If scriptures were cell phones

Good food for thought.

Aubrey

Signs of the Second Coming: Gospel Principles Chapter 43

"For I will reveal myself from heaven with power and great glory, with all the hosts thereof, and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand years, and the wicked shall not stand."     Doctrine and Covenants 29:11


Toward the end of His life, Jesus' apostles approached Him to ask about the Second Coming.  (Matthew 24)  Part of Jesus' response included the parable of the fig tree.

"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:  So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors."  (Verses 32-33)

The video in the post above -- "Be Not Troubled" will explain more about the Savior's discussion with his apostles and about the parable.

Why should we know the signs of the Savior's coming?  Because our loving Heavenly Father wants us to be physically and spiritually prepared.  The obedient and faithful will study the scriptures and know the signs.

There are two types of signs.  One type are the signs that show a "time of trouble such as never was" (Daniel 12:1).  These include those mentioned in the following scriptures:

Doctrine and Covenants 45:27

Doctrine and Covenants 88:91

Doctrine and Covenants 88:90

Doctrine and Covenants 29:16

Doctrine and Covenants 29:14

Doctrine and Covenants 29:15

Doctrine and Covenants 29:17

Matthew 24: 9

Matthew 24: 10

Matthew 24: 24

Matthew 24: 7

There are also signs that bring great joy!  These can be found in the following scriptures:

Doctrine and Covenants 45:28

Doctrine and Covenants 90:11

Doctrine and Covenants 2

Doctrine and Covenants 49:24

Joseph-Matthew 1:31

Malachi 4:5-6

3 Nephi 21:23-25

Articles of Faith 1:10

In addition to these signs, we have also been provided with advice and promises from our Savior.  These wonderful things can be read in the following verses:

Matthew 24:6

Matthew 24:22

Matthew 24:26-27

Matthew 24:42

Doctrine and Covenants 87:8

Doctrine and Covenants 38:30

Doctrine and Covenants 88:92

Matthew 24:13

Because the Book of Mormon was written for our day and has been called a "type" of things that will happen here and now, it is helpful to study the events leading up to the Savior's appearance in the Americas and compare them to the signs of the times that have been revealed to us.  Here is a timeline that I (Debbie) came up with as I studied Helaman and the first part of 3 Nephi.

Time                      Event
BC 52                    wars and corruption in the government
BC 50-49              the righteous cause the Gadianton Robbers to flee; 10,000 are baptized
BC 38                    the Nephites defeated because of wickedness
BC 30                    Lehi and Nephi preach; many converts
BC 29                    prosperity and peace
BC 24                    Gadianton Robbers take over the government
BC 20                    the government incites the people against Nephi; Nephi is given great                     power
BC 16                   famine; many perish; many repent; rain comes
BC 7                     Gadianton Robbers entrenched in the land
BC 6                     Samuel prophesies; there are more wicked people than good
BC 1                     the wicked plan to destroy the believers; wonders in the heavens; great signs and great miracles
AD 1                     sign is given; new star; day/night/day with no darkness
AD 3-9                 wickedness increases; satan very powerful
AD 15                   war with Gadianton Robbers
AD 18-19             Nephites win; repentance and prosperity
AD 21-26             pride, wealth, class distinctions; church rent with dissension; prophets slain; Gadianton Robbers conspire to take over government
AD 29-30             government overthrown; Nephi preaches constantly; ministrations from angels; many baptisms
AD 32-33             tempests, earthquakes, fires, whirlwinds; many destroyed
AD 34                   darkness for 3 days; people bemoan their fate; the more righteous are preserved; Christ speaks from the darkness; the Father introduces His Son; Christ descends and states, "Behold, I am Jesus Christ."

What one specific thing can you do in the next few months to be better prepared either physically or spiritually?

"And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.  For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide and have not been deceived -- verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.  And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation.  For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their lawgiver."  Doctrine and Covenants 45:56-59

Church to Restore Historic Site in PA...near us!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will restore a historic site in Pennsylvania that played a significant role in the growth of the Church from humble beginnings to a worldwide faith with 14 million members.

Formerly known as the town of Harmony, the site is in Oakland Township in Pennsylvania near the present-day town of Susquehanna.

Read the full article. There are many old-time photos too.

Related articles:
Deseret News article
Elder and Sister Watts' Mission Musings

e

See Metal Book 2,000 Years Old

Source: news.bbcimg.co.uk

No, it's not the Book of Mormon. Darn.

But it's believed to be an early Christian text. Very interesting article.

A group of 70 or so "books", each with between five and 15 lead leaves bound by lead rings, was apparently discovered in a remote arid valley in northern Jordan somewhere between 2005 and 2007.

...The books, or "codices", were apparently cast in lead, before being bound by lead rings.

Their leaves - which are mostly about the size of a credit card - contain text in Ancient Hebrew, most of which is in code.

If the relics are of early Christian origin rather than Jewish, then they are of huge significance.

...Margaret Barker, an authority on New Testament history, points to the location of the reported discovery as evidence of Christian, rather than purely Jewish, origin.

"We do know that on two occasions groups of refugees from the troubles in Jerusalem fled east, they crossed the Jordan near Jericho and then they fled east to very approximately where these books were said to have been found," she says.

"[Another] one of the things that is most likely pointing towards a Christian provenance, is that these are not scrolls but books. The Christians were particularly associated with writing in a book form rather than scroll form, and sealed books in particular as part of the secret tradition of early Christianity."

Read the full article:

Jordan battles to regain 'priceless' Christian relics

e

Video: That Promised Day

 

In 1972, a monumental project was initiated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to publish an LDS edition of the King James Bible.

Included in the publication would be new chapter headings, cross-referencing footnotes linking all of the standard works, a topical guide or subject index, an improved bible dictionary, a gazetteer, and color maps. Selections from the Joseph Smith Inspired translation of the Bible were also included.

The impressiveness of the finished work in 1979 made a similar revision necessary for other Church scriptures, completed in 1981. But all of this was only in English.

Today work continues to make these remarkable study aids available in many other languages. This production documents many of the monumental processes, showing how the hand of the Lord was evident at all levels.

What remains for us as individuals is to make use of these inspired resources to enhance Gospel understanding and to solidify testimony, "that every man might speak in the name of God, the Lord".

That time has come. This is That Promised Day.

Watch the documentary video now »

e

Lesson Recap: Testimony

Taught by Devon Linn

A testimony is a personal conviction of gospel truths, based on knowledge revealed by the Holy Ghost.

Most Church members have a testimony of some principle of the gospel, and on this foundation a more complete testimony can be built. It may be related to a one-time event or memory, or the piling up of hundreds of small impressions and experiences that provide the foundation.

A testimony motivates us to live righteously, and righteous living causes a testimony to grow. A testimony of the Savior and his gospel is essential to our exaltation.

Essentials

Elder Faust teaches us about the importance of bearing testimony:

All my life I have tried not to hide who I am and what I believe in. I cannot recall a single instance when it hurt my career or I lost valued friends by humbly acknowledging that I was a member of this Church.

There are four absolutes about which it is always appropriate for us to testify:

The first is that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior, the Mediator and Redeemer of the world.

The second is that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and reestablished the Church of Christ upon the earth with its keys and authority.

The third is that all of the Presidents of the Church since Joseph Smith have been successors in that power and authority.

The fourth is that President Gordon B. Hinckley [now President Monson] is the only prophet of God upon the earth, holding all of the keys, powers, and authorities of the Church in the earth today.

As one of the special witnesses of the Lord, I desire to declare my testimony to you. I am grateful that I have always had a testimony of the gospel.

I cannot remember when I did not believe. I have not always understood everything and do not claim to do so now, but through thousands and thousands of spiritual confirmations throughout my life, including my calling to the holy apostleship, I can declare my testimony to you that Jesus is the Christ. With every fiber and cell of my being, I know that He is our Savior and Redeemer. I testify that Joseph Smith was the greatest prophet who ever lived upon the earth and of great importance to the Savior in the work of God on the earth. I know this to be true.

A process

Elder Godoy, of the Seventy reminds us that gaining a testimony is a process:

A testimony, for some people, may come through a single and irrefutable event. But for others, it may come through a process of experiences that, perhaps not as remarkable but when combined, testify in an indisputable way that what we have learned and lived is true.

Today, after many years as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I might not be able to remember most of the experiences that have shaped my testimony.

Still, all of these experiences have left their mark and contributed to my testimony of the restored Church. Today, I have an absolute certainty of the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sharing

The remainder of our lesson today was left for sisters to bear testimony of some particular principle of the gospel, and when and how we knew it was true.

Charity spoke of a sure knowledge of the eternal family and that God has a plan for each of us and our families and we need to trust that plan.

Christine told of a time when she diligently sought to know Joseph Smith and more about him as a man and a prophet, and it strengthened her testimony of him.

Madelyn had a time when she was down and struggling and feeling unworthy, but turned to the Savior for comfort. She realized that the choice to accept the Atonement is ours.

Jill remembered a time when friends reaching out to her helped her return to the church and helped her testimony grow and strengthen as she relearned the truths of the gospel. She cherishes those friendships.

Sister Layman (a visitor) told of a time when she was little and the Holy Ghost inspired her to be awake and in the right place to help her mother when she had an allergic reaction to medicine.

Sister Sasser shared her testimony and love for the gospel. [She will be transferred this week and we so appreciated hearing from her one more time. We wish her luck in the remainder of her mission.]

Sisters, whatever your testimony is, wherever you are in your progress toward God and having a conviction of the truth, you can know that He is there, that he cares and that he wants to give you the gift of testimony. He wants you to build your testimony and to bear your testimony.

Thanks to Devon for the lesson and for setting the stage for us to share our testimonies today.

e

Photo credit

Lesson: Safety for the Soul

By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland 

Taught by Cheryl Wentzel

Latter-day ills and destruction
...There is one kind of latter-day destruction that has always sounded to me more personal than public, more individual than collective—a warning, perhaps more applicable inside the Church than outside it.

The Savior warned that in the last days even those of the covenant, the very elect, could be deceived by the enemy of truth. If we think of this as a form of spiritual destruction, it may cast light on another latter-day prophecy.

Think of the heart as the figurative center of our faith, the poetic location of our loyalties and our values; then consider Jesus’s declaration that in the last days “men’s hearts [shall fail] them.”

The encouraging thing, of course, is that our Father in Heaven knows all of these latter-day dangers, these troubles of the heart and soul, and has given counsel and protections regarding them.

Powerful counteroffensive
In light of that, it has always been significant to me that the Book of Mormon, one of the Lord’s powerful keystones in this counteroffensive against latter-day ills, begins with a great parable of life, an extended allegory of hope versus fear, of light versus darkness, of salvation versus destruction.

In Lehi’s dream an already difficult journey gets more difficult when a mist of darkness arises, obscuring any view of the safe but narrow path his family and others are to follow. It is imperative to note that this mist of darkness descends on all the travelers—the faithful and the determined ones (the elect, we might even say) as well as the weaker and ungrounded ones.

The principal point of the story is that the successful travelers resist all distractions, including the lure of forbidden paths and jeering taunts from the vain and proud who have taken those paths. The record says that the protected “did press their way forward, continually [and, I might add, tenaciously] holding fast” to a rod of iron that runs unfailingly along the course of the true path. However dark the night or the day, the rod marks the way of that solitary, redeeming trail.

Sisters, why is that iron rod so powerful?

“I beheld,” Nephi says later, “that the rod of iron . . . was the word of God, [leading] . . . to the tree of life; . . . a representation of the love of God.” Viewing this manifestation of God’s love, Nephi goes on to say:

“I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world, . . . [who] went forth ministering unto the people. . . .
“ . . . And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick, and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits; . . . and they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God; and the devils and the unclean spirits were cast out.”

Love. Healing. Help. Hope. The power of Christ to counter all troubles in all times—including the end of times.

That is the safe harbor God wants for us in personal or public days of despair.

That is the message with which the Book of Mormon begins, and that is the message with which it ends, calling all to “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him.” That phrase—taken from Moroni’s final lines of testimony, written 1,000 years after Lehi’s vision—is a dying man’s testimony of the only true way.

Find the fullest measure of peace
I testify that one cannot come to full faith in this latter-day work—and thereby find the fullest measure of peace and comfort in these, our times—until he or she embraces the divinity of the Book of Mormon and the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom it testifies.

He offers us the fullest measure of peace and comfort! It's that easy.

If anyone is foolish enough or misled enough to reject 531 pages of a heretofore unknown text teeming with literary and Semitic complexity without honestly attempting to account for the origin of those pages—especially without accounting for their powerful witness of Jesus Christ and the profound spiritual impact that witness has had on what is now tens of millions of readers—if that is the case, then such a person, elect or otherwise, has been deceived; and if he or she leaves this Church, it must be done by crawling over or under or around the Book of Mormon to make that exit. In that sense the book is what Christ Himself was said to be: “a stone of stumbling, . . . a rock of offence,” a barrier in the path of one who wishes not to believe in this work.

Most straightforward witness
...my testimony of this record and the peace it brings to the human heart is as binding and unequivocal as was [Lehi’s, Jared’s, King Benjamin’s, Alma’s and Amulek’s].

I ask that my testimony of the Book of Mormon and all that it implies, given today under my own oath and office, be recorded by men on earth and angels in heaven. ... I want it absolutely clear when I stand before the judgment bar of God that I declared to the world, in the most straightforward language I could summon, that the Book of Mormon is true, that it came forth the way Joseph said it came forth and was given to bring happiness and hope to the faithful in the travail of the latter days.

...God always provides safety for the soul, and with the Book of Mormon, He has again done that in our time.

How has the Book of Mormon affected your life? Have you found safety? What is your testimony?

Remember this declaration by Jesus Himself:

“Whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived”—and in the last days neither your heart nor your faith will fail you. Of this I earnestly testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

 GET A GRIP!

Photo credit

Website: Scriptures 4 Kids

Check out this new website designed for LDS families.

It is Scriptures 4 Kids.

The site will read the scriptures to you and has pictures to go along with the stories.

There are 4 different reading levels so children of all ages can understand the scriptures.

It is in beta, which means an early testing phase, so take a look and leave feedback.

Seems pretty great!

Nancy

In future look for the link in the right nav. e

Reaction to Elder Holland's Talk

The LDS online world is buzzing today with reaction to Elder Holland's talk.

For the most part most folks think it was masterful and powerful, others think he side-stepped the serious issues people have with Joseph Smith.

You decide for yourself...

The Millennial Star - Elder Holland's Talk

Life on Gold Plates - A Few Comments on Elder Holland's Conference Address

Mormon Mentality - Jeffrey Holland Rocks the House

Nine Moons - Favorite Conference Talks, Elder Holland

What did you think?

ellen

More Conference Thoughts

As I look back over the past two days I see a couple threads running through. 

Love, live what you believe, understand and use the Holy Ghost. 

What stood out to you?

The sessions can be viewed at LDS.org, if you missed any, including the Priesthood session.

***Don't miss Elder Holland's powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon on Sunday afternoon. It was so sincere and forceful that it brought tears to my eyes and a strong witness of the Spirit. Again, powerful.



Saturday pm
Elder Oakes - God's love and God's law
His love is so perfect that He gave His commandments,
so that we could become perfect like Him.
This talk deserves further study. It follows on so logically.

Elder Hales - God and His Son Jesus Christ live
Your personal knowledge of God is not only the greatest gift
you’ve been given, it will bring you the greatest joy in your life.
Believe in God. The Spirit will witness.

Elder Zeballos - Do the best you can
With faith, dedication, responsibility, and love do all we can
to achieve perfection though it appears impossible. He will help.
He wants us to serve with heart, mind, might and strength.

Elder Callister - 4 great truths from Joseph Smith
The gospel is like a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle with 100 pieces in place
then Joseph came along and put the other 900 pieces in place.
An unusual format using questions to prove out Joseph's work.

Elder Watson - Temperance
Temperance is more than exercising restraint in food and drink,
it is a divine attribute of Jesus Christ, a spiritual gift from the Holy Ghost.
Counter to the mode of operation today: indulging in ourselves to excess.

Elder Andersen - Repentance brings the Lord's love into our lives
Come unto him and spiritually be wrapped in his arms.
Humbly petition for what we should do, the changes we should make.
Relief will come in the timetable of the Lord.

Elder Packer - (from his seat, anybody know why?) The Holy Ghost, How It Works
None of us are left alone. The gift of the Holy Ghost operates
for men, women, and children. Prayer is your personal key to heaven.
Loved his suggestion to create a delete key to use to resist temptation.


Sunday am
President Eyring - We must expect to become better
We will all meet the Savior, we must prepare.
Through living the gospel we can become like the Savior.
(Didn't catch all of this, darnit. When one watches at home I guess one should expect to lose the internet connection at least once.)

Elder Perry -
The pioneers faced their uncertain future knowing the truths of the gospel.
Through missionary work we can help others face the future.
Didn't catch all of this talk either. Add your synopsis in the comments.

Elder Burton - Living with virtue
Virtuous traits must never be forgotten or set aside.
If lost, families will be weakened, faith will be softened, important
relationships will be jeopardized.
Integrity and spirituality are interconnected!

Sister Dibb - Get a grip
We live in scary times, with challenges and dangers.
Invited to get a grip: hold to the iron rod and never let go.
She is over the top with her affectation, but at least she’s got some personality.

Elder Nelson - Access to personal revelation
We can access info from heaven without hardware, software or monthly service fees.
One of the Lord's most marvelous gifts—prayer.
Revelation need not come all at once, but incrementally

Love the song Love Is Spoken Here. This was beautiful.

President Monson - Do something for someone today
Those who live only for themselves shrivel up, lose their lives.
Those who live to serve others grow and flourish, save their lives.
Ask yourselves...what good have I done in the world today?

Hymn - Have I Done Any Good in the World Today - beautiful arrangement. I love this version. Should replace the original hymn.

The choir is sounding like one voice lately. All their efforts to improve over the last few years is showing.

I think some of the most interesting parts of conference are the coming and going. Seeing people greet one another, more natural, more authentic. [That’s my touchstone this year, authenticity. I think we all crave authentic relationships, interactions, advertising, customer service etc. That’s why Facebook and Twitter are so appealing (though not totally authentic, unfortunately).]

Ah, they’re waving at President and Sister Monson.

Ah, love the commercials they show after conference. Feel good ads, cute (though not authentic, darn).


Sunday pm
Elder Holland - Testimony and witness of the Book of Mormon
Find the fullest measure of peace or comfort by embracing
the Book of Mormon and He of whom it testifies.
His powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon brought tears to my eyes. Wow, was he ever adamant.

Elder Cook - Accountability to fellowman
We have a feeling of accountability for our fellowmen because we love
and want to please our Father in Heaven.
God wants us to love and care for each other.

Elder Nielson - Go forth and preach to all nations
The Savior’s call is to you of the rising generation; heed the prophet's voice.
You are called to go this last time. There is not greater work, no greater call.
Testified of how in his life he has seen the fulfillment of the prophecies and President Kimball's call to lengthen our stride in the 70's.

Elder Renlund - Change of heart
Examine your changed heart. Can you feel so now? Becoming casual
with prayers and scripture study, a changed heart will turn to stone.
Prayer, scriptures, church. The fire of testimony can burn again.

Elder Ringwood - An easiness and willingness to believe
An easiness and willingness to believe the word of God comes from
a softness of heart, which comes from the daily living of the gospel.
Periods of intense change and trials keep my heart soft.

Elder Sitati (black man) - New pioneers keeping covenants
I have lived to see good fruit of gospel bless Africa. 300,000 saints.
A new celestial culture is growing in homes and families, scriptures and FHE.
How blessed we are to have the gospel in these last days.

Elder Christofferson - Moral discipline
Moral agency must be accompanied by moral discipline;
consistently choosing right because it is right.
The intelligent use of agency requires the knowledge of the truth.

President Monson
"Love and prayers for you. Remember me, and those who serve with me, in your prayers." We are all in this together. We all have a part to play. 

Thanks for letting me indulge in notetaking here in the blog. I found that I fully absorbed and processed so much more of conference knowing I would record a bit of it here. This, rather than doing some chore or handiwork, kept me engaged and participating.


Ellen

Stake Young Single Adult Trip

STAKE YOUNG SINGLE ADULT HILL CUMORAH PAGEANT TRIP

Saturday July 11th - Sunday July 12th

ALL Valley Forge Stake Young Single Adults invited

Ages 18-30

2009 High School graduates included



COST: $40 ($20 for gas/tolls and $20 for Motel)

- Bring sack lunch for Saturday and money for food

- Sunday meals provided

SIGN UP: Reservation and more details valleyforgestake.ysa@gmail.com



SATURDAY, JULY 11TH

- 7:30 AM Meet at P3 Ward Building

- 3913 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19104

- Sack Lunch at Priesthood Restoration Site in Harmony, PA

- 2:30 PM Arrive at Hill Cumorah to save seats for Pageant and tour sites

- Path to Moroni Statue at Hill closes @ 6 PM

- Joseph Smith Farm Welcome Center and Sacred Grove closes @ 7 PM

- Book of Mormon Historic Publication Site in Palmyra closes @ 7 PM

- Visitor’s center at Hill Cumorah closes @ 9 PM

- Ice Cream at Chill N Grill in Palmyra if you have time!

- Dinner on your own purchased in Palmyra or from vendors at Pageant

- FILL UP CAR GAS TANK BEFORE SUNDAY

- 9:15 PM Pageant begins

- 11:00 PM Check into Motel



SUNDAY, JULY 12TH

- 8:00 AM LEAVE motel

- Breakfast and lunch provided for each car

- 2:00 PM Church at Philadelphia P3 YSA Ward

- 5:15 PM Munch and Mingle



YOUNG SINGLE ADULTS PLEASE COME!

Go to www.hillcumorah.org for preview

Register at valleyforgestake.ysa@gmail.com

See the Hill Cumorah Pageant This Year!

Come feel the Savior's love - July 10, 11, 14-18, 2009

Experience one of the world's great outdoor theatrical productions. Each July, seven evening performances are presented on the beautiful Cumorah hillside next to the Visitors' Center. A beautiful story on an enormous 10 level stage, twelve-tower lighting, state-of-the-art sound system, Hollywood special effects, and a costumed cast of over 650 provide a truly spectacular show.

Parking and admission are free. No tickets needed.

The Hill Cumorah is located on Highway 21 between the villages of Palmyra and Manchester, NY, two miles north of Interstate 90, Exit 43. Seating for 9,000. Spanish translation and ASL interpretation provided. Starts at 9:15pm.

It's a 5 hour drive from here.

More information on their website


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