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
“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
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