By Alan on Sep 03 in Blog tagged Bthe book of Revelations, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Howard W. Hunter, John, no man shall add to or take away, Records from all nations, The Bible - Jews, The Book of Mormon - Nephites, The Lost Ten Tribes | Comments Off

.

And Jesus said,

 

“Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?

 

Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.

For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.

2 Ne. 29: 7-8, 12

1. The Bible was writen by the Jews.
2. The Book of Mormon was written by the Nephites.
3. The Book of the Lost Ten Tribes is forthcoming.
4. The records from all nations are forthcoming.

“This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”  2 Cor. 13: 1

And from all nations!

“In the mouth of two or three witnesses 

every word may be established.“

BUT, JOHN SAID IN REVELATIONS:

“No Man Shall Add to or Take Away!”

John, issues a warning and a curse upon any man who adds to or takes away from the book. Specifically, these are the words he wrote:

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

“And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Rev. 22: 18-19

These verses of scripture have been cited repeatedly by those attempting to discredit the Book of Mormon, claiming that God’s revelation to man is closed. Nothing more is to be added and nothing is to be taken away. They assert that the Book of Mormon is an attempt to add to the words of the Bible. These claims were made when the Book of Mormon was first published and have continued to be made, and are made today. Is there any validity to such assertions?

The answer to this query is really very simple. A careful reading of the words makes it clear that the warning against adding to or taking away does not refer to the whole Bible or even to the New Testament, but to use John’s words, only to the words of “the book of this prophecy.” That is, the prophecy contained in the book of Revelation. This is substantiated by the fact that some of the books of the New Testament had not yet been written when John wrote the book of Revelation, and even those that had been written and were in existence at that time had not yet been gathered into one compilation.

The collection of writings consisting of the sixty-six books we know as the Bible were brought together and compiled into one volume long after John wrote the prophetic book that has been placed at the end of the collection. It is clear, therefore, that the terrible judgments pronounced upon those who add to the book could not possibly apply to the whole of the Bible or even to the New Testament, but only to the book of Revelation.

Secondly, the warning uses the words “the prophecy of this book” and also “the words of the book of this prophecy.” The word book in both instances is singular and could only refer to the book of prophecy written by John which is titled, in the King James Version, “The Revelation of St. John the Divine” and is often referred to as the Apocalypse—a Greek word which means revealed. Of necessity the word book would have been in the singular because when written it was not associated with any other book or books, and it was after many years and many ecclesiastical debates that it was added to the collection that became known as the new canon of scripture or the New Testament.

It is also interesting to note that John himself added to scripture after writing the book of Revelation, which is generally conceded to have been written while he was on the Isle of Patmos. It was long after John left Patmos that he wrote his first epistle. This fact standing alone would be sufficient to defeat the claim that revelation was closed and that man was enjoined from adding to scripture. This adds cumulative evidence that John had reference to the book of Revelation only.

In the Old Testament also are found similar vigorous denunciations and commands that there shall not be taken away or added to the words that were written. The first is found in Deuteronomy, written at the time Moseswas exhorting Israel to live the law of the Lord. The Torah was oral law and had not been reduced to writing prior to the time of the codification of the law in Deuteronomy. Now that it had been reduced to writing by Moses prior to his death and assumed to be complete, Moses wrote:

“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” (Deut. 4:2.)

Later in this same book of the law, Moses repeated the admonition in similar words. He said,

“What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” (Deut. 12:32.)

In the minds of some, these admonitions in the Old Testament raise the same question as to the Book of Mormon being an attempted addition to scripture as does the injunction and warning at the end of the book of Revelation. In effect, these passages contain the same injunction as the one at the close of the Apocalypse; and if the same interpretation and argument was applied to them as is applied to the closing verses of the book of Revelation, there would be no scripture after the writings of Moses. Such an absurdity would result in discarding the greater part of the Old Testament and all of the books of the New Testament.

A careful reading of each of these admonitions makes it clear that man is not to make changes in the revelations of the Lord: man is not to add to or take from the words of God. There is no indication or intimation that God could not, or would not, add to or take from; nor would any reasonable person with a belief in the divine powers of God consciously believe that God would be so restricted. Without question he would have the right and power to give additional revelation for the guidance of his children in any age and to add additional scripture.

A study of the revelations of the Lord in holy writ confirms the fact that it is continuous revelation that guides prophets and the Church in any age. Were it not for continuous revelation, Noah would not have been prepared for the deluge that encompassed the earth. Abraham would not have been guided from Haran to Hebron, the Land of Promise. Continuous revelation led the children of Israel from bondage back to their promised land. Revelation through prophets guided missionary efforts, directed the rebuilding of Solomon’s temple, and denounced the infiltration of pagan practices among the Israelites.

Before the ascension of Christ, he promised the remaining eleven apostles, “lo, I am with you alway, Even unto the end of the world.” (Matt. 28:20.) Following his ascension, he guided the Church by revelation until the death of the Apostles and subsequent apostasy of the Church of Jesus Christ.

A distinctive sign of the last days that will precede the eventual second coming of the Lord was seen in vision by that same Apostle who recorded the book of Revelation. He said:

“I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” (Rev. 14:6.)

The fact that John saw a messenger from God reveal anew a lost gospel negates the argument that further revelation could not be added to the Bible.

We testify to all the world that heavenly ministers have already appeared in our age, bringing authority from heaven and restoring truths lost through corrupted teachings and practices. God has spoken anew and continues to provide guidance for all his children through a living prophet today. We declare that he, as promised, is with his servants always and directs the affairs of his Church throughout the world. As in times past, revelation directs missionary labors, the building of temples, the calling of priesthood officers, and warns against the evils of society that may deny salvation to our Father’s children.

In a revelation to a modern oracle, Joseph Smith, the Lord said:

“For I am no respecter of persons, and will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion.

“And also the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst.” (D&C 1:35–36.)

The Savior is reigning in the midst of the Saints today through continuous revelation. I testify that he is with his servants in this day and will be until the end of the earth.

May our vision not be so narrow that we would relegate revelation to only the ancients. God is merciful and loves his children in all ages and has revealed himself to this time in history. Of this I solemnly testify, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

HOWARD W. HUNTER
Former President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

To which I also add my testimony of the truthfulness of these things.

“And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” John 10: 16

“And verily, verily, I say unto you that I have other sheep, which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister.” 3 Ne. 16: 1

“And because my words shall hiss forth—many of the Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible.

But thus saith the Lord God: O fools, they shall have a Bible; and it shall proceed forth from the Jews, mine ancient covenant people. And what thank they the Jews for the Bible which they receive from them? Yea, what do the Gentiles mean? Do they remember the travails, and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles?”

“Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews?”

“Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.”
2 Ne. 29: 3-4, 6, 10

Alan Osmond
For The Family

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By Alan on Aug 28 in Blog tagged America, Apostle, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, constitution, faith in America, God, government, hang by a thread, Harold B. Lee Quotes on Freedom, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, liberty, pioneers, promised land, scandall, what's right about America | Comments Off

Brethren of the priesthood, if we will be united and let our light shine, and not hide our light under a bushel but exercise it righteously, and let our priesthood callings be an eternal revolution against the norms of society or against any proposals that fall below the standards as set forth in the gospel of Jesus Christ or as laid down by the Constitution of the United States written by inspired men, then we will be a force in the world that will be “the marvelous work and wonder” which the Lord said the kingdom of God was to be.

(Harold B. Lee, ”Keep Your Lamp Lighted” 105)

Harold B. Lee, as an Apostle, made the following statements:

1. Our anxiety has been increased when we have listened to the attempts of men in high stations to stir up class hatreds that contradict the age-old constitutional guarantee of free enterprise. (True Patriotism 1; revised in Ye Are the Light of the World 174)

2. Indeed, it has been said by a prophet in our generation that the time would come when the destiny of this nation would hang as by a single thread, but that it would be saved by the people who possessed faith in America and in her destiny. (True Patriotism 1-2; revised in Ye Are the Light of the World 174)

3. To the membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Constitution of the United States is as a tree of liberty under whose cooling branches one might find a haven from the scorching sun of turmoil and oppression and have his rights protected according to just and holy principles. To them, the Constitution was established by the hands of wise men whom God raised up for this very purpose, and they devoutly believe that if it should be in danger of being overthrown, their lives, if need be, are to be offered in defense of its principles. (See D&C 101:77–80.) (True Patriotism 2; revised in Ye Are the Light of the World 176)

4. May I voice a plea for all Americans to love this country with a fervor that will inspire each to so live as to merit the favor of the Almighty during this time of grave uncertainties, as well as in times to come. I would that all men could believe in the destiny of America as did the early pioneers: that it is the land of Zion; that the founders of this nation were men of inspired vision; that the Constitution as written by the inspiration of heaven must be preserved at all costs. (True Patriotism 5; revised in Ye are the Light of the World 181-82)

5. Some time ago there appeared in a local newspaper an account of an interview with an elderly statesman who wielded great influence in American politics. This elderly statesman, in explaining the reason for his determination and zeal, told of a statement his own father—now long since dead—had made to his four sons just before he died. This is what the father said: “America, with its government and constitution, is the greatest institution invented by the mind of man. If you let them touch a stick or stone of it, I will come back and haunt you.”

As I thought of that statement, my mind went back to our ancestors who pioneered in this dispensation an even greater constitution than that of the American nation, even the constitution of the kingdom of God, which might be said to be another definition of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As I thought of our pioneers, I was reminded of their virtues and their accomplishments and of the underlying principles that made them willing to leave all that they possessed and even willing to sacrifice their lives, if need be, to uphold and to maintain their beliefs. As I remembered that and thought of the statement of this aged American patriot, I wondered if we might not say: “The Lord help us to keep in memory our ancestors that we might be willing to uphold and sustain, by our lives and all that we possess, that for which they gave so much.” (”The Spirit of Gathering” 281; also in Ye Are the Light of the World 163-64)

6. Patriotism and loyalty in defense of the Constitution of the United States is constantly enjoined upon us. President McKay again this morning has made reference to the cause of liberty in his remarks. To be effective in such teaching, we must begin by inspiring in each heart the faith that the Constitution of the United States was written by inspired men whom God raised up for that very purpose.
It was Joseph Smith who has been quoted as having said that the time would come when then Constitution would hang as by a thread, and at that time when it was thus in jeopardy, the elders of this Church would step forth and save it from destruction.

Why the elders of this Church? Would it be sacrilegious to paraphrase the words of the Apostle Peter, and say that the Constitution of the United States could be saved by the elders of this Church because this Church and this Church alone has the words of eternal life? We alone know by revelation as to how the Constitution came into being, and we, alone, know by revelation the destiny of this nation. The preservation of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” can be guaranteed upon no other basis than upon a sincere faith and testimony of the divinity of these teachings. (”Faith—An Effective Weapon Against Wickedness in Men and Nations” 912-13)

7. The question is now whether or not we can make a Republican form of government work, not merely for America but for the world, as all other nations under Heaven may be persuaded of the blessings of freedom enjoyed by the people of this land and to adopt similar governmental systems, thus fulfilling the ancient prophecy of Isaiah “that out of Zion might go forth the law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” [Isa 2:3]. (”‘I Dare You to Believe’” 4)

8. In such a system, the individual is told in effect, “You are free to make your life what you will, and we will try to see that you are rewarded for worthwhile service.” These lofty concepts did not spring from governments, but from the Creator Himself,

penned into tenets for a stabilized government by men whom God raised up for this very purpose. The basic principles underlying these concepts of human government are contained in that great state paper, the Constitution of the United States of America. Written into the Constitution as we have it today are three prime safeguards:

1. There are unique restraints on power that governmental authority may exercise upon citizens, embodied in what is known as the Bill of Rights.

2. There is outlined a division of power between the federal and state governments.

3. There is defined a distinct separation of power among three branches of government—the executive, the legislative, and the judicial—in such a way as to provide checks and balances to control the exercise of governmental power.

In the wisdom of the Almighty, this ensign of liberty was raised to the nations to fulfill an ancient prophecy that “out of Zion [should] go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isa 2:3). How could this be? The answer is clear: through the Constitution, kings and rulers and the peoples of all nations under heaven may be informed of the blessings enjoyed by the people of this land of Zion by reason of their freedom under Divine guidance, and be constrained to adopt similar governmental systems and thus fulfill the ancient law to which I have already referred.

My visits to underprivileged countries and among subjugated peoples who have placed their trust in governments of dominating men, rather than in governments of constitutional law, have shown me the importance and the great blessed privilege that is ours to live in this country where the basic law of the Constitution safeguards us in our God-given rights. (Ye Are the Light of the World 232-33; from a memorial service for President John F. Kennedy, Salt Lake City, UT, 25 Nov 1963)

9. The kingdom of God must be a continuing revolution against the norms of the society that fall below the standards that are set for us in the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the field of public life, it must be a continuing revolution against proposals that contradict the fundamental principles as laid down in the Constitution of the United States, which was written by men whom God raised up for this very purpose. If we remember that, we will be in the forefront of every battle against the things that are tearing down our society. (”Keep Your Lamp Lighted” 104)

10. Brethren of the priesthood, if we will be united and let our light shine, and not hide our light under a bushel but exercise it righteously, and let our priesthood callings be an eternal revolution against the norms of society or against any proposals that fall below the standards as set forth in the gospel of Jesus Christ or as laid down by the Constitution of the United States written by inspired men, then we will be a force in the world that will be “the marvelous work and wonder” which the Lord said the kingdom of God was to be. (”Keep Your Lamp Lighted” 105)

11. We would hope that we might be instrumental in developing statesmen—men not only with unsurpassed excellence of training in the law, but also with an unwavering faith that the Constitution of the United States was divinely inspired and written by men whom God raised up for this very purpose [D&C 101:80].

Teachers, hold up before your students the prophetic statement of the Prophet Joseph Smith—that if and when our inspired Constitution should hang as by a thread, there would be prepared, well-qualified defenders of the faith of our fathers, the elders of this church, who would step forth and save the Constitution from destruction. (Ye Are the Light of the World 118; from the inauguration of President Dallin H. Oaks, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 12 Nov 1971)

12. May we keep always a deep sense of gratitude for our pioneer heritage, a love for this country, and a deep-seated reverence for the Constitution of the United States, to the end that we will never forget our civic and political obligations. (Ye Are the Light of the World 120; from the inauguration of President Dallin H. Oaks, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 12 Nov 1971)

13. The Constitution of the United States has been mentioned several times by speakers in this conference as the basis of wise decisions in fundamental principles as applied to all matters pertaining to law and order, because it was framed by men whom God raised up for this very purpose. But in addition to that inspired document, we must always keep in mind that the greatest weapons that can be forged against any false philosophy are the positive teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. (”A Time of Decision” 32)

Harold B. Lee, as the President of the Church, made the following statements:

14. I concluded by calling attention to the prophecy of Joseph Smith that “the constitution would hang as by a thread.” I then pointed out that the basic principles of the three separate and independent branches of government were being threatened in the demands of the present Senate investigation. I then read a statement of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., pointing this out that if either the executive, the legislative, or the judicial were to presume to make the law, enforce it, and then pass judgement, we would approach tyranny. At least the audience heard and listened to this last statement. I finally said that if the basic principles laid down in the Constitution were to be threatened, as is now a possibility, that we might come to [such] a time as when Abraham bargained with the Lord to save Sodom and Gomorrah from destruction, if he could find some righteous souls. Similarly, if such a downfall of the Constitution were imminent, the righteousness of this people might again importune the Almighty to save it because of their pleadings. (Goates 531-32)

15. We are living in a time of great crisis. The country is torn with scandal and with criticism, with faultfinding and condemnation. There are those who have downgraded the image of this nation as probably never before in the history of the country. It is so easy to clamber onto the bandwagon and to join the extremists in condemnation, little realizing that when they commit their actions, they are not just tearing down a man; they are tearing down a nation, and they are striking at the underpinnings of one of the greatest of all the nations of all the world—a nation that was founded upon an inspired declaration we call the Constitution of the United States. The Lord said it was written by men whom He raised up for that very purpose, and that Constitution stands today as a model to all nations to pattern their lives [D&C 101:77, . (Ye Are the Light of the World 340)

16. Some time ago the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve were engaged in a meeting of serious import, and I said something at that time unpremeditated, but I couldn’t have said it better had I taken a month to prepare it. I said: . . .

. . . We should not be concerned about finding out what is wrong with America, but we should be finding what is right about America and should be speaking optimistically and enthusiastically about America. (Ye Are the Light of the World 341-42)

17. Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the new Jerusalem. This is the place that the Lord said is favored above all other nations in all the world. This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple. This is the favored land in all the world. Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won’t fail. I have faith in America; you and I must have faith in America, if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges.

I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. This is the favored land. This is the land of our forefathers. It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through. (Ye Are the Light of the World 350-51)

18. We urge members of the Church and all Americans to begin now to reflect more intently on the meaning and importance of the Constitution, and of adherence to its principles. (”News of the Church” 90)

19. I have faith in the future of this promised land of America and in its institutions of representative government, but more than that, I have faith in you, the youth of America, to build even more securely on the foundations laid by the faith and devotion of your pioneer fathers. That you as the youth of the Church would have an important part to play in preserving the ideals of this great country as quoted by one who was very close to him. I quote the words of Eliza R. Snow: “I heard the Prophet Joseph Smith say ‘that the time would come when this nation would so far depart from its original purity, its glory, and its love of freedom and the protection of civil and religious rights, that the Constitution of our country would hang, as it were, by a thread.’ He also said that this people, the sons of Zion, would rise up and save the Constitution and bear it off triumphantly.” (Eliza R. Snow, 1870, Women of Mormondom by Tullidge.)

So today is no time for youth to whimper the refrain of the defeated and retire to the fancied security of the regimented state. Today is the day for youth to gird themselves with the armor of peace, having as their weapons “the shield of faith . . . and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph 6:16–17.) (Decisions for Successful Living 209)

20. Youth must never forget that this the government of the United States was established “According to the laws and constitution of the people, which (God) has suffered to be established. . . . That every man may act in doctrine and principle . . . according to the moral agency which (God) has given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment. Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another.” It was to accomplish this lofty purpose basic to all liberty that God “established the Constitution of this land by the hands of wise men whom (he) raised up unto this very purpose.” (D&C 101:77–80.) Contained within the principles of that great heaven-inspired document is the message of this Church to the world in this fateful hour. Except the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and principles contained within the Constitution of the United States are inherent in world plans now being formulated, they are but building on sand and the Lord is not in that building. (Decisions for Successful Living 217)

“And it came to pass after we had all gone down into the ship, and had taken with us our provisions and things which had been commanded us, we did put forth into the sea and were driven forth before the wind towards the promised land.

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed again towards the promised land.

And it came to pass that after we had sailed for the space of many days *we did arrive at the promised land; and we went forth upon the land, and did pitch our tents; and we did call it the promised land.” 1 Ne. 18: 8, 22-23

Brian Mecham
Latter-day Conservative
For The Family

By Alan on Aug 16 in Blog tagged Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elaine Anderson Cannon, eternal family, Father & Mother, God's wife, Heavenl Mother, image of God created he him, Leo Buscaglia, life before, Male and female created he them, most caring child, O My Father | Comments Off

God’s  Wife

Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was  asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the  most caring child.

The winner  was:

1.  A four-year-old child, whose next  door neighbor was an elderly gentleman, who had recently lost  his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the  old Gentleman’s’ yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat  there.

When his mother asked him what he  had said to the neighbor, the little boy just said,

‘Nothing, I  just Helped him cry.’

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The Runners-up were:

2.   Teacher Debbie Moon’s first graders were discussing a picture  of a family. One little boy in the picture had a different hair  color than the other members. One of her students suggested  that he was adopted.

A little girl said, ‘I know  all about Adoption, I was adopted..’

‘What does it mean to be adopted?’, asked another  child.

‘It means’, said the  girl, ‘that you grew in your mommy’s heart instead of her  tummy!’

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3.       On my way home one day, I stopped to watch a Little League base  ball game that was being played in a park near my home. As I  sat down behind the bench on the first-base line, I asked one  of the boys what the score was.

‘We’re behind  14 to nothing,’ he answered With a smile.

‘Really,’ I said. ‘I have to say you don’t look very  discouraged.’

‘Discouraged?’, the boy asked  with a Puzzled look on his face…

‘Why should we  be discouraged?

We haven’t Been up to bat  yet.’

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4. Whenever I’m disappointed  with my spot in life, I stop and think about little Jamie  Scott.

Jamie was trying out for a  part in the school play. His mother told me that he’d set his  heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be  chosen.

On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect  him after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with  pride and excitement.

‘Guess what, Mom,’ he shouted, and  then said those words that will remain a lesson to me….

‘I’ve  been chosen to clap and  cheer.’

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5.    An eye witness account from New  York City, on a cold day in December, some years ago:

A little  boy, about 10-years-old, was standing before a shoe store on  the roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and  shivering With cold.

A lady  approached the young boy and said, ‘My, but you’re in  such deep thought staring in that window!’

‘I was  asking God to give me a pair of shoes,’ was the boy’s  reply.

The lady took him by the hand,  went into the store, and asked the clerk to get half a  dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could  give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them  to her. She took the little fellow to the  back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down,  washed his little feet, and dried them with the towel.

By this time, the clerk had returned with the  socks..

Placing a pair upon the boy’s feet, she purchased him a  pair of shoes..

She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him.

She  patted him on the head and said, ‘No doubt, you will be more  comfortable now.’

As she turned to go,  the astonished kid caught her by the hand, and looking up into  her face, with tears

in his eyes, asked  her:

‘Are you God’s  wife?’

,

From the Publisher:

Latter-day Saints (Mormons) infer from authoritative sources of scripture and modern prophecy that there is a Heavenly Mother as well as a Heavenly Father.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rejects the idea found in some religions that the spirits or souls of individual human beings are created ex nihilo. Rather it accepts literally the vital scriptural teaching as worded by Paul: “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” This and other scriptures underscore not only spiritual sibling relationships but heirship with God, and a destiny of joint heirship with Christ (Rom. 8: 16-18; cf. Mal. 2: 10).

Latter-day Saints believe that all the people of earth who lived or will live are actual spiritual offspring of God the Eternal Father (Num. 16: 22; Heb. 12: 9). In this perspective, parenthood requires both father and mother, whether for the creation of spirits in the premortal life or of physical tabernacles on earth. A Heavenly Mother shares parenthood with the Heavenly Father. This concept leads Latter-day Saints to believe that she is like him in glory, perfection, compassion, wisdom, and holiness.

Elohim, the name-title for God, suggests the plural of the Caananite El or the Hebrew Eloah. It is used in various Hebrew combinations to describe the highest God. It is the majestic title of the ultimate deity. Gen. 1: 27 reads, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him, male and female created he them” (emphasis added), which may be read to mean that “God” is plural.

For Latter-day Saints, the concept of eternal family is more than a firm belief; it governs their way of life. It is the eternal plan of life, stretching from life before through life beyond mortality.

As early as 1839 the Prophet Joseph Smith taught the concept of an eternal mother, as reported in several accounts from that period. Out of his teaching came a hymn that Latter-day Saints learn, sing, quote, and cherish, “O My Father,” (Click to Hear) by Eliza R. Snow. President Wilford Woodruff called it a revelation (Woodruff, p. 62).

In 1909 the First Presidency, under Joseph F. Smith, issued a statement on the origin of man that teaches that “man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents, and reared to maturity in the eternal mansions of the Father,” as an “offspring of celestial parentage,” and further teaches that “all men and women are in the similitude of the universal Father and Mother, and are literally the sons and daughters of Deity” (Smith, pp. 199-205).

Belief that there is a Mother in Heaven who is a partner with God in creation and procreation is not the same as the heavy emphasis on Mariology in the Roman tradition.

Today the belief in a living Mother in Heaven is implicit in Latter-day Saint thought. Though the scriptures contain only hints, statements from presidents of the church over the years indicate that human beings have a Heavenly Mother as well as a Heavenly Father.

by Elaine Anderson Cannon

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Gen. 1: 27

Kirk Matson
For The Family

By Alan on Aug 01 in Blog tagged Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Garden of Gethsemane, Goshen, movie set of Jerusalem, Portray life of Jesus Christ, The Family, thefaamily, Utah | Comments Off

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“We follow the teachings of Jesus Christ,” said Elder Lynn G. Robbins, Church general authority and executive director of the Media Services Department. “One of the main purposes for constructing the Jerusalem Motion Picture Set is to help the world better understand the life and ministry of the Savior Jesus Christ.”

Finding the Ideal Location

It took months of searching to find the ideal location, according to John Uibel, director of creative story development in the Media Services Department. “We searched for a place to re-create the Holy Land on Church property from Logan to St. George, Utah,” he said.

Finally, a piece of land was found in southern Utah County near the small town of Goshen. It is located close to the Church Motion Picture Studio in Provo and possesses all the unique qualities for the project.

“Miraculously, in the spring of last year we came across this piece of property, and honestly, it has everything we need,” said Uibel.

Besides the acreage on which the Jerusalem Motion Picture Set is located, the property includes desert similar to the Judean Plains, sand dunes, a river that ideally resembles the ancient River Jordan where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, and an area suited for the Garden of Gethsemane where the Savior atoned for the sins of mankind.

“The challenging part of the design is trying to jigsaw-puzzle this project into the smallest footprint possible,” said Uibel, “thereby saving money, but still providing those views that will more accurately depict the Savior’s earthly ministry.”

Designed to Be Versatile

The Jerusalem Motion Picture Set is smaller in size compared to other production facilities in the industry, but the economy of space and versatile design will allow multiple filming locations in the same area.

“Shooting different directions of the same sets will provide completely different looks,” said Uibel.

For example, an area built to represent the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a lame man, will also serve as the scene of the wedding feast of Cana, where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine.

The area will be transformed by simply draining the pool and placing a cover over it. The scene where Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea, addresses a crowd just prior to allowing the Savior’s crucifixion will also be shot in the same area of the structure.

An open courtyard at the north end of the back lot will serve as Solomon’s Porch, the complex that surrounded the ancient temple where Jesus drove out the money changers.

In addition, columns are designed to be interchangeable to reflect different eras of architecture. Window treatments can also be removed and replaced for the same purpose.

Research and Authenticity

A crew of about 75 talented local craftsmen and artisans have endured nine months of frigid temperatures, wind, dust storms, torrential rain and extreme heat to painstakingly bring an authentic look to the set.

Meticulous research has gone into the detail of the replicated ancient city. Using photographs of the architecture of Jerusalem, artisans have carved and shaped, by hand, blocks of Styrofoam, turning them into realistic stone walls, arches and columns. Plywood walls are covered with stucco that mimics ancient plaster and its erosion from age.

“They need to be able to not just frame up a building but also to understand what the story is behind the framing of that building and give it the character that it needs to infuse the story with that much meaning and authenticity,” noted Uibel.

Use of Films

The films shot at the Jerusalem Motion Picture Set will benefit the Church Educational System, theSunday School program, missionary efforts, visitors’ center exhibits and various other projects. Moreover, the projects resulting from the set will help all people better understand and appreciate the life of Jesus Christ.

“Ultimately, the goal is to create a body of work that we can draw from that absolutely speaks to every aspect of Jesus’ life,” said Uibel.

Completion Date

Construction started in November 2010 and is projected to be complete by the fall of 2011. The set is built to last more than 20 years. The facility is not open to the public.

“And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.  And they come to Jerusalem:

and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves.”  Mark 11: 11, 15

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
For The Family

By Alan on Apr 02 in Daily Inspiration tagged Bible, Book of Mormon, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, confusion, covenants, Joseph Smith, LDS, Mormon, Other churches, precious parts, twelve apostles, two or three witnesses | Comments Off

Jesus revealed to the Prophets of the Book of Mormon Prophets that “precious parts” and covenants (or Promises) were taken out of the Bible after Jesus was crucified and the Apostles were all killed. Those missing parts are most important to Jesus’s Plan of life for us to return to the highest Mansions or kingdoms of heaven.

So why did Jesus show the Book of Mormon prophets these things?

Because Jesus is the Shepherd and we are His sheep.  He knoweth all things and giveth His word to all of His sheep.  He visited several places after He was resurrected and gave them His word.

“This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” 2 Cor. 13: 1

1. The Bible

2. The Book of Mormon

3. Records yet to come from the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel.

4. Other Isles of the Sea yet to come.

“And now, behold, I give unto you, and also unto my servant Joseph, the keys of this gift, which shall bring to light this ministry; and in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” D&C 6: 28

God wants all of His children to know His commandments and covenants so that we can attain eternal life.

He makes covenants, or promises with us so that if we do as He says, He will also keep His promises with us.

Here is what Jesus showed the Prophet in America about that “abominable church” that deleted those precious parts:

1 Ne. 13: 7-8, 26, 28-29, 32, 34-35, 40

7 And I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine-twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many harlots.

8 And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine-twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots, are the desires of this great and abominable church.

•  •  •

26 And after they go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the formation of that great and abominable church, which is most abominable above all other churches; for behold, they have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away.

•  •  •

28 Wherefore, thou seest that after the book hath gone forth through the hands of the great and abominable church, that there are many plain and precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God.

32 Neither will the Lord God suffer that the Gentiles shall forever remain in that awful state of blindness, which thou beholdest they are in, because of the plain and most precious parts of the gospel of the Lamb which have been kept back by that abominable church, whose formation thou hast seen.

•  •  •

34 And it came to pass that the angel of the Lord spake unto me, saying: Behold, saith the Lamb of God, after I have visited the remnant of the house of Israel (In America)—and this remnant of whom I speak is the seed of thy father (They came from Jerusalem)—wherefore, after I have visited them in judgment, and smitten them by the hand of the Gentiles, and after the Gentiles do stumble exceedingly, because of the most plain and precious parts of the gospel of the Lamb which have been kept back by that abominable church, which is the mother of harlots, saith the Lamb—I will be merciful unto the Gentiles in that day, insomuch that I will bring forth unto them, in mine own power, much of my gospel, (The Book of Mormon) which shall be plain and precious, saith the Lamb.

35 For, behold, saith the Lamb: I will manifest myself unto thy seed, (Prophet Mormon in America) that they shall write many things which I shall minister unto them, which shall be plain and precious; and after thy seed shall be destroyed, and dwindle in unbelief, and also the seed of thy brethren, behold, these things shall be hid up (Hill Cumorah, N.Y.), to come forth unto the Gentiles, by the gift and power of the Lamb. (By the Propher Joseph Smith)

•  •  •

40 And the angel spake unto me, saying: These last records, which thou hast seen among the Gentiles, shall establish the truth of the first, (Out of the mouth of two or three witmesses, The Bible and the Book of Mormon) which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved.

NOTE:

“These last records, which thou hast seen among the Gentiles, (The Book of Mormon) shall establish the truth of the first, (The Bible) which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them;”

and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, (The Entire World) that the Lamb of God (Jesus)is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved.”

We must know “that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved.”

We have hundreds of Temples or called, The House of the Lord, around the world to perform these precious parts and covenants that one must receive and we welcome ALL to Read the Book of Mormon and find out these MOST IMPORTANT THINGS FOR YOURSELF!

GET A FREE BOOK OF MORMON HERE!

LEARN MORE HERE!

Alan Osmond
For The Family

(Excuse all the colors!  Only for emphasis and lack of confusion.)

By Alan on Mar 19 in Blog tagged abominable, Alan Osmond, ancient records, apostles, Bible, Book of Mormon, church, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gospel, Jesus, Joseph Smith, Lamb, Lehi, lost, missing, Mormon, plain, precious, restoration, scripture, truth | 20 Comments

So that you may know “the truth of all things”, I wish to share with you ancient records that foretold of what would happen to “Plain and Precious Parts” of The Bible that were “kept back by that abominable church which is the mother of harlots, saith the Lamb”! (The Lamb is Jesus)

An Ancient American History records what happened HERE.

Note: The Bible itself speaks of other authoritative books of scripture which are missing including books of

• Nathan the prophet
• and of Jehu
• and Enoch,
• the prophecy of Ahijah,
• the visions of Iddo the seer,
• and even missing epistles of Paul
  see 2 Chronicles 9:29;    13:22;    20:34;    1 Corinthians 5:9;    Jude 1:14.

Yes, Jesus told other writers of ancient scripture of what would happen to The Bible.

To help explain this, I will show you the scriptures, and also leave my comments in [brackets and Red text].

These scriptures come from The Book of Mormon,  1st Book of Nephi, Chapter 13:34-42.

(Please accept this only as an act of love and kindness for all mankind.  ”The Truth shall set you free”!)

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Chapter 13
(A Description)
About 600–592 B.C.  - Nephi sees in vision the church of the devil set up among the Gentiles, (The Old World) the discovery and colonizing of America (Lehi’s family who left Jerusalem and came to America, 600 B.C.), the loss of many plain and precious parts of the Bible, the resultant state of Gentile apostasy (The killing of the Apostles and the Fall of Jesus’s Church) , the restoration of the gospel, the coming forth of latter-day scripture (God the Father and Jesus Christ’s visitation to Joseph Smith in 1830 with the return of John the Baptist, Apostles Peter, James and John, return of Elijah the Prophet to Joseph Smith and in restoring Jesus’s Church), and the building up of Zion. (The Pure in heart”)

Selected verses of scriptures:

34And it came to pass that the angel of the Lord spake unto me, saying: Behold, saith the Lamb of God (Jesus), after I have ^avisited the ^bremnant of the house of Israel (People as recorded in the Bible) —and this remnant of whom I speak is the seed of thy father (Lehi and his family that left Jerusalem and came to America) —wherefore, after I have visited them in judgment, and smitten them (Of the Old World) by the hand of the Gentiles, and after the Gentiles do ^cstumble exceedingly, because of the most plain and precious parts of the ^dgospel of the Lamb (from The bible) which have been kept back by that abominable church, which is the mother of harlots, saith the Lamb (Jesus)—I will be merciful unto the ^eGentiles (followers of Christ) in that day, insomuch that I will ^fbring forth unto them, in mine own power, much of my ^ggospel, which shall be plain and precious, saith the Lamb. (Jesus…As contained in the Book of Mormon.)

35For, behold, saith the Lamb (Jesus): I will manifest myself unto thy seed (Lehi’s family in America),that they shall write many things which I shall minister unto them, which shall be plain and precious; and after thy seed shall be destroyed, and dwindle in unbelief (Lehi’s family in America), and also the seed of thy brethren (Jesus’s followers in the Old World), behold, ^athese things shall be hid up (Upper State of New York), to come forth unto the Gentiles, by the gift and power of the Lamb.…………………………………………………………………………………………..Jesus’s visit in America

(They were buried by Lehi’s descendants, later to be shown by an angel to Joseph Smith, theProphet.)

36And in them shall be written my ^agospel, saith the Lamb, and my ^brock and my salvation. (God’s word and teachings.)

37And ^ablessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my ^bZion (The pure in heart) at that day, for they shall have the ^cgift and the ^dpower of the Holy Ghost; and if they ^eendure unto the end they shall be ^flifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting ^gkingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall ^hpublish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.
(This is the Restored Church of Jesus Christ [of Latter-day Saints]. )

38And it came to pass that I beheld the remnant of the seed of my brethren (Lehi’s family from Jerusalem), and also the ^abook of the Lamb of God, which had proceeded forth from the mouth of the Jew (The Brass Plates of Laban which was a copy of the Bible  that Lehi’s family also brought from Jerusalem, 600 B.C.), that it came forth from the Gentiles (Followers of Jesus – Old World) ^bunto the remnant of the seed of my brethren. (Lehi’s family in America.)

39And after it had come forth unto them I beheld ^aother ^bbooks (Book of Mormon, and Books from the Lost Ten Tribes, yet to be known), which came forth by the power of the Lamb (Jesus), from the Gentiles unto them (Bible), unto the ^cconvincing of the Gentiles (Followers of Jesus – Old World) and the remnant of the seed of my brethren (Lehi’s family in America), and also the Jews who were scattered upon all the face of the earth (All other countries), that the records of the prophets and of the twelve apostles of the Lamb are ^dtrue.

40And the angel spake unto me, saying: These ^alast records, which thou hast seen among the Gentiles (The Book of Mormon), shall ^bestablish the truth of the ^cfirst (The Bible), which are of the ^dtwelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God (Jesus) is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the ^eSavior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved.

41And they must come according to the words which shall be established by the mouth of the Lamb (Jesus’s words from all scriptures); and the words of the Lamb shall be made known in the records of thy seed (Decendents of Lehi in America), as well as in the ^arecords of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (The Bible); wherefore they both (The Bible and The Book of Mormon) shall be established in ^bone (One Purpose); for there is ^cone God and one ^dShepherd over all the earth.

42And the time cometh that he shall manifest himself unto all nations (The Second Coming of Jesus Christ), both unto the ^aJews and also unto the Gentiles; and after he has manifested himself unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles, then he shall manifest himself unto the Gentiles and also unto the Jews, and the ^blast shall be first, and the ^cfirst shall be last.

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If you would like to know more about this, you can get a FREE Book of Mormon and other media , as well as have a representative visit you and teach you privately.

As recorded, the day is coming soon when, “Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him. Yea, even at the last day, when all men shall stand to be judged of him, then shall they confess that he is God; then shall they confess, who live without God in the world, that the judgment of an everlasting punishment is just upon them; and they shall quake, and tremble, and shrink beneath the glance of his all-searching eye. (The Last Days) ” Mosiah 27:31

I, Alan Osmond, share these things openly with you, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  
Romans 1:16

As Jesus said, these records were recorded for “a wise purpose”  that the “fullness of the gospel, which was lost from the Bible shall be known by the Book of Mormon.   The Book of Mormon and The Bible compliment and “prove” each other to be true as they contain Jesus’s words.  Jesus is “the same yesterday, today, and forever,” and what he says to one will NOT conflict with the other!

Actually, this knowledge fulfills prophecy in the Bible in the Book of  Ezekiel 37:16 and 19 where it says,

Learn More?

Previous Article:  “Plain and Precious Parts” Were Lost From The Bible!

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By:  Alan Osmond
alan@thefamily.com
For The Family

By Alan on Mar 14 in Blog tagged actions, character, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, destiny, example, habits, LDS, Mormon, thoughts, words | Comments Off

Several years ago, a newly called Mormon  Missionary accepted a call to serve in Houston , Texas .

Some weeks after he arrived, he and  his companion had  occasion to ride the bus from their apartment to the  downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the  driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much  change.. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself,  ’You’d better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep  it.’

Then he thought, ‘Oh, forget  it, it’s only a quarter. Who would worry about this little  amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a ‘gift from God’ and keep  quiet.’

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the  door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said,  ’Here, you gave me too much change ..’ The driver, with a  smile, replied, ‘Aren’t you the new missionaries at the Mormon  Church in town?’ ‘Yes’ he  replied.

‘Well, I have been  thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just  wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change.  I’ll see you at church on Sunday.’

When the missionary stepped  off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held  on, and said, ‘Oh Heavenly Father, I almost sold your Son for  a quarter.’

Our lives are the only scripture some people  will ever read.

This is a really scary example of how much  people watch us as Mormons, and will put us to the test!  Always be on guard — and remember — You carry the name of  Christ on your shoulders when you are baptized and take the  Sacrament.

Watch your thoughts ; they  become words.

Watch  your words; they become  actions.

Watch your  actions;  they become habits.

Watch your habits; they  become character.

Watch your  character;  it becomes your destiny!

Kirk Matson
For The Family

By Alan on Mar 12 in Blog tagged ancestors, baptism for the dead, children, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, endowment, eternity, families, forever, God, house, Jesus Christ, Kyiv Ukraine, Kyiv Ukraine Temple, learning, Lord's house, marriage, of The Lord, ordinances, sealing powers, Temples | 1 Comment

Another Temple In Kyiv Ukraine!

THE HOUSE OF THE LORD. As did ancient Israel, Latter-day Saints regard temples as sacred places set apart where they can go to draw close to God and receive revelations and blessings from him (D&C 97:15-17;110:7-8). The physical structure as such is not the source of its holiness. Rather, the character of those who enter and the sacred ordinances and instructions received there nurture the spiritual atmosphere found in the temple. When members enter this holy house and center their thoughts on serving others, their own understandings are clarified and solutions to personal problems are received.

Because of the spiritual nature of temple activity, personal preparation is essential. Latter-day Saints insist that temple ceremonies are sacred. This is consistent with ancient practice when, for example, only specifically qualified persons were admitted into the holiest precincts of the Tabernacle. The function of local Church leaders in issuing temple recommends is not only to establish the individual’s worthiness and preparation but also to assure the sanctity of the temple.

Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred covenants with God. Because making covenants with God is such a solemn responsibility, individuals cannot enter the temple to receive their endowments or be sealed in marriage for eternity until they have fully prepared themselves and been members of the Church for at least a year. Throughout history, the Lord has commanded His people to build temples. The Church is working to build temples all over the world to make temple blessings more available for a greater number of Heavenly Father’s children.

Temples are places of learning. Their principal purpose is to provide ordinances necessary for the children of God to enable them to return to dwell with Him. Temple ordinances lead to the greatest blessings available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Everything in the Church—the meetings and activities, the missionary efforts, the lessons taught and the hymns—all lead to the work done in holy temples.

One ordinance received in the temple is called the endowment. The word endowment means “gift,” and the temple endowment truly is a gift from God. The ordinance consists of a series of instructions and includes covenants to live righteously and follow the requirements of the gospel. The endowment focuses on the Savior, His role in Heavenly Father’s plan, and the personal commitment of each member to follow Him.

Another temple ordinance is celestial marriage. In this ordinance husband and wife are sealed to one another for eternity. A sealing performed in the temple continues forever if the husband and wife are faithful to the covenants they make.

We have temples all over the world made available to all of God’s children.

Note: If your ancestors never had the chance to hear about Jesus Christ or to accept Him as their Savior, they will have been taught the gospel of Jesus Christ in the spirit world after they died.  Their saving ordinances can be performed for them in these temples so should they accept the Lord and His teachings, their baptism and other ordinances will have been done for them by proxy.  This is IMPORTANT.

Harold Jacklin
For The Family

By Alan on Mar 10 in Blog tagged Alan Osmond, authority, Book of Mormon, choices, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commandments, explains, future, gives thanks, glory, God, Jesus Christ, moon, Plan of Life, prophet, resurrection, shares testimony, star, sun, TheFamily.com, true church | 20 Comments

At such a time as this, I want to address all of the many people, friends, followers, supporters and those who often call themselves fans; those who have followed us, trusted us, supported us, loved us, fed us, hugged us, traveled to see us, screamed and cheered for us and blessed us and our careers.

Do you know what joy and blessings you have been and have given to us Osmonds throughout all of our careers, and the impact that you have made in so many of our lives? You gave us your time, your attention, your hugs, your applause and standing ovations, your money, your respect, your letters, your laughter, your tears, your listening ears, your hearts and your prayers for so many years.  I just want to take a moment to write and  acknowledge each and every one of you and in behalf of all of the Osmonds, myself , and our families whose lives you have also touched, with all my heart, I want to say thank your for being such an important part of our lives!

Our Mother, Olive, and Father, George, were also called “Mother and Father” by our fans.  They took time to talk to you and share stories and experiences with you to help you along with your lives to be happy.  Oh how we miss them.  They served two missions to share those things that are most important to us in this life.

You see, we all came to this world to get a body, to make choices and to learn, to love, to laugh and to listen, to give, to be tested and to die, and then go back to our heavenly parents and to report on the choices we made and how our time was spent here on earth and to be reunited with their families again.  We can’t think of anything greater to take back to heaven than the friendships, the joys and memories that we have had by being with all of you and for having you in our lives, our prayers, our hearts and minds with blessings and great memories .  For us to be able to share with you our music, our friendship, our opinions, our entertainment and humor, our songs, websites and newsletters and most importantly our testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ for which we know is true and which many of you have found and have accepted and joined us in knowing for yourselves.

Oh, what responsibility, what honesty, loyalty, truth, faith and courage we must continue to have for each other as we continue forward and face these hard times ahead.  Yes, it’s called being honest and true!  Our worries and concerns for you and ourselves as well, puts great responsibility and pressure upon all of us with an absolute need for powerful prayers in order to watch out for each other and to prepare to meet our maker above.  I pray that you might listen, be inspired, be informed, with those truths and information that we have received and to share with each other that we may be blessed, be safe and protected, fed and preserved, convinced and proven, with the blessings and a guiding light from on high to guide us and direct us all to safety.  Together with you and your loved ones, we can choose ‘the way ‘and the path through these last days that will lead us to  that glorious day when our Savior, Jesus Christ, returns to live with us once again, and find the way through that narrow gate that takes us back to our God.

You know and we know, that we are open and not shy about sharing our testimonies with you of the truthfulness of our beliefs, the gospel of Jesus Christ, with our prophets, the Bible and the Book of Mormon, with a focus on the family, which is God’s plan of life.  We constantly have done this and continue to do so.  We share these  things without any shame, reason, gain, or ulterior motive except to show you our love and share those truths that we cherish, and have found and hold dear.  There isn’t enough money, gold records, standing ovations, number one hits or any live and world wide media events that you could give us that would keep us from warning and speaking out boldly so that all may hear.  We are told that we must warn and share with our neighbors, families and friends, those things which each of us must do before we die and go to heaven; to understand these choices and  to make a good choices; to have the opportunity to understand them and get them done and accomplished.  What we did and chose to do in our pre-existent life before we came to this world determined where we are today.  What we choose to do now will affect where we will go in the life to come.  It is so important that I wish to share with those things with you those we love that really are most important!

Many of these “precious parts” and truths were in the Bible, but were taken away leaving many confused as was recorded in The Book of Mormon in 1st Nephi Chapter 13.  Click these links and see for yourselves. 1 Ne. 13: 7-8, 26, 28-29, 32, 34-35, 40

Yes, we all will live again because of our Savior Jesus Christ who died for us.  Me need to accept Him as our Savior.  His Atoning sacrifice will help us pay our debts for our mistakes and sins.  But, what we do, our actions and what we choose, how we feel and think in our hearts and who’s most important that we take with us as families, besides those great memories and experiences from this life.  It is what we all need to realize, focus on, and to live those commandments that we must learn to obey.  We can change and repent if it need be, in order to be successful; and to be totally converted to the way of the Lord in order to go to the  highest mansion in heaven where God dwells.  Once we have repented, the Lord  remembers our mistakes and sins no more.

We believe that families are forever!  We believe that we really are all children of God who came to earth to get a body of flesh and bones like God has, and to learn to make good choices, to control our desires and appetites and to progress as human beings by choosing to be like our heavenly parents; to overcome the natural man, to fall in love and to marry not just ’till death do you part’, but for time and for all eternity so that we may prove ourselves to God and become more like Him.  If we are willing to keep all of God’s commandments and not defile those God given co-creative powers, that godly gift to create life; but to marry and keep God’s commandment to multiply and replenishing the earth and bring forth children from God’s heaven above into this world, as they are deserving of having a father and a mother, too!  It is then that we will be on the right path.  This is the purpose of this life.  God is not the author of confusion.  If we do this the way God designed, and follow His plan of life, we will continue to live in the heavens after and will continue to be blessed with these Godly given creative powers, or not.

In the heavens are many mansions.  John 14: 2 There is a mansion or heaven like unto the glory of the stars, one like unto the glory of the moon, and one like unto the glory of the sun.  So also is the resurrection.  Which ever glory you go to by choosing to live and to obey those truths and commandments associated with that level of live of your choice, you will be happy there.   We will be able to visit these various mansions and levels of light or truth but only if we are able to live and obey the laws and commandments by which they are governed.  There is also a hell for those who choose everlasting darkness and the ways of Satan who by the way, has no body and no glory, but chose the way of eternal damnation. Just like water in a reservoir, his progression of life is stopped or damned.

We know that repentance and baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost is necessary for us to be washed clean and be able to hear the promptings of the Holy Spirit that will lead and guide us.  The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead and is a Spirit personage so that he can dwell within us so that we will not feel left alone.  We can only receive these things and be given them by those who have the priesthood and authority to do so from Jesus Christ.  They are those of His church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has been restored once again from when Jesus organized it with with the same organization that existed in the primitive church; namely prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.  We have a living prophet that speaks for the Lord until He returns, and he will lead and guide us in these latter days.

Yes, marriage is important between a man and a woman.  If we are to become creators like our heavenly parents, which all children usually do, we must also be able to create life which takes a man and woman to accomplish.  This is why we marry for time and for all eternity so that our marriage and those creative powers remain with us so we can have eternal increase.  This is required in order to progress to one’s fullest capability of God’s Plan of Life.  This is what makes us like God, our Father.  We are able to create life!  Like Father like son.  Like Mother like daughter.

We can receive more and all of the sacred ordinances which are available in the House of the Lord, or the Temple.  These temples will prepare us to meet God and to progress our lives throughout all eternity.  Elijah came back and restored these sacred sealing ordinances and promises that are necessary “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”  Mal. 4: 6

The Temple s is where marriages and families are sealed together forever.  This is also where our ancestors, and those who never knew of Jesus or died young, and where each and every person that has ever has lived, must have their temple work completed and those sacred ordinances performed by proxy or “the world will be wasted at its coming”. By accepting these ordinances, they can also receive the highest glory of the resurrection and progress on into the eternities as well.  Families are sealed together through this process so that those who never had the opportunity to hear about Jesus and His gospel will not be left out..  They will hear and have the same opportunity to choose to follow Jesus, or not.  These truths and blessings are taught after one has died and goes to the spirit world where he or she will hear and be taught about the Lord’s plan and His commandments and promises. Because the work was done for them by us in the Temples, they will be able to accept it or not and not be held back but or be stopped but will progress on with their everlasting progression.  This is “God’s work and His Glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man”  . . . and woman!

Friends, family, fans, or who ever you are, I know these things are true!  Because of Jesus’s sacrifice, WE ALL WiLL LIVE AGAIN! When the Lord comes back, if you are still around, you can still belong to whatever church you desire, but remember, that in order to get to the highest resurrection or kingdom in heaven, it is truly dependent upon you receiving these ordinances that go back to the beginning of time and that are sealed not only on earth but also in heaven and by being able to live  them. You can only receive them by  those who have  the authority and priesthood bestowed  them.   They received that priesthood from the master himself, Jesus Christ. The heavens are governed by laws.  Your choices and commandments that you are willing to live will decide where you will go.  It is all a choice.  We all will live again because of Jesus and no one is forcing anyone to get to a higher heaven.  But, it’s there for those who are willing and choose to live the laws and seek it.

We know from the scriptures and from our Prophets who speak in behalf of  the Lord, and who have prophesied of things that have been and of things which are yet to come.  We have been told how this world will end.  We know who wins this great war and battle of life.  We know that it will be a “great and a dreadful day”.  Yes, there will be things that we have never seen before but, for those who know of them, and who are prepared, they shall not fear and it will be much easier to accept, and to understand and the Lord and His angels will  protect them. There will be wars and rumors of wars.  The skies, the seas and the mountains will move out of their places.  When Jesus will come no one knows. Even the angels in heaven don’t know. But, Jesus will appear in Jerusalem where the Jews father’s crucified Him, and it will be there where Jesus will appear to their children and show them his nail scarred hands and feet.  They will then fall to their knees and weep and confess that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus will then live with us and rule this world in peace for a thousand years.  Satan will be bound.

We need to continue to be friends and family and share those things to help us be prepared knowing that the end is near. We are all God’s children. We are all brothers and sisters. I have spoken openly and honestly trusting that these things I’ve shared will be received with understanding and openly by you.  I do not judge or think we are better than anyone else.  These things are open for all to chose and have for yourself.

My friends and those who know me know that I don’t lie.  I share this so that my heart and conscience will always know that I opened my mouth and shared with all (D&C 60: 2) , and that my purposes in doing so was clear and pure because we have been told in the scriptures to warn our neighbors.  When we die someday, and we all will, we each will live again, be judged after we report back to our lord Jesus and Heavenly Father and Mother.

As we see the weakening of Christian faith in society , our own faith must become even more firm and sure. We are the generation the Lord has saved for this day,”  We were chosen to be here at this time of life when the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is on the earth with all of it’s everlasting ordinances and blessings necessary, which are here and can be ours, to get to the highest kingdom in heaven and to receive the best resurrection we can.   These ordinances and the Temple doors are open and are made available to you but not forced upon you.  Yes,  you must be worthy and choose to obey God’s laws and keep His commandments.   It is your choice.  My wife and I both work at one of these Temples and see all nationalities, colors of skin and families from all over the earth come here.  We welcome you and invite you to have the “fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” with all of the blessings of eternity.  We can have it if we but serve our Lord Jesus Christ and follow HIm.  He is The Way!  That is the important action item here; to “choose ye this day whom ye will serve.  As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

I leave you this as a testimony from my heart of these truths, and I do so in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Alan Osmond
For The Family

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If you don’t agree or like what I said, at least recognize the courage and love it took to share my heart with you.  Alan

By Alan on Mar 08 in Blog tagged challenges, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, get on knees, grateful, happiness, hear answers, keep covenants, living, membership, pray, priesthood, read scriptures, spirit, the way, trials, want to live | Comments Off

We each need to make correct choices. Review them often and ask yourself, “Am I living the way the Lord wants me to live?”

To help you become all that the Lord wants you to become, get on your knees each day and express to Him the desires of your heart. He is the source of all wisdom, and you need His help. He will hear and answer you.

Read the scriptures daily. They are a powerful source of personal revelation and a constant strength to your testimony.

Remember and keep the covenants you made when you were baptized and that you renew each week when you partake of the sacrament. You young men should keep the covenants you made when you received the priesthood. Keeping these covenants now will help you prepare for the temple covenants you will make in the future.

Be true to the Lord and to His Church in all circumstances. The authorities of the Church will lead you in paths of happiness. Be grateful for your membership in God’s great kingdom.

Be humble and willing to listen to the whisperings of the Spirit. Place the wisdom of the Lord above your own wisdom.

When you do these things, the Lord will make much more out of your life than you can by yourself. He will increase your opportunities, expand your vision, and strengthen you. He will give you the help you need to meet your trials and challenges. You will find true joy as you come to know your Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, and feel their love for you.

2 Nephi 31:16–21