn’t believe he would go to heaven as he wasn’t a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, my church. This made me so sad. I told him with complete sincerity and 100% certainty that I knew he was going to heaven. Whether he joined the Church (my church) or not, I knew he was a good person. I knew he loved Jesus Christ. I knew he tried every day to seek Christ and to do good. I knew he sought God with all his heart. I knew he was kind and liked to help people. I know, without a doubt in my mind, that there is a place in heaven for him. I know this because I know God. I know he loves all of us. I told this to my friend, and I’ll never forget the look on his face. A little shock, a little awe. I know that he believes I am going to hell, he has told me so. He believes I have been fooled and I will have to pay for my ignorance.

I know that God loves him, and I know that God loves me. I know that Jesus Christ is the perfect judge. We will be judged perfectly. Even those who are fooled will be given mercy and love from God. That’s the God I know. I feel sad for those who don’t know that same God.

False teachings have corrupted and destroyed religion. False teachings have turned many away from the truth and light that religion should provide.

I have an invitation to anyone who read this and thought “I do hate how churches say everyone who doesn’t do this or that is going to hell,” or “I’ve never understood rehearsed prayers,” or “I can’t stand the hypocritical church goers who are the meanest people during the week.” My invitation is to come and see. Come and learn of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Come and learn what Christ intended for us. Come and learn true principles and ordinances of Christ’s gospel. Come serve with us, come worship with us, come pray with us, come be with us. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not perfect, not yet. Not until Christ returns. We can still be hypocrites but we’re trying. Christ’s Gospel is perfect and we’re working toward it. Come and see.

January 14, 2021
Faith and Signs

3 Nephi chapter 2 is a fascinating and important part of the Book of Mormon. It’s especially important to our day. There’s a chance our moment in history could be parallel to this time in the Book of Mormon record.

The start of chapter 2 tells us that despite many signs, wonders, and prophesied events coming about, the people continued to harden their hearts and scoff at the idea of a being like Jesus Christ, the Son of God, ever visiting them.

Verse 8 reads:

“Now the Nephites began to reckon their time from this period when the sign was given, or from the coming of Christ; therefore, nine years had passed away.”

There are two important points I want to make here.

First, many miraculous signs happened. This resulted in an extremely short-lived conversion.

3 Nephi 1:22 in part reads:

“the more part of the people did believe, and were converted unto the Lord.”

A mere 3 years (3 years!) and we have 3 Nephi 2:1:

“the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds..”

We see here how an outward sign can have a bolstering effect on faith, but ultimately signs create temporary faith. The people didn’t do the necessary work to grow, strengthen, and develop their faith. Within 3 years those signs were a distant memory. Their day to day deeds and thoughts were what shaped them. Those who continued to pray, look for Christ, and study the words of the prophets looked forward to a miraculous day. Those who saw a sign and only momentarily changed their thinking or habits soon fell back into their disbelieving and hard-hearted ways.

Terrance Szink says, “the conversion was the result of an outward sign and required no work on the part of the people. They had seen the sign but, for the most part, they did not sustain their faith.”

Faith must be practiced daily. If not, it will die like a flower without water. We are entering a time just like this time in the Book of Mormon. We are entering a time when signs will become common. Miraculous events will happen around us. How many around us will harden their hearts and not see what is right in front of them?

There will come a time when Biblical prophesies will start to be more obvious. There are already signs around us that have been prophesied for centuries. These signs will become more obvious. This will only temporarily make people look to God, if it does at all. Soon people will scoff at believers. People will speak of science and coincidence. Many will say Christ is not coming because He doesn’t come in their expected timing. Christ will come exactly when He intends to.

The second point I want to make is more just an interesting thought.

How funny is it that a vast majority of the people in the Book of Mormon quickly forgot the signs they’d seen? Yet, as a whole, the people changed how they kept track of time. They started to speak of years in terms of the time since the sign appeared. How ironic is that? These people that didn’t believe the sign still acknowledged it was important enough that they changed how they tracked time.

It’s reminiscent of today. As a society we use the year 2020 as the time since Christ’s birth. Yet, how many people among us today don’t even believe in Jesus Christ? How many don’t believe He was the Son of God? He was important enough for us to mark our calendar by Him but not important enough to actually believe in Him.

I believe many will have to answer for this hypocrisy one day. The signs of Christ are obvious. The impact He had on the world are so profound, and yet many still deny. One day we will all have to stand before God and either accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, or reject Him. I hope on that day our hearts are not hardened and we don’t deny the grace and love that will be right before us.

November 20, 2020
Paul’s Life and Letters

Book Review: Paul’s Life and Letters

By Dr. Sidney B. Sperry

Copyright 1955

__________________

This book was a breakdown of Paul’s life and everything he ever wrote – thus the title. I haven’t read the New Testament beginning to end. I want to finish the Old Testament first. This book helped me get a better understanding of Paul’s writings. His writing was deep and powerful. I also think his writings have always been and are increasingly misunderstood.

Paul was such a fascinating figure. I’ve long wondered what it would have been like to be alongside him. Everything he did he did with such zeal. Reading and learning about him, I’m awed by his work ethic. He’s somebody to be admired for his hard work. The fervor with which he did whatever he put his mind to. It’s motivating on one hand and terrifying on the other. Few can live up to the devotion Paul had to what he was passionate for. We are lucky his passion turned towards the Gospel of Jesus Christ and worship of God as we’ve seen how his efforts against the early saints caused much pain and suffering.

The book starts with a history of Paul. Where he was from, who he was, how he became who he became. The beginning was basically a historical biography of who Paul was. As Paul got into the portion of his life where he was writing so much, the book transitions.

This book is one I will refer back to often as I continue to study scripture. It had a great breakdown of Paul’s individual epistles and when they were estimated to be written. For example, chapter 13 was “Paul’s third missionary journey (continued).” It gave a detailed breakdown of the epistle to the Galatians including everything Paul said, the authenticity, importance, style, and doctrine from that epistle. I would find myself marking entire pages during these chapters.

There were many notable things I learned about Paul from this book. One was that he worked throughout his missionary ministry. Despite travelling all over the ancient world and spending many, many years as a full-time missionary, it never appears that Paul was paid for his ministry. He was given “gifts” from church members from time to time. But it seems very clear that Paul always worked. The predominant theory is that he was a tent builder. I found this very interesting given that many modern-day ministers point to Paul’s writings as proof that Paul advocated a paid ministry.

One amazing thing about this book was the feeling I had while reading it. Especially while reading the breakdown of Paul’s letters. There were moments where I’d pause and ask myself what I was feeling. This isn’t normally something I do, but I was aware I was feeling something. It was joy. It was a feeling like, ‘what is this earth and what does it really matter but to be a test for something greater? Live righteously and prepare to live with Christ and God forever.’ While reading his writings everything seemed so clear and simple. It was a feeling in my chest while reading his messages. Pure joy. Pure peace. Pure comfort in the future if I am faithful. Motivation to be faithful. As long as I am obedient and keep faith, I truly have nothing to fear. It’s a similar feeling to what I get when I read the Book of Mormon. That testified and made it so clear to me that what I was reading was the word of God, meant to lift up and inspire.

I’m grateful for this book and the understanding it gave me of Paul and his writings. As I mentioned, I know I’ll be using this book often as I continue to read scripture and one day study Paul’s writings more intently. The principles Paul taught were pure. He was called by Jesus Christ Himself which tells us of the importance of Paul’s work. The missionary effort Paul put forth and his contribution to building God’s kingdom is inspiring. He has the greatest conversion story of all time. We could all be better if we spent more time aspiring to be like Paul the Apostle.

October 22, 2020
The Rock Christ would Build His Church Upon
In a book called The Forerunners by Mark E. Petersen, I was introduced to an interpretation of a scripture that I’d read and heard quoted a thousand times. The truth of the interpretation was so clear I couldn’t believe I’d lived so long with such a clear misunderstanding of the meaning of that important scripture.

The verse is Matthew 16:18 which reads:

¹⁸And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Let’s give some context to this important passage.

Jesus was with His apostles and He asked a simple question: Who do the people say I am? (verse 13)

They responded with some of the rumors out there – Some thought Jesus was the returned John the Baptist, some thought Elias, others thought Jeremias or another of the prophets. (verse 14)

Jesus asked, who do you say I am? (verse 15)

Peter, Jesus’s first apostle responded, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (verse 16)

Christ responds, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona (Peter): for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”

Which leads us to our important verse and the part I always misunderstood.

Christ says to Peter, “thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.”

One more quick review to make the point clear:
1. Christ says who am I?
2. Peter answers – you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
3. Christ responds – blessed are you, for flesh and blood (man) has not revealed this but my Father who is in heaven has revealed this to you.
4. Christ, in responding to Peter stating properly that He is the Christ, says “thou art Peter.”
5. Then, adding to what Jesus said about the truth being revealed to Peter by God, Jesus says, “and upon this rock I will build my church.”
Christ wasn’t saying the church would be built on Peter. Christ’s Church couldn’t be built on anyone’s shoulders but His own. Additionally, Christ is adding that the testimony of Him could only be received by man from Heavenly Father, more specifically the Holy Spirit. The rock of Christ’s Church would be Christ Himself, and the testimony of Christ only comes by revelation from the Holy Spirit. Not by flesh or blood, but by Heavenly Father and personal revelation. Thus, the rock of Christ’s Church would be personal revelation that Jesus is the Christ.

I was always so confused by this scripture. Why would the rock, the sure foundation of Christ’s Church be on anyone but Christ? How could Peter be the foundation? He is not. There is only one foundation. There is only one name by which we can receive salvation, there is only one person who can save us. That is Jesus Christ. The Son of the living God. Our Savior and King.

This scripture, when properly read, emphasizes the importance of coming to a personal testimony that Jesus is the Christ. We’re reminded that the testimony of Christ does not come from man. It comes from personal revelation. It is unfortunate that personal revelation has been removed from much of modern Christianity. Modern Christian churches say the heavens are closed and God speaks to us no longer. He only speaks to us through His ancient word. But what of today? How do we come to a testimony of Jesus Christ but through revelation from heaven and the Holy Spirit?

If God no longer speaks to man then man can no longer receive testimony of Jesus Christ. But men receive testimony of Jesus Christ daily. Every day millions worship Jesus Christ. Every day thousands come to the realization that only through Christ can they be saved.

Revelation is alive. The Holy Spirit talks to us daily. He reveals the testimony of Christ to the hearts of man. God speaks to us; through scripture, through prophets, and most importantly through the Holy Ghost.

A quote from William Barclay of the Church of Scotland:

“The rock is the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God. To Peter that great truth had been divinely revealed. It was God Himself who had opened Peter’s eyes to that great discovery. The fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is indeed the foundation stone of the Church’s faith and belief. On that great truth the Church is founded for ever and ever. This explanation holds that the divinely revealed truth that Jesus is the Son of God is the only foundation on which the Church is founded.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints.

It was restored to point men to Christ. His name is in the name of His Church.

Jesus Christ still is actively interested and engaged in the affairs of man. Under the direction of His Father, our Father, He sent an angel named Moroni to reveal an ancient record to his modern-day prophet. He, through the Holy Spirit, directed and guided Joseph Smith through the translation of a record that would make clear His doctrine and the saving ordinances of His gospel. Not to replace the Bible, but to add a second testimony to it.

The testimony of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and my testimony is this: Jesus Christ lives. He directs His church. He loves all and wants us all to return to Him.

This is the foundation of His Church.
October 15, 2020