Endowments And Ordinances

There seems to be a movement that some or all of the endowments and/or ordinances are no longer necessary for the fullness of salvation.  I must say that all ordinances are still necessary.  Everything from baptism to Second Annointings. 

I am concerned that some people may think that all of the ordinances and/or endowments are not necessary, because of some people who have communion with heaven, been ministered to by angels, or by the Saviour, etc, and yet had not prior to that time had all the ordinances.  This line of reasoning is not quite accurate, and needs correction.  There is a reason for all the ordinances, and they must be done, either now or later, but they must be done.  And anyone who rejects the opportunity to have them done now, may not have the opportunity later. 

It is also important to understand the purpose of the ordinances.  First, the ordinances have no power to save anyone in and of themselves.  The power of the ordinances lay in their application.  Not in the performing of the ordinances, but in applying the meaning of the ordinances to our own lives, to our own hearts.  For example, baptism itself does not save, but cleansing our hearts, cleansing our lives, laying down our worldly lives and rising to a new life in Christ does.  And this principle is true with all the ordinances. 

All the ordinances teach different principles that must be applied to our hearts, to our lives.  They are given for the express purpose of giving us the way to get through the veil.  Those ordinances hold the actual key, the method that is necessary to talk to God face to face.  And those who follow and apply those keys, will soon find themselves in the presence of their Father. 

And, fellow sojourners upon earth, it is your privilege to purify yourselves and come up to the same glory, and see for yourselves, and know for yourselves.  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 

~ TPJS.  E&MS August, 1832.  DHC 1:282-284.

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Old Traditions And False Beliefs

There once was a man to whom the Lord sent an angel to minister and to offer a new life in a new land.  The man packed his car with all his belongings and all his friends and tried to go the direction that the angel said.  But the car was so stuffed full that it kept bottoming out, and kept getting stuck.  His tires were soft from the massive weight, and the car just wouldn’t go anywhere, because he kept trying to bring all his old possessions with him, instead of just accepting the new house and new life that the Lord offered him. 

When the Lord calls, are we willing to leave all our old traditions and false beliefs behind in exchange for eternal life? 

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The Old Farmers

There was an old farming community with many old, run-down farms.  Most of the people who lived there were also old.  Their farms were in poor repair, and their houses were dilapidated.  The farms had very little livestock, but the animals that they did have were sickly and emaciated. 

A young man bought one of the farms, he prayed, asking the Lord for help, and then went and got to work.  He fenced it in, putting in corals around the outskirts of his new farm, and filled them with livestock.  He put a house in the centre of his farm and planted hay and feed around it for his livestock.   The transformation was astounding!  From an old run-down farm where even animals could barely stay alive, to now a magnificent standard of love and prosperity.  All because the young man could see that the old ways were not working, and decided instead to follow the Lord. 

The other farmers in the neighbourhood were quite upset at the new young farmer, because he wouldn’t take any of their advice, and yet his farm was prospering.  Instead they thought him vain, because he would only follow the Lord.  Yet those old farmers could not get their farms to produce.  The few animals that they had were sickly and emaciated.  Even the old farmers themselves were sick and emaciated.  The old farmers were always fighting among themselves, vying for who was best.  They kept their own farming secrets always trying to have the advantage over their neighbour.  They kept their own counsels and wouldn’t help each other.  They didn’t want to share or contribute or help each other.  Each believed that their method was best, because that is how their fathers did it before them. 

As the old farmers saw the young man’s farm prosper, they soon began to talk to him and make friends.  Eventually, the young man was able to teach them his methods.  He taught them to share, and to help each other.  And as they started to help their neighbour, they began to prosper.  They interbred their livestock which then greatly improved their genetics.  Their farms, once covered with darkness, now gleamed with light and colour.  Their farms were now filled with animals, big healthy animals, well fed, well muscled.  Everyone was happy. 

The Spirit spoke and related that when they share, and one man helps another and consider each other and one man doesn’t rise above another and try to be better than another, then there is plenty, and plenty enough to go around.

I have trimmed this, so those who have ears to hear; hear.

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False Accusations

False accusations is a common evil among people who are trying to move up in any society.  It is a strategy of the wicked to attempt to move themselves up the ladder while dragging the other person down.  Fortunately for the righteous, the Lord sees all, and those who exalted themselves will be abased.  And those who have been abased, and endured it righteously, will be exalted. 

Recently, a man in our little village has been falsely accused.  The worse part is who it came from; a person in very high standing, which means that many people will believe the false report, and it could have a very detrimental effect on the children in the family.  It is sad to see that the person who made this accusation is so insecure that the belief pervades that the only way to rise up, is to pull someone else down. 

Joseph taught that the only way to lift ourselves up, is to lift up others.  This is an eternal principle. 

Our Heavenly Father sees all and will reveal all; nothing will be hid, so there is no reason to worry.  Those who are wronged in this life, and responded with righteousness, will be so blessed in the resurrection that they will be grateful to have had that opportunity. 

Trust in our Father in Heaven.  He will not let you down! 

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Waivering In Faith

One of my friends has recently come across an anti-mormon web site that lists things that to them are problems with the Book of Mormon.  Now, the Book of Mormon has gone through several changes over the years.  Some of those changes have significantly impacted true doctrine that was restored, and other changes are far more minor.  My personal preference is to use the first and second editions of the BoM, because these are the editions of which the Prophet Joseph approved, and between which there were the least changes.  Yet, when posting quotes I tend to use a more current BoM that has been divided into verses, for ease of reference. 

When the anti-mormon groups attack Mormonism, they usually attack only one branch of Mormonism, and that is the LDS church that was started by Brigham Young.  Prior to the death of Joseph and Hyrum, there were divisions among the members.  Then when Joseph and Hyrum were killed, the churches split into several other branches.  (See D&C 101:43-62, 1 Nephi 8-15)  But the Lord loves all His branches and will bring them back, if they produce good fruit.  So it is a moot point to argue over which branch is the “true branch.”  Most all of them are from the original tree, and some of them produce good fruit. Remember also that wild branches are grafted into the original tree to keep the roots alive, and they will/have become corrupt and soon they will be pruned off and the natural branches that are producing good fruit shall be grafted back in. 

The BoM that has evolved in Brigham’s LDS church has gone through many changes and therefore it is often the target of attacks of anti-mormon groups.  Of course, once this is understood, it is really nothing to be concerned over.  The original doctrine that was established in the BoM is still true, no matter how the branches have altered and adapted their versions of the BoM.  The original doctrine is true, and is not only applicable on a large social scale, but is also very personally applicable on an individual basis. 

I can testify by personal experience, that the original doctrine in the Book of Mormon can be applied individually, and will lead a person into the presence of God.  Many people have followed and personally applied the doctrine contained in the Book of Mormon and have personally stood in the presence of God.  This does not only happen when a person is alone, but two or more people can also stand together in the presence of the Saviour at the same time.  It is an easily reproducible fact.  It is even reproducible in groups, and can be experienced by several people at the same time.  It is real. 

To my friend, I would like to say, the BoM contains doctrine that will lead an individual into the presence of God.  Personally apply the original doctrine found in the early editions of the BoM, and you will soon find yourself in the presence of God. 
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Receiving Blessings

Something to consider… 

Often, when we pray and ask for a large blessing, like the ministering of angels, moving mountains, diverting rivers, making water flow from rocks, etc, the Lord will send us a trial.  And not always a normal sized trial, but a big trial where we can easily justify that we are in the right to respond in a sometimes less than Christ-like fashion.  But there is a purpose to this trial.  In order to gain such specific blessings, we need to have eternal mercy completely on our side.  And to have eternal mercy completely on our side, we need to pass that trial in Christ-like fashion. 

2. For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. 
3. Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation. 
4. For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.

The blessing often comes after the trial of our faith.  Then when we pass that trial in a Christ-like manner, we may once again ask for the desired blessing, and consequently be put on the path to obtain that blessing. 

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Legally And Lawfully

“Whenever men can find out the will of God and find an administrator legally authorized from God, there is the kingdom of God; but where these are not, the kingdom of God is not.  All the ordinances, systems, and administrations on the earth are of no use to the children of men, unless they are ordained and authorized of God; for nothing will save a man but a legal administrator; for none others will be acknowledged either by God or angels.” 
~ TPJS pg. 274 

 Oh how often this is used as an excuse for priestcraft! 

"Verily, if a man be called of my Father, as was Aaron, by mine own voice, and by the voice of him that sent me, and I have endowed him with the keys of the power of this priesthood, if he do anything in my name, and according to my law and by my word, he will not commit sin, and I will justify him."

Notice that it does not say that he can now do anything that he wants and he will not commit sin, but the Lord says that if the priesthood holder does anything “in my name, and according to my law and by my word,” then he will be justified.  Being a legal administrator does not give the priesthood holder the right to circumvent the Law of God. 

Follow priesthood lineages carefully, for all things must be done legally and lawfully. 

Unfortunately there have been several things that have interrupted proper priesthood ordinations, meaning, as John Taylor prophesied, there are many who think they have the priesthood, but really do not.  So we must be vigilant in watching from what priesthood lines that we request ordination and/or blessings.  God is a God of order, and all things must be done properly, and that means both legally and lawfully. 

It is often that we find people honestly seeking to do the will of God, and they are upright and honourable people, striving with all their hearts to follow the rules, the law that the Lord has set out, but they do things without the proper priesthood, and/or having the priesthood properly conferred upon them, which means that the ordinances that they performed are illegal and will not be recognized, and will have to be done again properly if the circumstances warrant it. 

Everything must be done both legally and lawfully. 

Then there are others who try to circumvent the law, to bend the rules that the Lord has set out, and by doing so are not following the law of God, and yet still think that just because they do it legally, that the Lord will accept it.  But this is vain.  All things done before the Lord must be done both legally and lawfully.  That is the ONLY way.  By the Lord’s own words, His way is the ONLY way that He will accept. 

Just because a person has legal right to perform priesthood ordinances does not mean that they can break the law that God gave to govern that ordinance.  Our Father gives the highest priesthood to those whom He can trust implicitly. 

"5. And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.

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 7. Behold, I give unto you power, that whatsoever ye shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven; and thus shall ye have power among this people." 

It is not a priesthood holder’s right to break the rules whenever he sees fit.  To do so will void the ordinance and bring an end to the priesthood authority of the officiator, as is recorded in Section 121 of the Doctrine and Covenants. 

Be very wary of those who claim to have the keys who don't even keep the laws which govern those keys. 

All things must be done both legally and lawfully. 

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Broken Marriage/Unfaithful Spouse

There is nothing that can be said that will take away the pain and hurt of that betrayal of the most holy union.  It is a pain that echoes in the eternities.  It is a pain which the Ancients have been through, and only Gods can handle. 

If I could say anything it would be to never give up.  First and foremost, get and keep the Spirit of God; follow every prompting.  Second, always follow every direction of the Holy Ghost.  And no matter what, don’t give up!  Keep praying.  Keep repenting.  Keep pure.  Keep your covenants; and if specifically directed by the Holy Spirit, keep being absolutely one with your spouse, with the most loving kindness.  Never look for iniquity in your spouse.  Take the other person’s sins upon you.  Carry them with the most pure love of Christ.  Keep helping your neighbours.  Keep serving.  Keep going until the angels just naturally gravitate to you; and they will. 

If you put the Lord first, He will not let anything happen to you that was not foreordained to happen.  You may have perfect faith in that.  It will be a Crown of Glory upon your head! 

And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

Read all of section 122 again, and realize that it applies directly to us. 

The Lord will never betray us! 

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With All Our Hearts

If you want Heaven, you have to give up the world. 

Our Heavenly Parents want nothing more for us than for all their children to progress and become all that they can become.  They are truly wonderful and loving parents.  And anytime that we decide to step back across the veil for a visit, we are always welcome; They are always there ready to receive us. 

One of the keys, and perhaps the most important key, is the purity of our desire to progress and then to return home.  It is the purity of our desire, the eye single to the glory of God, that removes all obstacles from our path.  Once our desire to be with our Heavenly Parents again is sufficiently pure, once that is all we want, then all our worldly cares vanish like mist before the morning sun, and the windows of heaven open and we progress. 

The cares of the world are a veil that keep us from conversing with God face to face.  We must only desire the pure Love of God, desire it so much that we are willing to do all things to have it, even give up all our worldly cares. 

My grandmother used to say that ‘you cannot live on faith alone.’  But she was wrong!  The Lord will always take care of those who put Him first.  He will never let anything happen to those who put Him first, except that which has been foreordained to happen. 

There have been many times when I made mistakes, sinned, and even rebelled, and lost the Spirit of God as a consequence.  But as soon as I repented and stopped looking at my fears and my worldly concerns, stopped thinking about them, stopped worrying even the tiniest bit of them, then the Holy Spirit returned to provide direction once again.  As soon as I sufficiently humbled myself, as soon as I was perfectly contrite, perfectly willing to do anything the Lord asked of me, when nothing else mattered, then, and only then, are we acceptable before God. 

As soon as we have given up the world, and want nothing more than to become like our Heavenly Parents, then our feet will be set on the path, and we will begin to progress by leaps and bounds. 

We must have that complete change of heart of which is testified in the Book of Mormon. 

And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.

If we want Heaven, we must give up the world and strive for righteousness and only righteousness, which must be our ONLY desire and our ONLY effort. 

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Focus On The Saviour

From time to time I write about a few miracles or spiritual events that I and my family have experienced, but I don’t want to give the wrong impression.  Although miracles naturally and often commonly occur among people who are striving to keep all the commandments, I do not think that they should be the primary focus.  I hope I have not given that impression. 

The greatest miracle that I have ever experienced is the absolutely pure love which emanates from our Heavenly Parents.

Our primary focus should always be on the Saviour and our striving to become like Him, the lesser miracles will follow all by themselves. 

Plural Marriage

People often use the scriptures to justify their actions in living plural marriage, like

Go ye, therefore, and do the works of Abraham; enter ye into my law and ye shall be saved.

They love to “do the works of Abraham” when it pleases them, but they never seem to want to do the other works of Abraham like the offering up of their only son on the altar!  I wonder why???? 

The same edict was given that these things must be done by command of God.  In Jacob we read that it is only acceptable to live plural marriage when God commands it, and yet people do it just because they read about it.  Then shouldn’t the same principle apply?  Shouldn’t they sacrifice their children upon the altar, now that they have read about it?  Or are they taking the name of the Lord in vain and just claiming(pretending) that God has commanded them to live plural marriage? 

We are only to live plural marriage when commanded.  Jacob says this, and in D&C 132 the Lord also says this.  Verse 7 is quite implicit that He will not accept a marriage that is not appointed to us, and He will appoint only that which He and The Father ordained unto us before the world was.  So those who are living this way better have been commanded to do it, and not just ‘felt’ that it was right.  All things must be done in the Lord's way.  And those who didn’t know this, and wonder what they should do, you had better repent of everything and purify your soul to perfection and be absolutely one with your spouses.  This is not an area with which you want to take chances! 

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