Long time since I posted something. Lots has come up. Anyways, I was recently contacted by someone and figured I would share my thoughts on the subject.
This person asked me "Why was Christ baptized?" Did John the Baptist have to baptize him? Why would someone perfect need to be baptized? In this letter, they also wanted to know if it was only because, at the time, Christ was "mortal." That brings me to another discussion for another day.
So, Christ was baptized by John, which we all know. And we also know that in order to obtain the highest degree of heaven, certain requirements are required, perhaps commanded. One is to be baptized and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. We see this in Luke (3:22) where the Holy Ghost "descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him." The heavens opened and the Lord said "Thou are my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased" (Luke 3:22).
To go back on topic, I believe that even though Christ was perfect, he still had to follow the commandments. Would it be possible to be perfect without following ALL of God's commandments? To not do something is just like doing something wrong in my eyes (ever have someone tell you that with-holding information is the same as lying? It goes along a parallel process).
In my personal belief, I believe that to be the Savior, Christ had to do and experience all of the Lord's commandments. Being a perfect man who does not follow each commandment, is really just a good person.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Sunday, November 6, 2011
The Worth of Souls
I have always enjoyed the passage "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God" (D&C 18:10). Every person is important to God. No one is left behind. He treats us all equally and gives us all blessings. Sometimes, we do not see those blessings right away.
Sometimes, I have to look deep for blessings. With the changes going on in my life, sometimes I feel like an outcast. Like, no one understands where I come from. Even if no one understands, our Lord Christ does. And at times, I do not feel worthy to be in the presence of our Lord.
Continuing in Doctrine and Covenants, we see: "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!" (D&D 18:15).
Today in sacrament, I was studying in James and came across this scripture: "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" (James 5:19-20). Again, it occured to me. The scriptures are designed to be used together. Each part is half of a whole, so to speak. And it also came to me (again) that the one soul we should be saving is our own. Christ is ready to forgive us if we ask him. We can get back on the path and return home. And the more souls we bring by crying repentance, how happy we will be in that day, being with each other.
Sometimes, I have to look deep for blessings. With the changes going on in my life, sometimes I feel like an outcast. Like, no one understands where I come from. Even if no one understands, our Lord Christ does. And at times, I do not feel worthy to be in the presence of our Lord.
Continuing in Doctrine and Covenants, we see: "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!" (D&D 18:15).
Today in sacrament, I was studying in James and came across this scripture: "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" (James 5:19-20). Again, it occured to me. The scriptures are designed to be used together. Each part is half of a whole, so to speak. And it also came to me (again) that the one soul we should be saving is our own. Christ is ready to forgive us if we ask him. We can get back on the path and return home. And the more souls we bring by crying repentance, how happy we will be in that day, being with each other.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Where Are You Going?
I am out in Denmark with my lovely wife for our anniversary. It is thus far a wonderful experience. I am sorry I have not updated my blog recently. I have been feeling down about myself due to my limitations and have felt burdened by them.
In Denmark, people speak Danish, full of long street names (like Løjtegårdsvej 99 - which is our hotel address) and hard to pronounce. I do have a decent understanding of Danish as that is where I was called for my mission several years ago (before most of you probably started high school). The good news is that 99% of the Danes speak English and are willing to help you. So, Laura and I leave our hotel this morning and head from Kastrup to downtown Copenhagen (by bus it was about 20 minutes - 7 or so kilometers). We did not have any real plans - we pulled up many ideas of what we wanted to do. Canal rides, bus tours, seeing castles, all the good tourist stuff. We ended up seeing lots!
We came across the canal rides by accident, just choose a random destination off the bus and started walking. We ditched the boat (it had one stop at the very end, but offered to take you back to the start at no charge with your ticket) and decided to walk it. We saw this amazing Catholic Church (check out facebook next week when we upload the pics). We first decided to skip the Little Mermaid Statue - which is one of the highest tourist places and the boat stopped right at it. It was like destiny. Again, those pics will be coming. We saw Rosenberg Castle and the grounds which were not like a castle as I thought (no towering ramparts, no gallows) but was awesome. We even saw a Nordstroms that had some 7-8 floors to it! Everyday at noon, at the castle, the changing of the guards take place. We had no idea where that was, but at like 11:55, we were in the right spot (and I have a 12ish minute video in high def of it).
So, everything was falling into place. All things that we had not planned to do was just fitting perfectly. Way awesome! Well, until we get to go on the bus to get back to our hotel. I remember busses going in circles. You can get on at one stop and keep riding. Apparently, there are final stops here. And Laura tells me busses in the States have final stops as well (remind you, I have not taken a bus in probably 20 years). So, I ask the bus driver how to get to Kastrup, he tells me to take this other bus (we took 350 to get out there, he tells us to take 5A to get back). Well, 5A dead ended at the airport, which is about 2.2 km from the hotel. And 5A was almost 2 times expensive as the other bus. I tell Laura we are ditching the bus, I can remember how to get back to the hotel.
I do have a good memory. My family will vouche for that. I can remember things that happened on specific days, specific times, specific routes that were taken and were asked of me to remember. I have close to an identic memory. Not trying to brag as with my condition lately, I have sometimes forgotten my name, who my wife was and where I am going. Back to topic, I recalled how our taxi driver got to the hotel. Kinda. He used the freeway and we were on foot. Laura was upset, tired and we wanted to get to the temple tonight before it got too dark. That is not going to happen due to my error.
I did not take a wrong turn, but I should have listened and took the other bus, the 350, just heading in the opposite direction. I did not listen to my wife. We spent like 2+ hours on the bus, then like 40 minutes walking back to the hotel. Yes, I knew the way. Landmarks marked the way for me. Yes, there were times that I thought I was lost. Then, I saw a restaurant and knew I was on the right road. It was like the Holy Ghost. When you get lost, as it will happen in life, or get stressed, or have no idea what you need to do, the Lord will give you a landmark and you will know where to go. You may be on foot, you may be delayed by several hours. You may have to put off the temple for a day. But the Lord is there for you. And today he gave me a sign I could not deny. There is no doubt it is his will I sit here now and share this story. And yes, my feet hurt. No scripture reference for this posting as it was on the whim and I wanted to share a personal experience as it is still fresh (I literally walked into the room and started typing this).
In Denmark, people speak Danish, full of long street names (like Løjtegårdsvej 99 - which is our hotel address) and hard to pronounce. I do have a decent understanding of Danish as that is where I was called for my mission several years ago (before most of you probably started high school). The good news is that 99% of the Danes speak English and are willing to help you. So, Laura and I leave our hotel this morning and head from Kastrup to downtown Copenhagen (by bus it was about 20 minutes - 7 or so kilometers). We did not have any real plans - we pulled up many ideas of what we wanted to do. Canal rides, bus tours, seeing castles, all the good tourist stuff. We ended up seeing lots!
We came across the canal rides by accident, just choose a random destination off the bus and started walking. We ditched the boat (it had one stop at the very end, but offered to take you back to the start at no charge with your ticket) and decided to walk it. We saw this amazing Catholic Church (check out facebook next week when we upload the pics). We first decided to skip the Little Mermaid Statue - which is one of the highest tourist places and the boat stopped right at it. It was like destiny. Again, those pics will be coming. We saw Rosenberg Castle and the grounds which were not like a castle as I thought (no towering ramparts, no gallows) but was awesome. We even saw a Nordstroms that had some 7-8 floors to it! Everyday at noon, at the castle, the changing of the guards take place. We had no idea where that was, but at like 11:55, we were in the right spot (and I have a 12ish minute video in high def of it).
So, everything was falling into place. All things that we had not planned to do was just fitting perfectly. Way awesome! Well, until we get to go on the bus to get back to our hotel. I remember busses going in circles. You can get on at one stop and keep riding. Apparently, there are final stops here. And Laura tells me busses in the States have final stops as well (remind you, I have not taken a bus in probably 20 years). So, I ask the bus driver how to get to Kastrup, he tells me to take this other bus (we took 350 to get out there, he tells us to take 5A to get back). Well, 5A dead ended at the airport, which is about 2.2 km from the hotel. And 5A was almost 2 times expensive as the other bus. I tell Laura we are ditching the bus, I can remember how to get back to the hotel.
I do have a good memory. My family will vouche for that. I can remember things that happened on specific days, specific times, specific routes that were taken and were asked of me to remember. I have close to an identic memory. Not trying to brag as with my condition lately, I have sometimes forgotten my name, who my wife was and where I am going. Back to topic, I recalled how our taxi driver got to the hotel. Kinda. He used the freeway and we were on foot. Laura was upset, tired and we wanted to get to the temple tonight before it got too dark. That is not going to happen due to my error.
I did not take a wrong turn, but I should have listened and took the other bus, the 350, just heading in the opposite direction. I did not listen to my wife. We spent like 2+ hours on the bus, then like 40 minutes walking back to the hotel. Yes, I knew the way. Landmarks marked the way for me. Yes, there were times that I thought I was lost. Then, I saw a restaurant and knew I was on the right road. It was like the Holy Ghost. When you get lost, as it will happen in life, or get stressed, or have no idea what you need to do, the Lord will give you a landmark and you will know where to go. You may be on foot, you may be delayed by several hours. You may have to put off the temple for a day. But the Lord is there for you. And today he gave me a sign I could not deny. There is no doubt it is his will I sit here now and share this story. And yes, my feet hurt. No scripture reference for this posting as it was on the whim and I wanted to share a personal experience as it is still fresh (I literally walked into the room and started typing this).
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Deadly Sin?
We all know what the Cardinal Sins are (or we should know). Some of us may know them as the seven deadly sins or capital vices. Luxuria, Gula, Acedia, Ira, Invidia, Avaritia, and Superbia. These are, of course, according to the great work of Dante and his Divine Comedy. Translated, we know these to represent lust, gluttony, sloth, wrath, envy, greed, and pride. Now, we could argue the presence of more than 7 "deadly" sins and also contrary and wrap them into one category: pride.
Now, I know a lot of you will differ with this from me, but I firmly believe that all sin can be retraced back to pride. We sin against God to perhaps show that we are better than He, that we not need Him. Again, you may argue that we sin because we simply make a mistake or misunderstand. But given to all men is the Light of Christ, to know good and evil, right and wrong (Moroni 7:16). We cannot be naive simply because we refuse to believe.
Consciously, man knows he needs God. But there is that doubt that everyone gets everyone now and then. That attitude that I can do it, I can do better than what I have been given. Now, do not mistake my words, brothers and sisters. I am not here to dissuade you from progression. I want you to have your self-pride, which I shall call self-spirit - the spirit to lift up your voice and praise Him. The spirit to excel in your work, in your daily activities. This is not pride. This is just bettering yourself. Pride comes from the adversary - he wants us to be miserable like unto himself (2 Nephi 2:27). He will plant those thoughts that we do not need help. That we can be prideful. And he starts with the small things.
I love when Jacob says "O that ye would listen unto the word of [God's] commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls!" (Jacob 2:16). How true is that today? So, going back to the other sins and linking them to pride as the root of all sins:
Lust - for as one lusts after another, he believes he is above God's eternal law that "thou shalt not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14).
Gluttony - we show pride in that we are in the world. Gluttony is to eat abundantly, or in excess. I can think of hedonism, where people are fat and show that they are better than themselves and mock others who do not partake. "Eat, drink, and be merry... for tomorrow we die" (2 Nephi 28:8).
Sloth - How many people lay around and expect to be taken care of? Granted, there are those with disabilities, which are not their fault, but people need to work and take care of themselves. Again, we are told "six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work" (Exodus 20:9). When have you become too above the Lord's commandments to do work?
Wrath - How many wars have been waged for land, for money, for power or dominance? To show that you are superior to someone else? I think "thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13) can even be rephrased to be peaceful one unto another (referrence Ephesians 6:18).
Envy - They say that all sin starts with a thought. What more to lust after something that you are envious of? Would not lust be the epitome of envy? Envy would lead (possibly) to stealing and we know "thou shalt not steal" (Exodus 20:15) but what about "thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife... manservant... ox... nor anything that is thy neighbor's" (Exodus 20:17). We are envious for we are prideful.
Greed - Again, this goes hand in hand with lust and envy. Perhaps even wrath. They say money is the root of all evil, but I disagree. Behind the greed is pride. The pride to be better and have more. We are warned even by Jacob: "Before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the Kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ [or, removed pride from oneself], ye shall obtain riches... for the intent to do good" (Jacob 2:18-19).
I love how President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said: "Pride is a switch that turns off priesthood power. Humility is a switch that turns it on" (Oct 2010 Gen Conference - "Pride and the Priesthood"). How many times have we seen the yo-yo effect of nations rise and fall. They rise when they are close to God, then become prideful and no longer need him and fall. Then, when all seems to be lost, the righteous gather and rebuild a kingdom. I see that kingdom coming closer and closer.
Sorry for the long blog. This is a great topic dear to me and I can continue to go on and on. I have about 6-7 other references I did not touch. For more info, please comment. If you want to discuss a topic, let me know!
Now, I know a lot of you will differ with this from me, but I firmly believe that all sin can be retraced back to pride. We sin against God to perhaps show that we are better than He, that we not need Him. Again, you may argue that we sin because we simply make a mistake or misunderstand. But given to all men is the Light of Christ, to know good and evil, right and wrong (Moroni 7:16). We cannot be naive simply because we refuse to believe.
Consciously, man knows he needs God. But there is that doubt that everyone gets everyone now and then. That attitude that I can do it, I can do better than what I have been given. Now, do not mistake my words, brothers and sisters. I am not here to dissuade you from progression. I want you to have your self-pride, which I shall call self-spirit - the spirit to lift up your voice and praise Him. The spirit to excel in your work, in your daily activities. This is not pride. This is just bettering yourself. Pride comes from the adversary - he wants us to be miserable like unto himself (2 Nephi 2:27). He will plant those thoughts that we do not need help. That we can be prideful. And he starts with the small things.
I love when Jacob says "O that ye would listen unto the word of [God's] commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls!" (Jacob 2:16). How true is that today? So, going back to the other sins and linking them to pride as the root of all sins:
Lust - for as one lusts after another, he believes he is above God's eternal law that "thou shalt not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14).
Gluttony - we show pride in that we are in the world. Gluttony is to eat abundantly, or in excess. I can think of hedonism, where people are fat and show that they are better than themselves and mock others who do not partake. "Eat, drink, and be merry... for tomorrow we die" (2 Nephi 28:8).
Sloth - How many people lay around and expect to be taken care of? Granted, there are those with disabilities, which are not their fault, but people need to work and take care of themselves. Again, we are told "six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work" (Exodus 20:9). When have you become too above the Lord's commandments to do work?
Wrath - How many wars have been waged for land, for money, for power or dominance? To show that you are superior to someone else? I think "thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13) can even be rephrased to be peaceful one unto another (referrence Ephesians 6:18).
Envy - They say that all sin starts with a thought. What more to lust after something that you are envious of? Would not lust be the epitome of envy? Envy would lead (possibly) to stealing and we know "thou shalt not steal" (Exodus 20:15) but what about "thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife... manservant... ox... nor anything that is thy neighbor's" (Exodus 20:17). We are envious for we are prideful.
Greed - Again, this goes hand in hand with lust and envy. Perhaps even wrath. They say money is the root of all evil, but I disagree. Behind the greed is pride. The pride to be better and have more. We are warned even by Jacob: "Before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the Kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ [or, removed pride from oneself], ye shall obtain riches... for the intent to do good" (Jacob 2:18-19).
I love how President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said: "Pride is a switch that turns off priesthood power. Humility is a switch that turns it on" (Oct 2010 Gen Conference - "Pride and the Priesthood"). How many times have we seen the yo-yo effect of nations rise and fall. They rise when they are close to God, then become prideful and no longer need him and fall. Then, when all seems to be lost, the righteous gather and rebuild a kingdom. I see that kingdom coming closer and closer.
Sorry for the long blog. This is a great topic dear to me and I can continue to go on and on. I have about 6-7 other references I did not touch. For more info, please comment. If you want to discuss a topic, let me know!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Kolob
I have had some thinking about Kolob recently and other theories, some which most think are controversonal to our way of life. This posting is by no means doctrine, but rather information that I find to be plausible. We can all speculate, but in the interim of this world, I believe that we may never know an answer until the day comes for our salvation.
I have heard many tales that the "6 days" that it took God to create the Earth was that of Kolo days. For one day on Kolob is equal to be 1000 Earthly years (Abraham 3:4). So, a few conclusions about this: The 7th day was a day of rest - the millenium will be 1000 years of peace - representing a day in Kolob. The Earth was developed over the space of 6000 years. Now, because there was no light or darkness, the first day could have been any length of time.
Some have speculated (Elder Bruce R. McConkie) that the first day was any length of time. And that the earth was created around Kolob and then during the first day placed here upon it current realm of existence. Arguably so, one could speculate that the Garden of Eden was there upon the Earth when it was near unto Kolob and then when Adam and Eve partook of the fruit forbidden, the Earth was then plucked out of the orbit of Kolob and placed here for it's trial period. Perhaps when the day comes for the Second Coming, Earth will be as the Garden of Eden and again resume it's place near unto Kolob.
Some have also thought about Kolob being a metaphor for Jesus Christ. Kolob "nearest unto the throne of God; and there were many great ones which were near unto it; And the Lord said unto me: These are the governing ones; and the great one is Kolob, because it is near unto me, for I am the Lord thy God: I have set this one to govern all... And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These will I make my rulers... and there stood one among them that was like unto God" (Abraham 3:2-3, 23-24).
Perhaps Kolob was where we came from and perhaps it is a name to represent Christ as he has many names. The scriptures are full of metaphors and we are all entitled to interpret them how we will. I found documents where some people speculate that Kolob is Polaris (the North Star) that governs our directions. As always, I look forward to critism and other thoughts. I also feel that the scripture "draw near unto me and I shall draw near unto you" could define this as bringing Kolob back to it's proper, celestial state. Again, this has been something on my mind for quite some time and I was waiting for the most appropiate time to discuss it.
I have heard many tales that the "6 days" that it took God to create the Earth was that of Kolo days. For one day on Kolob is equal to be 1000 Earthly years (Abraham 3:4). So, a few conclusions about this: The 7th day was a day of rest - the millenium will be 1000 years of peace - representing a day in Kolob. The Earth was developed over the space of 6000 years. Now, because there was no light or darkness, the first day could have been any length of time.
Some have speculated (Elder Bruce R. McConkie) that the first day was any length of time. And that the earth was created around Kolob and then during the first day placed here upon it current realm of existence. Arguably so, one could speculate that the Garden of Eden was there upon the Earth when it was near unto Kolob and then when Adam and Eve partook of the fruit forbidden, the Earth was then plucked out of the orbit of Kolob and placed here for it's trial period. Perhaps when the day comes for the Second Coming, Earth will be as the Garden of Eden and again resume it's place near unto Kolob.
Some have also thought about Kolob being a metaphor for Jesus Christ. Kolob "nearest unto the throne of God; and there were many great ones which were near unto it; And the Lord said unto me: These are the governing ones; and the great one is Kolob, because it is near unto me, for I am the Lord thy God: I have set this one to govern all... And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These will I make my rulers... and there stood one among them that was like unto God" (Abraham 3:2-3, 23-24).
Perhaps Kolob was where we came from and perhaps it is a name to represent Christ as he has many names. The scriptures are full of metaphors and we are all entitled to interpret them how we will. I found documents where some people speculate that Kolob is Polaris (the North Star) that governs our directions. As always, I look forward to critism and other thoughts. I also feel that the scripture "draw near unto me and I shall draw near unto you" could define this as bringing Kolob back to it's proper, celestial state. Again, this has been something on my mind for quite some time and I was waiting for the most appropiate time to discuss it.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Iron Rod
There have been many things on my mind recently. I had the chance this weekend to go camping with one of my greatest friends, Nate, and his family. We spent Friday thru Monday together at Bear Lake. There was swimming, volleyball, fourwheeling and lots of talking around the campfire.
Then, on Sunday, I had a really bad attack of seizures. I could not stand up without the help of my wife. And during this time (in which we missed church due to this), I thought much about that Tree of Life in Lehi's dream. I thought how my children would be raised - will they be as strong as Nephi doing what the Lord asks without question (1 Nephi 3:7) or be as Laman, steadfast and unmoving?
I came across a great quote by Elder Richard G. Scott: "If you have determined to live righteously, don't become discouraged. Life may seem difficult now, but hold on tightly to that iron rod of truth. You are makingg better progress than you realize."
So, while sometimes it is hard and we come across that river, the house of the partiers, lost in darkness that there is still hope. No one is completely out of the game. Help each other find that rod and I hope that when we do find it, we can hold fast with both hands and progress to our eternal happiness.
Then, on Sunday, I had a really bad attack of seizures. I could not stand up without the help of my wife. And during this time (in which we missed church due to this), I thought much about that Tree of Life in Lehi's dream. I thought how my children would be raised - will they be as strong as Nephi doing what the Lord asks without question (1 Nephi 3:7) or be as Laman, steadfast and unmoving?
I came across a great quote by Elder Richard G. Scott: "If you have determined to live righteously, don't become discouraged. Life may seem difficult now, but hold on tightly to that iron rod of truth. You are makingg better progress than you realize."
So, while sometimes it is hard and we come across that river, the house of the partiers, lost in darkness that there is still hope. No one is completely out of the game. Help each other find that rod and I hope that when we do find it, we can hold fast with both hands and progress to our eternal happiness.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Faith
This is along the lines of missionary work and previous talks/blogs about planting those seeds of faith. I was recently thinking about the members of the Church versus the amount of people in the world. The difficulty that our missionaries have to bring in new people to the Church.
It is that mysterious, wonderful manifestiation of faith that brings reassurance, certainty, and it comes as a gift from God. It is only through faith that we may know the truth of all things. Faith leads to the Holy Spirit, which bears witness of Christ and all things good. And faith is needed for everyday trials - whether it be our mission, our tithing, obeying the word of wisdom. Hold to your faith and ye shall prevail. For further reading, I would recommend reading Alma 32 and James 2:26.
I am not surprised that comparatively few people join the Church from among the large number on whom the missionaries call. There is no faith. On the other hand, I am amazed that so many do. It is a marvelous and wonderful thing that thousands are touched by the miracle of the Holy Spirit, that they believe and accept and become members. They are baptized. Their lives are forever touched for good. Miracles occur. A seed of faith comes into their hearts. It enlarges as they learn. And they accept principle upon principle, until they have everyone of these marvelous blessings that come to those who walk with faith in this, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
It is faith that is the converter. It is faith that is the teacher.
It is that mysterious, wonderful manifestiation of faith that brings reassurance, certainty, and it comes as a gift from God. It is only through faith that we may know the truth of all things. Faith leads to the Holy Spirit, which bears witness of Christ and all things good. And faith is needed for everyday trials - whether it be our mission, our tithing, obeying the word of wisdom. Hold to your faith and ye shall prevail. For further reading, I would recommend reading Alma 32 and James 2:26.
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