Foreordination, a True Principle

Today I read Romans 9 which to me seems to be about the Israelites rebelling against God and a little bit of their history in doing so. I sometimes wonder what life would be like if we didn't have the veil to cause us to forget our previous life with God. I think this land would be a lot better, but there would still be problems. We know this from Alma 13. Not everyone obeyed Heavenly Father with the same degree of obedience in the pre-mortal life. Even though they were in the presence of God Himself, some were still disobedient. I believe it was President Harold B. Lee who once said that our conditions in this life were based on our obedience to God's commands in the previous life, similar to our conditions in the next life will be based on our behaviors in this one. I am summarizing of course but that is the gist of what he said.

If you don't believe me that life would still have its problems if we remembered who we were and where we came from, all you have to do is take a look at society. We are all familiar with the phrase when the cat is away the mice will play. How do your co-workers act when the boss is not around? How do your fellow drivers drive when there are no policemen around? Did your siblings always do what is right when your parents were gone? It is the nature of the natural man to be disobedient, to do what is best for him or herself. History is full of stories of such people. However, the ones we always seem to revere are the people who put aside their nature and did what was best for the common good instead. People like Mother Theresa, Bono, Gandhi, and others throughout history. These men and women are well known for their humanitarian work and tireless efforts to assist others. In some cases they even put their own lives and health at risk to do it! We all love the stories where someone has to sacrifice themselves for the good of others, yet none of us wants to be that sacrifice. We recognize that it is nobler to serve than to be served, we just seem to have trouble connecting the dots and doing it ourselves.

Paul also mentions that the Israelites, or the seed of Rebecca were elected for certain things. Predestination and foreordination, two principles that are completely misunderstood by most because of what is written in the Bible and what was taken out, either on purpose or by accident. Predestination is the idea that you are either already saved or already consigned to hell and there is nothing you can do about it. It is a false doctrine that very much advocates do what makes you feel good because you cannot change your fate one way or the other. This idea takes one chain of thought from the scriptures and completely ignores all the rest of them. We know that the truth is actually that we are the author of our own salvation with Jesus Christ being the finisher. The check is already written, it's just up to us to cash it.

Now, the correct principle that predestination comes from is called foreordination. Alma explains this principle quite nicely in Alma 13. Essentially, God has called certain people to do certain things in this life. Most notably involving the Priesthood of Melchizedek. Joseph Smith taught that any man who receives the Melchizedek Priesthood in this life, was foreordained to receive it in the previous life. Likewise Abraham in his writings teaches us that those who hold certain sacred callings, such as prophet or Apostle, were ordained to such in the pre-earth life. This is the correct principle, not that God has already decreed who will be saved and who won't be. Such thinking is only by those who want to live a life of debauchery and not face up to the consequences, either now or later. Now I do believe that God already knows who will be returning to Him. For one thing, time is different for God than it is for us. I don't know how that works because I am mortal, but I believe it. Secondly, God knows us. Just like our earthly father, if we grew up around him, could guess with a reasonable success rate how his child might react in a given situation, so too can Heavenly Father know how we will act because He knows us infinitely better than our earthly father does.

Now some might argue that this is God controlling the outcome. Such thoughts are entirely incorrect. It is as absurd as accusing someone of causing a dropped pencil to fall to the earth because it was known and correctly predicted that such would be the outcome. We know a dropped pencil will fall because we correctly understand the principle of gravity, not because we had some sort of control over the pencil falling. Likewise God understands us in a way that we cannot comprehend and as such it is as easy for Him to determine what we will do as it is for us to know that a dropped object will fall to the earth. Heavenly Father knows us even better than we know ourselves. It is not hard to think He might know how we will react to a situation.

To me, given that Heavenly Father knows me so well, it is an opportunity. It is a chance to work with Him to improve myself. He knows me better than I know myself, what better person to ask for help in identifying ways to help me improve? I remember before I met my wife, I wasn't living all of the commandments. In addition I was not regularly reading the scriptures either. I was not the type of man that would attract the type of woman I wanted to marry. So one day, I kneeled down by my bed and prayed. I prayed that Heavenly Father would help me make the changes that I knew I needed to make in order to be the kind of husband my future wife desired to have. It was an easy prayer to say, it honestly was, but the ramifications of such a prayer were hard indeed. I had to give up certain things.

I used to have quite a collection of rated "R" movies that I enjoyed very much. I will freely admit that I had more than I thought I did. After my wife and I decided to get married she stated that I did not have to get rid of them right away, but she did not want any rated "R" movies in the house when our children arrived. I agreed to this and went on my way. About a week later I was in the temple and I had the thought that if I was going to eventually get rid of my rated "R" movies, why should I wait? Would the passage of time make it easier to do it? I reasoned that it would not. So as soon as I finished my temple session I went straight home and packed them all up and took them to a local store and got rid of them. As I stated I had a lot more than I thought I did. I also took the opportunity to get rid of some other movie that might not be the best even though they weren't rated "R" as well as a few video games that I probably shouldn't have been playing. When I told me wife, who at the time was just my fiancee, she was dumbfounded and couldn't believe what I had done for her. Truthfully I had done it for myself and for Heavenly Father, but she is what made it possible.

I truly believe that my prayer to Heavenly Father months before that, and I continued praying for it for days and weeks and months, it wasn't just a one time prayer, helped me do that. It was a bit of a challenge because it required me to change. But I knew that Heavenly Father could and would help me make such changes. I believe that if I had not prayed and asked Heavenly Father to help me make those changes, I would not have been able to do that on my own when I did and it would have been a stumbling block for me down the road that might have caused contention with my wife. When we understand that God knows us so perfectly that He can help us overcome anything, if we will ask Him for help in changing our very nature, He will do it. With His help we can accomplish anything. We only need to ask. Until tomorrow.

We are Heirs of God

Today I read Romans 8, which contains one of my favorite scriptures. I remember as a missionary, my mission had 3 levels of scholarship that we had to have our zone leaders and finally APs sign off on. Each level involved memorizing certain scriptures or scriptural reference, reading a book out of the standard works and out of the missionary library. I thoroughly enjoyed doing it! One of the scriptural references we had to memorize was Romans 8:16-17. Which states that we are children of God, and joint heirs with Christ.

Latter-day Saints take so much grief in "demeaning" God. What others mean by this is that they think that because Latter-day Saints believe we can become as God is, it somehow diminishes Him and takes away from His majesty and power. I personally don't see how. But then again I grew up being taught this and have had the Spirit confirm its truthfulness to me so it seems natural to me. However, here in this chapter of Romans we have Paul teaching the exact same doctrine!

What is an heir? There are several definitions of the word heir, among which is this one: an heir is someone who inherits the rank, title and position of another. So if we are heirs of God, then we will be inheriting the rank, title and position of God. I don't know how you could misinterpret Paul's words when he says them plain as day. And as if that weren't enough, Paul goes on to say that we are joint heirs with Christ. Now, I don't think any Christian will deny that Jesus Christ is going to inherit all that the Father hath. And if He does, well Paul says we are join-heirs with Christ which to me says that we will also inherit everything Jesus does. But so many people seem to have a problem with that thought. They are too caught up in thinking about worldly things, such as money and land and can't understand how if God or Jesus share what they have with us, how they will have any left over for themselves. I can promise you that God and Jesus don't think that way and it will all make sense one day. For now we need only to believe that it is true.

The other concept that most people, and I include Latter-day Saints, seem to have trouble realizing, is that we are children of our Heavenly Father. Now, when I say people have trouble with it, I mean that we do not treat each other like we are brothers and sisters. And I include Latter-day Saints in this just as much as anybody. Truly the scriptures were correct in prophesying that in the last days the love of men shall wax cold. Everyone seems to be trying to take advantage of his neighbor and get something for nothing. Now, I am lucky in that I have a very good relationship with my siblings and love them very much and would do just about anything for them. I do realize though that not every family has such a loving relationship with their brothers and sisters and that is sad to me.

It would be wonderful if we could all live in a world where we treated each other well and nicely. Where we didn't have to lock our doors because there was no fear of anyone doing anything wrong. I suppose the millennium will be like that. I have no idea if I will live to see it or not, but it sure would be nice to live in a world and know that everyone you meet will treat you nicely and treat you how they would want to be treated. There are a lot of people who do that and they should be recognized for it, because it is wonderful that they are trying to make the world a better place. But all too many people are trying to make a fast buck and they don't care how.

If we want a better world, we need to start making it better ourselves. We need to make sure that we treat others as we would want to be treated. Change starts with just one person. Jesus was the literal Son of God, but remember that He was just one man, and look at what He has accomplished! We can make a difference if we try. And who wouldn't want to live in a better world? Until tomorrow.

Overcoming the Natural Man

Today I read Romans 7. It's rare that this happens but I actually did not have any impressions at all while reading this chapter. I actually found it quite confusing. I was reading the JST version, which I thought was kind of funny because Joseph Smith was restoring that which was lost over the centuries to restore it back to the way it read when Paul first penned it and thus make it easier to understand. He may have restored it, but Paul had a funny way of getting his point across to the Romans in this chapter.

Here's what I took away from the chapter, and I honestly have no idea if I am right or not. I even went as far as to read it twice! Paul is talking about the natural man here and how his nature is an enemy to God. At least, that is what I am taking away from it. He is talking about the law and the law of the dead, or sin, verses the law of Christ. That is how I read this chapter. Paul talks quite a bit about certain sins and how he needs to be dead to them. And he is right, when we make the decision to follow Jesus Christ and be baptized, like he said in the last chapter, we need to consider our old self and our old ways, dead and walk in a newness of life. We need to forsake our old sins and become a new person.

I believe that is what Paul is trying to say here in this chapter. As we overcome the natural man in each of us, we will become a better person and can better serve God. It got me thinking however, how do we overcome the natural man? Well the obvious answer is one day at a time. We will not wake up tomorrow completely free of any desire to sin. It just won't happen that way. But as we are tempted with sin and choose to resist it and not give in, we will slowly but surely change our very nature so that we no longer desire to do that which is wrong. In his own round about way that is what Paul is talking about here. As we live the law of Christ, we find that we truly are a different person. He states that what he found to be good before the law he now no longer finds to be good and so he doesn't do it. That to me sounds like someone who is changing their nature and no longer finds the things of the world appealing.

I have seen this in my own life. The more I live the Gospel the more I find the things of the world repulsive. Television for the most part is unwatchable to me. I can't stand the shows about police that investigate murders and I can't understand why anyone would. The comedy shows are full of vulgarity and lewdness. About the only thing worth watching are nature shows and animal shows because even cartoons can be pointless and vulgar. The popular music of the day is all about sex and highly offensive if you listen to the lyrics. So I have seen where I am becoming a better person by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hopefully you too find that you are overcoming the natural man and finding living the Gospel a little more enjoyable each day. Until tomorrow.

We are Buried with Christ by Baptism

Today I read Romans 6 which talks about baptism and being a new person after we have been baptized. I remember quite clearly that I used a scripture in this chapter, verse 4 to be exact, as a missionary once to help someone get baptized. My companion and I were teaching the missionary discussions to a man who was quite interested in what we were teaching but didn't understand why he needed to be baptized again. He asked us if we could show him in the Bible where it says we have to be baptized by immersion, then he would be baptized.

I instantly thought of this scripture which says we are buried with him by baptism into death. I asked him if it made sense to liken baptism to a burial if it wasn't us going down into the water and being immersed. He said that no it didn't make sense at all and must mean what I said it did and right then and there decided to be baptized. Now, I take no credit at all for that beyond memorizing that scripture's location and what it was about. It was all the Spirit who reminded me of it and helped confirm the truth of its words to the man who was eventually baptized.

I have often wondered, as I am today because of the content of the rest of the chapter, why people don't change their behaviors and lives after baptism. They feel the Spirit testifying that what we are teaching them is true and yet they don't make any changes to their lives. What is really incomprehensible to me is the fact that they don't make any changes and they don't feel compelled to either. I remember my father telling me about his conversion story and how after he was baptized he realized that all his old friends that he used to hang out with and drink alcohol with were no longer conducive to the kind of life he was now choosing to lead. So he made new friends. I assume that most people don't like change and so they resist changing their old habits and still go to their old hang outs and visit with the same friends as before. Now, I can certainly understand that it is hard to get rid of old friends, however most new converts are not strong enough to resist old habits. So if they don't make a change right away and stick to it, they will eventually fall. I have seen it lots of times.

When the Spirit testifies to us that something is true, we should make a change to our habits and strive to follow this new path with all of our heart. I mean if we found a map that we knew would take us to a pile of gold if we just followed its directions no matter what, we would all do it. Well, the scriptures and the Spirit are our map and guide to something of infinite more worth than mere money, eternal life. All that God hath. If we will but give up the vices of this world, our favorite sins, we can become like He is and we will be able to experience happiness beyond our current comprehension. Isn't that worth whatever sacrifices we might have to make in this life? It certainly is to me. Until tomorrow.

The Fall of Man and the Atonement

Today I read Romans 5 where Paul mainly talks about the Fall of man brought about by Adam and Eve and the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how it corrects what happened because of the Fall. It got me thinking about the Fall of Man. I am given to understand that there are some religions that feel the Fall of Man was a mistake. That if Adam and Even had just resisted and not eaten of the forbidden fruit, we would all still be in a state of paradise. We know from the scriptures that this is not true.

Lehi teaches his son Jacob, and subsequently us, in 2 Nephi 2 that the Fall of Man was necessary and needed to happen. There would have been no progress without it and Adam and Even would have remained in their state of innocence forever. We really don't know how long they were in the Garden of Eden at all. But we do know that the Fall of Man was a necessary component of the plan of Salvation. Satan thought that he was thwarting the plan of God by tricking Eve to partake of the fruit but in fact he was doing what God knew would happen all along. God could not be part of what brings death and suffering into the world. That needed to be all man's doing. So He left it in the hands of Adam and Eve and Satan came and tricked Eve into partaking of the fruit after which Adam recognized that since Eve had partaken of the fruit, she would be cast out and in order for mankind to be born he needed to go with her so he partook of the fruit with full knowledge of what would happen.

So Adam brings death and suffering into the world, and Jesus Christ, through His Atonement was able to overcome and conquer death and suffering. We know of course that Adam's Fall brought about two types of death, physical and spiritual. The physical death is obviously the death of our mortal body. Spiritual death is the separation of our spirits from God's presence which is caused by sin. No mortal can overcome either of these obstacles on their own, it took the Atonement of Jesus Christ to save mankind from death and from sin. We are very fortunate that Jesus was so obedient to Heavenly Father's wishes and did not back out at the last moment. Without His perfect sacrifice in our behalf, we would all of us still be stuck, damned forever. I am eternally grateful to Jesus for what He has done for all of us, for me. Without Him we would all be lost forever. Until tomorrow.

Faith, Works and Grace

Today I read Romans 4 which is Paul talking even more about how we are saved by grace, but this time he adds to things, he talks about faith quite extensively and mentions what he calls the law of works a lot. He also does all of this in reference to Abraham. I've always found it interesting and fascinating how different cultures look at their ancestors. For example, we know from the Bible that the Jews revere their ancestors in a way that Americans never have. They even go as far as to call themselves, at least in Jesus' time, Abraham's children. In Chinese culture, they also revere their ancestors and several of the rituals if you will in Buddhism involve providing for your ancestors in the afterlife to ensure they have money, food and other necessities.

I have wondered from time to time why Americans don't have this same desire or reverence for their ancestors. We're getting there, little by little with the spirit of Elijah helping and turning the hearts of the fathers to the children and vice versa. I don't watch much TV, almost none in fact, but I still will frequently see commercials for websites that talk about ancestry and finding out who they were. This is clearly the spirit of Elijah stirring the hearts of the children to the fathers. But we are still no where near where other cultures are and it makes me wonder, is it even important? I will say that it is extremely important in the sense that we have to do the ordinance work for them all who have not had the chance to do it themselves, but other than that, no, where you come from does not determine who you are now.

We talked a lot yesterday about how we are saved by grace and that there is nothing we can do to save ourselves. But Paul talks a lot about faith in this chapter and brings up the law of works also. We did not bring it up yesterday, mostly because I consider it to be self evident, but I understand that not everyone will, but in order for you to take advantage of the grace of Jesus Christ, you have to have faith. This is because you have to believe in Jesus Christ and that His grace is sufficient for you before you can take advantage of it. If you did not believe that Jesus could save you, why would you try and take advantage of His Atonement?

I once had a girlfriend in college. A wonderful girl who I loved very much. She was not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As we dated and started talking about the future she told me that her best friend was a Latter-day Saint and so she understood a lot of the religion. As we started talking about marriage and where we were headed and if that was the direction we were going, she told me that she would be baptized and join the church because she knew it was important to me, if we decided on getting married. I was grateful for her willingness, but I knew it was not based in faith and would have only been done so that we were the same religion and could be married in the temple. I did not say it at the time, but I wondered if we did decided to get married, if she did decide to join the church, would a testimony come later? Well we decided that marriage was not the way to go for us unfortunately so it became a moot point but it was a very real concern for me.

It is possible to do the right thing for the wrong reasons. It happens all the time I believe. But I prefer to do the right thing, for the right reasons. Now, as to works, we know from the book of James that faith without works is dead, so it makes sense to me that if faith is a requirement to take advantage of grace, works would be too. We have to do something to demonstrate our faith, it is not enough to just say we believe. We have to prove it, even if only to ourselves. The way we do that is through the ordinances that God has asked us to perform, as we mentioned yesterday. I honestly don't know how others can miss it when it is plain as day right there in Romans 4. But as I said, I am not here to bash anyone or any religion. I am here to talk about my impressions as I read the scriptures. I am grateful for my understanding of the Gospel and how it helps me to understand the scriptures better. I hope you appreciate the gift of the Holy Ghost also and how it can help you better understand the scriptures. Until tomorrow.

We are Saved by Grace

Today I read Romans 3 which is a chapter that has caused the Latter-day Saints no amount of grief. What I mean by that is Paul explicitly says in this chapter that we are only saved by grace, and not by any works. Because of that one statement, whole religions have sprung up that firmly believe that all you have to do is accept Christ into your life and you are saved, forever. It doesn't matter what you do after that. Now, I am not here to trash another person's faith. But I am here to talk about the scriptures and the Latter-Saint faith.

Latter-day Saints believe that nothing we will ever do will save us. Period. We are saved because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and only through the Atonement. As Paul states in this chapter, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Latter-day Saints firmly believe this. Where Latter-day Saints differ with some other religions and this is where the confusion comes from about whether or not we think we can save ourselves through our work, is that we believe certain ordinances must be performed or it doesn't matter that you have lived a good life or accepted Christ into your life, His Atonement has no affect on you. This is why I think some other religions think that Latter-day Saints feel we can save ourselves, which is just not true.

I have put it to most people this way. We are saved by Jesus Christ and what He did for us. However, let us say that we have a man who did every kind of sin you could think of. He murdered people, he raped women, he stole, he committed arson, everything wrong and offensive to man and God. On his deathbed, he starts to think about his life and realizes that he needs to accept God if he is going to go to heaven. So he confesses his sins and accepts Christ's Atonement. Now, are you really comfortable with this type of a person receiving the same reward as Mother Theresa? Now, I'm not saying he won't because that is in God's hands not mine, but I have a real; concern with someone who lived a wonderful life and everyone who has even heard of her agrees she is about as close to God as a person can get in this life getting the same reward as a murderer with a deathbed confession. Not only that, but I don't think I would be very comfortable spending eternity in such a person's company and I don't think such a person would be comfortable in God's presence either.

Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ took upon Himself all the pains, sufferings and sicknesses of the world. We believe that He saved all mankind, IF we do certain requirements that He has asked of us. There is no such thing as a free lunch. If we want to receive the rewards and blessings that God is offering us, we must pay the price and do as He asks. We must be baptized by one having authority for the remission of our sins. We must receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. We must perform the ordinances of the temple. And a few others that I will not go into now. But at the end of the day, even if we do all that, we still could not be saved if it weren't for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He saves us, we do not save ourselves. Latter-day Saints do in fact believe that we are saved by the grace of God and that is all there is to it. I am so grateful that Jesus Christ loved us enough to perform the Atonement so that we could be saved if we choose to be. I long for the day when I can thank Him in person. In the mean time, I will show my gratitude by living a good and righteous life, like He has asked me to. Until tomorrow.

Judge Not Unrighteous Judgments

Today I read Romans 2 where Paul mainly focuses on being the right kind of person. I'm not sure what the Saints in Rome were up to, but it doesn't sound like they were living the Gospel the way they were supposed to. It strikes me as interesting how often the scriptures say the same things. For example, I have blogged every day for 1 year and 3 and a half months. In that time, we have talked about the same things over the course of 4 books of scripture. And I'm not just referring to the Gospels in the New Testament. It is interesting to me that the Lord keeps saying the same things in every generation and with every Prophet that He calls. He is still saying the same things today. I'll bet that when we have General Conference this Saturday and Sunday we will hear a lot of the same messages that we have heard before. The Gospel has not changed, which is comforting.

Paul warns the Saints that they must not judge because they will judge unrighteous judgments. We have talked about this before. We know that it is unrighteous of us to judge according to how God will judge, or in other words, we must not make judgments ourselves of who we think will be a good fit for the Gospel or things like that. We make judgements everyday about people and what type of people they are and that is ok as long as we are adaptable. For example I have had to make many judgements in my life about people as far as who do I want to spend my time with. I seem to attract people to me for some reason. I am not quite sure why but people are drawn to me. They like me and want to be around me. The problem is they are not always the best of people. I once knew a gentleman who lived in the same apartment building as me who liked to hang out with me who told me a story once of how he savagely beat a man because he told him to not date his daughter. He was not a nice person but he seemed to always want to hang out with me. I decided early on that this was not a good person for me to be spending my time with. He was not living a life conducive to the Spirit, the kind of life a good Latter-day Saint should be living. Friends should uplift and make it easier to live the Gospel.

But Paul is talking about making judgements that only God is fit to make. Just like King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon taught us that when we see a man asking for money we should not say to ourselves that he has brought it upon himself, but rather we should render the aid he/she is requesting. It is not our place to judge what they will use the money for. It is our place to honor their request if we are able to. The Lord has told us that we are to care for the poor and needy, He did not say how we are to do that but left it up to us to figure it out. There are a myriad of ways we can help those around us and we should be helping when we can.

Paul also spends a large majority of the chapter talking about what to me sounds like not looking down upon those without the law. He talks about circumcision and looking down on those without the circumcision. That to me translates to we should not look down upon those who are not living the Gospel. We are not better than they are, we are just living the Gospel more completely. The fact that they have not heard of it or are choosing not to live it, does not make them a bad person. I have met hundreds of people who are good, upstanding people but do not live a life based on the 10 commandments. I personally think it is easier to live a good life when you are living the them, but it is certainly possible to live a good upstanding life without them. It just will not bring a fulness of happiness. The early Saints in this dispensation lost their inheritance in Missouri because they did not live this principle. They were haughty and looked down upon those who were not Latter-day Saints and were subsequently driven out. Now, what the people Missouri in those days did was inexcusable and they will answer for it to God, but it never would have happened if the Saints had been less proud.

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again, but the best tool we have to spread the Gospel is to live a good and righteous life, to lead by example. If we do this, opportunities will arise and we should be ready to take advantage of them. If we ask Heavenly Father to help us in this regard we will be prepared when they come our way. Few things can equal the joy that spreading the Gospel will bring into your life. I urge all to make it a priority in your lives and you will find it enriches all aspects of your life. Until tomorrow.

Homosexuality is a Sin before God

Today I read Romans 1, Paul's epistle to the Saints in Rome. Most of this chapter is a preface to the rest of the epistle. Paul stats off by stating that he wishes he could come and be with the Saints in Rome like he has with the Saints in other areas. He states that he is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, which we are all aware having just read the Acts where Paul goes into situations that others fear to go into because of what awaits them. Paul just goes ahead and enters into them because he has an eternal view of things. He doesn't worry about what will happen to his mortal body. He is only concerned with doing what the Lord wants him to do, a topic we have discussed much in this past week.

Paul then goes on to talk to the Saints in Rome about the sins that beset them. In what he describes I can only assume he is referring to homosexuality. We have talked about this briefly in the past few weeks but it bears looking into further. Homosexuality has been around for thousands and thousands of years. It is commonly thought that the city of Sodom was destroyed because of this sin. While it is correct that the city of Sodom practiced homosexuality, that is not the reason it was destroyed. We'll talk about that later. Most of the ancient cultures seemed to practice homosexuality in abundance and it seemed quite acceptable according to what records we have left. The Greeks and Romans in particular seemed to be almost infested with it. But do we really want to emulate the Romans? This is the same culture that built a huge stadium if you will for the sole purpose of watching men kill each other or be devoured by wild animals. Is that really something we want to look up to and emulate?

As I mentioned before I have several friends who are homosexuals and they are wonderful people. I consider them my friends and enjoy their company. But I do not approve of their lifestyle and am not ashamed or sorry about that. Like Paul, I answer to God, not to man. I often wonder how it is that homosexuality got so popular anyway? I mean all the signs point to it being wrong. Even those who practice it want to be like the rest of society, they want to be normal. They desire to be married. One of them will usually take on the qualities of the other gender. If there is nothing wrong with homosexuality then why do men start acting like women and women like men? I personally believe it is because deep down they recognize that it is wrong and they are trying to make up for it. I'm sure those who practice it would deny that and of course not all of those men and women who prefer same gender intercourse fit into this mold. But it's enough that it is the stereotype.

As I mentioned above I also find it interesting that they want to be married. They want to be like the rest of society and fit it. The Light of Christ is still working in them, even if only dimly. Some will say that they were born this way and I do believe that some might be born with the predisposition to have that sin. Just like some might be born with the predisposition to smoke, or drink alcohol or any other sin. But they still have a choice just like the rest of us do. There are no mistakes, there are no women born into men's bodies or vice versa. We have always been a man or a woman or whatever we were born as, since the day we were created. There are no mix ups. But we do have predispositions like I just mentioned. It is their trial to overcome in this life. That is what Latter-day Saints believe this life is all about. We are here to learn to control our bodies and our passions so that they do not control us. We live in a day and age where it is acceptable to do almost anything and that if anyone thinks otherwise, they must be a bigot. The media attack those who stand up for what is right. It is entirely possible that I may be thought ill of or even attacked for the things I have said in this entry, but it is the truth and I have nothing to apologize for.

Once again though I reiterate that there is nothing wrong with these people as people. They are sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father and He loves them very much. However, they are making choices that pain Him deeply and will mean that they cannot return to live with Him or receive of the fullness of His glory. They will not be given all that He hath. Which is the definition of hell. They will know they could have had more, but because of their choices they won't. But that is the same for any person who has a sin they cannot overcome, not just homosexuals. God has a strict set of rules and laws that must be adhered to in order to be thought of as holy, or good. They are the 10 commandments and other commandments that our modern day prophets have revealed to us. I choose to live my life according to those commandments because I believe that just like my earthly father had a good idea of how to help me navigate my teenage years and be happy, so too does my Heavenly Father know the formula for a happy life. I choose everlasting happiness and I make no secret what that formula is. It is right there for all to read for themselves. Until tomorrow.

Paul Preaches in Rome

Today I read Acts 28 where Paul and his companions are shipwrecked. The inhabitants are very friendly and help the inhabitants. Paul is bitten by a snake when he is collecting firewood and the inhabitants are convinced that Paul is a criminal that escaped justice. However, Paul is protected and not harmed when the snake bites him and the people think he must be a god. I am sure that Paul disabuses them of this notion almost immediately but Paul makes the best of a bad situation. He is given an opportunity to heal someone in the village of a bad fever and his ability spreads through the island. He is then given ample opportunity to heal the other inhabitants of the island.

Paul is always about the business of the Lord. He doesn't let the grass grow under his feet when he is on the island and as I mentioned above spends the time helping the inhabitants and I would not be surprised if he didn't manage to convert a few of the sailors as well. Paul is a man who lived his religion to it's fullest and took advantage of all the opportunities that God gave him. He eventually makes it to Rome and stands before the council to give his testimony.

Luke reports that he lives there for 2 years and preaches the Gospel converting some and not others. But he is treated like an oddity and people from all over the place come to see him and hear his story. This is where the church in Rome gets its start, from Paul and his testimony. Paul is a perfect example of how we should all be living our life in service to God and Jesus Christ. No matter where he was, he was always ready to share his testimony and was not ashamed of Jesus Christ. How often do we not speak up because we are scared to offend the person in question? Why are we more afraid of the people here than we are of God? I think it is because we are creatures of immediate gratification. What I mean by that is we are more concerned with what we can see, than what we can't see, meaning we are too focused on not offending the people that are right in front of us that we forget about our eternal focus. We need to be more concerned with Heavenly Father and what He thinks of us because this is the life that is not permanent.

Our ultimate goal in this life, like we have talked about before is to return to live with our Heavenly Father, that is what Eternal Life is. As we learn to be more like Him, we will want to share with the world what it is that makes us so special. It is up to us to show the world that we have the secret to true and everlasting happiness. That is the message that we have to share with the world. If we had a note that told us where $100 million was wouldn't you want to share it with your loved ones? Well we have a message of infinite more worth than mere money. We have the good news of the Gospel and Heavenly Father asks that we share it. After all he has done for us is that really such a hard thing to do on His behalf? I promise that the more you share it with others, the easier it is to continue sharing. It becomes enjoyable and we desire to help all of those around us. It will also help us be better people.

We have finished the book of Acts and now are moving into the Epistles portion of the New Testament which I am excited about. We are going back to reading about doctrine and not so much reading about the day to day activities of the Apostles. We should have lots to talk about in the coming weeks and months. Until tomorrow.

Living the Gospel Makes Us Stand Out

Today I read Acts 27 where Paul is being transported to Rome in a ship. If I am reading it correctly, it makes it sound like they were fasting without food, all of those in the ship, for 14 days. That is incredible if that is the case. I do not think it is true and perhaps it means something else than what we normally think of as fasting. I just cannot even imagine being a sailor and all the rigors they have to endure, especially during a storm, without any substance for fourteen days!

Paul tries to warn them not to leave the isle of Crete that a storm is coming but they push off anyway and are caught up in a huge storm for many days. Paul comes to them and tells them that they will all be saved but that they are going to be shipwrecked. When they do become ship wrecked the sailors want to kill the prisoners so that they don't escape but the centurion in charge stops them because he wants to save Paul.

Paul seems to have a very commanding presence. People that are around him take him seriously and do as he asks. I wonder if that is because he is so full of the Spirit? People take notice of those who are full of the Spirit. I remember when I went through the temple for the first time it was in the Saint Louis temple. I was told by at least 3 people, workers, that I had a glow about me. When I asked my parents about it they said to them it was like my face was shining. I had never heard of something like that before that day and had only read about it in the scriptures. But when someone is full of the Spirit, even if only for a little while, it can't help but shine through, sometimes literally. As Latter-day Saints, or even upstanding Christians, people notice that we are different. They want what we have. I have a friend that all the time tells me how he wishes he could clone my wife and I tease him saying that even a clone of my wife would not have him because of his bad habits.

It often reminds me of how people look at a concert pianist and desire to be able to play as well as they do. But when they hear about the years and years of practice that that pianist had to put in, well their interest wanes considerably. It is the same with the Gospel. We look and we see someone like our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson and see how humble he is and say to ourselves that we wish we could be more like he is. But he is that way because of a life of humble service to God, of putting God's needs first. If we want the same results, we've got to follow the same recipe.

We are all meant to be an example unto the world. Even good, upstanding members of other Christian faiths do not typically live their religion to the extent that a typical Latter-day Saint does. We stand out in a good way and it's meant to be that way. I'm personally disgusted by how much this world is driven by alcohol. It drives me crazy that when my wife and I go out to a restaurant the waiter/waitress automatically assumes we will be drinking wine. I hate it. Dare to be different. I love being different from this messed up world. Stand as an example, be the city on the hill and God will use you as His instrument. You will be able to do wonderful things for Him. Until tomorrow.

Don't Be Apologetic for Believing in what is Right

Today I read Acts 26 where Paul stands before King Agrippa and testifies of the things he has seen and done. He tells him that all he has preached was preached before him by all the holy prophets and King Agrippa utters his famous line that Paul almost persuades him to be a Christian. The force of Paul's testimony to make King Agrippa say that must have been strong indeed, almost palpable.

I've always thought of Paul as being forceful and unapologetic about his testimony and the things he has experienced. The way we all should be. I don't think he was overbearing and pushy. I think that if he was asked to leave he would, but I can't imagine him making any excuses or apologies about who he was or what he believed in. It is how we all should be, no matter what church we believe in.

In this day and age of fear of offense and so called tolerance, it is all too easy to be apologetic about our beliefs and what we will and won't do. However we have nothing to be ashamed of. We have a belief and a hope in Christ and that is noble and commendable, no matter what our government or others might have us believe. There is nothing wrong with believing in God and living our religion. We should not even feel the need to apologize for who we are and what we believe. Fortunately I have never come face to face with such bigotry but we hear and read about it in the news. I sometimes wonder if it isn't a little blown out of proportion. I tend to only hear about in places like Los Angeles or New York City. Of course I have personally never felt drawn to those places ever, even though I spent 2 years in one of those cities.

I sometimes wonder how people can feel offended by talk about God or the sight of a cross or any other reason why supposed atheists give for being offended by Christians. I have never once felt offended by a Buddhist or a Muslim performing their rites of worship. Now, I think I would be offended by a Satanist performing their rites, but I think every non-Satanist would be. That so called religion almost seems designed to offend. Given who its creator is, I wouldn't be surprised if that was exactly the case. I digress though. The point I am making is that we should be proud of who we are. We should feel proud of what we stand for and should stand up for what is right in this world.

Just as our leaders have told us in the most recent General Conferences, just because our country mistakenly is trying to change what is morally right and correct with laws, does not change that it is wrong. I have many friends who are homosexuals and choose to live that lifestyle. I am still friends with them and they are all very wonderful people. But I do not support them in being married because marriage is between a man and a woman as God has decreed it. You can try and take off the phrase in God we Trust off of our money, but it won't change the fact that 80% of the country believe in God and trust in Him. Just because it is not popular, doesn't make it right, or wrong as the case may be. If they are truly honest with themselves, everyone knows what is right and what is wrong.

We are all born with the light of Christ inside of us. If we have not squelched it, we know instinctively what is right. Just because the Supreme Court of America has decreed, illegally I might add, that it is legal for a woman to have an abortion does not make it right. Most of the nation agrees with that. If we are ever going to stem the tide of sin we have to be unapologetic about what is right and what we stand for. We do not need to go out of our way to offend, but we don't need to apologize for our beliefs either. We have God on our side and as I stated if those who believe otherwise are truly honest with themselves, they know they are wrong. But they have been living a lie for so long they have dimmed if not killed the Light of Christ inside of them. Our purpose is not to offend, but to be a light unto the world. Be a witness for what is right. You can make a difference. Until tomorrow.

Paul Stands Before Festus

Today I read Acts 25 where Paul speaks to Festus, who I am not really sure who he is but he is over Felix. The Jews ask Festus to bring Paul down to Jerusalem to hear his testimony there because they wish to kill Paul while he is en route to Jerusalem. Festus declines stating that he will leave Paul where he is but if the Jews in question have something against Paul, they should come up with Festus to give their testimony against them.

When Festus hears Paul's testimony and hears what the Jews are upset about, he declares that there is nothing that Paul has done that he can determine. However he doesn't want to offend the Jews so he asks Paul if he is willing to go down to Jerusalem to be judged. Paul says he is not willing to go because he has done nothing wrong and he appeals to Caesar. I can only assume Paul appeals to Caesar because when Jesus visited him He told Paul that He wanted Paul to testify of Him in Rome.

Festus returns Paul to his cell to wait until he can send him to Rome. While Paul is waiting, King Agrippa arrives to visit Festus. Festus tells him all about Paul, how he inherited this trial from Felix and that he cannot find anything wrong with him or worthy of death at all and that it all involves some superstition of the Jews and now Paul has appealed to Caesar. King Agrippa wants to hear Paul also and so Festus arranges for him to hear Paul's testimony.

I am again struck by how in both the case of Jesus and Paul, no one could find any problems with what they were doing, except the Jews. They were the only ones who were upset and they always resorted to trying to kill them. They almost remind me of a petulant child who when they are having an argument and they can't win resort to hitting the other person. If they can't win fairly, then maybe violence will solve it, or some such nonsense. You've got to hand it to the Jews that at least they are trying to do it legally, but when it fails they have no problem whatsoever resorting to violence. It almost reminds me of the radicals in the Muslim religion. Most people who belong to the Muslim faith are wonderful, kind individuals who are trying to worship God in the manner that they know how. The extremists however are bloodthirsty misguided individuals who desire to kill all those who don't believe the way they do.

I mean, which religion would you rather follow? The one where you are taught to be a good person and look out for each other? Or the one that when someone doesn't believe the way you do, you kill them? I personally prefer to do good to others and help people no matter what name they use to call upon God. We are all brothers and sisters and God is our father. Shouldn't we love all of those around us and try to help our brothers and sisters? The golden rule teaches us treat others as we would want to be treated. Imagine if we all did that. What a world that would be. That would be a true paradise. Until tomorrow.

Living the Gospel Changes Us

Today I read Acts 24 where Paul is brought before Felix to answer for his crimes. The council stands before Felix and accuses Paul of sedition and causing riots among the Jews. The more I read Acts the more convinced I am that Paul could be a lawyer because his answers are straight to the point and have a way of making the opposite side look almost silly. For example he tells Felix that it has been some years since he had come up to Jerusalem and so he went to the temple to worship. He invites Felix to ask anyone who was there what he did in the temple and whether or not he was causing any problems or doing anything beyond minding his own business. He also points out that if he had been causing trouble with certain people in the temple then why aren't they present to bring forth their charges personally?

I wonder if the Jews maybe didn't view the Romans as inferior to themselves because they seem to underestimate the intelligence of the Roman governors that are put over them. They underestimated Pilate when they accused Jesus. Pilate found no fault in Jesus and would have let him go if he had been a stronger man. Now they are bringing Paul before Felix, again on trumped up charges and again Felix, upon hearing Paul's side of the story sees right through what the Jews are trying to do and defers his judgement until the chief captain arrives and can give his testimony. So it just makes me wonder about the Jews and why they thought the Romans would just swallow their story without question.

Paul does such a good job that Felix actually gives him his freedom, with limitations. He allows Paul to be unbound and move around with an escort, kind of a 1st century house arrest I guess. Paul seems to have one of those personalities that almost seems to radiate something is different and goodness. Everywhere he goes he seems to find people who want to hear his message and learn what is different about him. I have had multiple experiences like this too. I have had people ask me what makes me different or why am I so happy all the time. The spirit makes a huge difference in your life and will shine through if you allow it to. If you are following the commandments you will be seen as different. Those who realize there is more to life than what they currently have or who are disturbed with the world around them will yearn for the happiness that you have and will ask you about it. Our job is to be ready to answer their questions and to help them realize that there is more to this life than what they currently have.

The more we live the gospel, the more it changes who we are. When I was a missionary at one point in my mission I became a district leader, which was not all that different but one of the main things I had to do was to teach the elders in our district in our weekly district meetings. I remember once I gave a physical demonstration where I had two chairs side by side. I had one of the missionaries stand on them with one foot on each of them. They represented the Gospel and the world. As I talked I slowly moved the one representing the world further and further away from the one representing the Gospel until the missionary was very, very unstable and about to fall. I pointed out that if we are not living the Gospel completely but focusing too much on what the world does and wants then we are eventually going to fall or have to join the world completely because it is impossible to please both. I moved the chairs back together and this time had the elder stand with both feet on the one representing the Gospel and this time when I moved the chair representing the world he stayed steady and strong. I concluded by saying that when we are rooted in the Gospel it doesn't matter how much the world changes we will be strong and stable.

When we live the Gospel it changes us, as I mentioned in the last paragraph. And that is as it should be, we should not be staying the same in this life or moving backwards either, we should be progressing. When we live the Gospel, we realize how shallow the world is and how their so called "fun" is revolting and completely against the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How can any good Christians can honestly picture Jesus Christ binge drinking? Or in a bar at all? Or smoking? Or using drugs? Or participating in a sexual orgy? Or gorging Himself on sweets? Or anyone of the other dozens if not hundreds of sins that so called good Christians indulge in on a daily basis. Living the Gospel is meant to change our nature and make us more like Jesus and when that happens we are going to stand out. We cannot serve God and Mammon, we have to make a choice. And the best part is, you already know the outcome of who is going to win and what your reward will be depending on who you choose to serve. Choose wisely. Until tomorrow.

Paul Sees Jesus and speaks to the Council

Today I read Acts 23 where Paul is brought before the council of the Jews which is a mixture of Sadducees and Pharisees. We learn that Paul was a Pharisee as was his father and he successfully manages to turn the council against each other by admitting he believes in the resurrection and by telling his story that he has seen angels. Interestingly enough, the Pharisees find no fault in him and declare that if Paul has indeed seen an angel or a spirit then they should tread lightly so that they are not fighting against God. This is quite a different stance than what they took with Jesus, that is for sure!

Now the more radical element of the Jews did in fact treat Paul just like they did Jesus, meaning they took it upon themselves to do what they deemed "God's work", or kill Paul. It is really interesting how the Romans who were in Jerusalem really took their job seriously, they protected Paul against all threats, perceived and real. Paul's nephew, his sister's son, somehow found out about the group of 40 Jews that were planning on having Paul killed. He goes and tells Paul who tells him to go and tell the Roman centurion what he has learned. The centurion takes it very, very seriously and has 200 soldiers prepared to transport Paul to Rome for questioning. This of course is the direct result of God, as prior to this Paul receives a visit from Jesus Himself telling Paul how pleased He is with him and his testimony that he has borne of Jesus in Jerusalem and Jesus wants Paul to bear testimony of Him in Rome as well.

It never ceases to amaze me how Jesus and Heavenly Father plan things out in advance like they do. I mean for this chief captain to be in place at this particular place at this time they had to put this in place a good 30 - 50 years in advance depending on how old the chief captain was. Just like Heavenly Father put the star that appeared on Jesus' birth at the exact night He was born, that had to have been put in place thousands or years beforehand. It is comforting to know that Heavenly Father has it all figured out and that He has a plan for all of us. If He can calculate the time it takes to put a star in place so that the light of that star reaches earth at a precise moment, or plan to have a chief captain in place so that he is in Jerusalem at the right time to guard Paul so that Paul makes it to Rome unmolested. It really makes me feel protected and safe to know that Heavenly Father has a plan and has it all under control. Until tomorrow.

Paul Bears His Testimony to the Jews and is Rejected

Today I read Acts 22 which is Paul testifying to the Jews in Jerusalem about his conversion and how it happened. The Jews completely reject what he says and he is taken away. I have often wondered about different cultures and the way they react to things. For example, Chinese and Japanese when they come up against something surprising or unbelievable, they fall, or sag down towards the ground. The Jews apparently rip and remove their clothing when they are upset. It is very strange to me where these customs and traditions come from. I mean removing your clothing because you are upset? That is just very, very strange. But it is in the Bible all throughout so I can't deny that it is there just because it is strange.

Paul is taken away from the crowd when they reject all of his words and taken by the centurion and has his hands bound and they are preparing to whip him when he asks if it is lawful to beat and bind a man who is a Roman citizen? Then centurion then goes to his chief captain and warns him that Paul is a Roman. The chief captain asks Paul if this is true and admits that he had to pay for his citizenship but Paul admits that he was born free. The centurion then unbinds him and sends away the man who was to scourge Paul.

From a doctrinal standpoint there really isn't anything in this chapter that we haven't already talked about many times and all Paul is doing is recounting his conversion story which we already know about and have talked about in the past. Nothing really struck me as unique about this chapter other than Paul once again doesn't let rejection get him down. He is bearing his testimony to these men and they flat out reject him and send him away to be beaten and whipped and they are not only ok with that fact but happy about it. I know it's a different culture but it is still incomprehensible to be.

But if there is anything we can learn from Paul it is to try and learn from his unconquerable spirit. He never lets the rejection or the manner of it get him down. He's been beaten, whipped and stoned and yet he still willingly came up to Jerusalem when he knew that it might all happen to him again. He truly feared God more than man. That is what I take away from Paul's life. He is a perfect example of doing what is right now matter what. Until tomorrow.

Paul Goes to Jerusalem and is Beaten and Arrested

Today I read Acts 21 which recounts the story of Paul going back to Jerusalem. All the brethren were trying to get Paul to not go to Jerusalem because they feared what the people would do to him. A man even prophesied by the Spirit that Paul would be bound if he went up to Jerusalem. All the people begged him not to go but Paul just tells them that he is not only ready to be bound but to die for his testimony of Jesus Christ if necessary. His conscience was clean before God and man.

Not withstanding Paul's bravado and trust in the Lord, he accepts the counsel of the Quorum of the Twelve in having 4 men stay with him to try and counter the accusations against him that he is telling the Jews to go against Moses. I am actually pretty surprised Paul agrees to this idea considering that these so called accusations were all true. He was teaching the Jews that there was no more need to circumcise their children. He was teaching them that there was no more cause to follow the law of Moses. All of these things were completely true, because under the higher law, they were not necessary. So since all these accusations were true I'm really surprised Paul agreed to this subterfuge, but he probably looked at it as following the counsel of his priesthood leaders.

But sadly it does not work. When Paul goes to the temple, he is recognized and taken by a mob of Jews and beaten, so savagely that he cannot walk unaided. His life is spared by the guards who when they hear the uproar of the mob go down to see what is going on and promptly arrest Paul assuming that he is the cause of the riot. Paul begs the leader of the guards who rescued him to let him address the people and the guard agrees to let him talk to them, which is the next chapter.

Paul never ceases to amaze me. I know he trusts in the Lord, but honestly his trust almost comes across as fanaticism. I guess he really just does understand that it doesn't matter what happens to him in this life because this life is temporary and it is the next life that actually is what lasts for all time. He understands and he does not fear man at all, that is obvious. When he is faced with bodily harm or potential death, he just accepts it and walks right into the hands of the Jews if it means he can preach and do as he feels he needs to do as he has been commanded to do by the Spirit. He has been stoned, beaten, imprisoned and who knows what else at this point and he still is just plugging away and doing what he feels is the right course of action for him to pursue. You have to admire him and his dedication really, I mean it is impressive to me. It definitely gives me something to strive for that is for sure.

Now some might confuse Paul's confidence with arrogance but I don't think Paul is arrogant. I think he just has a perfect understanding of the plan of salvation and understands that his duty is to preach the word of God and do His will and act as the Savior would act were He still upon the earth. Anything more than that is superfluous and just a distraction. Luke in his recording of Paul's life in typical Jewish fashion, omits anything and everything about Paul's personal life, whether he was married or had children or anything about his life outside of the ministry so all we really know about Paul is he was a disciple of Christ and eventually an Apostle testifying of the resurrection of Jesus. He is an inspiration to all of us and give us something to emulate in his zeal for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how a disciple should behave. Perhaps his greatest lesson is that he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ and that is something we should all strive to be able to say. Until tomorrow.

Paul Raises a Man from the Dead and Prophesies Apostacy

Today I read Acts 20 and I can't help but wonder, what must it have been like in those days to hear the Apostles speak and see the miracles that followed them. It must have been amazing I think. I say this because in this chapter Paul and his brethren are preaching to the people and performing miracles, I mean raising people from the dead miracles.

Paul was preaching in a church and it must have been a very tall church because there was a young man sitting in the window sill of the windows 3 floors up and he fell asleep due to Paul's long preaching. After he fell sleep he fell out of the window sill and was killed from the fall. Paul then brings him back to life and finishes his sermon. This must have been incredible to see, to have personally witnessed a death like that only to have it reversed before your very eyes? If there were any that were not converted prior to that, I imagine they sure were afterwards.

I often wonder what it would be like to live during different time periods than our own, without instant communication or travel. What must it have been like to be going about your life and then you hear from someone that there is a man in town that just raised someone from the dead in front of at least a hundred people. It must have been an interesting time, no modern conveniences, working in the fields every day most likely, a very different world indeed. I think I would miss air conditioning and forced air heating the most. But I digress.

I wonder how the Apostles did it back then. I mean they knew, they KNEW that all their efforts were essentially not going to last because an apostasy of the church was going to happen, no question. In fact Paul straight up tells the people that as soon as he leaves there will be false prophets and a falling away from the truth. But I think they were able to do it because they weren't focused on the long term, they knew that every soul is precious in the sight of God and knew that they owed it to those who they could help here and now to do all they could to build up the kingdom and not let any of the souls they might have helped suffer. The Lord told them that they were not doing this for the long term, the time had not yet come for that. They were instead sent out to gather the elect that were currently on the earth in their sphere of influence.

That must have been a hard message to receive on the part of the Apostles. It would be hard to know that what you are doing would not last. However, these men did it anyway because that is what Jesus required of them. They are truly an inspiration to everyone to do as they are asked and not question the Lord's plan. We could all learn from them. It is a hard talent to cultivate to just do as you are asked and not question the Lord. But as we learn to do it, we will become a better, more profitable servant. And isn't that our goal? Until tomorrow.

Paul and His Companions are Again Protected by the Law

Today I read Acts 19, where Paul goes to Ephesus and finds those who have been baptized but have not been sufficiently taught the truth. The reason I say this is Paul asks them if they had received the Holy Ghost and they reply that they have note even heard that there was such a thing as the Holy Ghost. Paul, with probably no small amount of confusion, asks them to what then were they baptized? To which they replied that they were baptized after the manner of John's baptism. Paul then takes the opportunity to teach them about the Gospel and baptizes them again and this time gives them the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I have often wondered through multiple readings of this chapter, just who taught these men the Gospel and who baptized them. Because the person did not do a complete job of it at all.

It reminds me when I first came back from my mission I had a friend that had some questions about the church and what I had been doing for the past few years. I remember inviting him to hear the missionary lessons and he politely declined but wanted me to explain certain things to him about it. I started and tried to briefly go over the plan of salvation and I remember it was very difficult and not at all like I remembered it being in the mission field. I eventually came to the conclusion that I was the wrong person to teach him. I of course could answer his questions and bear my testimony, but I was no longer set apart to teach the Gospel. Sadly I had more than that one experience before it really clicked in my mind. I eventually got the message but it was a little while before it sunk in and I accepted it.

The rest of the chapter is again about Paul and his companions causing an uproar among the people with their preaching. It always seems to start when they encroach on someone's money earning potential. Until they start costing someone money, the populace are quite content to just let the missionaries do their thing. But the second it costs them money, suddenly Paul and his companions are dissenters and must be silenced, etc etc. The people of Ephesus were worshipers of the Greek goddess, Diana. The chief antagonist who has a problem with Paul and his fellows is a man whose occupation is making silver statues of Diana to sell to the people so they can worship her, I guess in their own home. When he finds out that Paul is preaching that there is only one God, he realizes that if this catches on his pocketbook is going to suffer.

He causes and uproar and they grab Gaius and Aristarchus, two of Paul's companions, and take them to the amphitheater and start shouting at them that Diana is the goddess of Ephesus. Again however, I am impressed with the officials of the time. The townclerk stands up and appeases the people who by this point are almost in a frenzy. He tells them that all know that Ephesus worships the great Diana and these things cannot be assailed. Therefore they need to be careful because they have these two men who are not robbers or lawbreakers and at this point aren't even blasphemers against their goddess. He goes on to remind them that there are laws if any man has a grievance against them and they need to be careful because there is no just cause for the uproar they have caused today and in this matter it is those two men who have been wronged.

I guess the reason I am so impressed by these examples of people upholding and using the law to protect the Christians is because it is just such a sharp contrast to how Jesus was treated. When it came to Jesus, all points of the law were blatantly ignored and those men twisted and flat out ignored the law. However so far Paul has been protected by it, and those with him, multiple times. It's very comforting that God is watching over His messengers. He watches over us too and will not let anything happen to us that will not be for our betterment as long as we are righteous. We have no promise if we are not obeying the commandments however. It is our choice. I for one choose to take advantage of His protection and help so I can further His work. It is the key to a much happier life. Until tomorrow.

Stand Up for What is Right

Today I read Acts 18 which continues the mission of Paul. This chapter made me chuckle and then upset me at the same time. Paul was in the city of Corinth and was there a year and six months. Paul at this point has stopped trying to preach to the Jews at all having been rejected by them in all places he has been so far. So he has decided to only preach to the Gentiles at this point. What made me laugh was the Jews tried the exact same thing with Paul that they did to Jesus and it didn't work at all. They took him before the deputy whose name was Gallio complaining that Paul was preaching they had to worship God in a certain way. Paul was opening his mouth to defend himself when Gallio flat out told them he didn't care. He stated that if Paul was accused of leud behavior or breaking the law then he would do something about it, but if all he was doing was using a different name and suggesting people worship God in another way, he could care less. He tells them to handle it amongst themselves.

Now the part that upset me, the Jews take Paul and beat him and Gallio does nothing. Luke makes it very clear Gallio was aware of it happening but did not nothing about it or to stop it. Why do people in positions of authority seem to only want to do something about the things they feel like helping with? It never ceases to amaze me when I read the scriptures and hear the news stories or the stories of my friends in other countries of officials with positions of authority and how they blatantly abuse that authority. Now of course not everyone handles their authority that way but some flaunt it all over the place. For example, a judge is the only profession I can think of where if you insult them, you could wind up in jail, just for insulting them. And yet I work in the customer service industry and get insulted by my customers on an almost daily basis.

It amazes me how as a society, at least here in America, we have degenerated so far. Our spirit of "tolerance" and "acceptance" has spiraled so out of control that we now feel we can get away with anything and that the world had better not call us out on it or else they must be bigots. Consumerism is by far the worst of it. Just yesterday I was insulted, mocked and threatened all by the same customer who when I politely asked him to refrain and that such words were not helping informed me that he was my customer and I had to do whatever he wanted me to do. What a ridiculous notion! That's like getting pulled over by a police officer and telling him you were speeding because your taxes built the roadway and therefore you can do what you like on it. Such behaviors would never have been acceptable in our parents or grandparents time. And yet you see it all over the place now.

I was thinking the other day on what the great challenge of our time, scripturally speaking, was. What is the biggest stumbling block. I'm honestly torn between 3 things, Chastity, the Word of Wisdom - which I including eating to excess in the Word of Wisdom, and Tempers. I really can't decide if the world has a larger problem with promiscuous behavior, not controlling their physical appetites, or just not controlling their emotions. I think they are definitely the top three problems in at least America if not the world over. Just this morning I had the radio going while I was cleaning up the kitchen and my daughter was playing on the floor and 3 times I had to change the radio station because an inappropriate song came on the radio, generally having to do with sex. When did it become alright to sing about sex on the radio? Do we really think that Heavenly Father would listen to that type of music?

Now we are not wholly gone and thankfully there are some really, really good people out there, not just LDS people either. I've met truly humble Christians, Atheists, Buddhists, Muslims, LDS and just about every other religion you can think of. I've also met really prideful people in all those same religions too. It has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with distancing yourself from the world. Those people in all those religions I just named that I met were really humble, were not of the world. Even the self proclaimed Atheist who didn't believe in God, still believed in being a good person and in not following 80% of what the world teaches. It's about being good for goodness sake, not just because you are scared of being caught by the police. We each of us have a choice to make, what type of men/women will we be? And I promise you the more different you are from the world in every respect, the more you will stand out, which is a good thing. It gives you the opportunity to speak out on why you are different. Take advantage of those situations and people will respond in amazing ways. Don't conform no matter what the world says. Right is right and no amount of laws passed or talking will change that. Until tomorrow.