| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 13.1 | Temporal vs. Spiritual | ONFIRE::PERM | Kevin R. Ossler | Wed Jan 18 1989 13:18 | 36 |
| I find myself often quoting the following passage when discussing
commandments and laws:
Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are
spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law
which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men;
neither Adam, your father, whom I created.
D&C 29:34
Often when we talk about, for example, the Word of Wisdom (D&C 89), we
focus on how it helps us live our lives, or improves our health, or
gives us specific promises in this life. All that is true, and we
should be appropriately grateful for those blessings.
However, there is a *spiritual* dimension to the Word of Wisdom that
should not be overlooked. Adherence to this law allows our minds and
hearts be open to the things of the Spirit, which we would be denied
otherwise. We "shall find wisdom, and great treasures of knowledge."
But beyond that, the above passage in D&C 29:34 indicates that the
temporal aspect of a law is merely the *method* of obeying a higher,
inherently spiritual law.
We'll all die eventually, whether we obey the Word of Wisdom or not.
It'll hardly matter what condition our bodies are in when we cast them
off. The aspect of obedience of the Word of Wisdom which will mean
far more to us then, from an eternal perspective, will be the spiritual,
not the temporal.
D&C 29:34 indicates that it is good to remember the spiritual aspect -
the eternal perspective - inherent in *every* law the Lord has given,
or will yet give. That aspect contains the reason He gives them, the
true purpose of them, and important incentives to obey them.
/kevin
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| 13.2 | Blessings are predicated on obedience | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Wed Jan 18 1989 18:00 | 9 |
| Excellent topic! Here's one of my favorites:
There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the
foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are
predicated -- And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by
obedience to that law upon which it is predicated. (D&C 130:20-21)
Rich
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| 13.3 | To See the Gold Plates | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Mon Jan 23 1989 15:10 | 72 |
| Many people ask why doesn't the church have the gold plates (from which
the Book of Mormon was translated) today, as tangible proof of Joseph's
Smiths testimony of the origin of the Book of Mormon. Martin Harris
also desired to see the gold plates, and in response, the Lord revealed
Section 5 of the D&C, from which the following is extracted:
Show them only if commanded
---------------------------
I have caused you that you should enter into a covenant with me,
that you should not show them except to those persons to whom I
commanded you; and you have no power over them except I grant it
unto you.
They would not believe if they saw
----------------------------------
Verily I say unto you, that woe shall come unto the inhabitants of
the earth if they will not hearken unto my words; Behold, if they
will not believe my words, they would not believe you, my servant
Joseph, if it were possible that you should show them all these
things which I have committed unto you. Oh, this unbelieving and
stiff-necked generation -- mine anger is kindled against them.
Behold, verily I say unto you, I have reserved those things which
I have entrusted unto you, my servant Joseph, for a wise purpose
in me, and it shall be made known unto future generations. But
this generation shall have my word through you;
Testimony of Three Witnesses
----------------------------
And in addition to your testimony, the testimony of three of my
servants, whom I shall call and ordain, unto whom I will show
these things, and they shall go forth with my words that are given
through you. Yea, they shall know of a surety that these things
are true, for from heaven will I declare it unto them. I will
geive them power that they may behold and view these things as
they are;
And the testimony of three witnesses will I send forth of my
word.
Manifestation of my Spirit
--------------------------
And behold, whosever believeth on my words, them will I visit with
the manifestion of my Spirit; and they shall be born of me, even
of water and of the Spirit -- And their testimony shall also go
foth unto the condemnation of this generation if they harden their
hearst against them; (Selected passages from D&C 5)
From these passages, we learn that Joseph was forbidden to show the
plates to anyone, unless he was commanded to do so. The Lord told him
that people who would not believe the word of the Lord, would still not
believe, just because they saw these things. The Lord would choose
three witness, and these witnesses would hear the voice of the Lord and
see the plates, and bear witness of it. To others, the Lord promised
the manifestation of His Spirit.
And so it happened that Three Witnesses were chosen, and they testified
(printed in the front of every Book of Mormon) that an angel of God
showed them the plates, and that the voice of the Lord declared to them
that they had been translated by the gift and power of God. Martin
Harris' desire was fulfilled, for he was chosen to be one of the Three
Witnesses. Many millions of others have born witness that they have
received the promised manifestation from the Spirit of the Lord,
confirming to them the truth of these things. I am one of them.
Witnessing of Christ,
Rich
|
| 13.4 | Greater views of the gospel | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Mon Feb 06 1989 09:11 | 37 |
| In D&C Section 10, the Lord speaks about the Book of Mormon, and says
that its purpose is not to destroy that which people have already
received (the Bible), but to build it up, and to put down contention on
His points of doctrine:
Behold, there are many things engraven upon the plates of Nephi
which do throw greater views upon my gospel... And, behold, all
the remainder of this work does contain all those parts of my
gospel which my holy prophets, yea, and also my disciples, desired
in their prayers should dome forth unto this people.
And now, behold, according to their faith in their prayers will I
bring this part of my gospel to the knowledge of my people.
Behold, I do not bring it to destroy that which they have
received, but to build it up.
Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I came unto mine own,
and mine own received me not. I am he who said -- Other sheep have
I which are not of this fold -- unto my disciples, and many there
were that understood me not. And I will show unto this people that
I had other sheep, and that they were a branch of the house of
Jacob;
And I will bring to light their marvelous works, which they did in
my name; Yea, and I will also bring to light my gospel which was
ministered unto them, and, behold, they shall not deny that which
you have received, but they shall build it up, and shall bring to
light the true points of my doctrine, yea, and the only doctrine
which is in me.
And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not
be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the
people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in
these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do
not understand them.
(Selected passages from D&C 10)
|
| 13.5 | Some of my favorite D&C. | BSS::RONEY | | Wed Feb 08 1989 13:40 | 61 |
|
Following are some of my favorite Scriptures from the Doctrine
and Covenants. I try and use these princilples in my daily activities
and decisions. First, is that as we accept God in our lives, we are
blessed by his love and spirit. As we continue to keep God's
commandments, our understanding of the Gospel grows until we are able
to be with him.
D&C 50: 24. That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light,
and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light
groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
I think that the most important thing for us to remember is God's gift
to man of his son, and his son's gift to us of the atonement giving us
the ability to repent of the things we do wrong. As Peter denied
Christ three times, Christ allowed that repentance when, after his
resurrection, Christ asked Peter if he loved him three times, always
with the injunction to "Feed my sheep." Very plainly, we are to
repent of our sins and obtain mercy from Christ, as he has already
paid what justice demands. If we do not repent, then we must give to
justice what she demands.
D&C 19: 16. For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all,
that they might not suffer if they would repent;
17. But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
18. Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest all,
to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore,
and to suffer both body and spirit - and would that I
might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink -
19. Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and
finished my preparations unto the children of men.
In obtaining the pure love of Christ toward our fellow human beings,
we are to forgive more that 7 times 70. We are to unconditionally
forgive and allow God to reward others, and us, by our deeds. Strip
off the chains of darkness, which drag us down to hell by allowing
hatred, bitterness, despair, and unnecessary sin to canker our souls
to the point of cutting us off from God forever.
D&C 64: 9. Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one
another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his
trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there
remaineth in him the greater sin.
10. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you
it is required to forgive all men.
11. And ye ought to say in your hearts - let God judge between
me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.
Finally, we must understand that it is we who decide what reward is
ours. If we are to deny the atonement of Christ, then we must be
willing to receive that which comes from not following the commandments
of God. If we are to deny the spirit of God, and wallow in
unrighteousness and contention, then we will have to be happy with that
which is allocated to us. God is no respector of men, and gives to
all the same opportunities of joy and happiness with Him in his
kingdom. But it is up to us to follow his will, and if we can not,
then we can not have that which he offers us.
D&C 88: 32. ..., to enjoy that which they are willing to receive,
because they were not willing to enjoy that which they
might have received.
|
| 13.6 | Justification & Sanctification | MECAD::MCKINNEY | Albatros! | Fri Mar 10 1989 08:40 | 39 |
| I tend to go through phases, when different parts of the scriptures
take on new and poignant meaning for me. Currently I am grateful
for all of the scriptures in the D&C on sanctification and
justification, one of the most misunderstood doctrines in the Bible.
Here are just a couple:
On justification:
D&C 132:7 - "And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this
law are these: All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths,
vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations,
that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit
of promise, or him who is anointed, both as well for time and for
all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation and commandment
through the mnedium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the
earth to hold this power...are of no efficacy, virtue, or force
in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that
are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead."
D&C 88:38.39 - "And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto
every law there are certain bounds also and conditions. All beings
who abide not in those conditions are not justified."
On santification:
D&C 88:67,68 - "And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole
bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness
in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all
things. Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single
to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will
unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in
his own way, and according to his own will."
Then we could talk about the great discourse on light in the 93rd
section, but this will suffice for now.
Jim
|
| 13.7 | Promise of Joy | FEISTY::QUAYLE | | Fri Apr 14 1989 09:37 | 6 |
|
Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently
and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall
be opened unto you.
Doctrine and Covenants 88:63
|
| 13.8 | The Priesthood | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Fri Apr 28 1989 12:41 | 85 |
| I am grateful for living prophets, who receive revelation in our day.
One of my favorites is the revelation received by Spencer W. Kimball in
1978, when it was revealed that the time had come for all worthy men
could receive the blessings of the priesthood:
Here is the text of the Official Declaration:
To Whom It May Concern:
On September 30, 1978, at the 148th Semiannual General Conference
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the following
was presented by President N. Eldon Tanner, First Counselor in the
First Presidency of the Church:
In early June of this year, the First Presidency announced that a
revelation had been received by President Spencer W. Kimball
extending priesthood and temple blessings to all worthy male
members of the Church. President Kimball has asked that I advise
the conference that after he had received this revelation, which
came to him after extended meditation and prayer in the sacred
rooms of the holy temple, he presented it to his counselors, who
accepted it and approved it. It was then presented to the Quorum
of the Twelve Apostles, who unanimously approved it, and was
subsequently presented to all other General Authorities, who
likewise approved it unanimously.
President Kimball has asked that I now read this letter:
June 8, 1978
To all general and local priesthood officers of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world:
Dear Brethren:
As we have witnessed the expansion of the work of the Lord over
the earth, we have been grateful that people of many nations have
responded to the message of the restored gospel, and have joined
the Church in ever-increasing numbers. This, in turn, has inspired
us with a desire to extend to every worthy member of the Church
all of the privileges and blessings which the gospel affords.
Aware of the promises made by the prophets and presidents of the
Church who have preceded us that at some time, in God's eternal
plan, all of our brethren who are worthy may receive the
priesthood, and witnessing the faithfulness of those from whom the
priesthood has been withheld, we have pleaded long and earnestly
in behalf of these, our faithful brethren, spending many hours in
the Upper Room of the Temple supplicating the Lord for divine
guidance.
He has heard our prayers, and by revelation has confirmed that the
long-promised day has come when every faithful, worthy man in the
Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its
divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing
that flows therefrom, including the blessings of the temple.
Accordingly, all worthy male members of the church may be ordained
to the priesthood without regard for race or color. Priesthood
leaders are instructed to follow the policy of carefully
interviewing all candidates for ordination to either the Aaronic
or the Melchizedek Priesthood to insure that they meet the
established standards for worthiness.
We declare with soberness that the Lord has now made known his
will for the blessing of all his children throughout the earth who
will hearken to the voice of his authorized servants, and prepare
themselves to receive every blessing of the gospel.
Sincerely yours,
Spencer W. Kimball
N. Eldon Tanner
Marion G. Romney
The First Presidency
Recognizing Spencer W. Kimball as the prophet, seer, and
revelator, and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, it is proposed that we as a constituent
assembly accept this revelation as the word and will of the Lord.
All in favor please signify by raising your right hand. Any
opposed by the same sign.
The vote to sustain the foregoing motion was unanimous in the
affirmative.
Salt Lake City, Utah, September 30, 1978.
|
| 13.9 | The worth of souls is great | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Fri Apr 28 1989 15:56 | 42 |
| Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;
For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh;
wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might
repent and come unto him.
And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men
unto him, on conditions of repentance.
And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!
Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people.
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!
And now, if your joy will be great with one souls that you have
brought unto me into the kingdom of my Gather, how great will be
your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!
Behold, you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my
salvation.
Ask the Father in my name, in faith believing that you shall
receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all
things which are expedient unto the children of men.
And if you have not faith, hope, and charity, you can do nothing.
Contend against no church, save it be the church of the devil.
Take upon you the name of Christ, and speak the truth in
soberness.
And as many as repent and are baptized in my name, which is Jesus
Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved.
Behold, Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father, and
there is none other name given whereby man can be saved; (D&C
18:10-23)
|
| 13.10 | D&C 58:26-27 | MILPND::PERM | Kevin R. Ossler | Fri May 05 1989 13:49 | 19 |
| The Lord speaking:
For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all
things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is
a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no
reward.
Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good
cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring
to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them,
wherein they are agents unto themselves.
We are agents of the Lord, and it is up to us to 'bring to pass much
righteousness' of our own free will. True, the Lord directs the work
of His Church, but we are part of the program, and the Lord is
depending on us to do our part on our own initiative.
A brother in Christ,
/kevin
|
| 13.11 | Righteous use of the Priesthood | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Wed May 24 1989 16:30 | 52 |
| There is an excellent revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants that
tells how this priesthood authority must be used:
Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are
they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the
things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they
do not learn this one lesson -- That the rights of the priesthood
are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the
powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the
principles of righteousness.
That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we
undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain
ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon
the souls of the children of men, in any degree of
unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the
Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to
the priesthood or the authority of that man. Behold, ere he is
aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to
persecute the saints, and to fight against God.
We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and
disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little
authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to
exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many are called, but few are
chosen.
No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of
the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by
gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and
pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without
hypocrisy, and without guile -- reproving betimes with sharpness,
when moved upon by the Holy ghost; and then showing forth
afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou has reproved,
lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; That he may know that thy
faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.
Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the
household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts
unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence
of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distill upon thy
soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant
companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness
and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and
without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.
(D&C 121:34-46)
(I included this reference in another note, but I also feel that it
belongs here...)
Rich
|
| 13.12 | For those of us who are bone tired... | MILPND::PERM | Kevin R. Ossler | Thu Jun 29 1989 12:19 | 23 |
| "And if any man among you be strong in the Spirit, let him take
with him him that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness,
that he may become strong also...Therefore, let every man stand in
his own office, and labor in his own calling; and let not the head
say unto the feet it hath no need of the feet; for without the feet
how shall the body be able to stand? Also the body hath need of
every member, that all may be edified together, that the system may
be kept perfect."
-D&C 84:106,109-110
The Lord has given us each other to sustain us, and for us to sustain
others. It is a great blessing.
And when those times come when we may be weak or tired sometimes in our
callings, it is OK. The Lord knew those times would come and has provided a
way for us to be strengthened. He gave us each other. But we must accept
this help. We must be receptive to the healing, sustaining power in others.
The body hath need of every member - the weak and the strong. Together. It
is only together that 'the system may be kept perfect.'
/kevin
|
| 13.13 | The Lord shall lead thee by the hand | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Tue Oct 31 1989 09:03 | 2 |
| Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and
give thee answer to thy prayers. (D&C 112:10)
|
| 13.14 | Blessings predicated on laws | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Sat Nov 25 1989 17:42 | 8 |
| There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the
foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are
predicated --
And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience
to that law upon which it is predicated.
D&C 131:20-21
|
| 13.15 | Judged by the desire of our hearts | RIPPLE::KOTTERRI | Rich Kotter | Tue Dec 12 1989 09:31 | 42 |
| A vision given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, in the temple at Kirtland,
Ohio, January 21, 1836.
The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial
kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out
I cannot tell.
I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs
of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of
fire;
Also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and
the Son.
I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the
appearance of being paved with gold.
I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my
brother Alvin, that has long since slept;
And marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in
that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the
Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had
not been baptized for the remission of sins.
Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died
without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if
they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial
kingdom of God;
Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who
would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of
that kingdom;
For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works,
according to the desire of their hearts.
And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at
the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of
heaven.
(Doctrine & Covenants 137)
|