SEVEN WITNESSES - Seven Heavenly Witnesses of the …



Idolatry: Our #1 SinVal Brinkerhoff (69 pages) - 3/23/2019Idolatry is a great sin. The Lord knew it would be a problem among us and thus gave us the first four of the Ten Commandments, which are tied to removing false gods in our lives and worshipping the true and living God, that we might be blessed with eternal life. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Nephi and other prophets focus on removing us from idolatry. They have taught us to love God with our whole heart, and place our faith and trust in Him only (Psalm 118:8; Jer. 17:7), not weak men – the arm of flesh (2 Ne. 4:34; 28:31; Jer. 17:5). We are invited to “repent” and “come unto Christ” to be saved. God’s word tells us there is no other way (2 Ne. 9:41; Hel. 5:12). “An oracle concerning Egypt: When Jehovah enters Egypt riding on swift clouds, the idols of Egypt will rock at his presence and the Egyptians’ hearts melt within them” (Isa. 19:1, Gileadi translation).The Lord commanded us to diligently search Isaiah in 3 Nephi 23:1-3. Isaiah experts among the Saints today clearly understand that “Egypt” is modern America. Our idols will be removed. According to the apostle Paul, idolatry is one of the more wicked things that keeps us out of the kingdom of God. His list includes, “adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like…they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19–21). Note that idolatry is the fifth thing listed, next to witchcraft.Matthew tells us we must choose one to worship, for we cannot serve two masters. One will be hated and the other loved (Mat. 6:24). Joshua and Mosiah both tell us that we inherit most of our false traditions tied to idolatry from three types of mortal leaders; those at home, those in religion, and those within government. They are our “fathers, priests, and kings” (Josh. 24:2; Mos. 11:7). Again, we must choose whom we will worship.Nephi and others have told us that we and our land are both cursed when we place trust in “the arm of flesh” (2 Ne. 4:34; 28:31; Jer. 17:5; Ether 7:23). God alone can bring life and refreshment necessary for the thirsty soul (see Psalm 36:9; Isa. 55:1; John 4:10-14; 7:37-39; Rev. 21:6). Jesus said, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water (John 7:38). Christ is living water. The children of Israel drank from God’s living water at various points in time. When Moses struck “the rock” in the deserts of Sinai (a type for Christ), living waters flowed. It continues to proceed from the throne of God for those who will receive it. Too many in Israel (ancient and modern) abandon God and His living water. The first evil addressed in Jeremiah 2:13 is turning away from God, the source of all good things. The second is turning to false gods, including men. Living water is a symbol of physical life and eternal life, associated with direct revelation from God. Without it we are dry and thirsty.In the first Section of the Doctrine and Covenants, God, seeing our day, said, “They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great which shall fall” (D&C 1:16). Later in Section 64, God added that He “will not spare any that remain in Babylon” (D&C 64:20; Isa. 2:17-18). False pastors keep the people in ignorance for gain and the honors of men (1 Ne. 22:23). Sent ones preach the way of salvation. Christ is the true Shepherd. False Pastors Sent Ones The Living God Seek their own welfare, not the Sheep Are shepherds to the sheep Christ is the good shepherd Are paid and live off of people Work with their own hands Sacrifice all for sheep They scatter the sheep They are “chosen” to gather the sheep He is the light for the sheep They destroy the vineyard They nourish the trees of the vineyard Is the true vine - the Tree of Life Seek not the Lord They seek the Lord with their whole heart He opens and shuts the door for the sheep They are not sent of the Lord The Lord sends them, are called & chosen He was sent of the Father Their heads are covered They are “sent” and know the Lord He says, repent and come unto me” They receive no revelation They prophesy, see visions, and provide rev. He is the light and life of the world The teach trust in the arm of flesh They trust in the Lord Trusts in the Father They preach lies, all is well Preach truth & repentance Is the way, the truth & the life They forsake the fountain of living waters They seek & trust God Is God, the fountain of living waters They have wind only, no word in them They have the Spirit with them Is the Spirit of TruthJeremiah was especially blunt in his day with regard to false pastors among the people, those who sought their own welfare rather than the sheep they were to gather and teach. He said these “pastors seek not the Lord” (Jer. 10:21), and are “not sent of the Lord” (Jer. 23:21). He added that they have only “wind” in them, rather than “the word” (Jer. 5:12-13), and that they “preach lies” (Jer. 5:12; 23:17). Jeremiah then quoted the Lord, who said, “For my people have committed two evils. They have forsaken me the fountain of living waters and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns [imperfect man] that can hold no water” (Jer. 2:13; see also 5:19 & 17:13). As a result, the pastors “scatter the sheep” (Jer. 23:1), and “destroy the vineyard” (Jer. 12:10). We are the trees of the Lord’s last-days vineyard. We are to bear sweet fruit, “fruit meet for the Father’s kingdom” (D&C 84:58). To do so, we must not be deceived. Instead too many trees today are drying up, thirsting for God’s living waters. Many bear bitter fruit or no fruit at all (see Jacob 5). In the end, such trees will be cut down and cast into the fire. This awful situation is partly the result of servants in the Lord’s vineyard. The Lord addresses the shepherds of the people in a variety of scriptures, including D&C 101. We read there that one simple but very important command was ignored - that the servants build up a high tower at the center of the vineyard (see D&C 101:43-66). The ‘high tower” is thought by some to be a special “house,” specifically “the house of the Lord” at Nauvoo. It was never completed. The Saints had other priorities at the time, including the completion of the Masonic Temple, their homes, and their businesses (a similar misplaced priority occurred in Haggai 1). At a deeper level, the central tower of D&C 101 is a clear symbol for the Lord Jesus, our Savior, Judge, and King. Seven scriptures reveal that He is “The High Tower” that we are to build up at the center of our vineyard (see Psalm 18:2, 61:3 & 144:2; 2 Sam. 22:3 & 51; Prov. 18:10, and D&C 97:20). The parable in D&C 101 is tied to disobedience and the traditions of men (fathers, priests, and kings) that result in idolatry. The first and great commandment is to “love God” with our whole heart and soul (Mat. 22:37). He is to be lifted up as our central focus - our “high tower” not any man. The 2nd commandment is like unto the 1st, that we love our neighbors as ourselves. We come to love others in pure ways as we are sanctified in Christ - in “the mighty change of heart” spoken of by Alma (5:14) and others in the Book of Mormon. It is when we are baptized by fire and the Holy Ghost, that our sins may be fully remitted. It is when we receive the Holy Ghost as our guide. We are made new in this important, sanctifying experience. With it we have greater ability to love God, ourselves, and others. We can then become productive, useful servants, full of His love. Too few today understand this necessary cleansing doctrine and event. It is a significant part of “the doctrine of Christ” found throughout the Book of Mormon. Our non-LDS Christian friends refer to it as being “born again” in Christ, Jesus. It is one of “the plain and precious” truths removed from the Bible. Moroni and his father Mormon placed it in the Book of Mormon. To receive this fiery baptism is to receive Christ as our Father, receiving redemption at His hands. It is an essential part of “the way of salvation” now overlooked in favor of following men, a modern form of idolatry.In antiquity, the central high tower of the vineyard was the place where a servant or “watchman” atop it could see in all directions, and thus alert the people under his care that danger was coming in an advancing enemy. He blew his trumpet to awaken the people, that they might prepare themselves appropriately. Today we are to awake to our “awful [unsaved] situation” and arise, by coming out of Babylon and its false teachings and traditions, and prepare ourselves for the Second Coming of Christ. Trumpeting is a warning voice, tied to our need for repentance. Sadly, many watchmen are silent in this regard. They are endangering the trees of the vineyard, as the enemy is all around us is advancing.In D&C 101, we read that the watchmen did not turn to the Lord wholly. Instead they trusted in themselves and their own wisdom. They quit building up the high tower at the center of the vineyard. Note also in verse 6 that there were, “jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances.” As we will see later on, polygamy at Nauvoo became a seething pot of these “lustful and covetous desires.” Lust drives away the Spirit (D&C 42:22-23).Christ is “the high tower” not built up sufficiently at the center of the vineyard today too. He is to be our “rock” (1 Cor. 10:4), our “sure foundation” (1 Cor. 3:11), our source of “living waters” (Jer. 2:13). He said, “I am the light and life of the world” (3 Ne. 11:11). Seeing our day, He informed us that we would deny Him (2 Ne. 28:32), reject Him (2 Ne. 1:10), and forsake Him (Jer. 2:13), along with the power of the Holy Ghost (2 Ne. 28:26, 31). This paper reveals how we do each of these things today. As we reject God, we turn to idolatry instead, the number one sin among ancient and modern Israel. Hereafter, three forms of modern idolatry are addressed among us. They include: 1. Raising up men instead of the High Tower is lifting up men as our light, rather than the Lord Jesus Christ. This leads to idolatry and cursings. No man, including Joseph Smith or any modern leader should stand between us and the Lord. Christ alone is the gate to heaven. 2. Embracing our idolatrous Gregorian calendar and its holidays is a replacement for God’s Holy Days calendar in the Bible, including His special Sabbath day - a “sign” of who and what we worship today. 3. Maintaining idols in our hearts, rather than seeking God’s will and wisdom, is a mostly forgotten form of idolatry, leading to much deception and strong delusion. Following this, a fourth, final section of the paper addresses “Our Awful Situation,” the corruption of secret combinations among us that contribute to our “unsaved” condition and the unbelief among us as a people. Interwoven in this four-part discussion, we will see how the Lord assisted Joseph Smith in an attempt to build Zion in early church history, from the spring of 1831 to the fall of 1834 – 3.5 years. And we will see how Satan came and took this light and truth away, corrupting the vineyard early on. It is a pattern we must come to recognize and understand, for wicked Babylon is soon to be destroyed. The wise believers, the pure in heart will then have opportunity to help God bring about a glorious new kingdom of peace.1. Raising up Men instead of the High TowerWhen most people think of idolatry, they think of the physical idols of the Bible, like the golden calf of Egypt worshipped at the base of Sinai, or Ashtereth, Baal, Chemosh, Dagon, Marduk, and Molech. Few consider men as idols. But today, various Hollywood actors and sports figures fit that mold, as do church leaders, the church itself, and even the temple for latter-day Saints. Idols of all kinds have replaced the reality of the living God. Without Him, there is no salvation, no real hope for our future.Idolatry has resulted in many problems among us. Without God and His word and law center stage, there is increasing crime and corruption, moral decay, and the crumbling of civil and family government. Because many of the Saints have lifted up the arm of flesh in place of God, we too are paying a price as a people. Mormon and Moroni saw our day, a day of pride and unbelief, when all churches would become polluted, including “the holy church of God” (Morm. 8:36-41). The influence of the Spirit of God is then withdrawn. The state of Utah today has an abnormally high rate of child physical and sexual abuse, pornography addiction, teen suicides, and prescription drug abuse. We lead the nation as a State in some of these. They are a growing epidemic, according to Utah’s Governor. Unbelief among the Saints is increasing. And the gifts and fruits of the Spirit are waning.These “fruits” are in direct opposition to what should be in a state dominated by Mormonism (see endnotes 3 & 7). Instead of sweet “fruit meet for the Father’s kingdom” (D&C 84:58; Alma 12:15, 13:13, 16), there is an increasing quantity of bitter and unripe fruit in the vineyard. Some of our problems may be the result of inherited curses and lies tied to polygamy. Innocent converts in early church history came to this land and then placed their faith and trust in leaders like Brigham Young and many of the Twelve, who them led them into this practice at Nauvoo and thereafter. Had they not lifted up leaders as their light, and had they been taught to turn to God and His word instead (revelation and scripture), many would not have blindly followed them.Removing the Darkness of Ignorance Scripture tells us that time is short for us to act, as the harvest of souls is coming. Too many today believe they are saved when they are not (see D&C 45:2; 56:16; Jer. 17:11). What is needed is a simple sacrifice – “a broken heart and a contrite spirit.” We must repent, have faith in the Lord Jesus and cry out to Him for mercy, as did Alma in the Book of Mormon. We must look to Christ and His redemptive mission to receive salvation at His hands. Men cannot save us.Satan and the secret combinations he employs are fully entrenched all around us, causing many to remain in ignorance, and of this saving path. Such remain in darkness at mid-day, when much light is available. The word of God, where the light is, tells us that we cannot be saved in ignorance (D&C 131:6). We are to awake, arise, and come out of Babylon and be saved. We must turn from our idolatry first, and then turn to the Lord. Only He can save us. He employs no servant in this important role. Men are weak substitutes for our powerful God. Man or God When we allow men to place themselves between us, and God, idolatry results. Some preach for “gain,” practicing priestcraft (2 Ne. 26:29). “Gain” can be defined as “the honors of men,” the “lusts of the flesh,” and of course money and material things. Nephi supplies us a 7-part list in 1 Nephi 22:23. These 7 things make up the great and abominable church in the last-days, in direct opposition to the church of the lamb or the Firstborn. Men in the false church preach, “all is well” (2 Ne. 28:25-26) rather than repentance (Acts 17:3), and coming to Christ. The Lord has repeatedly stated, “Come follow me” (2 Ne. 31:12; Luke 9:23, 59; John 10:27, 12:26; D&C 38:22, 100:2). And He continually invites us to “repent and come unto me” (see D&C 10:67-68; 1 Ne. 10:18-19; 2 Ne. 9:23-24; 28:31-32; Jacob 1:7; Alma 5:33-34; Ether 4:7-19; Mor. 7:34; D&C 93:1; 3 Ne. 9:14, 22, 51; 11:14; 12:19-20, 23-24; 27:5-21; 30:1-2). Men lift themselves up before us for gain. Repentance is the first portion of God’s 5-word invitation to receive Him literally in this life! It is an essential part of what He calls “my doctrine” (3 Ne. 11:28, 30, 31, 32, 35, 39, 40; D&C 10:62, 63, 67), “my gospel” (D&C 10:45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 52, 62, 63; see also 3 Ne. 27:10, 11, 13, 20-21; 33:11-12; 39:6), and “my church” (D&C 10:53, 54, 55, 67, 68, 69; 3 Ne. 27:8, 10). Too often men teach that salvation comes via our works, by obedience to law, or through temple service. Leaders in ancient Israel taught similar things. The results were disastrous. Salvation is only in and through the Lord Jesus – through His atonement and resurrection. So says the foundational document of our faith – the Book of Mormon (see Mos. 3:17; Hel. 5:12; Alma 38:9). Too many today, “seek not the Lord nor His righteousness” (D&C 1:16), but instead allow men to lift themselves up before us. Such, “teach for doctrine the commandments of men” (Mat. 15:9). Seeing our day, the Lord said, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with?their?lips; but their heart is far from me” (Mat. 15:8; Isa. 29:13). Such seek their own welfare not that of the sheep in Zion (2 Ne. 26:29). They are wolves in sheep’s clothing (Mat. 7:15). Scripture warns us to not be deceived or “blinded by the craftiness of men” (D&C 76:75; 123:12-13). The blind then lead the blind (Mat. 15:14; Luke 6:39). Many are then deceived, inheriting lesser terrestrial glory, as they reject Christ’s invitation to repent and come to Him. Many turn to Him in the next life, but not here, and thus they are “not valiant in the testimony of Jesus” here (see D&C 76:75). This life is the time to prepare to meet God (Alma 12:14; 34:32). We do so by first removing ourselves from the idolatry of Babylon, placing ourselves instead on “the way” of salvation – the path to the Tree of Life. It is a source of light and living water and indescribable joy. God is this source of love.The Lord Jesus said, “I am the light which ye shall hold up – that which ye have seen me do” (3 Ne. 18:24). God’s servants, His “sent ones” do not draw attention to themselves, but instead they point all to our Savior! They are humble and contrite, sacrificing all for the God they worship and the people they serve. Such are shepherds of the sheepfold. Scripture tells us that we can know them by their fruits. First and foremost, they “come to Him” (see D&C 84:50-53; 3 Ne.18:25, 21:20; JST John 6:44 – 45), otherwise they are under “the bondage of sin” (see farther below). They have obtained a sure witness of His reality and thus exhibit the gifts and fruits of the Spirit. They are called, chosen, empowered, and sent servants of the Lord Jesus (see D&C 95:4-5, 105:33-37, and 121:34-46). They bear fruit as branches of the True Vine (John 15) and of the Tree of Life (1 Ne. 11), “fruit meet for the Father’s kingdom” (see D& 84:58; Alma 12:15, 13:13, 16).Inside Trouble Secret combinations, inspired by Satan, keep us from truth and introduce idolatry. They are addressed frequently in the Book of Mormon, and for good reason, as this book addresses our day and our “awful situation” (Ether 8:24). Pres. J. Reuben Clark stated, “The ravening wolves are among us, from our own membership. And they, more than any others, are clothed in sheep’s clothing, because they wear the habiliments of the priesthood.” Pres. Ezra Taft Benson added, “It is from within the church that the greatest hindrance comes…The Lord has said that in the last-days the Devil will rage in the hearts of the children of men, and if it were possible, shall deceive the very elect.” The evil one does so most effectively from within. He is the god of this telestial world. He and his servants have infiltrated man’s institutions, his governments, corporations, and churches. Mormon stated that cries will go forth from the righteous to God in the last-days. The righteous are starving for “meat,” thirsting for “living waters.” This is our day, the day when according to Mormon, “all churches have become polluted.” Speaking of the wise ones that heed the call of the good Shepherd, Jesus said, “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” – the day of His coming in judgment (D&C 45:57). It is the “great and dreadful day.” Our Lord has described who the righteous are among us, those who will abide this day, versus those who are wicked, those under the bondage of sin. They will be burned with all unproductive fruit trees. These trees in the vineyard do not come to Him. God stated: “And by this you may know they are under the?bondage?of sin, because they come not unto me. For whoso cometh not unto me is under the?bondage?of sin. And whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with?my voice, and is not of me. And by this you may know the righteous from the wicked” (D&C 84:50- 53). “I have commanded…that ye should come unto me, that ye might?feel?and see; even so shall ye do unto the world; and whosoever breaketh this commandment suffereth himself to be led into temptation” (3 Ne. 18:25). “For it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that at that?day?whosoever will not repent and come unto my Beloved Son, them will I?cut off?from among my people, O house of Israel” (3 Ne. 21:20). “No man can come unto me, except he doeth the will of my Father who hath sent me. And this is the will of him who hath sent me, that ye receive the Son; for the Father beareth record of him; and he who receiveth the testimony, and doeth the will of him who sent me, I will raise up in the resurrection of the just. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except he doeth the will of my Father who hath sent me” (JST John 6:44 - 45). “He that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).Men today have replaced God’s wise counsel with their own. They have lifted themselves up in priestcraft (2 Ne. 26:29). The Lord stated, “Come, follow me” (Matt. 4:19; John 10:27, 12:26; 2 Ne. 31:12; Luke 9:23, 59 D&C 38:22, 100:2). He added, “Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do” (3 Ne. 18:24). Men now teach us to “follow the prophet.” Is is used to more fully entrench idolatry (lifting up “the arm of flesh” in leaders) among us, when in reality 1 Nephi 22 provides us seven witnesses that “THE PROPHET” is Jesus the Christ – “the Holy One of Israel,” not the President of the Corporation Sole, the President of “the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (the official full name of the incorporated church today - incorporated by Pres. Grant in 1923. The seven verses addressing our LORD as THE PROPHET are 1 Nephi 22, verses 2, 15, 17, 20 (2x), 21, and 23 (see also John 6:14). The words to the song, “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet” clearly point to God, not a mortal man. Note especially the last or seventh verse above in 1 Nephi 22:23, where the reason for the wresting of scriptures is given – in those seeking “gain.” Note that verse 23 lists those seven things opposing Him, those things representing the “gain” wayward men seek. It includes power, money, the honors of men (D&C 121:34-46), the lusts of the flesh, and the things of the world, all part of the great and abominable church that has spread throughout the world today, in governments, the news and entertainment industries, schools, and churches. They have “all gone out of the way” and become “corrupted” and “polluted.” So says Nephi (2 Ne. 28:3-6, 9-12), and Mormon (Morm. 8:36). Ten “wo’s” or curses follow that statements by Nephi in 2 Nephi 28:31-32. They are officially and legally pronounced on such persons and churches in 2 Nephi 28, those whom the LORD says “deny me.” Nephi had the sealing power to do so (2 Ne. 33:10-15). Verse 23 is a prophecy by God as THE PROPHET for such men and their polluted, corrupt churches. “For the time speedily shall come that [1] all?churches?which are built up to get gain, and [2] all those who are built up to get power over the flesh, and those [3] who are built up to become?popular?in the eyes of the world, and those who [4] seek the lusts of the flesh and [5] the things of the world, and [6] to do all manner of iniquity; yea, in fine, all those who [7] belong to the kingdom of the?devil?are they who need fear, and tremble, and?quake; they are those who must be brought low in the dust; they are those who must be consumed as stubble; and this is according to the words of the prophet” (1 Ne. 22:23). And note what He – THE PROPHET then says in the two following verses… “And the time cometh speedily that the righteous must be led up as?calves?of the stall, and the Holy One of Israel must reign in dominion, and might, and power, and great?glory. And he?gathereth?his children from the four quarters of the earth; and he numbereth his?sheep, and they know him; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd; and he shall feed his sheep, and in him they shall find?pasture” (1 Ne. 22:24-25; see also Jer. 23 and Ezek. 34; John 10; Luke 15; Psalm 23).Great hope is given “the righteous” in these last two verses, after the cursing is placed on the wicked ones because of their idolatry. Throughout the Old Testament, a book featuring both “the law” and “the prophets,” the true prophets there looked forward to the day when “THE PROPHET” Jesus would come into the world to save the repentant and the humble, those with broken hearts and contrite spirits, via His precious blood! He alone saves us. In God’s precious word we clearly see the result of FOLLOWING both true and false mortal servants – rather than God, including those dressed in white. Men, whether on purpose or by accicent, often lead us into “a dark and dreary waste,” where we then “lie down in sorrow.” Such are cursed for their false faith and trust in men (2 Ne. 4:34, 28:31-32; Jer. 17:5). To repeat, in Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life, he followed a?“man” dressed in “white.” He was invited by this man to?follow?him. Lehi warns us that he was led into?darkness?(1 Ne. 8:5-12). According to Isaiah, men offer only?sparks?and?sorrow?(see 2 Ne. 7:10-11; Isa. 50:7-11 [JST Isa. 50:7-8]). It wasn’t until Lehi prayed to God for His mercy and light, that he was then?removed from this darkness. He was then shown the very important Tree of Life vision, learning that after getting through the gate (which is being “born again” in Christ Jesus), and holding tightly onto “the iron rod” of revelation thereafter – (communication directly from the Holy Ghost and/or the LORD Jesus, not men), are we brought to this great Tree. Jesus is that gate and that deliverer (2 Ne. 31:18). He employs no servant there (2 Ne. 9:41). The servant is not greater than His LORD (John 13:16, 15:20; Mat. 10:24; 1 Nephi 8:5-12; Isaiah 50:7-11). It is always better to follow the will of God than the will of men 2 Ne. 10:23:24; Deut. 30:15-20. Following God’s will in all things (as He did with the Father) is how we keep the New and Everlasting Covenant (see Mosiah 5:5, 8; Deut. 29:12, 29; JST Mat. 7:30:35; Abraham 4:18). Repenting, and “doing” God’s will, not just saying, is part of our renewal of this important covenant made with God at baptism, as restated in the Sacrament prayers (see Moroni 4:3 [willing], 5:2 [doing]). In speaking of the righteous branch of the house of Israel, those who follow the voice of the Master, Nephi tells us, that “The LORD is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel” (1 Ne. 22:12). Leaders today are wresting the holy word of God to falsely say “look to the Brethren” and “we cannot and will not lead you astray.” These dangerous statements are not found in scripture. They cement in place more idolatry among us. The first four of the ten commandments address the great sin of idolatry. We must come out of thesee ways, out of babylon and lift up the LORD Jesus, our Savior, Redeemer, our Rock, our source of Living Waters, and no other. Otherwise the gates of death and hell will prevail against usSuch false statements have been with us for some time. On October 6 of 1890, Pres. Wilford Woodruff stated, “The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty.” This is not true. The LORD leaves weak men in place to test us, to see who we will listen to and follow, who we will put our faith and trust in. Who we believe determines what we believe.Our leaders are mortal and do not always speak truth, only when the Holy Ghost is upon them (2 Pet. 1:21). Some men in high places lead us astray purposely. They are the tares among the wheat, the wolves in sheep clothing. They are allowed to be among us to purposely provide opposition in all things, as Earth is a great testing ground. All men here have choice, and agency. And all men and women err. In the Old Testament, some prophets were purposely instructed by the LORD to test people and other prophets, to see who they would follow; the LORD or that prophet (see 1 Kings 13). It is no different today. The war in heaven was fought for our freedom to choose and make mistakes in this life, and then repent. Through experience we learn line upon line. The battle of light and dark continues here. It is necessary that we gain valuable experience through our mistakes, discerning truth from error. Leaders can and do lead us astray from time to time, as they are human – “the arm of flesh.” So says Elder Bruce R. McConkie. He stated:“I do not know all of the providences of the Lord, but I do know that he permits false doctrine to be taught in and out of the Church and that such teaching is part of the sifting process of mortality… True religion is found only where men worship the true and living God. False religion always results from the worship of false gods. Eternal life itself, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God, is available to those and those only who know God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent…as Joseph Smith so pointedly taught, a prophet is not always a prophet, only when he is acting as such. Prophets are men and they make mistakes. Sometimes they err in doctrine. This is one of the reasons the Lord has given us the Standard Works. They become the standards and rules that govern where doctrine and philosophy are concerned. If this were not so, we would believe one thing when one man was president of the Church and another thing in the days of his successors. Truth is eternal and does not vary. Sometimes even wise and good men fall short in the accurate presentation of what is truth. Sometimes a prophet gives personal views which are not endorsed and approved by the Lord…We are all mortal. We are all fallible. We all make mistakes. No single individual all the time is in tune with the Holy Spirit. Wise gospel students do not build their philosophies of life on quotations of individuals, even though those quotations come from presidents of the Church. Wise people anchor their doctrine on the Standard Works…[and on Christ]. We do not solve our problems by getting a statement from the president of the Church or from someone else on a subject. We have been introduced to the gospel; we have the gift of the Holy Ghost [or the light of Christ]; we have the Standards Works and it is our responsibility to get in tune and understand properly what the Lord has revealed and has had us canonize…the heads of the Church have the obligation to teach that which is in harmony with the Standard Works” (letter from Elder Bruce R. McConkie to BYU professor Eugene England, Feb.19, 1981). Presidents Joseph F. Smith and Harold B. Lee echoed similar teaching, stating that the standard works are our doctrinal authority or measuring sticks to “measure every man’s doctrine.” Pres. Lee said, “I say we need to teach our people to find their answers in the scriptures. If only each of us would be wise enough to say that we aren't able to answer any question unless we can find a doctrinal answer in the scriptures! And if we hear someone teaching something that is contrary to what is in the scriptures, each of us may know whether the things spoken are false - it is as simple as that” (First Presidency Message, Ensign, December 1972). The Apostle John said, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). The Apostle Peter adds, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).We must not leave our learning and our salvation to men. Though imperfect, we should support good leaders wherever possible, but never follow any man blindly, or the blind will lead the blind, and both will fall into the ditch (Mat. 15:14). The words of Elder McConkie, Smith, and Lee encourage us to compare the words of men to that of God in scripture, and make corrections where necessary. We should also obtain the Holy Ghost to carefully discern between the two. Sadly, the newly announced curriculum of the church is based on conference talks of leaders. Quoting each other is not as powerful as the doctrinal soundness of God’s holy word in scripture. His word is our divine “standard” or “measure.” Isaiah and Jeremiah have scathing words for the self-serving shepherds of their day, those who fleeced their sheep for gain and the honors of men (see JST Mat. 21; Isa. 28; Jer. 23).Seeking and speaking God’s word in our talks and instruction fills the lamps of the sheep with God’s oil, His Spirit. Relying on the flesh, however, often leads to deception. Eve was deceived by one that said he was her brother. Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life began when he followed a “man” dressed in “white.” This “man” asked that he follow him. He did so – and was led into darkness (1 Ne. 8:5-12). According to Isaiah, compared to God, men offer only sparks and sorrow (2 Ne. 7:10-11; Isa. 50:7-11). It wasn’t until Lehi prayed to God for His mercy, that he was removed from this darkness. He was then shown the Tree of Life. We should hope for the best from men, but expect imperfection. Those who seek to be “born again” in Christ, can receive the Holy Ghost as their guide. It is very much needed in a time of increasing darkness, that we might avoid blindness and deception and lesser things, including lesser glory in the hereafter (see D&C 76:75). Raising Up Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and other Mortal Leaders The Prophet Joseph Smith had an amazing gift given him of God to translate the Book of Mormon plates. We have been blessed with its important truths and guidance ever since. Joseph was human, however, and made mistakes, like all men. In D&C 3, the Lord warned him of pride, and that he should not lean on his own wisdom, or fear men more than God, as all men can fall. The Lord warned Joseph that he could fall. He wasn’t infallible. “Remember, remember that it is not the?work?of God that is frustrated, but the work of men; For although a man may have many?revelations, and have?power?to do many mighty works, yet if he?boasts?in his own strength, and sets at naught the?counsels?of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and?carnal desires, he must fall and incur the?vengeance?of a?just?God upon him. Behold, you have been?entrusted?with these things, but how strict were your commandments; and remember also the promises which were made to you, if you did not transgress them. And behold, how?oft?you have?transgressed?the commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the?persuasions?of men. For, behold, you should not have?feared?man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and?despise?his words—Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and?supported?you against all the fiery?darts?of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of?trouble. Behold, thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt?fall” (D&C 3:3-9).“Called” servants and others, even those who are later also “chosen” of the Lord, can fall. They have agency. God says we can know His servants by their fruits (Mat. 7:16-20; 3 Ne. 14:20). They are the fruits and gifts of the Spirit. The early years of Joseph Smith and the Saints at Kirtland contrast those of Joseph, Brigham, and others at Nauvoo dramatically. Early on in the Ohio area the Lord opened the heavens and sent forth many revelations through Joseph, revealing the fulness of His word, the fulness of His law, the fulness of His gospel, and the fulness of the priesthood. In the later Nauvoo years there were few revelations, Joseph’s doctrine changed, and Masonry and polygamy took hold. God’s fulness was given in Kirtland to establish Zion. There the Saints were to receive the fulness of God’s presence too, His rest and glory personally. Melchizedek and Enoch were successful in creating Zion with this 5-part endowment of “fulness” (completeness). Their people and cities were translated. The early Saints, however, were not collectively ready for the higher ways and laws of God (like the law of consecration). They thus lost the “fulness” (3 Ne. 16:10; D&C 124:28), and with it the opportunity to create a Zion by the fall of 1834, a three and one-half year period from the spring of 1831. Though God took away His fulness (pages 31-32), He provided the Saints another opportunity to receive it, if they repented, became obedient, and embraced the greater light at Nauvoo (see D&C 124:28). It did not happen.Satan successfully fought against both the first and second chances. The people fell under the bondage of sin because they did not do as the Lord asked, which was to, “repent and come unto me” (D&C 84:51). The result was chastisement (D&C 103:4), condemnation (D&C 84:50-59), and ignorance in darkness at midday (D&C 95:6; Ether 8:16). God’s truths were then corrupted. In the Kirtland area, the Saints were unable to live the higher Law of Consecration, a law of real love requiring the “mighty change of heart.” At Nauvoo, Satan introduced a secret combination, called by some within it, “the secret chamber.” In it were the secrets of Masonry, the lusts of polygamy, and Danite coercion, with its enforcement of these and other things. Instead of blessing and protection as promised by God - if the Saints did their part (D&C 124:44-48), the Saints were cursed and run out of Nauvoo not long after Joseph, Hyrum, and Samuel Smith were murdered. Note the strong, prophetic words at the end of verse 32 of D&C 124, if they did not these things, “ye shall be rejected as a church, with your dead, saith the Lord your God.”Rather than relying on God’s word (revelation and scripture), the Saints relied too much upon “the arm of flesh.” After Joseph Smith’s murder, “spiritual wifery” was put in place, leading new converts from America and Europe into forbidden paths. It was at this time that the church Joseph help put in place, was scattered seven ways (Deut. 28:25). Many refused the secret things of “the secret chamber” and Brigham Young’s leadership. The bulk of the people, however, followed him west into the Salt Lake Valley. He eventually renamed the “spiritual wifery” movement of the Cochranites put in place among the Saints, “plural marriage.” It became an institution in Utah, one necessary for exaltation. In time, he also outlawed black men from the priesthood, and made changes to the temple endowment. Deception, lies and false assumptions, and curses have resulted.Following God or Men Pres. Young did a few good things too, but like all men, Joseph Smith included, mistakes were made. The simple lesson is, men can and do lead us astray, especially without pure revelation from God. The Lord said that revelation is the “rock” that keeps “the gates of hell” from prevailing against His kingdom (see JST Mat. 16:16-19). When men seek the desires or idols of their hearts, rather than God’s will, they often get what they desire, deception in false revelation. This may have occurred with Brigham Young while on his English mission. There he claimed to have a vision or “revelation” on what we now call “plural marriage.” The lesson is, those who follow other men in their deception, inherit the same lies and curses. This is the clear message of the following scriptures, all tied to “idols of the heart” (Proverbs 23:7, Isaiah 66:2-4, Ezekiel 14:1-11, 2?Thessalonians?2:10-12, James 4:3, Jacob 4:14, Alma 29:4, and Mormon 9:28). In the Joseph Smith Papers project we read: “Prest. J. Smith rose, read the 14th?Chap. of?Ezekiel— said ‘the Lord had declar’d by the prophet?that the people should each one stand for himself?and depend on no man or men in that state of?corruption of the Jewish church [they depended upon the rabbis]— that righteous persons?could only deliver their own souls - app[l]ied it to the?present state of the?church of Latter-Day Saints— said?if the people departed from the Lord, they must?fall— that they were depending on the prophet?hence were darkened in their minds from neglect?of themselves— envious toward the innocent, while?they afflict the virtuous with their shafts of envy. There is another error which opens a door for the?adversary to enter…” See is supported by JST Mark 9: “Therefore, let every man stand or fall, by himself, and not for another; or not trusting another. Seek unto my Father, and it shall be done in that very moment what ye shall ask, if ye ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive. And if thine eye which seeth for thee, him that is appointed to watch over thee to show thee light, become a transgressor and offend thee, pluck him out” (JST Mark 9:44-46, see also JST Mark 13:43).We can and must receive pure revelation from God, by seeking His will, not our own. It is the iron rod we must hold on to, along with His written word in scripture. The iron rod is God’s voice (revelation), the Holy Ghost, and pure scripture, not false voices and spirits, and men’s teachings. Scripture reveals repeatedly that men who depend upon their own wisdom, other men, or the desires of their hearts - are led astray. We are then sent “strong delusion,” especially if carnal desires within us rule (see 2 Thes. 2:10-12). Deception is a favorite tool of the adversary (the father of lies), along with designing men who practice priestcraft (2 Ne. 26:29). Seeking God’s word and will above that of ourselves, or other men, helps us avoid deception and error. The Lord said: “For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God [not man]. For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ. And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit. And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father” (D&C 84:44-47; see also Matt. 4:4; 2 Ne. 32:1-6). “And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived” (JS Mat. 1:37). He added, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). “…whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona; for flesh and blood [man] hath not revealed this unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou are Peter; and upon this rock [of revelation, from me] I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (JST Mat. 16:16-19).The Catholic Church twisted or “wrested” the third scripture above to mean that the people should rely on the man Peter and then the later Popes thereafter to lead the church, rather than God. We as Latter-day Saints have done the same thing with our leaders, saying “follow the Prophet,” when 1 Nephi 22 clearly states?that Christ the LORD, the Holy One of Israel is “THE PROPHET” that we are to follow, the one prophesied of in the Old Testament. Following men takes you into darkness, the clear message of 1 Nephi 8:5-8, and results in curses (2 Ne. 4:34; 28:31-32; Jer. 17:5). Like the Catholics, who got it from ancient Rome, we have adopted the “Corporation Sole” model of administration. We are led today by a corporation President. The “iron rod” isn’t any man, or the words of any man. It is “the word of God,” that which is written (D&C 18:3-5) and that revealed to us personally (JST Mat. 16:14-20; 2 Ne. 32:3, 5-6). And it He who takes us to the Tree. Jesus is “the word” - of God the Father. He is His representative on earth, His right hand. He supplies us light, knowledge, and wisdom taking us into the Father’s presence (and that of Mother), if we will turn to Him as Mediator and Savior first. Addressing following weak men, the Prophet Joseph warned us: “none are required to tamely and blindly submit to a man because he has a portion of the priesthood.?We have heard men who hold the priesthood remark, that they would do anything they were told to do by those who presided over them, if they knew it?was wrong; but such obedience as this is worse than folly to us; it is slavery in the extreme;?and the man who would thus willingly degrade himself?should not claim a rank among intelligent beings, until he turns from his folly. A man of God...would despise the idea. Others, in the extreme…have taught that such obedience was necessary, and that no matter what the saints were told to do by their presidents, they should do it without asking any questions. When Elders of Israel will so far indulge in these extreme notions of obedience as to teach them to the people, it is generally because they have it in their minds to do wrong themselves” (Joseph Smith,?Millennial Star, vol.14 #38, pp. 593-95). Following Joseph’s counsel, and that of all prophets in scripture, reveals that lifting up Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Pres. Nelson, or any man as our light is foolish and idolatrous, especially for those new to the church, those who have not yet obtained a sure witness of Christ - “the testimony of Jesus.” Discovery by new converts that Brigham Young had 55 wives can be troubling without a more developed testimony of Christ and a more complete understanding of church history. All men, including Joseph Smith made errors. God said that Joseph Smith’s name would be “had for good and evil.” The imperfections of Adam and Eve, Enoch, Abraham, Jacob, David, or Alma and his son of the same name, give us hope today. They overcame the world and their human vices, when they fully turned to the Lord, and not before. Like them, we learn by our mistakes and experience, and by study and faith. It is best to love, trust, and put faith in God, rather than relying on the arm of flesh (see Psalm 118:8).Modern Idolatry Roots The roots of our present, modern, leader-based idolatry may have originated with two church presidents; President’s Woodruff and McKay. Pres. Wilford Woodruff (1889 – 98) was heavily criticized by the Saints for the Manifesto he wrote on polygamy. He justified himself in it by claiming that the Lord wouldn't let him or any church president lead the saints astray.?Today these and other words of men are often used to support the false belief that men in high places cannot fail. No man is free from sin.History reveals that for over one hundred years after the murder of the three Smith brothers, the term “Prophet” was exclusively tied to the Prophet Joseph Smith and no other church leader. In 1955, a change occurred during the administration of President David O. McKay (1951-70). Though he was the Presiding High Priest in the church – the church President, he soon came to be called “the Prophet.” It stuck. It is thought to have originated with a writer at the Deseret News. He called President McKay “the Prophet” in one story. Ever since that point in time, the administrative leader over the church, the president of the corporation, has become infallible in the minds of many, as “the Prophet” would certainly be guided by God, and at all times. The Prophet Joseph refuted such thinking, as did Pres. Brigham Young and others. And so has God. Joseph Smith was corrected by Him on a number of occasions (see D&C 3:1-9). Early on he had to learn how to discern truth from error - in receiving revelation, for example. Today, however, church presidents are now called “the living Prophet” and are often viewed as infallible when they are not (see 1 Kings 13).? The Lord has given us three witnesses to determine if those leading us are not only called, but “chosen”:Christ said, “repent and “come to me.” He said those who do not literally come to Him are under the bondage of sin (see D&C 84:50-53; 3 Ne. 18:25; 3 Ne. 21:20; JST John 6:44-45; John 6:35). See the paper, A Sent One: The Apostolic charge (of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery).God said, “by their fruits ye shall know them” (see Mat. 7:16-20); these include the gifts and fruits of the Spirit; visions, prophecy, revelation, etc. (see D&C 46). They are signs that follow the believers. 3. We are called and we are to also be chosen, empowered, and sent by the Lord, with the fruits, gifts, and signs of the Spirit being evident in what we do in our service. See D&C 121:34-46.Because no man is infallible, God provided a special revelation on church discipline for leaders, should the President of the church be found in transgression, leading others astray. He said, “thus, none shall be exempted from the justice and the laws of God, that all things may be done in order and in solemnity before him, according to truth and righteousness” (D&C 107:82-84). Note also that the Twelve and the Seventy are also mentioned by God in scripture as being susceptible to error (verses 30-32). These and other scriptures are consistent in revealing that no man is “infallible.” “O ye wicked and ye perverse generation; ye hardened and ye stiffnecked people, how long will ye suppose that the Lord will suffer you? Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides? Yea, how long will ye choose darkness rather than light? (Hel. 13:29). Idolatry in Ancient Israel God is not pleased when men lift themselves up in pride before others, a form of idolatry. David, the great military leader and king, was tempted by Satan (1 Chron. 21:1) to number his large army (800,000 of Israel, and 500,000 of Judah, 1,300,000 total). It was a form of pride that placed him between the people and God. He and the people were chastised for it (see 2 Sam. 24; Ex. 30:12). The humble man Gideon of the tribe of Manasseh was told to reduce his army from 32,000 men, to 10,000 men, and finally to only 300 men (those that lapped up water with their hands, Judges 7), before going up against the great army of the Midianites (135,000 men). God was revealing to His people that He was their strength, their Deliverer, not men, no matter how many they had in their army. Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because he had taken credit for providing Israel water in the desert of Sinai, when he struck the rock with his staff (Num. 20). He had placed himself between the people and the God of Israel, the God that had just delivered them from Egyptian captivity in the first Passover. The blood of a lamb on the door of the Israelite’s homes symbolized their future spiritual deliverance by Him. In the Book of Mormon we read of the conversion of the Lamanites via the efforts of Ammon. He spent 14 years among them to bring them to Christ. One group of Lamanites, the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, had such great faith that they laid down their weapons of war and buried them in a covenant with God. No more would they shed the blood of their brethren. Their 2000 sons did not make this covenant and thus volunteered to defend the people at all costs. Because of the great faith and teaching of their mothers, they fought bravely like lions, even though they were young. All of them were wounded, but none were lost when battling the enemy alongside the Nephite army. They honored God for delivering them, not some great military leader. We also read of Alma the younger, who reminded the people three times that they should “remember how great things he [God] has done for their fathers” (Mosiah 27:16; Alma 5:6-7, 19:10-12). It was the living God that repeatedly delivered the believers in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Scripture reveals the cyclical pattern of man’s waywardness and return. First, (1) Israel rebels, (2) then God disciplines them like a loving parent; (3) Israel wisely repents; (4) God then delivers Israel. We are in the midst of this same cycle. Discipline will be sent that we might repent. This is the message of much of the Book of Revelation. The discipline addressed there, increases in intensity until total destruction finally comes. The same occurred in the Book of Mormon just before our Lord came (3 Nephi 11).God, Our Great Deliverer The message of “the way” is - we must come individually and collectively unto Christ, the great Creator and Deliverer and be perfected in Him. By contrast, Satan is the great deceiver, the father of lies (Ether 8:25). We must seek God’s mercy and will, not the false teachings of well-intentioned men or evil ones inspired of Satan. Christ descended here to save us. He did so in the Atonement, and has repeatedly delivered His people physically and spiritually throughout scripture! He has said that all He requires from us is repentance and a broken heart and contrite spirit (3 Ne. 9:20). It is the only way we can receive the living waters of revelation from Him, and then Him personally. He is the fountain of living waters, the rock, and high tower. He is calling after us, waiting for us to come to Him. He stands with open arms ready to receive us. Let us come out of Babylon and its false teachings and traditions and move ever closer to Christ the Lord. It must be with our whole heart. Only then can we be born again in Him, made new, and thus become His sons and daughters. This is the sealing we are to seek (see Mos. 5:15), a sealing of the children to the Father of their salvation. The promise is - we will find Him if we seek Him with all our heart (Jer. 29:13). God said we would deny Him (2 Ne. 28:32), reject Him (2 Ne. 1:10), and forsake Him (Jer. 2:13). We must also not diminish Him or replace Him with men or things. From the 1830 original version of the Book of Mormon to the 1837 version we see four changes made that diminish Christ as God somewhat. I prefer the original translation given to Joseph in pure revelation via God’s Spirit by way of the Urim and Thummim. The changes below were made seven years later. Each of them adds the words “the son of” to different name-titles for the Creator of heaven and earth, our Lord Yeshua or Jesus. They diminish His standing somewhat by lowering Him a notch on the ladder. Original 1830 Book of Mormon Modified 1837 Book of Mormon 1 Ne. 11:18 “the mother of God” “mother of the son of God” 1 Ne. 11:21 “the Lamb of God, yea even the Eternal Father” “the lamb of God, yea even the son of the Eternal Father” 1 Ne. 11:32 “the Everlasting God was judged of the world” “the son of the Everlasting God was judged of the world” 1 Ne. 13:40 “the Lamb of God is the Eternal Father” “the Lamb of God is the son of the Eternal Father”God’s Word is a Sword Other verses in the Book of Mormon reveal why Christ is “the Eternal Father” sent of God “the Father.” Some of them also feature the clarifying words “son of” (see Mosiah 15:1-4; Alma 11:38-39; Hel. 14:12; Ether 4:7, 12). There were other changes made to the Book of Mormon in 1837 and thereafter, like the “sword of justice” being replaced with the “word of justice” (compare 1 Ne. 12:18 to Alma 26:19; 60:29; Hel. 13:5; 3 Ne. 29:4). The word of God is a dividing sword separating truth from error (1 Ne. 21:2). There are many changes in the D&C too numerous to mention here. One troubling modern change in the LDS version of the King James Bible is the footnote to John 14:16. In my older scriptures, the footnote tied to the Lord’s words about “another comforter” reads, “Jesus Christ, Second Comforter.” It newer LDS scriptures, it now reads, “Holy Ghost.”We have opportunity to treasure God’s word (in both pure revelation and scripture) in an effort to try again to establish His ways, that a Zion society of peace, protection, and prosperity might be established. There, real love will be the first priority. In it we will see a full restoration of all things occur, but only among those who seek the living God. He will create Zion here, among the wise and humble people that follow His counsel in all things. He must be our first priority if such is to occur, not the faulty ways of men. Isaiah has warned us that man’s ways are not God’s ways (Isa. 55:8-9).It is NOT the Same Some who lead today cite D&C 1:38 to equate their words with God’s words, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. They often do so without full understanding of the context of this verse. It too results in a form of idolatry among us, lifting up men’s words as though they represent God’s words. Verse 38 states: “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my?word?shall not pass away, but shall all be?fulfilled, whether by mine own?voice?or by the voice of my?servants, it is the?same” (D&C 1:38).Some modern-day servants quote this verse to give their own words credibility, putting their words on equal standing with God’s words. In many cases, this is vanity, leading to idolatry. There are three aspects to this phrase worth noting. 1. The words of a “servant” are the same as God’s only when we quote Him word-for-word. In 3rd Nephi we read of the disciples of Christ repeating the Lord’s words exactly, for effective teaching purposes. “And when they had ministered those same words which Jesus had spoken—nothing varying from the words which Jesus had spoken—behold, they knelt again and prayed to the Father in the name of Jesus” (3 Ne. 19:8). The words shared were “the same” as those of the Lord, “nothing varying”! 2. When a “servant” addresses the same content as the lord, doing so also within correct context as would God, while doing so under the power of the Holy Ghost, then the meaning may be “the same,” even though the words are different. 3. The definition of a “servant” is critical in D&C 1:38, where the Lord calls the one who speaks the same words as His - “my servant.” This implies ownership, mostly likely because He has become a “son” or “daughter” of God (Mosiah 5), one who has been born again in Christ Jesus. Too many of the Saints do not know what this is, including leaders. To be a “sent one” a sent “servant” of the Lord means one is both “called” AND “chosen” by Him. They are “sent” by Him and empowered by Him first. Such are making every effort to “know” Him and do His will, not their own. The scriptural definition of an “Apostle” in Greek is a “sent one.” Such a one is not zealous for the Law, as was Paul before his conversion to Christ, but one who is fully converted to the Lord Jesus. He has obtained a sure witness of His reality, has seen Him and felt the prints of the nails in His body, as well as the spear mark in His side. So did the “sent ones” of Jesus in the New Testament (Luke 24:39; Acts 1:3), and those in 3 Nephi 11. Such “servants” have come to “know” the Lord by advancing on the five-part path of “the way of salvation” (see hereafter). Too many servants are “called” by men (or God), but have not become “chosen” and “sent” by Him, because, as He says, “their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men” (D&C 121:34-46). Such have not sought the Lord diligently, that they might obtain “the testimony of Jesus” (see the paper, A Sent One: the Apostolic Charge).Too often D&C 1:38 is taken out of context, inferring that one called as a servant speaks for the Lord, and that his words are the same as God’s words, simply because of their calling. This is a grave sin tied to vanity (see Mosiah 11:7). It is making oneself equal with God. Without being “chosen” by God, a calling means little or nothing, as all men and women, especially leaders, are called to receive the living Christ (see D&C 121:34-46). Many share things over the pulpit that are their own opinion or the words of men. A number of General Authorities, including Presidents of the church, have disagreed with one another in their talks, and on a variety of doctrines. The differences in their teachings are published and readily available to us. We have God’s words in “the standard works” as our measuring tool. We should seek to receive the Holy Ghost as our guide for discernment purposes. More careful consideration should thus be given God’s words in D&C 1:38. They are NOT the same as our words, in most cases.The Way of Life & Salvation Note verses 15-16, earlier in Section 1 of the Doctrine of the Covenants. They remind us that we must learn to “hear the voice of the Lord” and that of “His servants,” those officially sent by Him, not just those “called” by men. All of us are called to be “sent ones,” sure witnesses of the Lord Jesus, but few are chosen by God to actually receive this blessing (because of the ways of the world – Babylon, D&C 121:35). The 5-fold pathway of those who are “chosen” is the essence of “the New and Everlasting Covenant.” It is the purpose of the doctrine, gospel, and church of Christ; to return us to Him and the Father, negating the effects of the fall – which is separation from God. It is a 5-fold progression. We must; 1. Develop strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 2. Sincerely repent, forsaking sin. 3. Enter the waters of baptism by covenant - be baptized unto repentance. 4. Approach the Lord with a broken heart and contrite spirit to receive the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. Such are then placed through the gate and onto the path or “the way” to eternal life. 5. These wise ones, now “born again” in Christ, and posssessing the companionship of the Holy Ghost, then hold onto the iron rod tightly (direct revelation), eventually arriving at the Tree of Life, where they receive God Himself (see also Moses. 6:57-68). They then obtain “the testimony of Jesus” (Rev. 12:17, 19:10; D&C 46:13-14; 76:51, 101; 88:4, 74-75; Moroni 10:8). It is to receive full redemption and eternal life in this life, as symbolized in the sweet, white fruit of the Tree of Life. It is “the way” of salvation. The way of life and salvation requires us to “work out their own salvation with fear and trembling” before the Lord (Philippians 2:12). The symbolic ordinances of the gospel and the temple point us to the reality of experiencing these five steps of redemption at Christ’s hands.Such become chosen “sent ones,” those with an apostolic witness of God’s reality in this life. Their words are more like the Savior who sends them. They are sanctified and speak with “the tongue of angels,” having received the endowment or gift and power of the Holy Ghost. Many believe they have the Holy Ghost simply because another as laid their hands upon their head in a confirmation ordinance at age 8. The words spoken were an invitation only – that the individual might eventually and literally “receive the Holy Ghost,” when they are worthy of it. It is when they finally turn to Christ the Lord with their whole heart, and in sincere repentance, seeking His mercy and forgiveness. Only then are they born again in Christ Jesus (see endnote 11). God said; “For they have?strayed?from mine?ordinances, and have?broken?mine?everlasting covenant [to obey my will - Mosiah 5:5, 8; Deut. 29:12, 29; JST Mat. 7:30:35]; They?seek?not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man?walketh?in his?own?way, and after the?image?of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in?Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall” (D&C 1:15-16).Chosen and sent ones point others to God, not themselves. They seek not their own welfare but that of Zion – the pure in heart. We must not allow ourselves to be deceived or “blinded by the craftiness of men” (D&C 76:75; 123:12-13). Sadly, many cannot “see” this idolatry. They are comfortable with men leading them, as this requires less study and work. This was the case with the ancient Israelites at Sinai. They were comfortable with the mortal man Moses leading them, when they could have had God directing them personally instead. They settled for less and received the lesser law and gospel as a result (see JST Ex. 34:1-2; D&C 84:23-27, 47-57; Heb. 3-4; Jacob 1:6-8; Mos. 13:13-14, 25-35; 2 Ne. 2:3-11, 15-16, 27-28; Mor. 6:4). Progression to full redemption and eternal life requires that we work out our salvation with fear and trembling before the Lord.Some leaders are earnestly seeking a personal witness of Jesus Christ – to be “chosen,” not just called, while others downplay the early “Apostolic Charge” of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery - to be a “sent one” with a sure and “special” witness of God, by seeing and knowing Him. Some give the impression that they have this witness in carefully chosen words. Such allow the Saints to believe that they have “the testimony of Jesus,” that they have seen the Lord (see A Sent One: The Apostolic Charge). This is a form of deception. Satan is the father of all lies. It makes no sense for followers to place their trust in one who has not this testimony, but makes it appear as though he has. Whether the leader is a good sincere seeker, or just a deceiver, many scriptures inform us that the blind are cursed from following them in either way. They have put their trust in “the arm of flesh” (2 Ne. 4:34; 28:31; Jer. 2:13; Psalm 118:8). Joseph Smith’s first vision experience is a good example for us. He was confused by all the words of men preaching their version of “truth” in his day. He thus went to the woods to seek God as his source of light, as James taught (1:5-6). There he received his “first vision.” Each of us can receive truth directly from the living God of heaven in a direct relationship. This is the important message of the Book of Mormon. Let us review again Lehi’s vision experience in 1 Nephi 8 with more detail. In it Lehi was invited to follow a “man” dressed in white. He said, “he bade me follow him.” It led to darkness, rather than God’s light. “…for behold, methought I saw in my dream, a dark and dreary wilderness. And it came to pass that I saw a man, and he was dressed in a white robe; and he came and stood before me. And it came to pass that he spake unto me, and bade me follow him. And it came to pass that as I followed him I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste. And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies. And it came to pass after I had prayed unto the Lord I beheld a large and spacious field. And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy” (1 Ne. 8:4-10). This verse has a subtle but very important lesson on idolatry for us. Lehi followed a man dressed in white and was deceived. He was led into darkness. Lehi removed himself from the darkness of this “dreary waste” only when he turned to God, when he “prayed unto the Lord” for His mercy. This is when Lehi’s vision turned from darkness to the beauty of the Tree of Life. Its fruit was and is tied to happiness and joy. Mortal imperfect men can only lead us so far. The tares among us purposely deceive (see D&C 76:75; 123:12-13). The Lord spoke to hypocritical Pharisees in His day about how they outwardly keep the law. He addressed their ability to speak eloquently of God. Yet within, their hearts were hard. They were in reality far from Him and His ways. This sentiment was addressed to Joseph Smith in the First Vision as well. God said that men “teach for doctrines the commandments of men” instead of His truths. Such are like wolves in sheep’s clothing. Many of them seek to control the sheep and keep them ignorant for the sake of gain (1 Nephi 22:23; Isa. 56:9-12; Ether 8:16). The Master spoke forcefully to these hypocritical, evil men, stating that they did not enter in by “the gate” (Him) and that they were stopping others from doing so. The gate is Jesus, and being “born again” in Him. God said: “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in” (Matt. 23:13). “Woe unto you, lawyers! For ye have taken away the key of knowledge,?the fullness of the scriptures; ye enter not in yourselves?into the kingdom;?and?those who?were entering in, ye hindered” (JST Luke 11:53). “Hear the word of Jehovah, you who are vigilant for his word; your brethren who abhor you, and exclude you because of my name, say, Let Jehovah manifest his glory, that we may see cause for your joy! But it is they who shall suffer shame” (Isa. 66:5). Forced Out Gileadi has provided commentary on the third verse above by Isaiah, addressing those who love the Lord and seek His ways, stating, “Jehovah’s servants – “who are of a humble [broken hearted] and contrite spirit and who are vigilant for my word” (v. 2) – come under censure by ecclesiastical authorities who feel threatened by their zeal for Jehovah. Such self-righteous “brethren” “abhor” or “hate” their zealous counterparts and “exclude” or “thrust [them] out” from among them, humiliating them [compare Morm. 8:28]. In the end, however – after it has served Jehovah’s purpose of refining his servants and testing their loyalties – their momentary shame (Isa. 61:7) turns into their persecutors’ everlasting shame (Isa. 41:11; 65:15). The descent phase of those who are ostracized by abusive authorities thus resembles that of Jehovah’s servant, who they similarly “abhor” and accuse (Isa. 49:7; 50:8-9). Both, moreover, follow the pattern of Jehovah himself, whose descent phase includes prosecution by unrighteous authorities (Isa. 53:7-9; see Avraham Gileadi, Apocalyptic Commentary of the Book of Isaiah, Hebraeus Press, pps. 422-23).This is exactly what happened to Gileadi and others as a group in 1993, those of “the September Six,” for example, who were excommunicated or disfellowshipped by leaders in the LDS church for daring to present alternative views of scripture and the gospel then taught at the time by their superiors, “the Brethren.” In Gileadi’s case, it was his teachings on the special last-days “servant” addressed throughout Isaiah. This purge continues today with people like Denver Snuffer, Rock Waterman, Robert Smith, and Adrian Larsen and their blogs and other writings, among many others, all of whom have sought the Lord and His ways, and have paid the price for it. This is not to say these individuals have the truth, and the LDS church doesn’t. Both have truths, and as mortals, both exhibit errors too. Gileadi has since returned to the LDS church, but his writings continue to challenge the status quo. All who love God over men are seen as rebels.The problem is one of ignorance, idolatry, and pride among those who remained blinded by “the craftiness of men” (see D&C 76:75, 123:12). Because of ignorance of the pure Doctrine of Christ as part of the fullness of His gospel, many Bishops and Stake Presidents try to protect the current narratives of the church (many of which are tied to false teachings and traditions), leading to this discipline. Apostasy is the term often attached to those who are seeking truth, rather than conformity to those in leadership positions and their view of things. This supports idolatry – leader worship, by those ignorant of the saving truths of the gospel, those explored by these individuals and many others. The leaders can’t be wrong or criticized (“we cannot and will not lead you astray”) and then it becomes a matter of pride. Nephi addresses this in 1 Nephi 22:23, and the Lord does so clearly in D&C 121:34-35. We read there that “many are called” to receive the Lord literally and teach HIS ways, but few “are chosen” to actually represent Him because of pride and gain, including the honors of men. The Lord said, “…there are many?called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their?hearts?are set so much upon the things of this?world, and?aspire?to the?honors?of men.” One is who has a humble, broken heart, and a teachable contrite spirit seeks truth from the source of all light, the light, and life, and truth of the world – “the fountain of living waters” - Jesus Christ, rather than weak men who are like broken cisterns than can hold no such water (Jer. 2:13). Too many men in the chief seats want “the honors of men” and other forms of “gain.” The Lord Jesus did not force others to get inline, keep quiet, and keep paying their tithes and offerings. He said, “Come follow me” (2 Ne. 31:12; Luke 9:23, 59; John 10:27, 12:26; D&C 38:22, 100:2). He then added, “Repent and come unto me” (D&C 10:67-68; 1 Ne. 10:18-19; 2 Ne. 9:23-24; 28:31-32; Jacob 1:7; Mos. 26:22-24; Alma 5:33-34; Ether 4:7-19; Mor. 7:34; D&C 93:1; 3 Ne. 9:14, 22, 51; 11:14; 12:19-20, 23-24; 27:5-21; 30:1-2). He concluded by saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Mat. 11:28-29). Those who have faith and trust in the Lord have this promise realized in their lives. They eventually come into the Lord’s presence or “rest” and receive “the heavenly gift” (Ether 12:8) – Him! Following men, on the other hand, is dangerous, as we see over and over and over, as in 1 Nephi 8:5-9 and 1 Kings 13. This is true of leaders who are inspired and authentic prophets too, even those who speak with God. This is how idolatry rears up its ugly head again, even with the Gileadites and Snufferites. Those who seek truth must do so from the Lord directly, or at the very least, check the words of those they sometimes turn to, against the word of God in pure revelation from Him and that available in the written word – scripture; otherwise they are simply substituting another man for LDS church leaders. Only God is to be our primary source of light.The lesson of 1 Kings 13 is a good one. In it we read of two authentic prophets, each “a man of God.” Both did what they thought best. One was wise and older and did exactly as God directed. He tested the other younger prophet, who listened to the first, older prophet, rather than checking in with God in terms of what the older prophet said. The younger prophet was later destroyed by a lion for not doing as the Lord directed. It was a test to determine his loyality – to God or to man (even “a man of God”). The younger prophet, though himself “a man of God,” failed the test. Scripture teaches us that those who place their trust in flesh - any man – “the arm of flesh” - merit damnation (the telestial kingdom) alongside the wicked. This is the clear message of D&C 76:75 (which addresses deceit by “crafty” men), and verses 99-105. Trusting in men leads to inheriting a lesser kingdom in the next life! We must develop a trusting relationship with God alone, and become His sons and daughters (see Mos. 5). Only He provides us salvation, and light and truth without error. “For these are they who are of Paul, and of Apollos, and of Cephas. These are they who say they are some of one and some of another—some of Christ and some of John, and some of Moses, and some of Elias, and some of Esaias, and some of Isaiah, and some of Enoch; But received not the gospel... will not be gathered with the saints, to be caught up unto the Church of the Firstborn, and received into the cloud. These are they who are liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie. These are they who suffer the wrath of God on earth. These are they who suffer the vengeance of eternal fire” (D&C 76:99-105). Again I repeat Joseph Smith’s words given in a sermon he gave to the Relief Society in Nauvoo. It is based on Ezekiel chapter 14, where he said: “the people should each one stand for himself, and depend on no man or men in that state of corruption of the Jewish Church — that righteous persons could only deliver their own souls — applied it to the present state [1842] of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — said if the people departed from the Lord, they must fall — that they were depending on the Prophet, hence were darkened in their minds, in consequence of neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves...” (TPJS p. 238). Nephi added: “Because of pride, and because of false teachers, and false doctrine, their Churches have become corrupted, and their Churches are lifted up; because of pride they are puffed up…they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men” (2 Ne. 28:12-14). We read in Helaman: “O ye wicked and ye perverse generation; ye hardened and ye stiffnecked people, how long will ye suppose that the Lord will suffer you? Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides? Yea, how long will ye choose darkness rather than light?” (Hel. 13:29). Note also 4th Nephi: “Nevertheless, the people did harden their hearts, for they were led by many priests and false prophets to build up many churches, and to do all manner of iniquity. And they did smite upon the people of Jesus; but the people of Jesus did not smite again. And thus they did dwindle in unbelief and wickedness…” (4 Ne. 1:34). The Wise Virgins It is when we finally become wise like the virgins in JST Matthew 25 that we turn to the Lord for real light (3 Ne. 18:24). The wise expect more and receive more from the Lord, doing so with gladness (see 2 Ne. 28:29-31). And they do so without fear of what men can do to them. Others have their reward in “the honors of men.” To have God honor us is the real treasure. God said perfect love - for Him, and one another, “casteth out all fear” (1 John 4:18). It is then that things of real value begin to occur in our lives. The Temple Endowment enacts the choice to turn to the Lord too. In it we see that there is some light delivered to us by the Lord’s messengers, but that in the end, we cannot pass through the veil into God’s presence until we obtain greater light and knowledge directly from the Lord Himself - through the veil. The veil we must overcome is our own unbelief, our weak mortal bodies, and the men and things we put between us and God.Speaking to the prideful, unbelieving Gentiles today (the Ephraimite Saints), the Lord said, “But if they will not turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, I will suffer them, yea, I will suffer my people, O house of Israel, that they [my people] shall go through among them [the Gentiles], and shall tread them down, and they shall be as salt that hath lost its savor, which is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of my people, O house of Israel” (3 Ne. 16:15, see also 3 Ne. 20 & 21). JST Matthew 21 is even more direct and forceful. It addresses wicked Gentile leaders in the last-days. “Verily, I say unto you, I am the stone, and those wicked ones [the Jewish leaders in the meridian of time] reject me. I am the head of the corner. These Jews shall fall upon me, and shall be broken. And the kingdom of God shall be taken from them, and shall be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof; (meaning the Gentiles.) Wherefore, on whomsoever this stone shall fall, it shall grind him to powder. And when the Lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, he will destroy those miserable, wicked men, and will let again his vineyard unto other husbandmen, even in the last days, who shall render him the fruits in their seasons. And then understood they the parable which he spake unto them, that the Gentiles should be destroyed also, when the Lord should descend out of heaven to reign in his vineyard, which is the earth and the inhabitants thereof (JST Mat. 21:52-56).God’s Words vs Men’s Words In an August 25th letter from the First Presidency of the church to Bishops worldwise, concerning the 2018 curriculum for the Melchizedek Priesthood and the Relief Society, we are informed that, “the New [curriculum] materials will emphasize learning from general conference messages.” When these messages feature God’s words being quoted from scripture, they can be good, but when they feature one leader quoting another, they are much less effective.The Fullness of My Scriptures The Prophet Joseph Smith’s primary mission in the Restoration was to bring forth more of God’s word in both the Book of Mormon, and the inspired re-translation of the Bible. There are precious truths available only in the fulness of God’s words. They lead us to salvation. Without them we are lost in dark paths, as were many in the dark ages before scripture became widely available. The fullness of God’s word is a powerful, two-edged, dividing sword. It separates truth from error! We are to give heed to God’s word (D&C 12:2) and rely on it for knowledge, wisdom, and guidance (D&C 17:1). The Book of Mormon tells us: “…whosoever will may lay hold upon the word?of God, which is?quick?and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow?course across that everlasting?gulf?of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand?of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out” (Hel. 3:29-30).Relatively few know that the Book of Mormon, together with Joseph Smith’s re-translation of the Bible were intended to be printed and distributed together, with the oracles of the Doctrine and Covenants, in what the Lord called, “the fullness of my scriptures” (D&C 42:12, 15, 56 & 59; 93:53), “the fullness of the scriptures” (JST Luke 11:53), or “my holy word” (D&C 124:89). Collectively, they provide us “the key of knowledge” necessary to receive Christ and eternal life. They were to go out to the world together in Joseph Smith’s day, and as one volume (see endnote 20). Referencing them, God said: “For in them are all things?written?concerning the foundation of my church, my gospel, and my?rock. Wherefore, if you shall build up my?church, upon the foundation of my gospel and my?rock, the?gates?of hell shall not prevail against you” (D&C 18:4-5).In verse 59 of D&C 42, God said that the fulness of “my scriptures” are to be “my law to govern my church” (v. 59). And note what is said in The Far West Report. “Brother Joseph Smith, Jr. said … that the promise of God was that the greatest blessings which God had to bestow should be given to those who contributed to the support of his family while he was translating the fullness of the Scriptures … that God had often sealed up the heavens because of covetousness in the Church…and?except the Church receive the fullness of the Scriptures that they would yet fail” (Far West Report, p. 16,?TPJS, p 9). He added that “the salvation of the elect” was dependent upon the fullness of truths being delivered to the world in a future one-volume publication of both the Book of Mormon and the JST Bible (a replacement of the KJV, see D&C 35:20). The fulness of God’s word has power to change hearts and minds, and to keep us firmly grounded upon the rock – Jesus Christ! Alma said, “the?preaching?of the?word?had a great tendency to?lead?the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them” (Alma 31:5). The First Shall be Last The Bible and the Book of Mormon both address “the last being first” and “the first being last,” as many are called but few chosen (see Mat. 20:16; Luke 13:23-30; 1 Ne. 13:40-42, 15:17-20; Jacob 5:63; Ether 13:10-12; D&C 107:33-35; 121:34-46). Following Christ’s rejection in Jerusalem by His own people (the Jews), His gospel was taken to the Gentiles, who have had it ever since. We have allowed corruption to enter into it. JST Matthew 21, 3 Nephi 16:10-12, and chapter 21 address the rejection of the “fulness” and a return offering of it to those given it first (the house of Israel). The Lord said, “For thus it behooveth the Father that it [the gospel in its fulness] should come forth from the Gentiles [to “my people”], that he may show forth his power unto the Gentiles, for this cause that the Gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come unto me and be baptized in my name and know of the true points of my doctrine, that they may be numbered among my people, O house of Israel” (3 Ne. 21:6). “My people” are those of the house of Israel that awake and arise in our day, returning to Christ the Lord. Some are those of the Lamanite remnant of Jacob on this land. Others of Jacob or Israel are scattered throughout the world. The Gentiles can join with them in this return to the God of this land - if they will. It is the great awakening of the last-days, the “strange act,” the “marvelous work and wonder” that is beginning to take place. “Hearken, O ye Gentiles, and hear the words of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, which he hath commanded me that I should speak concerning you, for, behold he commandeth me that I should write, saying: Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel” (3 Ne. 30:1-2; see also 3 Ne. 16:10 & Morm. 8:31).The new coming “husbandmen” of the vineyard will be part of the righteous “remnant of Jacob” or “Israel” scattered throughout the world. They are waking up in “how” to be saved (1 Ne. 15:14) and by “whom” – and that is by complete conversion to “the stone of Israel.” He is the Lord Jesus Christ, our Creator, Judge, and King. Otherwise the shepherds and their sheep are like salt without savor. Throughout scripture, “salt” is tied to making covenants with God. The “Gentile” Saints have made covenants with Him, like those of ancient Israel. Because of idolatry, too many today reject Christ and the New and Everlasting Covenant. It contains “the fulness” (the 5 steps of “the way of salvation” see p. 15). Those that reject Him as the rock, their sure foundation - and His “fulness” - become good for nothing but to be “cast out” and “trodden under foot of men.” What is “the fulness” part of Christ’s gospel that is rejected? It is Him, not turning to Him, of not being “born again” in Christ, when our sins are fully remitted by Him. When we are “born again” in Him we receive a new heart – with no more desire to sin or to do evil. It is when we are finally given the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. God gives it, though men may have a symbolic part of the ordinance tied to it (see D&C 33:15; 3 Ne. 9:20; 12:1; 2 Ne. 31:12; 3 Ne. 11:35; JST Mat. 3:38; JST Luke 3:16; JST John 1:28; 15:26). It is to have the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost (2 Ne. 31 & 32). This important event places us through the gate and onto the way or path to the Tree, and eternal life. Too many have not received this important gift in this necessary event. Too many don’t know how. Many shepherds do not understand this doctrine, “the doctrine of Christ.”Christ’s arm is extended to all to receive Him in these and other important steps. He is no respecter of persons. Passing through the first gate, we are made clean, counted amongst the gathered remnant of Jacob, the redeemed house of Israel. Our redemption is made complete or full when we later receive Him fully, returning to His glorious presence. He has repeatedly said, “repent and come unto me” (see D&C 10:67-68; 1 Ne. 10:18-19; 2 Ne. 9:23-24; 28:31-32; Jacob 1:7; Alma 5:33-34; Ether 4:7-19; Mor. 7:34; D&C 93:1; 3 Ne. 9:14, 22, 51; 11:14; 12:19-20, 23-24; 27:5-21; 30:1-2). This invitation is to be taken literally! It is an essential part of what makes any Saint “chosen.” God wants relationship with His children, not religion.Satan does not want us to turn to Christ and enter into “the way” of salvation to receive Him. He wants us to be ignorant of these saving truths, lost and off the pathway to the Tree. Such are unredeemed, powerless, enslaved to the ways of the world in its chains. Such may be called but not chosen. Prideful, ignorant and evil men point to themselves as the saviors of men. Wise, humble, and inspired men point us only to the living God. Satan and his servants have employed many strategies to keep us in darkness and ignorance. One of them is our current calendar. It is another idolatrous way in which Christ and His influence are removed from our lives.2. Embracing the Idolatrous Gregorian CalendarIdolatry in Modern Holidays The Prophet Daniel saw our day, seeing that the great and abominable church would “wear out the saints” and change God’s calendar, the “times and laws” (see Dan 7:25). We have inherited this corrupt calendar and its pagan traditions, and think little of it today. This calendar introduces a significant amount of idolatry into our lives, while at the same time removing our precious Savior from our remembrance. One subtle example of this occurred during the Saturday session of General Conference on March 31, 2018. It was Passover on the LORD’s Bible calendar. This important day of deliverance - from the captivity of spiritual Egypt and Babylon - was mostly forgotten. This Holy Day is tied to the LORD’s atonement and His resurrection days later, both gifts given because of love. Rather than focusing on Him and these gifts, much praise was given to our new President, Elder Nelson. It was a well-intentioned welcoming. Yet regardless of Elder Nelson’s noted strengths, it pains me to see the LORD’s prophecies being fulfilled in our ears. He said we would deny Him (2 Ne. 28:32), reject Him (2 Ne. 1:10), and forsake Him (Jer. 2:13), along with the power of the Holy Ghost (2 Ne. 28:26, 31). Though well meaning, this first day of conference was focused on our New President, rather than the atonement of the living God on Passover, the day He sacrificed Himself for us. Fortunately, on Sunday Elder Nelson mentioned it was “Easter” along with other speakers. The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it” (TPJS,?p. 121).Christ and His important mission was and is the focus of the words of Prophets in scripture and God’s own inspired calendar. God said the Holy Days are “ordinances” to be observed “forever” (Ex. 12:14; 31:16-17). They are a “sign” between God and His chosen, covenant people (Ex. 31:13, 16-17). Scripture says we will return to them in the Millennium (Zech. 14:16-21). Like the Ten Commandments, the Holy Days of God’s calendar are not to be thrown out, just because one portion of God’s lesser law - animal sacrifice - was replaced with the new covenant of the Sacrament, and a broken heart and a contrite. In the Sacrament prayers, we are taught to “always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them” (Moroni 4:3, 5:2). The twelve Holy Days of God’s calendar were designed to help us remember Him more frequently, and on the days He has chosen, that His Spirit and His power might attend us more regularly. He instituted His calendar that we might remember Him more often, removing ourselves from idolatry. Constantine was the anti-Jewish Roman Emperor who gave us much of our current pagan calendar. He hated the Jews and the Biblical Holy Days they once honored with their hearts, not just out of habit as they did later on. Constantine was successful in removing much of Christ and His redemptive mission from our “remembering,” by replacing them with modern pagan holidays. They introduce portions of his Roman idolatry into our lives. These holidays (like Easter replacing Passover) often occur on days that are sometimes weeks apart from those on which the Lord actually performed His loving service for us - in the atonement and resurrection in the meridian of time. The Gregorian calendar holidays thus distance us from Christ the Lord, in both their incorrect timing, and in their false and idolatrous meaningsThe Holy Day “Passover,” for example, has been replaced by what is called Easter today (similar in sound to “Ishtar”). This new holiday has many distasteful pagan traditions tied to it, like eggs (fertility through Ishtar), eating ham (an unclean animal in the Law of Moses), and remembering the pagan Gods Tammuz and Ishtar. Constantine then moved the new holiday Easter to a convenient Friday to Sunday celebration. Today it is often weeks away from the actual atonement and resurrection dates of our precious Lord. Other modern holidays on Constantine’s calendar, like Christmas (a pagan winter solstice celebration, with much materialism in gift-giving), Halloween (darkness, death, wickedness), and President’s Day, do little to keep Christ and His mission in our “remembrance.” Idolatry was and is the result instead.Our wise, loving God began putting His calendar in place in the very first chapter of Genesis, to help us remember Him through the whole year. By remembering His great gift to us, we draw closer to Him. He doesn’t need our worship, we do - that we might be redeemed and perfected in Him. God’s calendar was later laid out in detail for the Israelites and us in the book of Exodus. Its 12 Holy Days are marked by both the sun and the moon He created. They serve as signs and seasonal markers for each Holy Day. They mark the Holy Days in perfect sequence. Those in the spring are tied to His mission of mercy in the meridian of time. His second coming return is marked in the sequence of the fall Holy Days, in connection with the judgment of the King of kings over his kingdom upon His return. The 12 Holy Days were prophetic of His first advent upon the earth as our Savior (the sacrificial Lamb of God), and are prophetic of His Second Coming return as the great judge and King. Useful understanding of the timing, and specific portions of His mission of redemption are given in them. They are thus of great worth. The traditional 12 Holy Days include: 7 annual Holy Days: Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement & Tabernacles. As we remember God and His redemptive mission for us on these special days each year we are blessed with a greater measure of have His Spirit and thus His power with us. 3 Sabbaths: The 7th day of rest, the 7th Sabbatical Year of release, and the 7 x 7 Jubilee Year of restoration. The first is tied to loving God, our Creator. The second is tied to loving each other (forgiveness of debt, releasing slaves, and letting the land rest a full year). The third is tied to a great Jubilee celebration. Those who are obedient to God’s law in them are rewarded by living on or returning to Promised covenant lands. All three Sabbaths are about love and are designed to relieve oppression which men place upon other men (see Serious about the Sabbath). 2 New Years Days (the sacred New Year of the priest and the civil New Year of the king). They help us remember that our Lord is the great High Priest and the King of kings, who possesses great wisdom, knowledge, and love for us. We show our love for Him by loving one another, not oppressing one another.I have addressed the 12 Holy Days in detail in other papers and books, and thus I will not do so here again, other than to say they will return in the Millennium, when Babylon is destroyed, and when true worship of the Lord Jesus returns in its fulness (see Zech. 14:16-21 & Serious about the Sabbath). For now, those who wish to honor the Lord, look to them as special times in which they express their love and appreciation for Him. He is greatly honored by this and blesses us as a result of our attention and sacrifice. Taking time to remember Him on these special days is a free-will offering, one that also helps remove us from idolatry - from Babylon and its ways.Few realize that our current calendar, including our Sunday Sabbath, comes to us from the Roman Emperor Constantine and the Catholic Church. Who we worship and when we worship are dictated by this pagan calendar! Satan helped inspire this calendar that we might be further removed from God. Throughout His word in both ancient and modern scripture, we read that God’s Sabbath, for instance, is the 7th day, not the 1st day of the week, and that the sun and the moon are the 2 faithful witnesses He placed in the heavens to mark His holy days. The Sabbath day was the day He finished the creation and rested from His labors. He reveals to us that the counting of the 7 days to it - begins at the New Moon (the first sliver of light), which immediately follows the New Moon conjunction (total darkness, no moon, because of the monthly alignment or “conjunction” of the earth, moon, and sun; a 1 or 2-day event). Proper and respectful worship of the Lord on the Sabbath is important enough that God made it His fourth commandment, and the longest of them all in four total verses (see Exodus 20). It is a covenant “sign” of those who love and honor Him, in contrast to paying homage to the false gods of this telestial world. They are found today in our Gregorian calendar. It is named after Pope Gregory XIII, who further modified it. Note what God said about His Sabbath as a covenant “sign.” “Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you” (Ex. 31:13). “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever”?(Ex. 31:16-17).God’s calendar is tied to His love for us. We can return this love, and worship Him in more pure ways by replacing our idolatrous holidays with His Holy Days once again. Our modern holidays in the Gregorian calendar have been forced upon us by Constantine and the Catholic church. The 12 Holy Days in God’s calendar remind us of our need to look to the living God in all things for our redemption at His hands. It reminds us of His greatness and mercy. Those who come to know Him by observing them, come to love Him. It is a joy to worship God on the actual days He performed the Atonement for us in the spring Holy Days. And it is exciting to look forward to His return in connection with the fall Holy Days. He is the Great Deliverer and Redeemer. For more on His calendar, see the author’s book, Seven Heavenly Witnesses of the Coming of Jesus Christ. For more on His Sabbath, see the paper, Serious About the Sabbath. Note just 3 examples of Constantine’s idolatrous replacement holidays below. The pagan holiday Easter has replaced the Holy Day Passover - the time our Lord performed the Atonement and the Resurrection for us, because of love. Christmas has replaced the Feast of Dedication, a later Jewish holy day tied to the re-dedication of the temple after it was defiled. Constantine sought to blend pagan and Christian traditions together using the nearby date of December 25th, a day tied to the pagan winter solstice festival called Saturnalia (worshipping the planet Saturn). By changing the name of the festival from Saturnalia to Christmas, Constantine was making it more acceptable for Christians to accept it as God’s birthday, wherein His actual birthday appears to be on the Holy Day Rosh Hashanah. We call it “the feast of Trumpets.” It is the day of the coming of the king - with trumpeting. It is the first day of creation, the civil New Year’s Day of the coming King of kings, the day the Bridegroom Christ comes to get us as His bride (the church of believers) at midnight; hence the trumpeting call to “awake and arise” that we might go out to meet the Bridegroom prepared with the wedding garment and oil in our lamps (see D&C 133:10). Hanukkah, however, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is in December and was observed by Jesus. Our current 1st day “Sun”-day worship replaces the 7th day Sabbath on God’s calendar, a calendar marked by the both the sun (seasons) and the moon (days, via moon phases). In the Bible and the Book of Mormon the days of the week, month, and year were numbered only, not named to avoid the idolatry of the nations surrounding Israel. The Babylonians had weekday names tied to worshipping the planets, including sun- day, moon-day, Saturn day, etc. Our months have names like January, named after the Roman god Janus. Calendar Summary We demonstrate our love for God by removing idolatry from our lives in all its forms, including that in our current calendar. Again, God said the Holy Days are “ordinances” to be observed “forever” (Ex. 12:14; 31:16-17). They are a “sign” between God and His chosen, covenant people (Ex. 31:13, 16-17). Scripture says we will return to them in the Millennium (Zech. 14:16-21). In the book of Jeremiah we read that ancient Israel did not love God enough to love their brothers and sisters completely. They quit honoring the Sabbatical Year (of release) by not forgiving debt among each other, by not releasing their slaves, and by not giving the land rest for a full year. They were to do each of these three things every 7th year. God then taught rebellious Israel a lesson, magnifying their captivity in Babylon by a factor of 10, or for 70 years (Jer. 25:8;-12, 29:10-14; 2 Chron. 26:19-21; Lev. 26:27-35). The prophet Daniel was one of these captives. He addressed idolatry extensively in the 12 chapters of his book. It was one of the primary reasons the Israelites were removed from their Promised covenant land for 70 years. Those on this choice, Promised, covenant land are to worship the living God, the King of kings, the Creator of heaven and earth, or they will be removed from it. Such is the message of scripture, including the Book of Mormon (Ether 2:8-12, 7:23, 8:21, 9:20, 13:2, 14:1). God said, “I, the Lord, the king of heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light unto them forever, that hear my words” (2 Ne. 10:14). Good books on the Lord’s calendar inlcude: (1) Mark Biltz, God’s Day Timer, (2) Edward Chumney, The Seven festivals of the Messiah, (3) and my book, Seven Heavenly Witnesses of the Coming of Jesus Christ.3. Maintaining Idols in our HeartThe only way to receive truth, is to come to God and seek His will, rather than our own. He is an all-wise, Father, full of love, and one who has our best interests at heart. The Lectures on Faith (removed from our canon of scriptures in 1921, see Removing the Lectures on Faith) teach us who God is, including accurate character attributes, that we might develop and place greater faith, love, and trust in Him. They also teach us that we must have sufficient faith in Him to part the veil here, and then literally receive Him as our God and mentor. He only is the True Vine.Faith is the first principle and ordinance of the Gospel of Christ. Some have faith, trust, and love for the church and its leaders. It is better placed in the living God who redeemed them. In chapter 15 of John we are invited to abide in Christ as the True Vine, and have Him and the Father abide in us. This invitation is a real possibility, if we believe like a little child, and act in faith. It is also a great blessing, one we may all receive as we remove ourselves from Babylon and its false traditions and teachings. This is the only way we can be fruit-bearing branches in the Tree of Life, with fruit “meet for the Father’s Celestial kingdom” (D&C 84:58).Pure Revelation Receiving revelation from God, rather than false sources (ourselves or false spirits), requires us to remove the idols we maintain in our hearts, those heartfelt desires that keep us from being one with God and His wise will. One of the lines of our Lord’s Prayer to the Father provides us a very good example. It states, “Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (3 Ne. 13:13; Mat. 6:9-13). A number of very informative scriptures reveal that God sometimes gives us what we want, even though such desires may bring curses upon us. It is a lesson too many must learn the hard way. A better way, is to be humble, meek, and submissive, seeking God’s superior will, and His greater love, wisdom, and knowledge. There are eight “idols of the heart” scriptures containing these important truths. They are enlightening and include Proverbs 23:7, Isaiah 66:2-4, Ezekiel 14:1-11, 2?Thessalonians?2:10-12, James 4:3, Jacob 4:14, Alma 29:4, and Mormon 9:28. Discerning Truth from Error We came to the Earth to gain knowledge and experience. The best knowledge comes from God directly, if we will receive it, and not be deceived by our own voice, or that of Satan. The Prophet Joseph Smith had to learn how to receive “pure revelation” from God via His own experience, as do all men and women. We should expect to receive false things, as well as pure revelation from God, as we learn to part the veil separating heaven and earth. David Whitmer, the third person baptized into the Church of Christ (after Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery) was one of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon (chosen by God). He was with Joseph Smith during many of his early revelations. Whitmer witnessed Joseph develop the gift of revelation, with both failure and success. He stated, “How humble and contrite in heart a man must be to receive revelations from God: and how very weak man is, and how liable to be led into error, thinking at the time that he is doing God's will.” Whitmer observed, “At times when Brother Joseph would attempt to translate, he would look into the hat in which the stone was placed, he found he was spiritually blind and could not translate. He told us that his mind dwelt too much on earthly things, and various causes would make him incapable of proceeding with the translation. When in this condition he would go out and pray, and when he became sufficiently humble before God, he could then proceed with the translation. Now we see how very strict the Lord is; and how he requires the heart of man to be just right in His sight, before he can receive revelation from him.” Whitmer noted one time in which Joseph was deceived (tied to instruction in an unpublished revelation to go to Canada and sell the copyright to the Book of Mormon there). It was a complete failure and a waste of time. Joseph and others wanted to know why this failure occurred. Joseph enquired of the Lord about it. According to Whitmer, the following revelation came through the stone. “Some revelations are of God: some revelations are of men: and some revelations are of the devil. When a man enquires of the Lord concerning a matter, if he is deceived by his own carnal desires [D&C 3:4], and is in error, he will receive an answer according to his erring heart, but it will not be a revelation from the Lord” (quoted words of the Prophet Joseph Smith by David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, pps. 30-31, ).Whitmer believed that the “spiritual wives” doctrine we have come to call polygamy today became a curse upon the Saints in Nauvoo and Utah because some early leaders became prideful, seeking their own carnal desires (D&C 3:4) rather than God’s will and wisdom. The lesson to be learned is that all men can be deceived, including leaders. This is especially so when we ask without a pure heart, without humility, without seeking God’s will. God revealed to Joseph Smith that there are three voices we can receive information from; (1) the Lord, (2) Satan, or (3) our own voice. The source of that information or “revelation” is directly tied to the desires of our heart. This is a great mystery to many. Revelation from God requires that we seek His will, not our own or we can be deceived by the lusts or idols within our heart. We read in Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” James stated, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume?it upon your lusts” (James 4:3; Morm. 9:28). The phrase “lusts of the flesh” is not tied to sexual perversion here, but our own heartfelt desires or lusts in this mortal tabernacle. Some can be good, but not necessarily in line with God’s will for us. If we want pure revelation from God, we must be willing to receive its truth, and then do according to God’s will, fully submitting to it! Truth is a dividing sword. It is sometimes difficult to accept. Portions of this paper may be in that category for you.Like all men, Joseph was human. He had to learn line upon line, and via experience and mistakes. Like him, we are here to gain knowledge via experience leading to salvation. It isn’t always easy. Quoting Joseph, Whitmer stated, “Some revelations are of God: some revelations are of men: and some revelations are of the devil.’ So we see that the revelation to go to Toronto and sell the copyright [to the Book of Mormon] was not of God, but was of the devil or of the heart of man. When a man enquires of the Lord concerning a matter, if he is deceived by his own carnal desires, and is in error, he will receive an answer according to his erring heart, but it will not be a revelation from the Lord. This was a lesson for our benefit and we should have profited by it in future more than we did . . . The revelation to go to Canada was written down on paper, but was never printed. When Brother Joseph was humble he had the Spirit of God with him; but when he was not humble he did not have the Spirit . . . When a prophet, or any other man, prays to God and asks wisdom concerning a matter, his conscience will reveal an answer to him just according to the desires of his heart. If his desires are in any way carnal, he being deceived, an answer will be revealed to him accordingly; and he will think it is the revealed will of God [this is the “strong delusion” addressed in 2 Thess. 2:10-12, Isa. 66:2-4, Ezek. 14:1-11; James 4:3; Jacob 4:14]. Satan reveals his will [often mixed with truth] to deceive him, and makes it appear as an Angel of Light. This is a mystery to a great many people, but only to those who are weak and have need of milk that they may grow in spiritual knowledge to understand the word of God. It is Satan who deceives the man, but God permits it because of the wicked desires of the man, and it is right and justice in God's wisdom to permit the persistent transgressor to be led off and deceived by a delusive false doctrine” (Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, pps. 42-43).Strong delusion was apparently given the Saints in Nauvoo because so many sought the desires of their heart in the lusts of polygamy. It was kept secret in the oaths of Masonry, and enforced - along with fidelity to mortal leaders, by Danite coercion. This control, made possible by secret oaths, included threats, intimidation, revenge, and violence, even murder. Fear in forced control, with murder, is Satan’s way. And so is polygamy and sexual perversion, so prevalent today in our culture (see Moses 5). The pure love of God casts out such things, including fear. In 2?Thess.?2:11, Paul stated: “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” Why did this occur? Verses 10 and 12 give the reason; “because they received not the love of the truth”... because they “had pleasure in unrighteousness” – in their carnal desires (see also D&C 3:4).In Isaiah 66:2-4, the Lord contrasts two types of people. “But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” But to the people who “have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations, I will also choose their delusions.” Jacob 2 teaches us that polygamy and other whoredoms are an abomination (Jacob 2:22-29). At Nauvoo, Satan tempted the Saints with “the secret things” of Masonry, the lustful desires of polygamy, and fear and intimidation via Danite-like enforcers to keep them in place. It was a dark period of church history.Note also Ezekiel 14:1-11, especially verses 3-6. There we read, “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh [through that prophet] according to the multitude of his idols; That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.” Finally, note Alma 29, where God said He often answers us according to our agency and will. “God…granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction” (Alma 29:4, see also Jacob 4:14).Receiving Truth Faith and trust in the Lord means desiring and expecting answers from Him – according to His will, and then listening for His gentle guiding voice. It most often comes within our mind as a “still small voice” (see Enos 5, 10). We must then “believe as little children,” we have received it, that what we hear or sense in such submissive circumstances is from Him, given us in our language and words - that we might understand. Practicing discernment, with child-like faith, and removing all the idols of our heart is a very important doctrine and practice, otherwise deception in other voices can result. In time, our yes and no answers can turn into sentences, and finally conversations (see Receiving Revelation). “…hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need.?Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and?come?unto the Lord with all your?heart, and?work?out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him. Be?wise?in the days of your?probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your?lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and?living God” (Morm. 9:27-28).When there is great sin among us, and when we no longer seek God and His will, our heads are covered, including those who lead us (see Isa. 29:10). Revelation then stops and many become blind and deaf (2 Ne. 9:21; 3 Ne. 2:1; D&C 78.10). Blind guides then lead the blind into darkness and rivers of filthy waters. This is one of the key messages of Lehi and Nephi’s visions of the Tree of Life.The Temple as an IdolA Kirtland Pentecost Event In the New Testament, the Lord instructed His disciples to “tarry” at Jerusalem upon His departure for some 50 days to receive “the promise of the Father.” It was a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It occurred as He said and came to be known later as “the Day of Pentecost” (Greek for “50” or 50 days after the Lord’s sacrifice at Passover). The Saints there were not required to build a “House of the Lord,” as one already existed in the minds of the Pharisees and Sadducees. It was called Herod’s Temple. It was corrupted and quite different from the House of the Lord built by Solomon centuries earlier on the same land.A similar “Pentecostal” event occurred with the Kirtland Ohio Saints near the spring equinox of 1836. It was prior to missions for many of the Saints, like those called and chosen in Jerusalem. Kirtland Ohio was the Lord’s designated setting to “tarry” - in time and space set apart by the Lord - for this special event. It would again be an endowment of power – but this time for the early Saints of the Restoration. He wanted them to have the gift and power of the Holy Ghost too, that they might be empowered missionaries. In 3 Nephi 19, we read of a special gathering of believers near a set apart edifice in the city of Bountiful. In this special place and time, Twelve Disciples of Christ were chosen by Him to minister among the people. We read that they desired to receive the Holy Ghost more than any other thing (see v. 9). It became an endowment of real power for them, as it did for the early Kirtland Saints, and those in the New Testament. With the Saints under Joseph’s care, however, the Lord had them “tarry” at Kirtland to first build and then dedicate a “house of the Lord” to Him, in preparation for this sacred, group event. They were not building a temple, but a more holy “house of the Lord.” The Pentecost at Kirtland was set to occur at the dedication of this “house” on March 27th of 1836, one week after the sacred New Year on the Lord’s Bible calendar (the spring equinox). It happened.Signs Follow Believers – Faith in the Lord Like the New Testament Saints, the Kirtland Saints were of “one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1). The Saints offered up the sacrifice the Lord had chosen for them and us – a broken heart and a contrite spirit. They also offered up a completed structure for their gathering and edification, according to His command. They did so at great personal effort and expense. The sacrifices helped purify the hearts of the Saints. History reveals that they were richly rewarded for their humble offering. They experienced a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the dedication of the first “house of the Lord” in Joseph’s Restoration. Signs followed these believers (Mark 16:17; Ether 4:18; D&C 58:64, 63:9, 68:10, 84:65). Joseph Smith prayed for them to occur in his dedication prayer for it (see D&C 109:22, 35-37; 110:9). “For verily this generation shall not all?pass away?until an?house?shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even the?glory?of the Lord, which shall fill the house...Therefore, as I said?concerning?the sons of Moses—for the sons of Moses and also the sons of Aaron shall offer an accept- able?offering?and sacrifice in the house of the Lord, which house shall be built unto the Lord in this generation, upon the consecrated?spot?as I have appointed—And the sons of Moses and of Aaron [lesser priesthood] shall be filled with the?glory?of the Lord [fiery baptism], upon?Mount Zion?in the Lord’s house, whose sons are ye; and also many whom I have called and sent forth to build up my?church” (D&C 84:5, 31- 32; see also 95:8-9, 97:15-17, 110:7).This prophecy was fulfilled. One of the greatest signs seen at the dedication was God’s glory above the Lord’s house. It was described as “a pillar of fire,” the same manifested presence accompanying the Israelites or their desert Journey in the Sinai wilderness. Many of the Kirtland Saints were also seen with a small flame over their heads (by sighted individuals). This was called “tongues of fire” in Acts 2:3. Many also spoke in tongues, a spiritual gift not fully understood by most Saints today (see Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit). Others saw angels or heard them singing. Fire is consistently tied to the power of Holy Spirit or the Holy Ghost in scripture. A similar outpouring of the Spirit with these signs was not reported at Nauvoo, nor in temple dedications since then.The House of the Lord Throughout scripture, the Lord uses the phrase “the house of the Lord.” The word “house” can mean three different things in scripture. Note the following Bible verses. (1) God’s family, those under the covenant (see JST Gen. 48:8-11; 2 Sam. 7:18; Isa. 2:2-5) (2) An architectural structure, a “house of the Lord” on the earth (2 Chron. 3:1) (3) The sacred setting for an ascent return into God’s presence (such as Jacob’s experience at “Bethel” – which means “house of God” or of “the Lord,” see Gen. 28:11-22, 31:13; 32:30) The Prophet Joseph Smith used the word “house” not “temple” in connection with the Kirtland structure in all historical references to it, including his dedication prayer for the building. There, for example, Joseph referred to it as “a house,” “the Lord’s house” and “thy house” (see D&C 109:2, 5, 8, 12-14, 16-17, 20, 22, 37). Joseph used the word “house” a total of 31 times in the dedication prayer. The word temple was not used once! The same is true of Solomon’s dedication prayer. In it Solomon used the word “house” 12 times. The word temple was not used. In expressing what the House of the LORD is, Jesus used the word “house” eight times in verse 8 of D&C 109, as He did in verse 118 of D&C 88. He said: “Organize yourselves;?prepare?every needful thing, and establish a house, even a?house?of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of?order, a?house?of God.” Later editors added the word temple to many historic documents after Joseph’s murder, including Joseph’s personal journal references. In his general conversations and in his journal, Joseph smith often referred to the Kirtland structure as a “the chapel.” Note just two of some 50 examples: “On Sab[b]ath morning the 15th He [Erastus Holmes] went with me to meeting which was held in the Schoolhouse on account of the Chappel not being finished plastering. President Rigdon preached on the subject of men's being called to preach the gospel and their qualifications &c. We had a fine discourse.” (p. 59 Faulring). “Thursday morning, 31st [1836] In the after noon I attended at the Chapel?to give directions concerning the upper rooms and more especially the west room which I intend oc[c]upying for a translating room which will be prepared this week” (Faulring, p. 94, in Ronald Karren, The Exoneration of Emma, Joseph & Hyrum: Part One; Karren took these quotes from Scott H. Faulring, American Prophet’s Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1989). God’s Words More significant than Joseph Smith’s words or Solomon’s words is the fact that the Lord did not call the Kirtland or Nauvoo structures a “temple” in the D&C. Speaking of the Kirtland structure, He instead called it, “mine house,” “my house” or “a house” (D&C 95:3, 97:10, 12, 15, 105:33). He also referred to it as “this house” (D&C 110:7-9) and “this holy house.” The same is also true of the later “house” the Saints built at Nauvoo. In D&C 124, every reference by the Lord to the new Nauvoo structure uses the word “house,” not temple. He called it, “a house” (27, 30, 31, 33, 37, 47, 51, 55), “this house” (vs. 40, 42), and “my holy house” (v. 39). In this same Section (D&C 124), the Lord also addressed the moving “house” of the early Israelites, those who had just left captivity in Egypt. Under Moses’s direction, they built the Tabernacle that traveled with them for 40 years. God’s presence was manifest in “the cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night” above it (Ex. 13:21-22). In Section 124, God also referenced the “house” Solomon built in Jerusalem (v. 38). This “house” was built on behalf of his father David. King David was not “chosen” by the Lord to build it because he had too much blood on his hands (see 1 Chron. 28:3; D&C 63:31-33, 105:14, 33-37, 121:34-46). “Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where [the LORD] appeared unto David his father; for which provision had been made in the Place of David, in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite” (2 Chron. 3:1). Earlier in Section 97, God referred to the creation of Zion. It can only be created among “the pure in heart,” those without idolatry (verse 21). In verse 17, the Lord said He would “not come into unholy temples” (people or buildings). Hearts are purified in “the baptism of fire and Holy Ghost” event - one occurring for many at the dedication of the Kirtland structure (see the paper, Endowment of Power from On High). Temple versus the House of the Lord It is apparent in most modern scriptures that the Lord uses the word “house” for his earthly habitation, those built under His command and direction. Men, however, typically use the word temple, and often in connection with idolatry and false gods. This is apparent in the many temples built to honor Zeus, Athena, Dagon, Baal, Molech, and other false gods. A breakdown of the use of the word “house of the Lord” versus “temple” in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants is very instructive. Throughout, the D&C - and relative to building the Kirtland and Nauvoo structures, we see that God consistently called both structures “the house of the Lord,” not a temple. Accepting the Kirtland Temple in D&C 110, the Lord used the word “house” 5 times (0 references with the word “temple”). The same is true in most verses in the Old Testament tied to “the house of the Lord” Solomon built. The New Testament is different. It has many references to a “temple,” mostly in connection with Herod’s corrupted temple in the meridian of time (see JST Mat. 24:1-4). Christ cleansed its outer court two times, but showed respect for what it represented. The Book of Mormon features a mix of meanings tied to the word “temple,” most again revealing this same separation in meaning.Sadly, the Nauvoo Masonic Temple was built by the Saints and dedicated - before a “house” for and to the Lord at Nauvoo. Like the Nauvoo Saints, those in Hagai 1, delayed the building of a “house” of the Lord, building instead their homes and businesses first. They too were cursed. Unfortunately, the structure at Nauvoo was never completed, though it was hastily dedicated while many were leaving for the Salt Lake Valley. History shows that the Nauvoo structure was later destroyed by lightning and then fire, whereas the Masonic Temple survives to this day. It was purchased by President McKay of the LDS church in 1954. Speaking of idolatry in connection with temples, the Prophet Hosea said: “For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof” (Hosea 8:14).Some have forgotten their original purpose today. Like the Jews in Christ’s ministry who had Herod’s Temple, some think temples are a reflection of superior standing before God. The condition of the heart within our own temple matters much more. We are to have the indwelling of the Spirit.In D&C 97:17 we read of the House of the Lord to be built at Kirtland. God warned the Saints in this Section that He does not come into “unholy temples” (the only use of the word “temple” in D&C 97). This refers to both temples of stone and flesh. He stated in an earlier Section, “whatsoever temple is defiled, God?shall destroy that temple” (D&C?93:35, see also 133:1-5 & Mal. 3:1-7). Eight of the references to a “temple” in the Book of Mormon are also tied the concept of “unholy temples” (see Mos. 2:37; Alma 7:21, 16:13 23:2, 34:36; Hel. 4:24, 10:18). Note below the Lord’s 7-part description of what His “holy house” is to be in the Doctrine and Covenants, and what its purpose is. God provided a 7-part description of His “house.” He uses the word “house” 8 times to identify it as His house - a “house of God - in both D&C 88 and 109. Also note that 3 times He speaks of the “incomings and outgoings” of the Saints from this house – that they will be “in the name of the Lord” - if the Saints are obedient and clean before Him. This was the case for the Saints on the dedication day of “the House of the Lord” at Kirtland. The Lord’s words describing His house are exactly the same in both D&C 88 and 95. “Organize yourselves;?prepare?every needful thing, and establish a house, even [1] a?house?of prayer, [2] a house of fasting, [3] a house of faith, [4] a house of learning, [5] a house of glory, [6] a house of?order, [7] a?house?of God; That your?incomings?may be in the name of the Lord, that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord, that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High” (D&C 97:8-9, see also D&C 88:119-120).Meaning of the number 8: made new (rebirth, renewal, etc.) / It is mine house.Meaning of the number 7: complete or full, spiritual perfection / It is a complete house.Meaning of the number 3: divine / It is God’s house. It is holy, clean, and built as I commanded.A week after the structure’s dedication, on April 3 of 1836 (thought to be the Lord’s resurrection day in the meridian of time), Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery within the building to accept it and deliver more to these two special last-days servants. No such event has been reported since. What prepared the believers at Kirtland and Jerusalem to receive real power in their endowment from on high, rather than symbolic instruction in ordinances alone, was the sacrifice the Lord had asked them to make. He wanted a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and a completed, dedicated structure, constructed according to His will. Two similar events in the Book of Mormon reveal that groups of believers were given this or a related gift from God. These events involved those gathered at the land of Zarahemla and those gathered in the land of Nephi. Both were select settings in space and time where a group experienced the outpouring of God’s power and spiritual gifts, a real “endowment of power from on high.” These events point back to the Israelites gathered at the base of Sinai, where they too were invited to receive God and His greatest gifts, when fire was seen atop the desert mountain. The whole purpose of “the house of Lord” is to experience God personally, and receive of His best gifts. Note the chastening the Kirtland Saints first received for delaying construction of the House of the Lord in Kirtland. Yet the promise to be “endowed with power from on high” remained, if they repented. “Wherefore, ye must needs be chastened and stand rebuked before my face; For ye have sinned against me a very grievous sin, in that ye have not considered the great commandment in all things, that I have given unto you concerning the building of mine?house; For the preparation wherewith I design to prepare mine apostles to?prune?my vineyard for the last time, that I may bring to pass my?strange act, that I may?pour out?my Spirit upon all flesh—But behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many who have been ordained among you, whom I have called but few of them are?chosen. They who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin, in that they are?walking?in?darkness?at noon-day… Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave?unto you a commandment that you should?build?a house, in the which house I design to?endow?those whom I have?chosen with power from on high; For this is the?promise?of the Father unto you; therefore I command you to tarry, even as mine apostles at Jerusalem” (D&C 95:2-6, 8-9, 105:33-37; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:2-4, 8; 2:1-6). Note an even greater promise in D&C 97 relative to this structure and those prepared. “And inasmuch as my people?build?a?house?unto me in the?name?of the Lord, and do not suffer any?unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my?glory?shall rest upon it; Yea, and my?presence?shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the?pure?in heart that shall come into it shall see God. But if it be defiled I will not come into it, and my glory shall not be there; for I will not come into?unholy?temples” (D&C 97:15- 17).Following the dedication services for the House of the Lord at Kirtland, the building was later used as a general gathering place for the Saints, as a meetinghouse or chappel, and as a school for children, adults, and “the School of the Prophets.” Neither the building, nor the ordinances inside it were worshipped there. God was. This is why many of the Kirtland Saints received the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost at its dedication. He was their complete focus. Their hearts were turned wholly to Him and they were forever changed via sanctification in the fiery baptism. Too many today focus on the symbolic ordinances of a “temple” and other things there (which do have educational or other value), rather than the living God and His will for them. When this kind of idolatry occurs, such places become temples, rather than a House of the Lord. God said He would set His “house” in order in the latter-days (D&C 85:7; 93:43), and that desolation or judgment will proceed forth from His “house” (D&C 112:24-26). This may mean both His people and/or their sacred places. He reminded us not to build our “houses” on a sandy foundation earlier in 3 Nephi 14:21-27, but to be “doers” of the word, not hearers only, and build our foundations upon Him – by knowing Him! He stated: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall?enter?into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will?say?to me in that day: Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will?I?profess unto them: I never?knew?you;?depart?from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore, whoso heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a?rock— And the?rain?descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it?fell?not, for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto a?foolish?man, who built his house upon the?sand—And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell, and great was the fall of it” (3 Ne. 14:21-27).To conclude, temples, like the church itself and its leaders can become idols to us, if we raise them up and diminish our Lord and Savior. It is really that simple. A “house of the Lord” is centered on Him.The Stone Kingdom The 12 chapters of book of Daniel addresses idolatry in multiple ways, through kingdoms and the kings who reign over them, and the idols they set up in them. Like the temples of men, churches, kingdoms, and the kings themselves can become idols, made with hands. The Lord Jesus is a stumbling block to those in the religions of men. Christ said that He would become a stumbling block to both houses of Israel (Judah and Joseph, Isa. 8:14). He is in the way, a stone of stumbling, for some who wish to be in the chief seats. Their pride and unrighteousness has blinded them. He alone was the way to salvation. Many are kept in darkness today by the false teachings and idolatrous traditions of men and their religion.We read first of the great image seen in a dream by king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in Daniel chapter 2. The king was the golden head atop the tall image made of iron mixed with clay at the bottom. Higher up were portions of the image’s body, made of brass, silver, and finally gold at the top (the different materials represented earthly kingdoms). Daniel, a captive Israelite there, was a great seer and prophet. He only was able to interpret the king’s dream. He saw that a great “stone cut out of a mountain without hands” filled the whole earth in the last-days, smiting all other kingdoms. It alone would then “stand forever” thereafter (see Dan. 2:28, 21-35, 44, 47). The “stone” is the Lord Jesus Christ and His kingdom. He is Daniel’s “God of gods” and “Lord of lords” (v. 47). This is apparent in a number of scriptures. Note three of them; JST Matthew 21:26-56, Acts 4:10-12, and Psalm118:22. All three are worthy of study. In JST Matthew 21, the Lord explains to His disciples what will happen to the “miserable, wicked men” who are husbandmen over the kingdom in both the meridian of time and the last-days. Both reject Him for “gain” and the “honors of men.” Prior to this in verses 12-14 of this same chapter, Jesus casts out the moneychangers from the temple, and then heals the blind and lame there, both of which make the wicked leaders angry. In verse 13, Christ states that “my house” is to be “a house of prayer,” not a den of thieves! In later verses, He adds: “When the Lord…of the vineyard cometh [His first coming], what will he do unto those husbandmen…He will destroy those miserable, wicked men [the Jewish lawyers and Rabbis then leading his corrupted church], and will let out the vineyard unto other husbandmen [the Gentiles thereafter until our day], who shall render him the fruits in their seasons. Jesus said unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner…Therefore…The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation [those of the Gentles] bringing for the fruits thereof…And now his disciples came to him, and Jesus said to them…Verily, I say unto you, I am the stone, and those wicked ones reject me. I am the head of the corner. These Jews shall fall upon me, and shall be broken. And the kingdom of God shall be taken from them, and shall be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof; (meaning the Gentiles.) Wherefore, on whomsoever this stone shall fall, it shall grind him to powder. And when the Lord therefore of the vineyard cometh [a second time, in the last-days], he will destroy those miserable, wicked men, and will let again his vineyard unto other husbandmen, even in the last days, who shall render him the fruits in their seasons. And then understood they the parable which he spake unto them, that the Gentiles should be destroyed also, when the Lord should descend out of heaven to reign in his vineyard [in the Millennium] which is the earth and the inhabitants thereof” (JST Mat. 21:51-56). Idolatry and rejecting God have consequences. In the next chapter (3), King Nebuchadnezzar sets up a great golden image for all people to worship. Daniel, on behalf of his companions said, “we will not serve thy gods,” and furthermore, “our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace” (vs. 17-18). They were then thrown into the furnace. We read that God delivered “his servants that trusted in him” (vs. 25 & 28). King Nebuchadnezzar then recognized that “no other God can deliver after this sort” (v. 29).The king then had another dream, of a great, high tree in “the midst of the earth,” with fruit “meat for all” (Dan. 4:10-12). Daniel interpreted this dream too. The king was the great tree that would be cut down (vs. 22-31), leaving only a stump. The king was to be humbled until he realized that “the heavens do rule” (v. 26) and that “the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men” (v. 32). Eventually king Nebuchadnezzar “praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, “whose dominion is an everlasting dominion” (v. 34). He said, “Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven…those that walk in pride he is able to abase” (v. 37).In chapter 5, we read of the writing on the wall of the palace of king Belshazzar, son of Nebuchadnezzar. He was partying in pride with his companions, using the sacred “vessels” (wine coblets) of the House of the Lord built by Solomon. The message of the writing on the wall there stated, “God hath numbered [judged] thy kingdom, and finished it. Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians” (vs. 25-28). “In that night was Belshazzar the king…slain. And Darius the Median took the kingdom…” (v. 30-31). The captive Israelites then returned to Jerusalem. They were in captivity in Babylon for 70 years (7 x 10) because they had not kept the law of the three Sabbaths, and specifically, the Sabbatical Year of release (held every 7th year). The Israelites had failed to love God and one another. They did not forgive the debt of their brothers, let slaves go free, and allow the land to rest a full year and were thus removed from their covenant lands (see Jer. 25:5-12; 29:8-13; 2 Chron. 26:19-21; Lev. 26:27-35).In chapter 6, we read of more idolatry, when Daniel and his companions did not pay appropriate homage to king Darius, according to new statutes established by those who hated them, those who wanted to make accusation against them (vs. 6-7). Because Daniel and his companions would not honor these new idolatrous laws, they were thrown into a den of hungry lions. King Darius did not want to punish the three Israelites, but had to keep his own law. He stated that the men would be delivered by their God, and fasted the whole night for “Daniel, servant of the living God” (vs. 16-24). God did deliver them. The king then had the accusers of Daniel and his companions cast into this same den of lions. King Darius also sent out a new decree, stating, “the God of Daniel…is the living God…and his kingdom…shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs, and wonders in heaven, and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of lions” (vs. 26-27).The remaining chapters of Daniel (7-12) address the future, including our day and the coming of the Ancient of days at Adam-ondi-Ahman. There he will commission and empower the Lord’s last-days servants to defeat the anti-Christ and the kingdoms that have risen up on the earth, all of which are corrupt, all a part of the great and abominable church of the devil. At some point, the anti-Christ will enter the Lord’s House to make himself god over the earth. He will “speak words against the most High” (v. 25). It is the “abomination that maketh desolate” (Dan. 11:31). For a time he will be successful (perhaps 3.5 years, the time of “Jacob’s trouble”), as he makes “war with the saints, and prevailed against them” (Dan 7:21). In the end, God’s people “shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book” (Dan. 12:1). All throughout scripture we see that those who put their faith and trust in God are delivered, both physically and spiritually by Him! A final last kingdom will soon be put in place. It will be righteous, peaceful, and just. Christ the Lord, our Redeemer and Deliverer - the Stone of Israel, will reign over it. 4. Our Awful Situation: Deception & Encroaching Secret Combinations We see again and again in God’s word, warnings to us - the mostly Ephraimite Gentiles. These warnings often focus on the reality that many of us are not “reconciled to Christ” – that we are not saved, even though the harvest is near (D&C 45:2, 56:6; Jer. 17:5). In Christ’s day, the leaders kept their people ignorant and under control for the sake of money, and to obtain the honors of men. The same has been prophesied for our day (Ether 8:15-16). Instead of salvation, scripture tells us that too many of us inherit the lies of our fathers, kings, and priests. This results in pride and much unbelief in our lives, with little evidence of the gifts and fruits of the Spirit. Too many are not saved or redeemed. Trees without good fruit at the final harvest will be cut down and cast into the fire. The Lord told us in 3 Nephi 16:10 that we the Gentiles will reject God’s fulness, and that we will have among us, “pride, lyings, deceits, mischiefs, hypocrisy, murders, priestcrafts, whoredoms, and secret combinations.” These words represent a descending order into darkness, ignorance, and sin. There are a number of scriptures addressing these same sins in our day, and nearly all of them begin with two words; lies and deception. Satan is the father of both (Ether 8:25).The Gentiles “are filled with all manner of lyings and deceits” (3 Ne. 16:10). We read that “all deceits shall be done away” (3 Ne. 21:19). We are told to “repent of your lyings and deceits” (3 Ne. 30:2). We are told that the day will come when “miracles are done away…a day when the blood of the saints shall cry unto the Lord, because of secret combinations…a day when the power of God shall be denied, and churches become defiled and be lifted up in the pride of their hearts…a day when leaders of churches and teachers shall rise…even to the envying of them who belong to their churches…a day when there shall be…lying, and deceivings…” (Morm. 8:26-31).Pride often comes as a result of deception, leading to ignorance. Many don’t know what salvation is (see p. 15). This is what the evil one wants, and those He has placed in high places. They say; “We know what is best. Keep quiet, get in line, and give us your money.” Like the Zoramites of old, are we like those upon in Alma 31 which stand at a rameumptom once a month, expressing belief that we are God’s covenant, chosen people, grateful that no harm will come to us when the prophesied troubles arrive (see Alma 31:11-18)? In our testimonies, we often hear “the church is true” and “Pres. Nelson is a Prophet,” etc. Our testimonies have truths in them, but they are also mixed with inherited lies (see Isaiah 28). Too few feature “the testimony of Jesus,” an actual witness of His reality, one He has “chosen” to give us. It comes to those who seek Him diligently with a broken heart and contrite spirit (3 Ne. 9:20). He has called all of us to receive Him. Let us be “chosen” to do so.Like the Zoramites of Alma 31, who pushed Christ into the background of their idolatry, many do the same with the church and its leaders, along with inviting in the ways of the world. These actions crowd out Christ. The whole purpose of the Book of Mormon is that we might recognize the harmful patterns of others in scripture - among us. They are given that we might turn to God and repent before it is too late! The goal of the Book of Mormon writers was and is to inform readers, the remnant of Jacob, of where salvation can be found. It is only in and through Christ the Lord! In the coming “day” the wise will find and embrace Him. “And at that day shall the remnant of our seed know that they are of the house of Israel, and that they are the covenant people of the Lord; and then shall they know and come to the knowledge of their forefathers, and also to the knowledge of the gospel of their Redeemer [not that of men] which was ministered unto their fathers by him; wherefore, they shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer and the very points of his doctrine, that they may know how to come unto him and be saved” (1 Nephi 15:12-14). God teaches us how to come to Him in this same book. He says repeatedly, “repent and come unto me” (1 Ne. 10:18-19; 2 Ne. 9:23-24; 28:31-32; Jacob 1:7; Alma 5:33-34; Ether 4:7-19; Mor. 7:34). Moroni saw that our day also featured many secret combinations spread across the land. It was a day of deception and darkness, a day of vanity, unbelief, and pride, a day when there will be both wise and unwise virgins within churches built up to get gain (1 Ne. 22:23). The wheat and the tares are thus growing together on two separate paths. The wise must awake, arise, and come out of Babylon, for the Bridegroom is coming (D&C 133:5, 7). Though God’s great harvest is right around the corner, too many are not redeemed of the Lord. Many have been deceived in thinking all is well, that they are saved when they are not. Though many pay their tithes and offerings, and perform their callings well, there is so much more available to us. The following scriptures reveal that idolatry is often the cause of our ignorance of saving truths in the gospel of Christ. Joshua stated that “your fathers” (because of their traditions) were led to serve other Gods. He added, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve...As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:2, 14-15). Scripture tells us that in addition to “fathers,” civil and religious leaders also set traditions, for better or worse. Speaking of people being led astray, Zeniff said, “Yea, and they [the people] also became idolatrous, because they were deceived by the vain and flattering words of the king and priests” (Mos. 11:7). The Lord gives us “a pattern in all things that we might not be deceived” (D&C 52:14). We are to “seek the best gifts” that “we might not be deceived” (D&C 46:8). We are “to take heed that no man deceive you” (JSMat. 1:5). Many will be deceived and fall way just before the Lord returns. They will receive “strong delusion,” believing a lie rather than the truth, as they take pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thess. 2:3,11-12). Too many are “blinded by those who lie in wait to deceive” (D&C 123:12). Honorable men and women thus inherit lesser glory because they “were blinded by the craftiness of men,” having not received “the testimony of Jesus” (D&C 76:74-75). Paul says there are “false apostle [sent ones], deceitful workers” among us (2 Cor. 11:13). He warns us, “Let no man deceive you with vain words” (Eph. 5:6). Although many serve faithfully in callings, go to the temple regularly, pay tithes and offerings, etc., these things are works and cannot save us. Only God can. We must repent and come to Him. Enduring to the end is not death and inheritance of a glorious mansion in heaven, but endurance in working our our salvation until we meet our life’s goal, and that is to make it to the Tree of Life, and there come to know the Lord. Sadly, too few understand that they must first be cleansed from all sin, by God – to enter through “the gate” and begin the journey of real salvation. This occurs in the fiery baptism experience, when we are made new in Christ and given the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost as our guide (see endnote 11 & the paper Repent and Come unto me). The revelatory light of the Holy Ghost is a necessary companion to navigate the dark mists and many deceptions surrounding us, until we make it all the way to the Tree. We are to hold tightly to the “iron rod” of personal revelation to arrive there. The iron rod is also Christ - the word of God, and His personal guidance. It is not the vain and false teachings of men. The Lord said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). He said that those who “take the Holy Spirit as their guide - and have not been deceived - shall abide the day of the Lord’s coming” (D&C 45:57). Such are grounded on the rock, the Stone of Israel.In Mormon 8:23-41, Moroni tells us to “Search the prophecies of?Isaiah,” as he spoke of our day and awful situation. Christ commanded us to diligently search Isaiah, as it is a prophecy of not only “what has been” but “what shall be” (3 Ne. 23:1-3). Moroni then added, “…behold I say unto you, that those saints who have gone before me, who have possessed this land, shall?cry, yea, even from the dust will they cry unto the Lord; and as the Lord liveth he will remember the covenant which he hath made with them. And he knoweth their?prayers, that they were in behalf of their brethren…and it [the fulfilling of the covenant] shall come in a day when it shall be said that?miracles?are done away…And it shall come in a day when the?blood?of saints shall cry unto the Lord, because of secret?combinations?and the works of darkness. Yea, it shall come in a day when the power of God shall be?denied, and?churches?become defiled and be?lifted up?in the pride of their hearts…when there shall be great?pollutions?upon the face of the earth; there shall be?murders, and robbing, and lying, and deceivings, and whoredoms, and all manner of abominations…”He continued, “Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be?churches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins. O ye wicked and perverse and?stiffnecked?people, why have ye built up churches unto yourselves to get?gain? Why have ye?transfigured?the holy word of God, that ye might bring damnation upon your souls? Behold, look ye unto the?revelations?of God; for behold, the time cometh at that day when all these things must be fulfilled…I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing. And I know that ye do?walk?in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not?lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of?very fine apparel, unto envying,?and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts. For behold, ye do love?money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted. O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye?ashamed?to take upon you the name of Christ?—because of the?praise?of the world? Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not? Yea, why do ye build up your?secret abominations?to get gain, and cause that widows should mourn before the Lord, and also orphans to mourn before the Lord, and also the blood of their fathers and their husbands to cry unto the Lord from the ground, for vengeance upon your heads? Behold, the sword of vengeance hangeth over you; and the time soon cometh that he avengeth the?blood?of the saints upon you, for he will not suffer their cries any longer”(Morm. 8:32-41). Moroni taught us in Ether 8 that secret combinations and their “hidden things”- prepared in chambers of darkness (D&C 123:7-13), would come among us to overthrow our freedoms. They keep the people in the darkness of ignorance for the sake of gain. Secret combinations were the downfall of the Jaredite nation, the Nephite nation, and are again overtaking this land today. The Prophets of scripture saw it, especially Isaiah, Jeremiah, and John the Revelator. Moroni stated: “And it came to pass that they formed a secret combination, even as they of old; which combination is most abominable and wicked above all, in the sight of God; For the Lord worketh not in secret combinations, neither doth he will that man should shed blood, but in all things hath forbidden it, from the beginning of man [see Moses 5]. And now I, Moroni, do not write the manner of their oaths and combinations, for it hath been made known unto me that they are had among all people…And they have caused the destruction of this people of whom I am now speaking, and also the destruction of the people of Nephi. And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed; for the Lord will not suffer that the blood of his saints, which shall be shed by them, shall always cry unto him from the ground for vengeance upon them and yet he avenge them not” (Ether 8:18-22).In the book of Ether, seeing our day, Moroni concluded, adding: “Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be. Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up. For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning. Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved” (Ether 8:23-26).Note the specific warning that there would be a secret combination “come among” us. This “awful situation” is upon us, and all around us. Satan in his power, deception, and subtlety has placed some of his servants in high places. They are lawyers, judges, and high priests. So says scripture. Note the complete corruption that occurred before the great destruction of the Nephites in 3 Nephi 6, those who once embraced the light. In verses 21 through 30, we read of chief judges, lawyers, and high priests putting to death secretly, those who boldly testified of Christ. These corrupt leaders gathered together in “willful” rebellion against God, doing so in their secret chambers of darkness, that they might protect themselves and their kindreds, by way of secret covenants, “administered by the devil.” Such combine against all righteousness” and murder for gain (v. 28). This goal to destroy, included then and today “the people of the Lord” and the laws and rights of the land, that there might be no more liberty, but that the people might be subjected to their king. God said; “For all flesh is corrupted before me; and the powers of darkness prevail upon the earth, among the children of men, in the presence of all the hosts of heaven— Which causeth silence to reign, and all eternity is pained, and the angels are waiting the great command to reap down the earth, to gather the tares that they may be burned; and, behold, the enemy is combined” (D&C 38:11-12; D&C 112:23-24).Contrast our current “awful situation” with what the Lord promises will be among those who turn to Him: “And I hold forth and deign to give unto you greater riches, even a land of promise, a land flowing with milk and honey, upon which there shall be no curse when the Lord cometh; And I will give it unto you for the land of your inheritance, if you seek it with all your hearts. And this shall be my covenant with you, ye shall have it for the land of your inheritance, and for the inheritance of your children forever, while the earth shall stand, and ye shall possess it again in eternity, no more to pass away. But, verily I say unto you that in time ye shall have no king nor ruler, for I will be your king and watch over you. Wherefore, hear my voice and follow me, and you shall be a free people, and ye shall have no laws but my laws when I come, for I am your lawgiver, and what can stay my hand?” (D&C 38:18-22).Shall we not awaken to our awful situation and turn to Christ our Redeemer now? The only other “awful situation” mentioned in the Book of Mormon is Mosiah 2:40-41. In it, King Benjamin uses this phrase to address the unsaved, sinful state of those that listen to the wrong voices of influence; man, false spirits, and Satan, rather the God’s voice in pure revelation, or the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. We must turn to God and receive the Holy Ghost from Him! Too many don’t have it, believing they already do. Too many don’t know what it is. This unspeakable gift is addressed in the later portion of this same section of the D&C, section 38, where to combat the rising up of secret combinations, the LORD promised the Saints “an endowment of power from on high” – the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. This is not symbolic ordinances in the temple, but an event often tied to the meeting place of the temple - in which an actual gifting of power from God on high is promised to occur for the faithful – the humble and repentant, those with a broken heart and contrite spirit. The scriptures listed hereafter reveal this. Read them and discover this for yourself. Four refer to the Holy Ghost and two refer to priesthood power. (1) Luke 24:49 & Acts 1 & 2 / Pentecost outpouring of the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit at Jerusalem (2) D&C 38:32, 38 / higher priesthood given at Kirtland (3) D&C 43:15-16 / higher priesthood given at Kirtland (4) D&C 44:1-2, 95:8-9 / outpouring of the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit at the house of the LORD at Kirtland (5) D&C 97:12-18 / outpouring of the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit at the house of the LORD at Kirtland (6) D&C 105:10-12 / outpouring of the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit at the the house of the LORD at Kirtland Nephi stated: “And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts? Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost? Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark. For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do” (2 Ne. 32:1-6).“The way” of salvation is a clear 5-step process. Too many do not understand steps 4 and 5. By way of review, the way of salvation begins with; (1) faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; (2) then sincere, heartfelt repentance; (3) followed by baptism unto repentance, in pure water by one of authority; (4) we then must earnestly seek the baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost, via a broken heart and contrite spirit; (5) once we receive this important endowment, we are then to hold tightly to the iron rod (to God – “the word”) and receive further direction from Him via revelation, scripture, and the Holy Ghost, etc., and work our way through the mists of darkness - that we might finally arrive at the Tree of Life. All five steps are part of His doctrine, gospel, and church. The three primary defining characteristics of being “born again” in Christ (step 4, endnote 11) are: 1. Redemption To be redeemed is to be made clean, to have our sins fully remitted, to be sanctified by Christ in the baptism of fire and Holy Ghost. It is to be redeemed or saved. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received this just after their watery baptism in 1829, before a church was formally organized (according to the laws of New York State). On April 6th of 1830, they and others were baptized again, though they had already received the fiery baptism earlier (see JSH 1:73-74). For most, this cleansing event of the baptism of fire comes much later, when we finally approach God with a broken heart and contrite spirit (3 Ne. 9:20). We become the sons and daughters of God (Mosiah 5). He, the Lord Jesus, becomes the Father of our salvation. 2. Receive the mighty change of heart When we are baptized by fire, an event, we are made new in Christ (Rev. 21:5), given a new heart – or “the mighty change of heart.” With it, we have a greater portion of the love of God in us, in the gifts of hope and charity. It is to experience greater joy in God’s Spirit than ever before. We now have greater power (through God’s love) to overcome the world and the natural man within us, including major sins, and difficult addictions! We have no more desire to sin. It is to have a greater measure of God’s love in us, with greater hope and charity (see Mor. 8:25-26). 3. Receive the Holy Ghost God provides the fiery baptism to purge us. He does it (see D&C 33:15; 3 Ne. 9:20; 12:1; 2 Ne. 31:12; 3 Ne. 11:35; JST Mat. 3:38; JST Luke 3:16; JST John 1:28; 15:26). God grants us a gift or endowment of power - in the Holy Ghost (the first comforter). Its guidance helps us arrive at the Tree of Life – God’s glorious presence (He can then become our Second Comforter). Our confirmation at age 8 features the laying on of hands, with a spoken invitation to receive this important endowment of power in the Holy Ghost. For most it comes years later, because of idolatry, unbelief, and false traditions. If we were prepared, and taught correctly, we could experience after our watery baptism, like Joseph and Oliver did after they baptized each other, and like the disciples did in 3 Ne. 19:9-21. Various signs follow believers and accompany this event (see endnote 11), like a pillar of fire (for those sited), speaking in tongues, angels, the heavens opening, etc. Most feel the Spirit in overwhelming fashion. It is to experience unspeakable joy like never before.Strong Delusion: The Corruption of Fathers, Kings & PriestsWe are na?ve if we think the corruption apparent all throughout scripture has not entered into our churches as well as our government, otherwise why would their need to be “a full restoration of all things” in the coming day (see D&C 77:9&14). Joseph and the Saints had a very big target on their backs between 1831 and 1834, when so much light was given the Saints, including the “fulness” of God’s word, law, gospel, priesthood, and the promise of His eventual presence. All five types of “fulness” are needed to create Zion. They include: 1. The fullness of “my word,” also called “the fulness of my scriptures” in the Joseph Smith re-translation of the whole Bible (mostly completed by 1834), in combination with the Book of Mormon, and the oracles that would end up in the Doctrine and Covenants. The Lord himself said the church would fail without the fullness of the scriptures being offered together to the people (too few Saints today use the JST, let alone know it even exists). See D&C 42:12, 15, 56 & 59. 2. The fullness of “my law,” which is the Law of Consecration – a law of real love and charity – that there would be complete unity, with no poor among the people (see D&C 42:2, 30-37). 3. The fullness of “my gospel” contains what Christ called “my doctrine, which is the five steps of complete redemption (“the way of salvation,” see above), and most notably the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, which is left out of most teaching today in the church. It is a central part of “the plain and precious things” taken out of the Bible by evil and designing men, later placed in the Book of Mormon by Moroni and his father Mormon. Together, the Lord calls them “my church” in scripture and “my rock.” My Doctrine 8 times in 3 Ne. 11:28, 30, 31, 32, 35, 39, 40 (see also D&C 10:62, 63, 67 My Gospel 8 times in D&C 10:45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 52, 62, 63; see also 3 Ne. 27:10, 11, 13, 20-21; 33:11-12; 39:6 My Church 8 times in D&C 10:53, 54, 55, 67, 68, 69, see also 3 Ne. 27:8, 1 (8 is a “rebirth” number) My Rock See 1 Ne. 13:36, 15:15; 2 Ne. 4:30, 35, 9:45, 18:14, 28:28; Hel. 5:12; 3 Ne. 11:40, 14:24-27 4. The fullness of the priesthood, given in 1831 at the Morley Farm (near Kirtland), where High Priests in the church were called to receive the greater Melchizedek priesthood for the very first time (see D&C 52-65). See 5. The fullness of the Lord’s rest and glory (D&C 84:240) - His presence, which is then promised those who embrace the previous four things in obedience and diligence. The pure in heart will live these fuller principles and have Christ among them. The unwise virgins and others be shut out of His presence.Satan came immediately to quickly take away all that God had given. The people then began to fall under the bondage of sin because they did not do as the Lord asked. He invites us all to, “repent and come unto me” (D&C 84:51). The result was chastisement (D&C 103:4), condemnation (D&C 84:50-59), and ignorance in darkness at midday (D&C 95:6; Ether 8:16). Some raised themselves up as lights, bringing the secret things of Masonry and polygamy to Nauvoo. And because of idolatry, many followed them into it. In D&C 93:1, the Lord lists steps to return to His presence. Note that they are similar to the five steps of the “fulness” above; those things that help make the Saints a Zion people collectively. Both sets of five steps (the number 5 is a covenant number throughout scripture) are to end up in the same place – in God’s holy presence. “Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who?[1] forsaketh?his?sins [repent]?and [2] cometh unto me, [3] and?calleth?on my name, and?[4] obeyeth?my voice, and [5] keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am” (D&C 93:1).Later in verse 39, we read that Satan comes to take away all light as soon as God gives it, via the false traditions of the fathers (and kings and priests). “And that?wicked one?cometh and?taketh?away light and truth,?through?disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the?tradition?of their fathers. But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light?and truth”(D&C 93:39-40). Twice in the Book of Moses (a portion of Joseph Smith’s re-translation of the book of Genesis) the Father commands us to teach the fulness of the gospel of Christ to our children (see Moses 6:57-68). “Wherefore teach it unto your children that all men everywhere, must repent or they can in no wise inherit the kingdom of God…I give unto you a?commandment, to?teach these things freely unto your?children, saying: That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the?spirit, which I have made, and so became of?dust?a living soul, even so ye must be?born again?into the kingdom of heaven, of?water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words?of?eternal life?in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal?glory; For by the?water?ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are?justified, and by the?blood?ye are?sanctified; Therefore it is given to abide in you; the?record?of heaven; the?Comforter [the Holy Ghost]; the peace able?things of immortal glory; the truth of all things; that which quickeneth all things, which maketh alive all things; that which knoweth all things, and hath all?power?according?to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment. And now, behold, I say unto you: This is the?plan of salvation?unto all men, through the?blood?of mine?Only Begotten, who shall come in the meridian of time” (Moses 6:58-62).Two Turning Points God said we would deny Him (2 Ne. 28:32), reject Him (2 Ne. 1:10), and forsake Him (Jer. 2:13), along with the power of the Holy Ghost (given in the fiery baptism, 2 Ne. 28:26, 31, endnote 11). Idolatry, unbelief and ignorance result, along with lies (false teachings, traditions, and strong delusion). Instead of blessings, condemnation and cursings then come upon us. They stem from two things: (1) Rejecting the fulness God offered the Saints (like that of the Israelites); And (2) Seeking our own will rather than God’s will for us. Two important sets of scriptures reveal them to us.Rejecting God, leading to idolatry, inherited lies (including strong delusion), and curses JST Exodus 34:1-2 – The Israelites reject God’s fulness and rest (presence) at Sinai Hebrews chapters 3 & 4 – Provocation comes because the Israelites reject God and His greater light D&C 84:23-27 – The Saints also provoke God by rejecting Him and the greater fulness He offered Verses 47-57 - Our condemnation for not valuing the Book of Mormon, nor understanding its primary message, which is to “repent,” be “born again,” and then “come to me” Jacob 1:6-8 - Avoid God’s provocation by not rejecting Him and His fulness Mosiah 13:13-14, 25-35 – There is deadness in “the law” compared to being “alive in Christ” 2 Nephi 2:3-11, 15-16, 27-28 - The two trees represent the two ways; life or death, blessings or cursings Moroni 6:4 - We fall and are deceived if we are not “wrought upon by the Holy Ghost.” It is where we are “nourished by the good word of God,” bringing us to the Tree of Life 2. Seeking our own will rather than God’s superior, wiser will for us can lead to idols in our heart. These idols can lead to strong delusion (lies) in false revelation and the false doctrines of men. See Proverbs 23:7, Isaiah 66:2-4, Ezekiel 14:1-11, 2?Thessalonians?2:10-12, James 4:3, Jacob 4:14, Alma 29:4, and Mormon 9:28. When we follow our will, like Cain did in Moses 5, we are breaking the Everlasting Covenant made at Baptism to serve God and follow His will (see Mosiah 5:5, 8; Deut. 29:12, 29; JST Mat. 7:30:35)Two Champions of Truth: Come out of Babylon Isaiah and the Book of Mormon prophets have addressed our need to throw off the yoke and chains of false teachings and traditions today (inherited lies and their curses). Pres. Ezra Taft Benson and Elder H. Verlan Andersen saw the darkness first hand. There are indications that these two friends were silenced by insiders. This was some thirty years ago. It was during Pres. Benson’s leadership that the highest recorded ratio of baptisms per missionary was seen (1:8 - 1989). According to President McKay, Elder Benson was a soldier for God, the tip of the spear, “the watchmen upon the tower.” Others among the Twelve were “planters,” caring for the garden at home. Success came during later administration as President because he taught the Saints to return to the wisdom of the Book of Mormon, and that we must search it diligently, remove our pride, and repent! These teachings produced results. The ratio of converts per missionary is now at an all-time low, approx. 1:3, as today there is too much unbelief, with fewer examples of the gifts and fruits of the Spirit.Like Pres. Benson, Verlan Andersen was a champion for truth, noting increasing darkness among us in his day (1970’s). He was a BYU professor and later a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy (1986-91). Elder Benson was in favor of a making brother Andersen an Apostle, but apparently others in the church hierarchy were not. Some believe Elder Andersen was sent away to Central America so that his pro-constitution, anti-globalist thinking could be hidden away. He addressed socialism, communism, the welfare state, secret combinations and Gadianton robbers (now forbidden topics). We could add two more to his list to describe the the great and abominable church of the devil today; the secret chamber, and the new order of things. Elder Andersen died in 1992, but not before he published a number of excellent books, The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil being notable. In it he wrote about the opposing “church” now widespread throughout the earth, and about corrupt, controlling governments. Note the titles of those published below. Church authorities asked his son Hans to discontinue publishing them after his death. The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil The Proper and Improper Role of Government Many are Called but Few are Chosen Book of Mormon and the Constitution Moral Basis of a Free Society Speaking of the Saints in 1834, the Lord said, “But verily I say unto you, that?I have decreed a decree which my people shall realize, inasmuch as they hearken from this very hour unto the counsel which I, the Lord their God, shall give unto them. Behold they shall, for I have decreed it, begin to prevail against mine enemies from this very hour. And by hearkening to observe all the words which I, the Lord their God, shall speak unto them, they shall never cease to prevail until the kingdoms of the world are subdued under my feet, and the earth is given unto the saints, to possess it forever and ever. But inasmuch as they keep not my commandments, and hearken not to observe all my words, the kingdoms of the world shall prevail against them. For they were set to be a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men; And inasmuch as they are not the saviors of men, they are as salt that has lost its savor, and is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men” (D&C 103:5-10, Feb. 1834). In the opening statements of this same Section, the Lord spoke of the Saints, stating that: “those who call themselves after my name might be chastened for a little season with a sore and grievous chastisement, because they did not hearken altogether unto the precepts and commandments which I gave unto them” (D&C 103:4). God said we the Gentiles would reject Him and His fullness. It is then taken to the house of Israel, those who will choose Him and His ways today. Are you of that “house”? Third Nephi 16:10 and 20:28-29 are instructive in this regard. Note the list of characteristics of those who reject God in 3 Nephi 16:10, 30:2, and Mormon 8:31. They lead off with “lyings” and “deceits” and then progress through “mischiefs, hypocrisy, murders, priestcrafts, whoredoms, secret abominations,” and finally end with “the fullness of the gospel” being taken. Instead of God’s way of salvation, too many follow their own way or that of men. The chastisement above in D&C 103:4 was given in 1834 (see endnote 8). It addresses the loss of the fullness at that time (see also 3 Ne. 16:10; D&C 124:28). It was given the early Saints that they might establish the love, protection, and power necessary to help bring about Zion, the dwelling place of the pure of heart. The early Saints were not able to live the higher ways tied to real love, that love given us when were are “born again” in Christ and receive “the mighty change in heart.” The greater measure of hope and charity in this change helps us love one another, and eventually even our enemies. Without this new heart, it may have been impossible for the early Saints to live the greater Law of Consecration. This love, given in the baptism of fire and Holy Ghost is a missing, forgotten key in creating Zion. Satan has kept many from understanding, seeking, and receiving this gift. Note the following five key, modern scriptures tied to deception, leading to ignorance, and not being “saved.” 1. D&C 50:6 Satan seeks to deceive all men and women (see also Moses 1:16) 2. D&C 123:12 Many are blinded by the craftiness of men (see also D&C 76:75; JSM 1:5; Mat. 25:5, 23-24) 3. D&C 52 A pattern is given to the Lord’s wise disciples that they might not be deceived. They are the Lord’s “chosen” disciples. They are; a. contrite, b. meek, c. use language that edifieth, d. tremble under my power, e. exhibit fruits of praise and wisdom, f. are full of faith, g. they watch over the church, h. they declare my word, i. they labor with their own hands that there be no idolatry or wickedness practiced among them, and j. they remember the poor, needy, sick and afflicted. Those who do not these things are not my disciples (see verses 13-21, 39-40) 4. D&C 46:8 The gifts of the Spirit are given such souls that they might not be deceived (see the paper, Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit) 5. D&C 45:57-58 Those that are “wise and who have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide [not men] and have not be deceived…they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.” Such are given the earth as an inheritance, and they and their children shall receive salvation. Such are “born again” in Christ and receive the Holy Ghost and Christ as their guides. The loss of the fullness early on in the Kirtland area, resulted in a withdrawal of light. It got much worse at Nauvoo. And it has continued to our day, despite various claims. We have less collectively of everything than is possible. With the early rejection of the fulness, there was cursing. The chastisement has been present for some four generations, and may be more severe before it is finally lifted in “a full restoration of all things.”Besides rejecting “the fullness,” including the important invitation to receive the Lord personally in this life, the condemnation we remain under is partly because we have allowed secret combinations to surround us and sometimes reign over us. The Book of Mormon addresses this. There we read that the later Lamanites were wise enough to not embrace polygamy, nor secret combinations. For this, the Lord preserved a portion of their seed on this land, even though they were collectively unbelievers. The Nephites, on the other hand, had the fulness of the gospel for a time, but later embraced both polygamy and secret combinations. Many believe this is also what occurred at Nauvoo. The Nephites were destroyed from off the face of the land because they rejected God and the greater light He had given them. They turned to darkness. Where much is given, much is expected. Are the Saints are in this same awful situation today? We are now so used to the encroaching socialism of our controlling government, and the traditions and lies inherited from our “fathers,” that many, especially the youth, don’t see the evolving erosion of our liberties. It is much like the slow, heated pan of water and the frog in it. Before he knew it, the water was boiling and he was done. It is older people, like Pres. Benson, Elder Andersen (of the 70), Cleon Skousen, and others, who have seen the continual encroachment of a corrupt, controlling government in our lives, and written on it. At the root of all secret combinations is Satan. In Moses 5 we see Cain as the first polygamist, the first to implement secret combinations among his “brethren,” and the first to murder his brother for “gain.” In Alma 37 we read of a latter-day “Gazelem” who will eventually discover, reveal, or bring out into light, the increasing darkness tied to secret combinations among the Saints and others today. The wolves in sheep’s clothing among us, some of whom are our “brethren,” will be revealed to God’s special “servants” – those that serve Him. The meaning of the name-title Gazelem has roots in Gaz, a stone, and Aleim, a revelator. Thus it may signify “one who gazes” (into a stone) receiving God-given knowledge via pure revelation. Alma 37:23 states: “And the Lord said: I will prepare unto my servant Gazelem a stone which shall shine forth in darkness [ignorance] unto light, that I may discover unto my people which serve me – that I may discover unto them the works of their brethren, yea, their secret works, their works of darkness, and their wickedness and abominations” (Alma 37:23). One of the names for Joseph Smith was Gazelam, note however, that it is spelled with a “lam” not “lem.” Cain and others throughout history have killed their brothers – for “gain”! Today the Jesuit arm of the Catholic church has its claws in every world government. They are part of the Illuminati. And there is now a Jesuit Pope in place – thought to be the “false prophet” of the book of Revelation (Chap. 16). Another sinister secret combination is Communism. Our encroaching socialism is part of it. The worldwide infiltration of both types of secret combinations are seen in our media, the entertainment world, our schools and universities, and our churches. I taught at two colleges and two universities (including BYU), and observed that modern globalist thinking, and the teachings of men were widespread there and increasing. It is a sad testament to the success of the great deceiver and his minions in this telestial world. It is no different in our churches. Corruption from within is always the best way to remove God and His light. Note the simplicity of “the way” of salvation - below left, and the churches of men below right. They represent a summary of “the doctrine of the two ways” presented throughout scripture (see Deut. 30:16-19). “There are save two churches only” (1 Ne. 14:10). The Church of Christ – built on the Rock (D&C 10:67) The Church of Men & Satan – built on sand (1 Ne. 22:23) 1. Repent and 1. Seek gain selfishly, often at the expense of the people 2. Come unto Me 2. Seek power over the flesh 3. Seek to be popular in the eyes of the world 4. Seek the lusts of the flesh 5. Seek the things of the world 6. Seek to do all manner of iniquity 7. Such belong to the kingdom of the devil Names for God’s Church Names for the other Church The Church of the Firstborn or Lamb (1 Ne. 14:10; D&C 76:54; Heb. 12:23) The Great and Abominable Church (1 Ne. 22:23) The Virgin Bride of the Lamb, His wife (Rev. 19:7) The Whore, The Whore of Babylon (Rev. 14:15) The Kingdom of God (Jacob 2:18) The Kingdom of the Devil (2 Ne. 28:21) The Church of Christ (3 Ne. 27:8; 4 Ne. 26) MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, The Holy Church of God (Morm. 8:38) THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONSThe True Faith (3 Ne. 6:14) & Fold of God (1 Ne. 15:15) OF THE EARTH (Rev. 17:3) The Great Harlot (Rev. 17:1-2) Primary Scriptures Primary Scriptures D&C 10:67-68; 1 Ne. 10:18-19; 2 Ne. 28:32; 1 Nephi 14:10 & 1 Nephi 22:23 Jacob 1:7; Alma 5:33-34; 3 Ne. 9:14, 20-22; Alma 5:38-39 & 34:35 3 Ne. 12:19-20, 23-24; D&C 93:1; Mos. 5:15 Those under the bondage of sin reject God’s invitation to come to Him D&C 84:50-53; 3 Ne. 18:25, 21:20; JST John 6:35, 44 – 45 The Way of Life and Salvation The way of (spiritual) death “the doctrine of Christ” doctrine of men and devils 1. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ 1. Faith in men, churches, and programs 2. Repentance (confess and forsake sin to God) 2. Pride, all is well, confess to leaders when necessary 3. Baptism by water 3. Baptism without sufficient faith & repentance 4. Baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost 4. Being “born again” is not well understood today 5. Receive Christ 5. Receiving Christ is not sought todayIn 1968 Elder Andersen presented the following observations and questions to Ezra Taft Benson in a personal letter, stating, “I am rather firmly convinced that the great deception being practiced upon LDS today largely comes from our socialized educational system (he taught at BYU in the 1970’s). Satan’s doctrines are being boldly taught to our children and we are failing in our duty to set them straight. I have read Moroni’s statement in Mormon, Chapter Eight wherein he states every Church has become corrupted and where he says that we Gentiles have polluted the holy church of God (verses 36, 38). I wonder if he is speaking of our restored Church. What do you think? (Compare this with 2 Ne. 28:9-14.) Then there is reference to a great division which will take place among the people (2 Ne. 20:10, compare D&C 63:54). When you get these matters figured out let me know…” (letter to Ezra Taft Benson, 4/20/1968, this was before Anderson was called as a Seventy, and while Elder Benson was an Apostle).In his personal writings, Elder Andersen pointed out that Zion and Babylon cannot co-exist, and that during Book of Mormon times, “almost all”?of the?high priests and lawyers in God’s church were corrupt. Today few doubt that secret combinations described in the Book of Mormon are not among us. It was during the reign of the judges among the Nephites, that the secret things came in among them. The righteous were also seduced by them (Hel. 6:38). It is a clear type for our day. This was in the period immediately preceding the complete destruction of 3 Nephi, just prior to our Lord’s visit to the remaining faithful. Those bringing about this judgment upon the land, were nearly all, “the lawyers and the high priests”?(3 Ne. 6:25). Andersen asked Elder Benson, “If the more part of the righteous and almost all the lawyers and the high priests can be deceived, how can anyone feel safe?” Andersen asked this question in 1970. In his writings he spoke boldly of a latter-day apostasy, and of a secret combination that, according to president Benson,?was and is increasing its evil influence over the entire world. Elder Andersen concluded, stating: “Secret combinations lusting for power, gain, and glory are flourishing. A secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries is increasing its evil influence and control over America and the entire world…Religious history testifies that, with the single exception of the inhabitants of the City of Enoch, no people to whom the gospel has been given have remained faithful to their covenants for more than a few generations. Time after time the Lord has established his church among a group who have lived his commandments for a few years and then fallen away thus bringing upon themselves his judgments. This cycle of human folly which so many prophets have noted, has repeated itself with such consistent regularity that any group which finds itself to be the favored recipients of the gospel would do well to assume that their own apostasy is certain and the only question about it is how long it will take.”Seeking Gain In Andersen’s book, The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil, he stated that governments?are the root of all evil in society. In reality, they are controlled by others, including the Jesuits of the Catholic church, who are in turn controlled by an elite group of powerful men that are inspired by Lucifer and are looking to install him as their leader in a coming new age (the Illuminati). He is a false mirror-like reflection of Christ and His future millennial kingdom. The collective desire of this worldwide secret combination, along with those of Communism, is to bring America into bondage, for the sake of “gain.” Both groups hold power over us by increasing various burdensome laws upon us, through secrecy, and murder. Enforcers today include the CIA and the like here in the U.S. and foreign secret service arms like the Mossad in Israel. Secret combinations take away the freedoms of all people, through licensing, laws, lawyers, judges, and high priests (3 Ne. 6:27). Our entire government is afflicted with this curse today. The Clintons are good examples of those involved within this secrecy and deception, and those protected from prosecution by like-minded lawyers, judges, and high priests that cover each-others sins. Secret combinations practice dishonesty, whoredoms, and murder. They are also found in churches.A Secret Combination: Spiritual Wifery in NauvooSecret combinations thrive on their secrecy. Enforcers were put in place in among the Saints in Missouri (the Danites) and in more quiet ways at Nauvoo. Their job was to thwart dissent from leaders, some of whom were part of a secret combination operating behind the backs of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. This was during a time when nearly 1,500 men in Nauvoo had become Freemasons (in 5 lodges). The secret blood oaths within this “brotherhood,” along with Danite-like coercion of the past, were both useful in suppressing dissent, and hiding what was really going on in Nauvoo – the whoredom known as “spiritual wifery.” It too had oaths of secrecy to hide its practices. Note the following four statements by the Lord (and one by James, His half-brother). He said: “But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head [see Moses 5:29] because thou canst not make one hair white or black” (Mat. 5:34-36). “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Eph. 5:11).? “I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing” (John 18:20). “For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad” (Luke 8:17). “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and?your?nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.Emma Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph believed rampant secrecy at Nauvoo led to the murders of Joseph, Hyrum, and Samuel Smith. She stated that, “it was secret things?which had cost Joseph and Hyrum their lives.” Many believe the three Smith brothers were murdered so that the practice might continue. With the Smiths gone, their blessed bloodline (see D&C 124:57-58) could not challenge the plans of what some called among themselves, “the secret chamber.” Its primary focus was the “spiritual wives” doctrine, installed secretly at Nauvoo. Joseph, Hyrum, Samuel, Emma, and many others spoke out against it publically. Others disseminated the rumor that Joseph had fallen as a Prophet and that he and Hyrum were secretly practicing it. Great division, confusion, and darkness resulted.These lies and rumors were cover for “the secret chamber.” The Law brothers were used by it to spread the rumor more widely. In the first and last issue of The Expositor (a new Local newspaper), the Laws made heartfelt accusations against Joseph, Hyrum and others who they believed were practicing this whoredom. Their desire was to preserve the original pure teachings of the Restoration. In the end, the lies of the secret chamber helped in successfully removing the three Smith brothers, allowing “spiritual wifery” to rise up at Nauvoo, thereafter remaining in Utah until the end of the century (see the paper Just One Wife). One church historian has noted that early church history was modified to reflect the truths some wanted the Saints to believe, a narrative that remains in place today. This narrative is that Joseph Smith instigated what today is known as polygamy, as revealed to him in D&C 132 (July 12, 1843), and that it may have begun earlier in the 1830s. In June of 2017 the LDS church announced plans for another comprehensive revision of history to begin in June of 2017. It has been promised to be “transparent, honest, and forthright.” The search engine Google has allowed many to uncover additional “truths.” Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Willard Richards (all related by blood or marriage and all Freemasons) later became the First Presidency of the church in Utah. They had 109 wives among these three men (Young 55, Kimball 43, and Richards 11). At least six people in the Nauvoo Era, including William Clayton and William Smith (brother to Joseph and Hyrum and an Apostle), referred to those using their new secret priesthood to practice “spiritual wifery” as “the secret chamber.Over a decade earlier in D&C 38 (1831) the Lord saw what was coming. He warned the Saints that those in “secret chambers” of hidden darkness were conspiring to destroy the church and that the only thing that could save them would be fleeing to Kirtland Ohio where they would receive the fullness of God’s word, law and more. This included “the Law of Consecration” – a law of real love (see D&C 42), and a portion of God’s greater power – in an “endowment of power from on high” (see endnote 6). The fullness of this power has reference to two different gifts or “endowments” given only by God; (1) the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, given when one is “born again” in Christ, and (2) power in the greater Melchizedek priesthood. The opportunity to receive this priesthood was presented that same year - for the first time - at the Morley Farm near Kirtland Ohio. It was not the later temple endowment of Brigham and Heber, highly influenced by Masonry, with its secret blood oaths, handclaps, and the like. Instead, the Lord’s endowment of power came from on High - from Him - in the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, and in the higher Melchizedek priesthood (see the paper Endowment of Power from On High).The Law of Consecration was given the Saints through Joseph at Kirtland (see Section 42). Later, at a special conference at the Morley Farm near Kirtland, power in the higher Melchizedek?priesthood was promised some 23 men – and for the first time (an event not well understood my most today). Unfortunately, the Saints were not prepared to come to Christ at this time, nor in living the law of consecration, or practicing monogamy (see verse 22). In addition, most of the men at the Morley Farm were not “chosen” to receive greater priesthood power from God (see D&C 95:4-5, 105:33-37, and 121:34-46). Instead, the fullness that was given, was taken from the Saints (see D&C 124:28). God in His mercy gave them one more chance at Nauvoo to repent and receive the greater things. Without the “fullness” and the real changes they were to bring about in the hearts of the people, Zion could not be created, in Missouri or Kirtland, and thus God did not dwell among His people. The rejection of the fullness brought on “chastisement” as “the kingdoms of the world” began to “prevail against them” (see D&C 103). A withdrawl of God’s Spirit and “covered heads” (Isa. 29:10) have been the result, along with historical fabrication and subtle deception. In many ways, the early Saints were much like the Israelites at the base of Sinai, those delivered by God from slavery in Egypt. They too rejected God and His higher ways at Sinai (see JST Ex. 34:1-2; Heb. 3 & 4; D&C 84:23-27; Jacob 1:6-8; Mos. 13:13-14, 25-35; 2 Ne. 2:3-11, 15-16, 27-28; Mor. 6:4). A similar rejection of John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus occurred in Jerusalem in the meridian of time. Both were killed by those in power, specifically the High Priest in Jerusalem and his San Hedrin conspirators. Like the Israelites, the Saints have been chastised since that time, and for some four generations now. In many ways, the kingdoms of this world are prevailing against us as was foretold by Daniel. It will most likely get worse, as anti-Christian and Jewish sentiments increase. Daniel stated, “I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom” (Dan. 7:21-22). The heavenly marker for the coming of the Kingdom of God, as aided by the “birth of the man child,” was given us in “the great sign” of 2017. An awakening to the sins of Babylon among us (governments and churches) has been occurring ever since then. The “great sign in heaven” is detailed in JST Revelation 12. It was given to those wise virgins who are watching. It appeared over Jerusalem on the night of September 22nd of 2017 (see, The Great Sign of 2017). Some believe it marked a great spiritual gathering at Adam-ondi-Ahman, with many important servants, all under the direction of “the Ancient of Days.” It apparently occurred quietly, outside of our space and time. It may have been a special spiritual preparation for a physical gathering there later on. We should remember that the spiritual creation of the Earth preceded the physical creation in the Book of Abraham. Fortunately, a loving, merciful God desires to redeem all those who will turn to Him.Conclusion???????????God’s holy word in revelation and scripture is our “iron rod,” not the words of weak men. We should be feasting on them. They are full of profound truths that keep giving over time (like a “urim and thummim”). They guide us back into His presence, which is especially needed at this time of increasing darkness, lies, deception, and idolatry. His word is the measuring stick for all things. God said that revelation is the “rock” that keeps “the gates of hell” from prevailing against His kingdom (see JST Matt. 16:16-18). Men negate this sure foundation by lifting themselves up. This leads to idolatry and deception – curses upon us.False teachings and traditions are passed down to us as “iniquities” from “fathers, priests, and kings. Some have good intentions, but some have evil intentions. There are lies and deceptions purposely given us by the “tares” among us, the “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” That is why these two words are listed first (a warning from the LORD for the “wise” virgins to “awaken” out of their slumber) in seven scriptures that list the sins of our day. Please read them together – 3 Ne. 16:10, 21:19, 30:2; 1833 Book of Commandments, 4:5-6; D&C 123:7-17; Ephesians 4:14. In the eighth scripture below, our LORD has given us a 5-part scripture instructing us on how to return to His holy presence (there are many of these scatter in God’s holy word). The number 5 is a covenant number tied to life, eternal life, and His “grace” – symbolized in the 5 nails driven into His body for us. Many 5-part scriptures address 5 steps to return to Him. D&C 93:1 may be the best known of these among the Latter-day Saints. Here is one more tied to not being deceived by crafty men among us, that we might be prepared for God’s return. “For they [1] that are wise [virgins – who “repent and come unto me”] and [2] have received the?truth [Jesus Christ as their light], and [3] have taken the Holy Spirit for their?guide [been “born again” in Christ, receiving the gift and power of the Holy Ghost – “the endowment of power from on high” – to guide them], and [4] have not been deceived [by the lies, deceptions of those in the secret combinations surrounding us] – verily I say unto you, [5] they shall not be hewn down and cast into the?fire, but shall abide the day” (D&C 45:57) of God’s return.Related scriptures include Josh. 24:14-15; Eph. 4:6; 2 Thess. 2:3; 1 John 1:8; Mos. 11:7; D&C 10:25-28, 45:57, 46:8, 52:14, 76:75). Significant light and living water is available to us in God and?His ways. The Lord Jesus is “the way.” His profound truths are available to all those who choose to seek?Him?and His will diligently. It requires the whole heart.Relationship versus Religion????????????Satan does not want us to have a?relationship?with God (Son, Father, and Mother).??He wants us to have religion, corrupted by the ways of the world and men. The great and abominable church directly opposes coming to God on His simple terms, which includes repentance, and faith, trust, and love for God. As we embrace God’s holy word in scripture, we are taught truth via the simplicity of “the way” and His Holy Spirit. Together, they are a Urim and Thummim to guide us. In the Joseph Smith re-translation of the Bible and the Book of Mormon we find His doctrine, and His gospel, leading to membership in His church, the church of the Lamb or Firstborn (see D&C 76). In the Book of Mormon we have the story of Alma the elder. He was part of king Noah’s corrupted church. He was a young priest in it who heard the inspiring words of Abinadi call Noah and his priests to repentance. He recognized the truth of Abinadi’s words and acted. The other priests were angry and sought his life. King Noah was ready to listen to Abinadi’s words too, but the wicked priests appealed to his pride and station and changed his mind. Alma’s life was changed forever from that point forward – and for good! And and those who listened to the gospel message he taught, were brought to Christ with him. He feared God more than man.?Two Ways???????????For those awakening today, the path is clear. We have two choices. In scripture it is called “the doctrine of the two ways,” the end result being either?blessing?or cursing,?life?or death (Deut. 30:16-19). The wise and those with faith and trust?in God, choose Him and eternal life. Only a few wise ones will find both. Others choose the system, not wanting to rock the boat or get out of it. We can listen to the inspiration of the Spirit and act, as we feast upon God’s word, or we can conform and acquiesce to the powers that be, some of which desire “gain” - the honors of men, power over us, and our money (see D&C 121:35; 1 Ne. 22:23). God simply wants our hearts, and what is best for us as His children. If we will turn to Him, we can be “born again” in Him and have peace and love in our hearts, for Him and for one another. God then wants us to come to?know?Him and receive His best gifts; the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the gifts of redemption and eternal life. He gives them freely to us. We can choose to abide in Him, and He in us (John 15). He can then become our mentor, our friend. It is a progressive pathway from servant, to son or daughter, and then friend. As we develop perfect love for God, and cast out all fear (1 John 4:18), including what men can do to us, the blessings flow. Salvation is possible via the Savior Jesus. We should seek to know as much as we can about the Master, but more importantly, He has invited us to be one with Him, to literally know Him (see John 17:21). Why else would He repeatedly refer to Himself as the Bridegroom and us as the Bride, the church of believers. “For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?” (Mosiah 5:13).To receive our Lord, “the heavenly gift” (Ether 12:8), we must “hunger and thirst” after?Righteousness?as Enos did. He said, “My soul hungered” (Enos 1:4). Solomon stated, “He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour” (Prov. 21:21).?The Lord stated, “blessed are all they who do?hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be?filled?with the Holy Ghost” (3 Ne. 12:6). He added, “He that?cometh to me?shall never hunger” (John 6:35, 7:16; 3 Ne. 20:8). Christ the Lord is?Righteousness?or “the Righteous” (see Moses 7:45, 47). It is one of His many name-titles in scripture. He said, “I am the?bread of life;?he that?cometh to me?shall?never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall?never thirst” (John 6:35). Jesus is “the fountain of living waters” (1 Ne. 11:25; John 4:13-14). Four classic scriptures reveal how we reject God.Christ is the light and life of the world (3 Ne. 11:11).Many are called to Him and His light, but few are chosen to receive both, as their hearts are set instead on the things of the world.“Behold, there are many?called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their?hearts?are set so much upon the things of this?world, and?aspire?to the?honors?of men…” (D&C 121:34-35). “…there are many who have been ordained among you, whom I have called but few of them are chosen. They who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin, in that they are walking in darkness at noon-day” (D&C 95:5-6).Men continually build upon sandy foundations rather than the Rock, Jesus Christ.Such are washed away when the rains, winds, and floods come (Mat. 7:24-27).“I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall” (D&C 50:44).“The stone rejected by the builders has now become the chief cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22, Amplified Bible, this scripture was read by Christ to His disciples at the Last Supper, see also JST Mat. 6-56; Acts 4:10-12). This stone and His kingdom shall roll forth in the last days breaking down all other things (Dan. 2:31–45; D&C 65:2).Our Lord’s living waters are rejected in favor of the weak things of men. They are broken cisterns that have no living water in them. “For my people have rejected me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them outcisterns, broken cisterns that can hold not water” (Jer. 2:13).Christ is the high tower not built up at the center of the vineyard.Stewards over the Lord’s vineyard were commanded to build it at the vineyard’s center, but they became “slothful and hearkened not” to the Lord (D&C 101). Christ is “the high tower” in 7 scriptures: Psalm 18:2, 61:3 & 144:2; 2 Sam. 22:3 & 51; Prov. 18:10 & D&C 97:20.The Harvest is Coming and Too Many are not Saved I am grateful that I was raised a Latter-day Saint. Apostle Parley P. Pratt left a missionary tract at the home of one of my distant relatives in England. It resulted in their coming to America and crossing the plains to the Rocky Mountains in the Willie Handcart Company. I am especially grateful for our amazing scriptures. The truth can be found in them. The missionary effort of the LDS church is very good. We take the Book of Mormon message all over the world. Sadly, there is too much idolatry among us today, via well-intentioned commitment to the church and its programs, and the men leading it, rather than full conversion to Jesus Christ, its head. He is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).The average Latter-day Saint is a good person with zeal for the church, but often those with this zeal lack knowledge of the things that will save them. Most don’t understand their need for redemption at Christ’s hands, even though it is clearly addressed in the Book of Mormon. And by “redemption,” I mean the fiery baptism. The Book of Mormon is a manual for “the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost” experience. Most of us must discover this important doctrine there or elsewhere on our own. It is absolutely essential for our salvation! It is where we receive “the mighty change of heart,” and the Holy Ghost. It is where we are given power - in God’s love - to overcome much of what Babylon presents us in this fallen world. To be made new in Christ (Rev. 21:5) is salvation. Our “born again” Christian friends understand this, yet too many Latter-day Saints do not. Thus, many fall away, as some never develop a strong testimony of Christ the Lord and His saving work. Many are instead conditioned to follow “the Brethren.” This idolatry separates from Christ. He alone is our Savior, our rock, our source of light and living waters. It is our relationship with Him as the Father of our salvation that brings eternal life, not the law, our works, churches, or men. Two groups of people exist within the LDS church today. Both are “virgins” - those awake and those asleep – those who want truth at all costs, and those who are comfortable with the “truths” they have. Those awake are seeking more and more light, more of the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, in their desire to know God. They hunger and thirst after Jesus Christ – the fountain of all righteousness - and His truth. To do this, they must push away their deception, false beliefs, and traditions. It is often painful to remove oneself from Babylon and its ways. The wise virgins hunger to know and live “the doctrine of Christ” as found in scripture. They also seek truth in Latter-day Saint history, with all its warts and pimples, not lies and deception. Their testimony is in Christ.The division between the two groups is increasing, just like that between left and right in American culture. Those awake desire to remain in the church, but often they are pushed from it, by those comfortable in, and protective of, the status quo and its traditions. They see the truth-seekers as non-conformists, rebels, even apostates. A third group is the youth of the church. They are tech savvy and information hungry. They have come to learn things about the church on the Internet that have proven uncomfortable for them. This information isn’t consistent with what they have been taught. An increasing number of them are thus departing the church. Some lose their belief and faith in God at the same time. Idolatry is often one of the culprits. For years the youth (and others) have been encouraged to “stay in the boat,” and place their faith in the church and its leaders, as they have been taught that leaders cannot and will not lead them astray. Yet many feel they have been deceived and betrayed by their leaders – as the truths found on the Internet are not addressed by them; truths about polygamy, changed history, General Authority salaries, and decisions made by committees rather than by revelation, etc. Their long held false assumptions are sometimes seen as lies, supported by the continuing silence of leaders. Communication, truth and openness would solve many of these issues. Many refer to this falling away as “the Google Apostasy” or “a crisis of faith,” when in reality it is a crisis of faith in the wrong things – faith and trust in an organization led by imperfect mortal men, some of whom are doing the very best they can. It is a modern problem with an old name, idolatry. This “falling away” was not unexpected. Paul addressed it, stating: “the?day?of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means:?for?that day shall not come [full conversion to Christ the Lord],?except there come a?falling away?first…And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie” (2 Thess. 2:2, 3, 11).As addressed earlier, one lie for many is that they are saved or redeemed by the church when they are not. Only Christ can do this. It is because of idolatry brings about pride, ignorance, and unbelief, resulting in many of the Saints remaining ignorant of how to be redeemed. Peter got out of the boat to come to Christ. He had to step forward in faith, trusting in God, by reaching out to Him with everything he had. He walked on water for a short time. Faith in Christ remains the first and most important principle and ordinance of His gospel. Everything begins there! (For more about getting out of the “boat” or “barn” see Joseph’s Last Three Dreams on the website).Tares are growing up among the wheat today. And some are in very high places. They and secret combinations have been planted by the evil one and are rising up everywhere. Gain of all kinds is their focus, and at all costs. Both are growing together until the harvest. Some will be gathered to God, the others burned. Our current situation has resulted in much unbelief and a lack of empowering faith in Christ the Lord. He is the source of any light, power, or love we may have. This “awful situation” is exactly what Satan and his servants want – ignorance of God, and ignorance of His saving truths. Too many then turn to the world and its empty, dark ways. In Christ’s day, many were kept in this darkness or ignorance purposely - for the sake of “gain.” Nephi recognized this too in 1 Nephi 22:23, as did Mormon and Moroni in their warnings.The church we have inherited today retains some important truths, but there is also many lies, false teachings, and false traditions. Many continue to pass them down as iniquities. There is need for a Alma-like reformation and restoration (see Alma 5:62), and a removal of our individual sin, ignorance, apathy, and idolatry. Seeing our day, Isaiah and other prophets in scripture saw our dilemma, our “awful situation,” as we are now surrounded by secret combinations, and too many souls remain unsaved. Both are “awful.” It is our Lord that will make the necessary changes. He is our Savior, Judge, and King. In D&C 85, verses 6-8 we read that He will eventually send “one mighty and strong” to “set in order the house of God.” Until then, what we can do is diligently search Isaiah (as the Lord commanded us in 3 Ne. 23:103) and other books in God’s word. The Book of Mormon is especially useful, as we will find in it what the Lord calls “my doctrine, my gospel, and my church” - taught in that order (see Repent and Come unto Me). Together they focus on Him as our Redeemer. The truths contained there increase our faith, trust, and love in Him! Once again I quote John who said that He – Christ -alone is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). There is no other way (Mos. 3:17; Hel. 5:12; Alma 38:9). Many souls around the world, both in and outside the LDS church are finding the Lord Jesus. It is part of a second great gathering of the remnant of Jacob – the house of Israel, along with others - to Him – those who will love and honor Him. His healing and light are needed all across the world. Idolatry, in following leaders in Nauvoo into the practice of polygamy, resulted in inherited lies and curses. Utah’s abnormally high rankings today in child physical and sexual abuse, pornography addiction, prescription drug abuse, and teen suicides, are higher than most all other states. Utah’s Governor sees them as an epidemic. They and our unbelief as a people are “fruits” that are in direct opposition to what should be in the capital state of Mormonism (see endnotes 3 & 7). This bitter fruit is not “meet for the Father’s kingdom (D&C 84:58). Instead it is fulfillment of the words of Mormon and Moroni in the Book of Mormon. They saw our day, when the holy church of God would become corrupted and polluted (Morm. 8:36-41; 2 Nephi 28; Isaiah 1 and 28). “The great day” of the Lord’s judgment is coming. Hope remains in Him. He came in the meridian of time as a gentle Lamb to save us. He is returning as our Judge and King, but also the Bridegroom. He is coming to get us as His Bride. She will be made whole in Him. The wise virgins must awake to our “awful situation,” and arise, then go out to meet Him with clean hands and a pure heart. “Yea, let the cry go forth among all people: Awake and arise and go forth to meet the?Bridegroom; behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the?great day?of the Lord” (D&C 133:10).The Bride of Christ We are invited to seek, find, and embrace the Lord Jesus and the way of salvation. If we do not, we may become part of the great and abominable church of the devil (see 1 Nephi 14:10). It is found in all nations. A great division is occurring, separating the wheat from the tares (see 1 Ne. 6:12, 14:10; 2 Ne. 28, 30:10; Alma 12:9-11; D&C 45:56-57, 63:54, 84:117). Those blessed to be called of “the Bride” of Christ are relatively few in number, perhaps a tenth of a tenth (1%). Though there are many churches, only one is His Bride (He is not a polygamist). It is the church of the Lamb or the Firstborn, made up of those not deceived, those with oil in the lamps (JST Mat. 7:30-35; 25:1-12), those who embrace His doctrine, gospel, and church. The rest are comfortable where they are, happy with lesser things, when they could have more, an empowering relationship with the Bridegroom – the living God. The reward of the faithful who seek Him, is joy, peace, and purpose, along with real love in a new heart. Such are blessed to come to know the Lord and receive of His light and love personally. His love - is the only way to really change the world. You and I can be made new, but only in Him. It is an event that will occur if we seek Him with our whole heart (Jer. 29:13). Scripture tells us that only the pure in heart will be in Zion with God. It is to enter the bridal chamber. Such have developed a relationship with Christ, Jesus. I pray the virgins will not fear man more than God. Let us instead put our houses in order and remove ourselves from the idolatrous influences of Babylon. Let us seek the Lord Jesus with our whole heart. We can then receive Him. This is my hope and prayer for all the wise virgins, in His holy name, Ahmen.End Notes ................
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