"Ugly Truth - Good Truth"

(Harshness in reading is symbolic of what we’re feeling)

The Truth - can be ugly - or very fulfilling - which is why when I refer to the Truth - it's specific in nature and that from the Father and the Son. From this the discernment of what is happening in the world in which we live makes sense. The Father or the Son could've intervened at any time in the Life of the Savior to destroy the evil which was present - however, to have done so would've accomplished the Plan of the Adversary (or Satan) and deny men their agency (eternal reference).

Men and women have always had the ability on this earth and in their mortal probation to choose good or evil. That Satan and his minions made Good seem ridiculous in the eyes of men and women - and evil seem so acceptable - thus almost like a different type of okay (everyone is doing it) or even to the violations of all of the various Commandments - using the Scriptures to justify, etc. their behavior. One must remember - if the True Church of the Savior is on the Earth - then all of the other churches are wrong! During each dispensation when the True Church has been on the Earth there's always been other churches - all of which while having some truth were still wrong. That these other churches might do some good - and have good people attending them doesn't make them right - if the True Church is on the Earth.

During the Saviors time - there were many churches - and many different beliefs - and many who called themselves disciples - only stayed in the Saviors Church for a short window of time - as in all of the other dispensations - there's always been apostates (many who go off and start their own churches). Who led these other churches - Satan - for if they were indeed led by the Savior - they would've all been one Church and not many.

Evil is an ugly truth - in all of its different guises and poses. Evil truth is based on guile and deception. Yes we can see it - know it's there - but for those who choose to abide in evil - it's their choice - and only in the end will all men/women be judged by their decisions to have followed such.

However, good truth is different and more rejected than evil truth. Why, because men/women don't want to live all of the Commandments and they don't want to join the Saviors Church which requires such obedience in order to be called either a disciple or friend of the Savior. As you yourself has said you cannot accept that there is only one True Church - this doesn't mean there isn't it just means you don't know that there is or isn't. This has been true since Cain slew Able - down to our present day. However, if we're in the Last Days - and if the Father and the Son are found to have given Prophecies - then there has to be only one True Church. This Church would have to have been Restored for a live branch cannot be taken from a dead tree - and all of the Reformation churches since after the 1st Century AD - are in fact branches of a dead tree - found without Priesthood Authority - without eternal covenants and without any authority from the Father or the Son to act in their names.

Harsh - yes - emphatically YES! But never-the-less the truth. The Creeds of men supplemented revelation - priesthood authority and introduced confusion - contention and evil into the Lord's House and teachings. They changed the ordinances and the Holy Scriptures - Men took over - and at this point being led by their carnal nature - choose to follow the will of Satan and not the Father or the Son - with the sword, torture and threats of death and being forever damned for those who fought them. This continues into this day - however well disguised in some churches and openly preached in others.

All of us are lumped together in the philosophies of men/women - for thus they justify what they teach and enforce. The corrupt lawyers - judges - politicians - mayors - governors - teachers - various clergy - would never let us or anyone not be included in their reign of wickedness - and therefore will destroy any who oppose them. The media, press, TV, movies, music and other inventions of our society to steal away the thoughts and thus the hearts of men and women - and most especially our youth and children have no moral guidance to not corrupt all.

My research continues and I so far find nothing anywhere in the Scriptures which disagrees with what I've said or shared with others - and the more I learn of the Savior the more clearly I can see and understand what and why he taught what he did - and why those Apostles and Prophets teach via him - what they do.

Let us understand anyone who says that they teach in the name of the Father or the Son - is be saying such that they indeed are a Prophet or an Apostle - otherwise they are lying. And since none claim continued revelation - that the heavens are closed - and we need no more than the Bible - they have self condemned themselves. One of the sure Gifts of the Father and the Son is revelations - and that each person - can receive such for their stewardship - as a father - mother - son or daughter - man or woman - boy or girl - has always been and always will be consistent with the one True Church. To deny this - is to deny the answers to prayer - to deny the promptings of the Spirit which all men and women in mortality have or had - is to deny the Father and the Son - and their Apostles and Prophets - their teachings and thus the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Make no mistake my friends - we've much to learn and know - and each will be fully accountable and responsible for learning and thus doing all they can do to understand fully the teachings of the Father and the Son. Thus when I say - and have said - we've much to learn - and to do - and as for this world we live in - it'll only continue to get worse until the Second Coming - and the Second Coming cannot occur until the Saviors Church is Restored in its Fulness. The world says it hasn't happened yet - and there's no need for this to happen - thus denying once more the teachings of the Holy Scriptures - the Apostles - the Prophets - and most of all the Father and the Son.

One must truly read the Scriptures – especially Revelations – which is for our day – and to seek what has to happen before the Second Coming. So much is there and not being taught and that is the truth – both good and ugly. c/ork

“Ugly Truth – Good Truth”

cji
7/27/10

Slanted by various colors
one can but wonder what
if there’s good to be found
or is evil the state of affairs?

Lingering in the daylight
so many grays to be seen
nothing appears white/black
nothing appears as it is;

Ugly truth prevails in light
good truth forced to night
nearing the end of days
slanted by various colors!


Copyright © 2010 – cji

"The Most" and a short essay

“Who Has The Most to Gain and Who Has The Most to Lose?”cji7/25/10In the eternal perspective as presenting in the Holy Scriptures we will remove from the worldly while trying to understand what the world professes to teach and to lead men/women with as to eternal life – after this mortal probation. Thus the question is stated in the eternal perspective and not just a worldly one for us to consider. The question or title comes from my years of doing analysis and trying to find the root cause of what is happening and why in the world of men/women.In these years when I’ve been doing analysis the first question which enters my mind is as follows: “Who has the most to gain or the least to lose?” This easily applies to world events – terrorism – warfare – deceit – guile – theft – and over the years there is usually been two or three suspects which come to the forefront – and lately only one or two[i]. Now as where this answer could be given as only one in the eternal perspective, that of the Adversary or Satan! For Satan has nothing to lose and everything to gain. As Satan has absolutely nothing – and never will, so what is it he can gain? Satan gains others to be even as him – miserable and without! Without salvation; without understanding (Satan did not understand in the beginning otherwise he would not have rebelled); without family or loved ones; and most importantly without ever being allowed into the presence of the Father or the Son[ii]. Thus we would find those who would follow or be worldly and deny or ignore the teachings of the Savior will become miserable here and in the hereafter. To continue the next question is as this essay is entitled, “Who has the most to gain and who has the most to lose?” If one were to study Judas Iscariot one could see the answer to this question – Judas was in the constant companionship of the Savior – right up to the time he betrayed him! Then what he went to outer darkness in committing suicide! How does this question then apply to each of us? We’ve choices here in mortality – we can choose to be obedient in all things to the given by the Savior (either by himself or his Prophets) Commandments, Laws and Statutes of the Father and the Son or we can to forfeit our agency by choosing to follow otherwise and the companionship of the world and worldly. We must understand the word ‘agency’[iii] we must clarify what exactly it is in eternal terminology. Bruce R. McConkie has written, “Agency is the ability and freedom to choose good or evil. It is an eternal principle which has existed with God from all eternity[iv].” Even in this world this is true. If one violates the laws of the land and is caught – one forfeits certain rights or privileges within that land[v]. Agency is a freedom of choice with eternal consequences for those choices. One can never have their agency taken away – however, they can give it away. Thus the declaration, “Agency is the privilege of being obedient to the Commandments, Laws or Statutes of God!” Agency and or the idea we’ve freedom of choice was what was voted on in the Pre-existence life we lived in our First Estate. There were two choices to vote for: 1) Father, I will go and thy will be done; or 2) I will go and none will be lost and the glory will be mine! For those of us in this world at this time and place we had to have voted for the first option and not the second. However, we had the choice to decide after coming here to change our point of view and decide the second choice made a better choice. Those who do this knowingly and willingly (for Satan cannot force) and therefore have chosen to acquit themselves of their earlier vote and also their agency. Earlier, we used the example of Judas Iscariot of changing his pre-mortal choice. Judas was one who had the most to gain and/or the most to lose with knowledge. We must understand Judas was not alone in turning away from the Savior – as early as the second year of the Saviors ministry many disciples were falling away as his teachings were too difficult to live in their world. Falling away is done in stages – whereas some will do it all at once – many do it by a little here and there. Questioning, murmuring, justifications, excuses or being only sometimes obedient to all they’ve covenanted to do or be or become. Another aspect of this discussion of gain or loss has been seen in the changing of the teachings – either by the Savior or his Prophets. One must remember much has been lost in the Scriptures. One needs only to read the Scriptures to see references to other writings which cannot be found – and one must remember a Prophet or Apostle only teach from the Scriptures and what they’re told to teach by the Savior or the Father through the Savior. In our day who then qualifies for the most to gain or the most to lose? We do! We’ve the choice to be fully obedient or not to what we’ve learned, read or understand within the Scriptures. For many in our world this is not even a choice as they’ve never even heard of Jesus or the Bible, Book of Mormon and other Scriptures. In addition, many have been denied under the threat of death to attempt to understand the Scriptures on their own. One finds that many of the world’s creeds have within them what will happen to those who deviate in obedience to the beliefs of their chosen religion – either by themselves or by traditions of their progenitors. In most creeds one who is not a member of their faith is doomed to everlasting damnation, etc. Some or all of men’s religions claim gifts or authority they do not have and thus have denied their followers the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Or worse have fabricated the authority which they proclaim. None of what I’m saying is new – it all can be found in the Scriptures if one takes them literally – which would seem to be the best course to follow. Why? There are two possible camps on religion in the world: 1) There is no God and therefore no religion per se’; and 2) There is a God and thus there will be His Church on this Earth. It is the second of the two, i.e. there is a God (most accept this to some degree and those who don’t shouldn’t care about those who do) and thus there will His Church on this Earth which most have a problem. Within the current world thinking that there is a God is great and acceptable. However, in the world thinking that there can only be one Church is totally unacceptable unless it is theirs and built around their creeds and scholarship. What is important is that the actions of men and women – depend on which it is to be – one Church or many churches - thus impacting their eternal agencies and progressions. One can go to the ‘burned over district[vi]’ of Upstate NY in the time frame of 1810-1820 to observe the many different churches seeking adherents – they claimed everyone should belong to a church – and it didn’t matter – yet the contentions arose between families, neighbors and friends when one joined a different sect than theirs. Much of this same contention and confusion exists today within the various groups afore mentioned in that the preaching of condemning one and exalting another continues from many pulpits. Now one must realize whenever the Lord’s Church is not found on this earth – due to the unrighteousness of men/women and the killing of the Prophets. The removal of the Melchizedek Priesthood[vii] or the higher Priesthood which has been present in all seven of the Dispensations where The Church of Jesus Christ has been present on this earth (including today) is also missing. Further, the presence of the Holy Ghost as a constant companion is also missing! Wherein when these two (the Priesthood and Holy Ghost) are missing men/women are left to their own devices, teachings, and understandings. When the Priesthood or the absence of the Holy Ghost occurs most frequently there is a return to the teachings of the schools – Platonism and Neo-Platonism since the days of the Greek Philosophers and Plato. Plato[viii], who was born shortly after or during the time of the last Prophet in the Eastern or Old World – Malachi[ix] about 420BC, took over the gap left without a Prophet in their world. Satan or the adversary never misses the chance to change, alter, reform, and beguile those who’ve rejected or dismissed the teachings of the Savior.The importance of this introduction of Neo-Platonism in the Old World (Europe/Asia/Middle East/Africa) of the early centuries after the death and resurrection of the Savior cannot be underestimated as today it is still in full force – different players but the same teachings as found in the creeds of the various religions. The teachings changed all and especially that the Scriptures are not to be taken literally! Thus today one will see almost all of the churches claiming a variety of names – have several things in common: 1) a God without a body of flesh and bones or passions; 2) no line of authority for their Priesthood to either Adam or Peter, James and John; 3) creeds which contradict the literal Scriptures; 4) Confusion, Contradiction, Contention and without answers to basic questions when asked about the Holy Bible; and 5) no current revelation or added Scriptures or teachings from the Father or the Son (as these are unneeded in our day)[x]. All of this confusion leaves many wondering which church they should join and in the end many either don’t join or go with the most popular where they currently reside. Thus, the confusion gains Satan or the adversary the most and those living today the least! As this is near the end of days or the latter-days which all of the Prophets (living and dead) have spoken of it would appear for those who’ve a choice to make or have made that they’ve the most to gain or the most to lose by their choice of which Church or churches to join. In the answer to this singular concern – ‘Is the Savior’s Church on this earth at this time?’ one had better have done their own homework and not depended upon another. As most who do believe there is a God it could be understood that they can read so that they can search the Scriptures on their own. In fact the Savior so commanded that we do this singular thing in John 5:39, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.[xi]” If the Church has been restored in these the latter-days – then where is it to be found? For if it has been (and I testify with millions of others that it has) and one does not find it or seek it out then they will be found among those with the most to lose; i.e. eternal life. We’ve to remember eternal life and being saved are two separate and distinct states of being. Being saved is a gift paid in full by the Atonement of the Savior – wherein he took upon himself all of the sins of this world[xii]. By doing this the Savior removed the death which was caused by the Fall of Adam – or the Spiritual death – allowing all who’ve not committed murder (shedding of innocent blood) or denied the testimony of the Holy Ghost – to be saved in one of the three degrees of glory – from the least to the highest. When one searches the Scriptures – one will find that the criteria for other than just being saved which all men/women had to be – the things which one must do are many to gain the higher glory or glories and the highest to live once more in the continual presence of the Father and the Son – with their families forever and forever – or to have eternal life. As stated in the beginning each person on this earth in this mortal probation have agency – to choose good or evil. The Commandments, Laws and Statutes of the Father and the Son present the rules of which we are to fully abide in order to achieve the Celestial Kingdom. Then the full principles and ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ provide us the way to achieve this obedience: 1) Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; 2) Repentance; 3)Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins (by one having authority); and 4) Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost (by one having authority).There is a plan – we voted to accept it in the Pre-existence – and therefore earned the right to receive a mortal body and come to this earth. The Plan of Salvation was presented to us by Heavenly Father – but we still had the choice or agency to accept or reject. One-third of the host of our Heaven rejected the Plan and followed Satan – and came to this earth without a body and can never attain one – with the exception as found in the Scriptures where evil spirits take over those they can find to inhabit – even if it means the pigs in the fields. Our decisions here will make the difference in the eternal worlds which come after this second estate on where we will be found – in the Telestial – Terrestrial – Celestial Kingdoms or in Outer Darkness. Unlike what many of the religions of the day teach the Savior has never said that all will be damned who don’t hear or accept his gospel during this mortal probation. Men/women will be judged on their acts/actions and justly awarded if they did not accept the fulness of the Gospel when having the chance to do so. While those who did not hear the Gospel in its Fulness will have the opportunity in the Millennial Period of time. Thus those who lived when the Gospel was not on this earth will hear it taught to them – or those who lived when it was on this earth but had no opportunity to hear it preached will also hear it taught in its fulness. All will hear and will either accept or reject as they would’ve if they had heard it in their lifetimes. Justice and mercy will both be met. Many of this earth will be quite content with where they end up in their third estate – after this mortal probation – for in part it will be based on what decisions they made with their own agency. However, for one who heard the Gospel in its Fulness – and then turned away – it is he or she who will understand fully of who has the most to gain or the most to lose by their choice – as they know what they could’ve inherited and what they choose to inherit. May the Lord’s Blessings be found with each of you on this Sabbath Day – may you each be found in honesty with your choices – be good – understand James 1:27 – and never quit looking and seeking further light and knowledge – the fulness of truth – in the name of Jesus Christ – amen – c/ork

[i] In the current history the two are always Islam and China – with China using Islam to gain its goals.

[ii] Only those in the Celestial Kingdom will be in the presence of both the Father and the Son – in the Terrestrial the Savior (or Son) will come to visit but not linger. In the Telestial all will be without either ever forever and ever.

[iii] The word agency has to be used in the eternal form for it to have the meaning of one having agency to act on behalf of themselves in all things. Man’s definition addresses the word agency only in legal or business terminology. Thus the usage of such combinations as Moral Agency or Free Agency cannot compute to the legal world in which we live.

[iv] Mormon Doctrine, p. 26, 13th Printing, 1966

[v] This would be the case with fair laws, fair judges and justice/mercy being served. We’ll be the first to admit this is generally not the case for some in the US today and many other nations as we see the various prophecies of the past and today coming to pass.

[vi] The burned over district was a term to identify and explain the religious fervor when one could find an ongoing revival by all of the various churches of the time in Central or Upstate New York between 1810-1820’s.

[vii] http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bd/m/36

[viii] http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bd/m/36

[ix] http://scriptures.lds.org/en/bd/m/36

[x] This list is nowhere near complete in comparisons but only a snapshot

[xi] There are scriptures which refer to one doing this over and over again

[xii] See 3rd Nephi 11:11 and the Synoptic Gospels

“The Most”

cji

7/25/10

The most to gain

the most to lose

eternal the choices

now to be made

this Sabbath Day

seeking the light

further knowledge

wanting to know

where to turn

quite clear

John 5:39

what to do

James 1:27

where to be

Jeremiah 23

therein to find

the most to lose

the most to gain!

Copyright © 2010 – cji

"Adversity"

Recently, as in the past a copy of the talk on WWIII beginning in 1979 has circulated. As in all things like this much more could be said. It would be reasonable to guess that war has been a continued experience since the Ancient of Days on this Earth. However, it goes back further than that into the pre-existence. Yet when looking at the modern day – one would guess there’s been continuous warfare since the 1830’s depending on one’s definition of what War is to be known.

The article is a very good recap of the last 30+ years – and while being so does not note the various Prophecies which are involved about these last days. War in most people’s minds equals one side against the other – allies versus enemies. Yet we’re involved in a war involving much more – whereas allies fight each other – and so do the enemies. It has been described as a continuous game of ‘King of the Hill’ – where one person, group, ideological culture, nation, state, oppose all others. They form alliances to gain the upper hand over and over again – until only one is left. When this is achieved the various alliances fight each other and so on until the complete destruction of all.

Currently the sides are not all identified – however, it would be safe to say China funds everyone willing to fight – anywhere and at any time. Some of the nations involved have leaders who are willing to destroy their own nations if they think they’ll get a bigger piece of the overall pie. In other nations the various leaders are fighting each other within – while forming alliances without. The media hypes them all with great platitudes to make all seem to be better than another. The media/press in the US is probably the most vocal on the ills of the US and the Constitution, thus fortifying those seeking the destruction of the US Constitution and associated Freedoms.

The UN while chartered to enforce ‘world peace’ (which has no meaning) is mostly concerned with laws to disarm the US and make it part and parcel of a grand world government without any head at all. (Note: world peace will not ever be until after the Second Coming of the Savior in his power and might – and for those who don’t believe in a God or Savior – there will never be any world peace – for men/women will always be at war and have been since the beginning of time as we know it.)

Warfare is in our schools – on our streets – in our towns, cities, counties; and is a forever threat with drugs, guns and rapine. The language of war (or adult language – another misnomer) can be found in every walk of life and without regard to any who may be present. The hatred which magnifies warfare and the anger is becoming so profound in our daily lives that the innocent are being bound and gagged and left without rights. The average person on the street is willing to violate any of the ‘religious principles’ of love and kindness if it means they can destroy another who doesn’t agree with them or they refuse to understand or give hearing. The abdication of moral rights and value of worth – virtue, innocence, chastity, truthfulness, honesty and so forth are left in the gutter for the glitter of adversity, anger, hatred, profanity, and the acceptance of their peers. Instead of lifting another up – it’s all about tearing down – destroying and in essence about warfare!

Passing on various articles which attempt to ignite others to action have worth – however, until most return to the most basic of the human values it is meaningless – to either excite or encourage one to understand what they care so little about. Pure religion – James 1:27 – and or being accountable – responsible for one’s actions and beliefs in such a way as to lift others in the service of their follow man or woman (child or adult). When one searches American History from the first coming of the Europeans – one will find hatred – murder - unrighteous dominion and all the evils of men/women seeking power over another and dominion over all. When something good and worthy of integrity comes forth – with virtue – the citizens who lead those in America seem to be the first to denounce and attempt to destroy or vilify.

Thus one can pass this on – but until the nation itself turns into house cleaning without pretense – things will continue to get worse and worse as the Prophet’s have foretold – whether one believes or not it will not matter as man/woman; either American or other, have predetermined to be violent and self-righteous rather than doing the right things for the right reasons.

This is written to awaken one to where we came from – why we are here – and where we might be going when we leave here. Each person must first straighten their own self – then their own home – help and serve within their neighborhoods. After the neighborhood and as a neighborhood they can then extend to the borders of their neighborhood. If this were to occur – in many persons, homes and neighborhoods there might be a chance. I’m optimistic that many are trying to do this – but one has to start where they are – not where they think they are or would like to be. Too many see the large/huge picture and quietly consider themselves of no value (which is the plan of the adversary – whether it be the bully down the street – the criminals – or leaders – for to keep others in low self worth is to disarm and destroy any opposition – Satan’s plan implemented by his minions over and over again). Again whether one believes in a Satan – is their choice or conviction - but to refuse to believe in adversity is irresponsible and inexcusable.

“Adversity”

cji
7/22/10

Wiles of the adversary
picking here and there
opening wounds sores
harboring vengeance
inviting in with guile
conflict and remorse
trials – tribulations
unable to ever rest
going without sleep
warfare and horror
adversity in life
we’ve to endure
finding strength
being accountable
overcoming
all
adversity!

Copyright © 2010 – cji

“Picking and Choosing”

“Picking and Choosing”
cji
7/17/10

Over the years I’ve observed various forums where everyone is pontificating excellent thoughts (to them) and while others are reading – no one is listening! Most likely these forums would be comparable to Augustine’s reference to going to the schools and hearing the rhetoricians of the day speaks for great lengths of time. He commented in his many writings that while it was enjoyable to hear he didn’t listen to any of it. These speakers were paid great sums of money for really saying nothing of value – for rhetoric is of nothing – but for entertainment. With this wealth they then were considered to be of more value than they really had.

Today, one could consider our actors/actresses or athletes – they’re paid to entertain – yet now have assumed to have endless political correctness and moral intelligences to share which should be listened to with some validity. These are the same who many are found in no compliance to the Commandments, Statutes or Laws of the Father or the Son. Yet the media reports their every word or actions – heroes are made and value is credited to them.

There are now many blogs – on almost any subject to be found. Here’s one on war – another on rabid mice – one on religion – one on satan – one on the weather – one on evolution – and the list goes on and on. Yet no one is listening – but self validating others with their own views or condemning one who disagrees. There is no benefit gained – much like going to the forums of old or today – devouring Christians or kicking a football – ranting crowds and riots.

The falseness of the importance given to one wasting their time attending these forums is lost. When none wish to listen and all want to write/speak or somehow to gain value from self-indulgence what is to be gained?

A number of years ago a good friend enquired about a presentation he was to make at a major forum on a subject which was most important. When reading his presentation which was very well documented – prepared and through – and knowing of the forum my comments were to some degree not encouraging. It was evident from the set-up of the forum – regardless of what he had to say those also speaking would hear but not listen – as they would’ve already prepared their replies beforehand.

When the Savior taught – the Scribes and Pharisee’s were going to hear but not listen. Those already had made their decisions – had their party line. The Savior knew this! In the Savior’s explanation to the Apostles and Disciples as to why he then taught in parables – it was that some would not listen and understand if he spoke in plainness and therefore only his sheep would hear/listen/understand when he spoke in plainness. The parables gave examples that all could relate to at this time – simple – clear and as we see today some would understand and others would divert far to sustain their positions.

The clarity of the Savior can be found in Matthew 10! Yet most refuse to listen or understand this simple explanation. Rather instead to write volume’s on self justifications of that which they say is already complete, full and can have nothing more added to it. Thus much as the blogs of this day – nothing is changed – men/women desire to have themselves heard – regardless if anyone is listening.

From all of this I’ve learned one thing – it is better to testify of what one knows with a surety to be true and leave it at that! To try to explain – clarify – or otherwise expound on an issue is self-pontification and nothing more – unless, it is to those who seek or are seeking truth only!

It would appear then that each of us has to be very careful on what we write and why. Being careful to lift others – present truths (as we know them to be pure truths) – using documentation which is irrefutable! As the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. said, “I teach correct principles and let the people govern themselves.” We know that some will apply such principles in their lives and others will not.

There’s nothing difficult about truth – simple – clear – easy to understand. While to teach anything other than pure truth is confusing – contentious – cloudy – difficult – and requires volume’s to try to convince others to accept. One might read a Creed of the various religions and see if they can understand what is being said when compared to the Scriptures in their plainness and literal truths.

Men/women thrive on confusion – contention – rhetoric – and the pleasing of their followers. If one so chooses to get involved in any of the forums such as those presented on the Internet and to be drawn into the fray (so to speak) be forewarned as to what you are doing. Only the individual can be answerable to what they should be doing and be about in this mortal probation.

We’ve so much time to be used in this lifetime – then on some future day – be it today or tomorrow’s tomorrow – we’ll stand at the bar of Judgment and account for our probation and decisions. Should this time be spent idly or seriously engaged with our families (which can be eternal) and understanding the words of the Holy Scriptures – or in the forums of men/women?

This I know, that Jesus is the Christ – the only begotten of the Father in the flesh – the Savior of this world – for all who’ve ever dwelt here or will – for all will hear/listen/understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ either now or in the Millennium – and that what the Savior has taught or had taught will all be fulfilled to the letter! That his Prophet’s, those who’ve gone before, or today will be those who we’ll be accountable for their words as they are the Father’s and the Son’s when we stand at the bar of judgment. I testify that the Father and Son have restored the Savior’s Church on this earth in these latter-days. That the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness is once more on this earth led by a Prophet and Apostles! These things I know to be true – in the name of Jesus Christ amen – c/ork


“Picking and Choosing”

cji
7/17/10

Here’s a good cause
and another there
which one to choose
or to select neither
for to choose either
nothing but to lose
for many are not fair
each filled with flaws!

Copyright © 2010 – cji

'Chuck' Charles J. Ingerson, CPCM, Fellow (NCMA)

http://whispersofthespirit.yuku.com/topic/10118
(Do We Want to Know?)

"Clarifications"

Maybe having put the cart before the horse – I’ve taken it upon myself that all understand the simple plainness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation. This could lead many to misunderstand what I’ve written heretofore – therefore to correct this – here it is in plainness!

What is the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Scriptures define it precisely as the way or means by which an individual can come to Christ. In all these scriptural passages, the gospel or doctrine of Christ teaches that salvation is available through his authorized servants to all who will (1) believe in Christ; (2) repent of their sins; (3) be baptized in water as a witness of their willingness to take his name upon them and keep his commandments; (4) receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands; and (5) endure to the end. All who obey these commandments and receive the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost and endure in faith, hope, and charity will be found guiltless at the last day and will enter into the kingdom of heaven (Alma 7:14—16, 24—25; Heb. 6:1—2).

What is the Plan of Salvation?

"Gospel of the Son of God that has been revealed is a plan or system of laws and ordinances, by strict obedience to which the people who inhabit this earth are assured that they may return again into the presence of the Father and the Son" (JD 13:233).

How does the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation work together?

The gospel of Jesus Christ is a key part of the plan of salvation (or plan of redemption), which provides an opportunity for all people to obtain eternal life. Because of the fall of Adam, which has passed upon all individuals by inheritance, all are subject to a physical death and a spiritual death (2 Ne. 9:4—12; D&C 29:39—45; 1 Cor. 15:12—22) and cannot save themselves. God, the loving Father of all spirits, has declared that it is his work and glory "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). For this purpose he provided a savior, Jesus Christ, who, because of his perfect love, his sinlessness, and his being the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh, was both willing and able to offer himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world (John 3:16). Through his atonement, Christ redeemed all men, women, and children unconditionally from the two deaths occasioned by the transgression of Adam and Eve, and will also redeem them from their own sins, if they accept and obey his gospel (Moses 6:62; D&C 20:17—25; 76:40—53).

Where can we learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation in the New Testament? The Epistles of John
New Testament Backgrounds: The Epistles of John
J. Lewis Taylor
First John
Written to:
The letter contains no formal greeting, though it is addressed to a group (or groups) whom John refers to as "brethren," "children," and "beloved." The letter may have been written to a group of saints somewhere in Asia, likely mainly priesthood brethren with whom John was personally acquainted.
Author:
The apostle John, an eyewitness of the Savior. (See 1 John 1:1.)
Where written:
May have been written from Ephesus, where John is reputed to have lived after his banishment to Patmos (see Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, 3.20.8—3.23.6), though no place is mentioned in the letter.
When written:
The letter was probably written about A.D. 100.
Purpose of the letter:
The letter was written apparently to combat certain false teachings, especially concerning Christ, associated with an emerging philosophy known as Gnosticism. Gnosticism maintained that the spirit is good, the body evil; and therefore it rejected the teaching that Jesus actually experienced mortality in a physical body. Essentially, this heresy had the effect of denying the physical suffering and the very atonement of the Savior. John denounced such heretical teachings, labeling those who so taught as "antichrists." He reaffirmed in a positive way both the humanity (1 John 4:1—3) and the divinity of the Savior, and the vital importance of coming to know Christ.
Major Themes:
As a commentary on the gospel of John and an antidote for false teachings of the day, First John declares positively the divinity of Christ, and shows how we can have fellowship with him and his Father. John bears a profound and eyewitness testimony of Christ as (a) the Word of life (1 John 1:1), (b) the Only Begotten Son of God (4:9; 1:3, 7; 3:23; 4:14), (c) one who lived in the flesh upon the earth (4:1—3), (d) the Holy One (2:20), (e) our advocate with the Father (2:1), (f) the Savior (1:7; 2:2; 3:5; 4:10, 14), (g) the revelation of the Father (1:2; 5:20).
2. Above all else we are to seek fellowship with Christ (and the Father).—Jesus was sent by the Father into the world to make the atonement and to show us what the Father is like. By obtaining fellowship with Christ we also come to know the Father. As we center our lives in Christ—the true light—and continue in righteousness, we shall become the sons and daughters of God, and shall in time know him and be like him. (3:1—2.)
3. Overcome the world.—John declares that we must not walk in darkness or sin, nor love the things of the world. (2:15—16.) Those who do are strangers to God. Rather, we are to follow the light and do righteousness, for by so doing we are "born of God." (2:29). Those who are born of God have greater power in them than is in the world (4:4), and they can thus overcome the world (5:4).
4. God is love.—The love of God is the foundation of all personal righteousness. We are enjoined to love God "because he first loved us" (4:19) by sending his Only Begotten Son (4:9). Love is of God; thus, if we would know him, we must love him and love what he loves. (4:7—8.) Our love for God is to be expressed by keeping his commandments (2:3—6; 3:23—24) and by loving one another (4:7—21). John makes very clear that if one loves God he will love his brother; and inversely, that if one says he loves God but hates his brother, he is a liar. (4:20—21.) As we personify the love of God and our fellow beings in our lives, we become like the Lord himself and have eternal life with him.
5. To know God is to have eternal life. - To John, eternal life is a quality of life. It is God's life. It is synonymous with becoming the sons and daughters of God in the fullest spiritual sense (3:13); it is to be born of God and to have his light and love within oneself; it is equated with overcoming the world; it is to know and to be like our Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ (5:20).
Second and Third John
Written to:
Second John is addressed to "the elect lady and her children." (2 John 1.) Who is the elect lady? The answer cannot be given conclusively. She may be an actual person—a female member of the Church, perhaps even the wife of John, who has qualified through her faithfulness to receive the fulness of gospel blessings. The children may be John's own family. (See Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Bookcraft, 1973, 3:410.) Or, "the elect lady and her children" may be a salutation intended spiritually to refer to an individual branch of the church, possibly in Asia. Frequently the term "woman" is intended as a symbol of the people of God, Israel, or the church. (Rev. 12:1.) And John earlier referred to faithful saints as "my beloved children," (1 John 2:1, 3:18.) Thus, he may be writing to a faithful branch of the church.
Third John is addressed simply to "the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth." (3 John 1.) Was Gaius a faithful saint, a presiding elder of a local branch? Perhaps so. Or was Gaius possibly a female member or even John's wife? (See Doctrinal New Testament 'Commentary, 3:413.) There is insufficient evidence to draw final conclusions.
Author:
Neither of the two letters gives the author's name, but refers to him simply as "the elder." (2 John 1; 3 John 1.) Tradition ascribes both letters to John, who is apparently at this time the only living apostle and the presiding authority in the church.
Where written:
The most likely place is Ephesus, though no place is mentioned in the letter.
When written:
About the same time as First John, possibly A.D. 100.
Purpose of the letter:
Second and Third John, although more personal and much briefer than First John, were apparently written with a similar purpose in mind, namely, to warn against false Gnostic teachings of the day. Second John warns especially against false teachers ("deceivers," "antichrist") who denied Christ's physical nature; whereas Third John warns against a false leader.
Major Themes:
1. Walk in love and keep the commandments.—John urges the saints, as in First John, to love one another. (2 John 5.) He then reiterates the fact that we show love for God when we keep his commandments. (2 John 6.) One aspect of expressing love for God is to abide in the true doctrine of Christ and avoid false teachings. (2 John 9.)
2. John warns the saints against the growing threat of "deceivers" and antichrists. (2 John 7.)—He warns specifically against those who would deny the divinity of Christ's mission by declaring that he did not come in the flesh. (2 John 7.) The saints are admonished not to receive any such deceivers. (2 John 10—11.)
3. John warns against the sin of insubordination to Church leaders.—Specifically, John denounced a false leader in the church named Diotrephes, who has (1) rejected church leadership and instruction even by "prating against us with malicious words," (2) refused Church representatives sent to him, (3) refused to let others in the congregation care for or give heed to church authorities, and (4) cast out faithful members of the church. (3 John 9—10.)
The Lord’s Prayer:
Most have heard or been exposed to the Lord’s Prayer - “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.” (3 Nephi 13:9–13)
Four versions of the Lord’s Prayer are found in scripture, in Matthew 6, Matthew 6 JST, Luke 11, and 3 Nephi 13. Recent research enhances our appreciation of the words that Jesus chose to use.
Lead us not. An article by James H. Charlesworth argues that although the New Testament was written originally in Greek, one must consider “the Aramaic substratum of the gospels and the Semitic milieu in which earliest Christianity came to life.”1 As an example, Charlesworth explains that the Greek phraseology in the line “lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:4) “looks suspiciously like an erroneous rendering” of the Semitic expression found in the Syriac manuscripts of this passage. That expression uses the Aph’el form of the Semitic verb, which may have two meanings: (1) a causative meaning, “lead us not into temptation,” or (2) a permissive sense, “do not permit (or allow) us to enter into temptation.”2 Both are possible understandings of the Semitic construction, but Charlesworth favors the permissive sense (compare James 1:13).
Charlesworth’s analysis is compatible with Matthew 6:14 JST: “And suffer us not to be led into temptation.” As the footnote to Matthew 6:13 in the LDS Edition of the scriptures indeed notes, the Syriac version reads “do not let us enter into temptation.”
The ambiguity that Charlesworth points out may have been welcomed by Jesus, who may have wanted his disciples to understand both senses of this verb. He may have wanted them to pray, in effect, “do not lead us into temptation, but lead us some other way,” and at the same time to pray “do not permit us to enter into temptation.” Thus, both English translations capture part of the richness of what the Savior may have intended.
For thine is the kingdom. On several occasions Jesus taught people how to pray. Nothing demands that he said precisely the same thing each time. In fact, his counsel against vain repetitions (see Matthew 6:7) might suggest that he did not use the same words each time he prayed or spoke about prayer, which would explain in part why the texts of the Lord’s Prayer differ.3
The differences in audiences may shed light on these variations. For example, generally speaking, the more sacred the setting, the more profound the ending of the prayer. Prayers in the temple at Jerusalem did not end simply with “Amen” but with “Praised be the name of his glorious kingdom forever and eternally.”4 Thus, in 3 Nephi 13, when Jesus spoke at the temple in Bountiful, he concluded his prayer with more than “Amen.”
On other occasions, Jesus spoke more informally. In Luke 11:1, one of the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. In this intimate setting, probably in the wilderness where he often went to pray, Jesus reviewed the basic steps of prayer (see Luke 11:2–4). But he cut short that instruction to talk about two related subjects: asking God and being generous (see Luke 11:5–13). In that instructional setting he did not need to give his words on prayer a formal conclusion and simply ended with “Amen.”
The longest ending for the Lord’s Prayer is found in Matthew 6:15 JST: “forever and ever, amen.” Here Jesus speaks to his apostles as he sends them into the mission field to testify of eternal truths (see Matthew 5:3–4; 6:25–27; 7:1 JST). In this priesthood setting, the ending emphasizes the everlasting nature of the kingdom of God.
Thus, variations between the four scriptural versions of the Lord’s prayer are understandable. Rather than being problematic, the differences each bespeak authenticity through the authority of actual experiences.
Research by John W. Welch, originally published as a FARMS Update in Insights (June 1996): 2.
Notes
1. James H. Charlesworth, “Semitisms in the New Testament and the Need to Clarify the Importance of the Syriac New Testament,” in Salvación en la Palabra (n.p., 1986), 633.
2. Ibid., 637.
3. See John W. Welch, Illuminating the Sermon at the Temple and Sermon on the Mount (Provo, Utah: FARMS, 1999), 206–8.
4. Ibid., 81, 207.

Summary:

When one agrees on what was and has been taught throughout all of the dispensations which the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been on this earth and through all generations of time in its fulness – then one simplifies the prism through which they look. There have been six dispensations before the present one which we’re now in extending from Adam to our modern day. Each dispensation has taught exactly the same truths without wavering from the Savior, the Prophet’s or the Apostles then or now. There is no conflict found in any of these teachings.

Simple to understand – common sense – and without the rhetoric of philosophy mixed with the Scriptures used by men/women to confuse and confound. What we accept will depend on how we choose to live our lives – in accordance with all of the Teachings of the Savior and his Prophet’s and Apostles or in the justifications of men/women. This is an easy choice for all – regardless of which way they choose. Therefore few will choose the road to Zion and many will travel any road to Babylon. c/ork

“Clarifications”

cji
7/12/10

Back to the basics
simple truths to feel
concepts and teachings
nothing difficult to know;

Carefully enumerated
without false doctrines
simple truths to heed
clarifications made!

Copyright © 2010 – cji

Different Prisms – Different Points of View”

Different Prisms – Different Points of View”
(One God or many – One Church – or many?)
cji
7/11/10

Thoughts to ponder: “In an age where we even debate barbaric stoning it shows how insane our mental state and priority lists are. The basic rules of humanity or that of loving for our fellow man and woman we see waning. It is found the same with religion.....unfortunately. The decline in Christianity numbers and beliefs and applications would be less if religious leaders would stop shooting their members with stupidity.”

My ponderings in return:

When looks directly in front of them with eyes that can see – they see a multitude of things – in varying colors. Yet if one were to change the spectrum what would they see? If one were to look through a prism – the diffusion of what they see greatly multiples. Thus when we’ve many different persons using their own prism the plethora of options can increase to infinity. The different points of the prism from which we each view our present surroundings will vary. We will each see our world – our beliefs and study the past though our experiences only. Thus while we are found inquiring into the future will vary even more greatly.

Sometimes two people see the same event occur – yet when they report what they’ve seen the two testimonies may vary greatly. A person who studies history and philosophy will describe what they saw different from one who studies the stars and cosmos. They’ve different understandings – and thus what they describe will be from their point of learning. There will be some similarities but not in all points. Prejudice will also play a role – hatred – guile – lusts – greed – and a desire to control or get acclaim from others.

Let’s now turn to the current two views of religion; first that of men/women and secondly that of God, the Prophets and Apostles (duly called and ordained by one having authority)! The religion of men/women includes all religions found in the world which have a genesis from men/women and not the Father or the Son.

The Religion of Men/Women:

Below are found a series of quotes on ‘Religion’ from some of the noted men of Philosophy, Science and Theology:

Emile-Auguste Chartier: "If religion is only human, and its form is man's form, it follows that everything in religion is true.”

John Leonard: “Granted, religion is wishful thinking, but there is no other kind of thinking.”
Tenzin Gyatso (14th Dalai Lama): "My true religion is Kindness.”

George Santayana: "Religions are not true or false, but better or worse.”

Blaise Pascal: "Men despise religion. They hate it and are afraid it may be true.”

Matthew Arnold: "The true meaning of religion is thus, not simply morality, but morality touched by emotion.”

Don Miller: "How does a person separate true, personal religion from a religion of conformity? Christianity is not really as white and wealthy and judgmental as we might want it to be.”

Samuel Taylor Coleridge: "A religion, that is, a true religion, must consist of ideas and facts both; not of ideas alone without facts, for then it would be mere Philosophy; -- nor of facts alone without ideas, of which those facts are symbols, or out of which they arise, or upon which they are grounded; for then it would be mere History.”

Charles Hartshorne: "The idea of revelation is the idea of special knowledge of God, or of religious truth, possessed by some people and transmitted by them to others. In some form or other the idea is reasonable. In all other matters people differ in their degree of skill or insight. Why not in religion?”

Cardinal J Newman: "From the age of fifteen, dogma has been the fundamental principle of my religion: I know no other religion; I cannot enter into the idea of any other sort of religion; religion, as a mere sentiment, is to me a dream and a mockery.”

Albert Einstein: "My religion consists of a humble admiration of the unlimitable superior who reveals Himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble minds. That deeply emotional conviction of the presence of a superior reasoning power, which is revealed in the incomprehensible universe, forms my idea of God.”

Oscar Wilde: "Religions die when they are proved to be true. Science is the record of dead religions.”

Francis Bacon: "It is true, that a little philosophy inclineth man's mind to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth men's minds about to religion.”
Stephen Prothero: “As I argue in my new book, "God is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World—and Why Their Differences Matter," religion is an immensely powerful force both personally and politically. So if we want to understand the world we must understand the world's religions. This includes reckoning with both similarities and differences, and with the capacity of each of the great religions to do both good and evil.”
“Evangelical Christians, on the other hand, don’t worry about achieving any kind of enlightenment while they’re on earth, but believe that your soul will be eternally damned unless you are ’saved’ before you die. This would mean being ‘born again’ if you’re already a Christian, or converted, if you’re not. (Chicago Sun Times).”
And what some say about the leaders of other religions:
The executive director of Interserve, Doug Van Bronkhorrst, says (referring to the Dali Lama), “Oh, sure, he’s a very thoughtful man. He has a lot of good things to say about peace in the world, and he’s quite knowledgeable about other faiths, including the Christian faith.” “But, he’s getting on in years and if we can’t save him before he dies, he’ll go straight to *** hell.”
Man’s religion or belief filled preaching is many times confusing, contending and since the days of Cain have been filled with justifications (mixed with some truths as they suppose). These religions do not have living Prophets, Apostles and most especially the current revelations. They do not teach as the Savior or his Prophet’s and Apostles (Disciples) taught only of and from the Scriptures and as prompted by the Holy Ghost which each had by the full authority of the Father and the Son and not from school of religion or theology. We should remember there are so many scriptures which reference the wisdom or logismoi of men and it being the opposite of the gnosis of the Father and the Son.

What do men/women instead teach? They teach from the schools of philosophy, theology, science, history mixed freely with the Scriptures. They use un-literal text understandings – thus denying what is or was taught literally in the Scriptures. This has been the trend since the days of Adam – was especially present in the days of the Jewish teachers in the meridian of time and with the advent of the latter half of the second century it has since grown more universally and worldly.

Foremost man’s religion does not teach of the Scriptures as being literally true. The religion of men is based on creeds – professional clergy – clerics – priests – or other known names of those professing to have the gospel in its fulness to share with others. They instead exchange – interpret – have additions or revisions. Yet they say nothing can be added or taken away and that the Bible is complete as it is? Then they turn around and create another book or edition of the Bible to explain away simple doctrine and create impossibility to understand what they’ve written or added. Yet one need only look at the number of Bibles currently available – over 4,000+ - is each original – is each true – is each to be the final word? Yet when being used the Bible is only picked apart – taking a little here and some there – mixing it well with the philosophy of men/women and the current politically correct teachings.

When one is paid for their hire (a professional clergy) they then serve mammon and those who pay the most – and teach that which is pleasing to their hearing and feelings. While each should be claiming to be the one and only true church on this earth at this time – they do not! Yet in their Scriptures they freely can read that God is not a God of confusion, contention or logismoi!

The churches or religions of men/women have no ‘living’ Prophet’s or Apostles – which is strange as to not have these is to not have the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – for how can they if they do not receive current revelations and teachings in preparation to the Second Coming? What do they make of all of the prophecies about the latter-days? They can only be ignoring that which is found in the Scriptures or better just do not understand or want to understand that what they profess to believe. Yet these same men/women freely call this person or that a Prophet – while denying both the dead and living called by the Father and the Son. Instead they’ve changed the meaning and calling – and gaining popularity from the world in doing so.

For a moment let’s separate those who do not believe in the Christ – for they claim other deity – and dismiss the Scriptures (more specifically the Holy Bible) – creating either their own doctrines/scriptures or putting forth an oral history and teachings. They’ve very good beliefs and many who follow in these religions live lives of goodness. As many of the all the religions of men/women they’ve no living Prophet’s (except those who are dead), Apostles and deny that the heavens are open. Any belief system which leads one to be a better person – thus willing to be a servant of those in need – is good and cannot be considered anything else. That they’ve not heard the teachings of Jesus Christ will be understood and in the Millennium of Time after the Second Coming all will hear – and accept as they would’ve while in this mortality.

The religions of men/women are not true and pure religion if they teach the philosophy of men/women – deny the Scriptures being literally true. This cannot be the case! If one was to consider any of these churches separately or collectively as being true is to - then one is saying they trust not in God for they teach not his doctrines. Indeed they are very doubtful of trusting in men - but men to them are tangible and therefore something to relate with or to. As stated before the God of men/women is incomprehensible when one compares the Scriptures to the Creeds of men/women.

The rules or religions of men are difficult to trust. When one strays from the teachings of the Scriptures literally is the first sign of teaching false truths of men/women or the worldly. When one teaches for their own gain and pleasure – peer acceptance and the praise of the world they’ve crossed the line and no longer are found in the service of the Father or the Son but of mammon. And most difficult of all in the religions of men/women is their being subject to change with the winds and tides, politically correctness and self-justifications. The Savior in the last week of his earthly mission, while still in mortality, foretold of those who would come with religion for a price - and have nothing to do with eternal life - the sealing ordinances - family units after death - the Celestial Kingdom - and in some cases even what they teach of as hell.

Now to turn to the Church as Organized and led by the Savior in the Meridian of Time:
True Religion according to the Father and the Son:
James 1:27: Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Religion of the Father and the Son – is consistent – simple – without contention – and open to all regardless of who, where or what they are. It is not judgmental in final judgment with the exception of that which the Father and the Son exercise. The disciples are expected to exercise intermediate judgment for the well-being of themselves and their families. It condemns no person to hell or outer darkness with the two exceptions of shedding of innocent blood and the denial of the Holy Ghost once received.

The true religion is established by Revelations, Teachings of the Savior (including his Prophets and Apostles), Covenants, Ordinances, Commandments – Statutes and Laws as given and revealed from the Son either in person or to his servants the Prophets and Apostles. A follower of the Saviors Church “The Church of Jesus Christ” – called by some Disciples and others as Saints – accepts and covenants to be totally obedient in all things to the Commandments – Statutes and Laws as known in the Scriptures of old and in modern revelations today. A true follower then is under covenant with the Lord – and not with man/woman.

One needs only to seek to find in the Scriptures the difficulty of being a true follower of the Savior and enduring to the end. It was not easy – many apostates where within the second and third year of the Saviors ministry. Peer pressure and other temptations were involved not the least being a threat of death. The same is true today – many find, accept the teachings of the Savior and then fall away back to their original ways of life.

In the first 25 years after the ministry of the Savior many followers of this early Church were fed to the lions – put on display – abused and denied any rights – and this continued even under the direction of Augustine in the 3rd/4th Centuries. The early followers had to be destroyed for those who take over to do so with a clean slate – i.e. the first of the reformers of men/women. Thus by the mid-second century the Church of Jesus Christ was gone in truth, doctrine and beliefs with the exception of the name and a very few who were destroyed over the next three centuries.

The truth - and there is only one truth - and that is the Savior and his teachings whether from himself or through his spokesmen (Prophet's and Apostles) throughout all of the ages of men in our mortality - including today. For he said, “John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” This truth was the cornerstone of the true Church – it is based on the testimony and life of the Savior (see John 17).

Which Church has all of the above – and indeed believes all men/women can be saved predicated on their works, faith and repentance. Which Church teaches all that all of the other churches teach from the Scriptures? Which Church is led by living Prophets and Apostles called by the Father and the Son? Which Church believes the Heavens are open and there are continuous revelations? Which Church believes the Holy Scriptures to be literally true? Which Church teaches and fulfills all of the ordinances as taught in the Meridian of Time, i.e. Baptism for the Dead, Sealing for Time and All Eternity and in full the Temple Ordinances? Which Church teaches that all men/women will be saved or damned to one degree or another based on their lives and works? This Church, if known, and found this earth today – would be the Church of Jesus Christ.

Thoughts Which to Close:

There is a saying that all roads lead to Rome – sadly in its day – Rome was the Babylon of the World – and all roads lead to Babylon – while only one road leads to Zion.

Yes – the Christianity and/or religions of the world today – are vindictive/passive – contentious/compromising – seeking retribution/understanding – unforgiving/negotiating – condemning/justifying – struggling to cause philosophy and beliefs to become as one.

We’re living in an evil generation – as have been most all of the generations of men/women. However, when one prepares for the last days – all of the Prophecies have to come to pass – ALL! And indeed – as was also foretold – there must be a restoration of all things in the Gospel of Jesus Christ – with a Prophet, Apostles, and Temples of the Most High, Covenants, Sealing Ordinances and the work for the dead. Let us seek to be mindful of all of the Scriptures – and much has been uncovered in these last days.

Sadly when one leaves out of the Bible some 5,000 other books one does not have the complete picture or data base – and then when constantly changing what little we have – or otherwise disregard it as simply illusion and not literal – do we not have a need for a Prophet and Apostles?

Then of course if there was no restoration – then there would be no choices to be made and any road will lead one to Babylon. And this is the justification that men/women use to deny the Restoration has occurred!

However, the God which I believe in is constant, unchanging (to doctrines and teachings either by him or his Prophet’s and Apostles). Further the Godhead consists of three separate and distinct persons - two (the Father and the Son) having bodies of flesh and bone - each testifying of each other - as well as all of the chosen Prophets and Apostles! The third member of our God-Head is one of Spirit not yet having come to this earth in mortality - thus he's a different mission than the first two. In addition I take the Holy Scriptures to be literally true - as did the Prophets and Apostles - the disciples, and those who have always followed the Savior completely without doubt.

If we keep it relatively simple – which we must to understand the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – then much more is understandable – we cannot both try to defend mammon and God – nor can we deny either – but to recognize them for what they are. To spend the needless energy on mammon one is spinning their wheels in quicksand and will get the same results.

Which prism are we looking through? What do we individually see, read, understand when reading the Scriptures? It matters – it really does – either the Scriptures are literally true – or if not then it really doesn’t matter and all are wrong. I suggest that all are not wrong – that the Scriptures are literally true – easy to understand – what Father would deliberately confuse or mislead his children which he loved enough to sacrifice the life of his only begotten Son? We wouldn’t and Heavenly Father wouldn’t either. May we be found doing as James has taught us – and then may we seek to find if in fact the prophecies will all be fulfilled – and if so – has the Church of Jesus Christ been restored as foretold before the second coming.

For me and my family we know the Church of Jesus Christ has again been restored to this earth – it is led by a Prophet and Apostles – we are in the last days – and it matters – in the name of Jesus Christ – amen!

c/ork

“Treason” (add on to "Mammon or God")

“Treason”

cji
7/5/10

The charge against the Savior
wondering on what basis
pondering if used on another
maybe even a sister/brother
would there be no oasis
freedom no longer to savor;

The charges used on many
justification of one’s power
Prophet’s and Apostles too
old days and now the new
where wicked men glower
my thoughts for this penny!

Copyright © 2010 – cji

In my essay entitled, “Mammon or God” – I indicated that both the Savior (Jesus Christ) and his Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. were both chaged and then murdered as having committed Treason! What I forgot to include was that these were what they were teaching and those which brought about the charge and their deaths.

They both taught others to believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
They both taught others to believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
They both taught others to believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
They both taught others believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
They both taught other to believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
They both taught and in their lifetimes organized a Church having apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
They both taught others to believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
They both taught others to believe the Scriptures to be the word of God as the Prophet’s have recorded them in both the old and new worlds and in the Islands of the Sea.
They both taught others to believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
They both taught others to believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
They both taught others to believe and claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
They both taught others to believe (both being an example) in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
They both taught others to believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Only in Jerusalem (and surroundings) and in the United States could these two both have been charged with Treason – under the laws of the land – be found guilty (the Savior by the people – and Joseph Smith, Jr. by the people – as neither had a formal trial as we know it today). Isn’t it also interesting today that those in our government are labeling those who are veterans and associated with the cries of freedom in the same manner? c/ork
trea·son
   /ˈtri zən/ Show Spelled[tree-zuh n] Show IPA
–noun
1.
the offense of acting to overthrow one's government or to harm or kill its sovereign.
2.
a violation of allegiance to one's sovereign or to one's state.
3.
the betrayal of a trust or confidence; breach of faith; treachery.

mammon or God

Moved upon by the issues of this day – the 4th of July 2010 – and the questions of whether there will another – I take the time to share my ideas and thoughts - chuck

“Mammon or God”
cji
July 4, 2010


Starting with the premise; all politics are of men/women and the quest to serve and obey mammon! This would make the sole purpose of politics is to control the population in which they preside whether elected or having gained office by force. They seek worldly riches and lusts. The exception when found is easily corrupted or destroyed - most times from within. The United States with a divinely inspired Constitution - is no different from the rest of the world. Since the inception of the first President - men/women have fought for more and more individual power and for the subjection of the voters and residents. The formation of political parties hurried this process into dividing instead of uniting the US as a nation. Wars have been fought - the worse within the nation - and many without of the nation. Wars are of men/women - depressions are of men/women - abuses are of men/women - laws are of men/women - wickedness is of men/women - and the lust of power is of men/women! The justification of men/women to do these things is called government or better politics.

Men/women do not want joy or happiness - thus they do all they can do to avoid and disprove the Scriptures and any teachings purely found within them. The Scriptures in their pure form teach of obedience - which in turn equals to happiness - they teach a higher law which makes one a servant to others - James 1:27 - to practice pure religion. Indeed a review of the most of the teachings of the Savior, the Prophets, the Apostles and their disciples. The sole purpose after the 1st Century AD - men/women had usurped the religious movements in the world. They use the name of the Savior - but know him not! They change the doctrines taught in pureness into confusion, contention, symbolism, Greek philosophy and their key is that of Rhetoric! Paul called this the logismoi of men/women. War had found its foothold - and especially in the name of religion. Christianity and Islam - are among the most violent religions known to mankind. Intolerant of others - intolerant of resistance - intolerant of adversary - they (men/women) in turn are the fathers/mothers of this same behavior and lust of power.

Governments have shut up the righteous in every generation of men/women! The Savior was a political victim as well as his Apostles and followers - usually a small group in comparison with the populations in which they lived. Within 150 years all or almost all were killed of the early Christians - either in Rome or wherever in Europe/Asia/Africa/Middle East - and within 400 years in the Americas. With the exception of John (the Revelator) and the 3 Nephites (in the Americas) - who were transformed are or were dead by the early 5th Century.

The Jesus was tried on the charge of Treason! With the advent of the Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1820 - a Church organized under the laws and Constitution of the United States - persecution began from the moment of the first time Joseph Smith, Jr. bore testimony of the First Vision! In the first 24 years - ending with the murder of the Prophet - the Saints (Mormons as they were known) were driven from Ohio, Missouri and in 1846 from Illinois. Women/girls were raped, murdered - men/women/children randomly and controlled murdered by the militia of the various states - bigotry was the reason - hatred the driver - and the usage of thugs the means. Governors - Presidents - Clergy - Senators - Congressmen - Judges - all joined together in spreading lies and justifying the murder, rape, burnings, etc. The charge against Joseph Smith and the Mormons was one of Treason! The identical liquidation of the early Church of the Meridian of time and the Restoration in its fullness are a testimony of two against the blood-thirsty and worldly political motivated of the places where these two the Savior and Joseph Smith lived.

Some say but, but, but - however, anyone who's compromised with mammon - invested in government and the quest for power in their own home, location become part and parcel of the movement of justification and excuse. Too late many must learn to separate themselves from what the worldly who follow mammon are and do - from what you do! If one were to only read what others write about the Savior - the Prophets, etc. the confusion and contention would turn you off! i.e. the idea of leaving it alone - one way is as good as another - and that nothing makes sense! There's a A&E presentation on Christianity (the first two thousand years) - which is wrought with men/women and their view - and not that of what is really going on - they're whole presentation is to preserve what they believe and why today and not with the topic they're dealing with. History presented in reverse - having the result - the text works to the past and preserves only what supports what they know now.

If one looks at Christianity as what the Savior organized in the Meridian of time - then that was gone and destroyed (from within and without) by the middle of the 2nd Century (about 150AD). The Savior held the keys - he gave them along with Elijah and Moses to the Apostles - with the death of the Apostles and those called as Apostles by 150AD those keys were taken once more from this earth. Only John held these keys and still does to this day as a personage along with the 3 Nephites on this earth and none of those post-150AD have seen or heard from them. When Joseph Smith, Jr. was called by the Father and the Son - he received the keys along with Oliver Cowdery from who? Peter, James and John! When the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood were returned they received the keys of this Priesthood from John (the Baptist) who held these keys. (note: Keys are noted to be held only by those Authorized to hold them - and thus to deliver them to another with the proper delegation to do so from the Father and the Son.) The keys of the Gathering were given by Moses - and the keys of Sealing (Eternal Marriage - Eternal Families) were given by Elijah.

No religious group in the world practices literally and fully what the Savior taught in the meridian of time (with one except)! They teach what their voted on creeds tell them to teach! They teach a vague belief system - and one which is mostly symbolic without form or merit. They teach that the Holy Bible (while being full and complete) is not to be taken literally - but only symbolically. However, all of these worldly religions would condemn me for this statement - but if one were really to read and listen to the material available, i.e. the Holy Bible (minus the 5600 books missing) and find what was really said - how simple is that? Yet most will not do it - they don't want to do it - they've been told they don't need to it - for they can pay another to do it for them - trained in the schools - with man/woman tradition and intellectual background. Thus full circle they encourage and support politics and those who control the party machines. For without the one they cannot be!

The best comparison of what the Savior gave the world and what men/women gave the world. Edwin Hatch - Edinburg - 19th Century - said this in the Gifford Lectures of the 19th Century given at Edinburg in England, "The Christianity of the 1st Century was based on central text of the Sermon on the Mound (simple - easy to understand) - while the Christianity of the 4th Century was the central text was Nicene Creed (incomprehensible and unable to be understood)." There was little or no comparison between the Christianity of the 1st and 4th Century. One must understand that what was presented in the 4th Century with minor modifications is what all of the world have today when they look at Christianity. Other religions do exist - but those like Christianity - are politically motivated and accepted. Christianity was reformed as a combination of the Greek Philosophy - some Scriptures - rhetoric and the logismoi of the men and women.

There are to be found many excellent men and women throughout the generations of this mortal earth! They have all kinds of beliefs and understandings of their role in mortality. One cannot deny this to be true - as in each church of men/women there is some truth. Good people of every belief or faith will be saved through the Atonement of the Savior - those who follow Satan will not as the Scriptures teach this.

Interestingly when one decides that they've to compromise their faith in mammon - they've compromised their understanding and belief in the Savior! One must study - but most will not even read the Scriptures - and many more only on a limited basis or even ask questions about their creeds and teachings. They don't comprehend the importance of asking questions for they've been taught not to! If they did comprehend they would really want to know why what they're being taught is neither found in the Scriptures and what is found in the Scriptures is not being taught!

Throughout all of this - politics and government condone and condemn - depending on what is popular or to ensure their staying power. The corruption of religion is the price one pays to follow mammon - to the point where one no longer sees the difference between truth and rhetoric. Logismoi has won the day - horrors in the name of religion continue today. When one who knows does not share the truth for fear of losing one's position or rank in their peer associations. To believe other than the party line - absolve the party leaders - hold governments and politicians as semi-gods and their spiritual leaders. The transition is complete - any idea of religion is purely illusion to those who lead - and accepted by those who follow.

What's worse is the price paid by the righteous of the various sects and denomination is much higher - in that by not being taught the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - they accept less than a Celestial Glory as spoken in the Scriptures by the Prophets and more importantly the Savior. In not teaching what is literally found in the Scriptures - those who follow their creeds and teachings are denied their eternal covenants. The ministers, preachers, priests, clergy, clerics, and rabbis having sold themselves to their governments they've also sold their flocks as well.

What was the crime of Joseph Smith, Jr.? He taught the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - and in doing so - he taught of 'love' and of 'self-worth' and that most importantly of the agency of each individual. He taught correct principles and allowed the people to govern themselves. He taught of the literalness of the Holy Bible and the Scriptures of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He translated by divine intervention the Book of Mormon (the Scriptures and History of those who lived on the North American Continent - within two groups. The first was from the time of the Tower of Babel - 2000BC to 600BC and the second of those who fled in fulfillment of the prophecies at the time of the Babylonian Captivity 600BC (approximately).

It was for the above that those from this the clergy, ministers, politicians, and government sided together for the inquisition and utter destruction of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They tried but didn't succeed. They raped, maimed, killed, burned, stole all of the property and persons they could as the Mormons fled from place to place - until going to the Salt Lake Valley. Eventually they even pursued them to the Valley - but stopped temporarily with small loss of life. Before the end of the 19th Century though new laws - corrupt leaders, judges - most of the Church was in dire straits - having been disenfranchised of property, rights and denied the basic rights to practice their religion - the Church never the less survived.

Whereas the Church at the time of the Savior was literally destroyed - and taken over by the political and governmental elements of the time - i.e. Jews and the Gnostics - until the 4th Century of the schools of Greek and learned men/women of the time. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has survived in spite of the government - mobs - militias - armies - clergy - judges - apostates - until today it's still viable - and still stands alone apart from the world and worldly! The doctrine is unchanged - the literalness of the Scriptures is still taught - the Holy Bible (Old and New Testament) - The Book of Mormon - the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price - in addition to being led by living Prophets and Apostles today with living and new revelations. The heavens are open - the truth being taught and still to stay untainted by the world or worldly!

Now to say that all members are this way would not be true - there are many inactive members and members who though active are still found with one hand holding mammon and the other? Brigham Young stated this most clearly, "There are some who're are Mormons - but not all are Saints." Instead of changing or being found able to live all of the Commandments - Statutes and Laws of the Savior - many find themselves somewhere in-between like much of the world. Many leave the Church for whatever their reasons - but many of these can never leave the Church alone!

Whereas modern Christianity claim the Reformation started in the 13th to 16th Century - in reality it started with the death and resurrection of the Savior. For all of the churches since this time are in reformation – the apostasy has begun – first within – for an apostasy cannot never be from without – and then due to the various claims – one need only to look about to see the face of a dead church. Can one take a live branch from a dead tree? The answer is no! As with the church neither can one by reforming government away from the Constitution be found not in apostasy. Both are the works of mammon – but are in contention – confusion – and self-justification and denial! Truth is changed to be their truth – without actual documentation – other than circular written from what they’ve today – backwards. Reformation cannot give either pure religion or good government. Men/women are responsible for the reformations – ignoring the teachings of the Savior, Prophets and Apostles – either today or yesterday.

Government of men/women – religion of men/women is both corrupt and inherently not for the good of their subjects or followers. Church and State work together – sometimes one ahead of the other – but always together – one to control the actions of the people – the other to control means of wealth. Today – the denial of Christianity as a part of the United States is part and parcel of the mammon found throughout history. To deny what the Constitution documents of a nation claim is to deny the validity of the nation as it was organized. That our government today has done this is of no small matter – but it is done with the consent of the various churches – the politicians and the people. Talk is cheap and it would appear that the media/press have taken over the talk with logismoi and cover-up coverage of the current administration. Soon one would guess that this will lead eventually to the loss of freedom of the press – as in the past – when serving mammon – one gives up what they once had at a far cheaper price than Judas’ 30 pieces of silver. When a government proclaims no religion – denies God – it then becomes the state religion! Thus is the circle complete – “Treason is the excuse that a victor uses to behead the loser,” (Benjamin Franklin).

This is the 4th of July 2010 – and we as a nation are in serious trouble! We’ve some of the greatest minds – good people men/women who refuse to see – refuse to hear – refuse to feel – refuse to research – they speak in eloquence and heavy intent – yet for some reason miss the simplicity of faith and belief. What do we have today – wars of religion – today – these are not wars for oil – for wealth – for more land – but to impose one’s will on another. The players are important – Islam wants to destroy anything not Islam – China wants to destroy anything not Chinese – and the only nation who’s a half chance of protecting the world from either – is siding with both Islam and China but interpretation of law! The UN continues to try to disarm all – but especially America. One need only look at Far West Missouri – Hahn’s Mill – Nauvoo – to see what happens when one is disarmed – death, pillage, rape – and mobs without control given authority by governments and those without religious tolerance for other than themselves and their brothers/sisters.

Can we imagine what is going to happen? Yes we can! The Scriptures tell us exactly what will happen – history tells us what will happen – and most care not to know of either’s teachings. Government and politics – selling one’s soul to mammon – church and state – have decided that this is the path this world has and will take! There are some – less than 20,000,000 who have chosen to follow the Scriptures and the Savior’s appointed Prophet – but this is a very small percentage – and while doing all that they can to share and help others – without regard to one’s beliefs or faith – but simple to be in compliance with James 1:27 – having first followed James 1:5! How many will be found responsible and accountable – all! Yet most have yet to understand that this is not a teaching of mammon – but only of God!

Each has to choose – individually – but each will also be accountable for that which they choose! The United States is a divinely ordained land – with a Constitution for the people – by the people – which is now under attack. It matters not which church one belongs to as long as they know what it is they are claiming to believe! It matters much how one lives and helps others to live – lifting up – bringing more light – teaching real truth and sharing love and happiness. One can follow Darwin – one can follow Erasmus – follow the Savior – it matters not – as long as they fully believe what they believe – are willing to sacrifice all for this belief and then so live as to be an example of good of their beliefs – then one should be able to know they’ve chosen wisely.

May each be able to resolve that contention and confusion – hatred – lusts – avarice – are not of value to having chosen God ahead of mammon! However, if one has chosen mammon – then they must realized that contention, confusion, hatred, lusts and avarice are part and parcel of this choice. “Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” If we were to change two words – “On the other side of the Reformation (beginning with the Death and Resurrection of the Savior)” or “Or the gods of the men/women, in whose land ye dwell;”

In closing - hopefully this nation and the people will stand up – as Roger Williams/William Penn – that each must be able to chose who to worship as long as it’s not at the expense of others by force or abuse or denial of rights of freedom to choose. It must be remembered the most neglected part of the writing of all of the known reformers was that they were not starting a new religion but trying to get closer to what was literally taught in the Bible as they knew it to be written. They were all helping to prepare the way for the Restoration of the True Church prior to the Second Coming as foretold in the Scriptures over and over again. Even in the Jewish histories they speak of a Messiah Ben Joseph who has to come before the Messiah Ben Judea (or the Savior of the World – Jesus Christ).

My research has led me through prayer and understanding where I can find the Lord’s home and it is where I choose to belong – may you and your families find similarly where you choose to be found. My friendship knows no bounds – we’re each friends – and we’re each allowed our own beliefs and understandings.

What follows is what Joseph Smith, Jr. wrote in reply to what is it that the Mormons believe – for this the Saints were persecuted and driven from the United States – interesting how government and others differ in decrying that this was Treason:

THE ARTICLES OF FAITHOF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
History of the Church, Vol. 4, pp. 535—541
1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Joseph Smith

Surely we can find the good in both people and in America – somewhere and somehow we better – otherwise we won’t have to worry about the 4th of July – Veterans Day – Christmas – Easter – or even Valentine’s Day! c/ork


“Mammon or God”

cji
7/4/10

Who to follow or believe
where to turn or to go
what to seek to know
how to find the truth;

Mammon or God
which one to choose
without the one
can one be both;

Government power
politicians abound
mammon’s preachers
found to serve all;

Simple literal truth
not as exciting
pure and undefiled
found only by a view!


Copyright © 2010 – cji