Strange Slips (short essay and thought 'strange slips 2')

“Strange Slips”

 

cji

9/23/13

Isaiah 17:10 "Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the Rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips:"

Introduction:

“These "strange slips" in the Hebrew tongue are foreign or heathen ideas that go against our Father's Word. What you plant is what you grow and the fruit of the results of your labor. When you plant the seeds of fake religions and manmade traditions they the fruit of your labor is the fruit from the morning star, who is Satan, not the Lord Jesus Christ. The ideas and beliefs that come from that planting is what you will believe and follow your life by.

God has warned you over and over of the deception that is coming upon the earth today, and those that have taken up their strange slips don't care what God's Word says, for they tailor God's Word to conform to their ideas, not accepting His Word to follow. … This is what observing their "strange slips" will do for you. You are playing with the "tares of the field" and don't even realize it.”  http://www.theseason.org/isaiah/isaiah17.htm

 

Terry Ball and Nathan Wynn in their book, “Making Sense of Isaiah” quote the following, “In this context “strange” means foreign, or outside the covenant. A slip is a twig or cutting used instead of seeds to grow new plants. Thus, as Israel forget the Lord and worshipped false gods, they were planting “strange slips.” (p.53)

 

What is found above is very telling in today’s world especially when compared to Isaiah’s world so long ago. Times and seasons continue to change but the secular desires of men and women do not. In fact they continue to get worse! The idea of payment for services rendered means currency – not blessings! Thus sexual favors, money, or other physical payments are required and the costs continue to sky-rocket. Some might call this graft, bribes, pelf, getting all one can – while they can. And this comes from the very highest offices in the land as well as from the halls of Universities and churches.

 

Jeffery R. Holland (of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said this, “Of course the centuries-long drift away from belief in such a perfect and caring Father hasn’t been helped any by the man-made creeds of erring generations which describe God variously as unknown and unknowable—formless, passionless, elusive, ethereal, simultaneously everywhere and nowhere at all. Certainly that does not describe the Being we behold through the eyes of these prophets. Nor does it match the living, breathing, embodied Jesus of Nazareth who was and is in “the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his [Father].” (Heb. 1:3; see also 2 Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15.)

 

Satan is the father of all lies – all of them! While the Savior is the “Word, Truth and Light!” We’re to learn to know our Heavenly Father and our Savior – in other words we’re to learn the truth of all things – which will then set us free.  (John 8:32) Thus we need to know are we planting seeds or just relying on slips (strange slips)?

 

Discussion:

Satan has one supreme goal – “To keep all people from embracing the truth!” I’m sure this can be said in many different ways – but if we understand the truth is the Savior – then this is his primary and supreme goal. In addition, since truth can only come from the Father and or the Son – then learning the truth or about the truth leads us to eternal life and salvation if we accept and act upon what we learn. (Note: the Savior taught that whatever his Prophets or Apostles speak is the same as if he had spoken it – Doctrine and Covenant 1:38; 1 Thes. 4:2.) Therefore the Father and the Son expect each person to hear not only them but those whom they’ve sent – Prophets and Apostles in the past and today. Now this is the area where Satan is achieving his supreme goal in getting people to believe there is no more revelation – miracles – no more Prophets and Apostles and there is no one true Church restored in these the latter-days.

 

Consider that most of the literate world doesn’t care one way or the other – these Satan has already beguiled by centuries of confusing, guile and revisions to any and all teachings of the Old or New Testaments. The greater percentage of the world’s population will never hear about the Father or the Son – and will only hear during the millennium. This accounts for those living in lands of complete spiritual darkness (either by design or simply having no access to the truth). One must remember most of the population of the world over the thousands of year has been illiterate and totally dependent on others for what they’ve been taught or told to believe. Terry Ball has given a quote, “Satan don’t kick no dead dogs!” (he admits this is horrible grammar but anyway one would not remember it) – in that Satan only has to work on those who are searching or have the truth already in their lives. Thus, he makes anyone who has or is searching to feel worthless and hopeless. His minions (knowingly and unknowingly) mock, ridicule, abuse, scorn, stone, persecute, deride and otherwise make their lives miserable (as is he/theirs). Thus, one is searching questions themselves of the why of their search – it’s so much easier to go with the crowd – why am I doing this. Or those who’ve already found the truth – have been baptized – received the gift of the Holy Ghost (by those having authority) see their peers doing whatever they want and getting away with it – while they are known as a peculiar people or person. They choose to be righteous rather than profane!

 

A recent speaker I was listening to reported the following.  “Our family at the dinner table found the kids asking to go to a particular movie. The oldest child (about 15) when asked about the movie and if it were family oriented answered, ‘oh it’s okay – lots of action and some violence but nothing really bad.’ To which the father asked – what do you mean by ‘really bad’? Again, the oldest child replied, ‘nothing to get upset over – whatever.’ The father had to think about how to get a better definition. He went to the kitchen and came back with a glass of orange juice asking which of the children would like to have this glass of OJ? All of the children immediately said they would. He then took them to the bathroom – and had a spoon with him. He went to the toilet bowl and took a very small spoon of water and put it into the glass of OJ and again asked who would like it? All of the children in disgust ran from the room – as he said, ‘well it’s only a little bad.’  The lesson was learned and from then on in this family was very careful about choosing which movies to watch and or not watch.”

 

Why the above lesson – for when we are making choices – Satan applies the most worthy temptations available to get us to choose the lesser of two evils – rather than choosing neither! No one knowingly went to the dark side willingly when having had exposure to the truth and the teachings of the Holy Scriptures – but more of a choice by choice movement further and further from the path to Zion. Thus, in our decisions we choose either plant ‘slips’ or ‘seeds’ – in seeking our eternal harvest. Surely our decisions should be made carefully and based on truth rather than conjecture or false doctrines or premises.

 

In James 1:5 – “If any of you lack wisdom ask of God who giveth to all men liberally.” Yet most fail in the reading the 6^th verse, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” Thus it requires faith and steadfastness to seek the truth. Many pretend to be seekers after truth – but in reality are only putting on a show without merit. Many of these are those who profess the validity of the creeds of men rather than the Scriptures of the Father or the Son. Thus they are accepting ‘strange slips’ rather than ‘true seeds’ for their spiritual gardens.

 

Which are we gathering and planting ‘seeds or slips’ - are we on Zion’s road or Babylon’s? This is the most important question we can answer in our mortal probations. We need to know and understand that this our 2^nd estate – and thus our mortal testing window – where we make those choices with eternal consequences. Thus we will be beaten down, dragged under the bus – and hated by much of those of the worldly today. We have to endure to the end – holding fast to the truth – having deep roots in Scripture understandings and knowing who the Father and the Son really are and what they mean to us and us to them.

 

Summary:

Over time this repetitive message of seeking truth become wearying to many – while the guile and soft rhythms of the adversary become louder and louder and more acceptable. This is because it is always easier to try to plant a slip than to nurture a seed. As it was referenced in the beginning the world is a very wicked place and continues to get wickeder by the day (if not the hour). The pervasiveness of the adversary is reaching into our children at an ever increasing pace – to where the educational system teaches more about selfishness, cheating, abnormal behaviors, and all things which are an abomination to the Father and the Son (and should be to each of us). Sadly parents are no longer the leaders in the education of their children they’ve abdicated this to the streets, tv, movies, music, video games and the computer Facebook and other such sites.

 

Immorality, fraud, illegal and criminal behaviors are now acceptable – while the law favors the criminal and not for the protection of the innocent or victims. Judges, politicians, lawyers, teachers and many professionals are found to be pawns of others who allow them to stay in their positions. While those who present truth or righteous behaviors are fired or made to look like fools. Our main stream media forgot long ago about presenting truth – and now present only that which is politically correct or pushes their agendas for power and or lusts. The ‘strange slips’ have taken over most of the literate world with ready acceptance and actually invitations to come within. Satan rejoices and as we hear from Enoch (Moses 7:28-33 Pearl of Great Price):

28 And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the  residue of the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep, and shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains?

 29 And Enoch said unto the Lord: How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?

 30 And were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of  earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations; and thy curtains are stretched out still; and yet thou art there, and thy bosom is there; and also thou art just; thou art merciful and kind forever;

 31 And thou hast taken   Zion to thine own bosom, from all thy creations, from all eternity to all eternity; and naught but peace,  justice, and truth is the habitation of thy throne; and mercy shall go before thy face and have no end; how is it thou canst weep?

 32 The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own  hands, and I gave unto them their  knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency;

 33 And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood;

 

Thus we are included in this weeping in Heaven – having either chosen to plant the ‘strange slips’ – or having chosen to plant righteous truthful seeds. For on the one – having chosen the world over the Father and the Son the weeping is in sorrow; or on the other for the persecution which we endure and the weeping is one of joy. We’ve to consider very carefully to either endure or to submit. It seems so much easier just to give in to the worldly ways and not continue to fight and fight and fight. While in reality it is much easier to be on the Lord’s side – enduring to the end – knowing of the truth – knowing with a surety the Father and the Son – and having their peace (not the peace of the world) within us and with us while in our second estate. It’s easier because it is the right thing to do – for the right reason and at the right time! To pursue any other course is difficult and surely leads to failing our second estate.

 

I’ll close with where we started in Isaiah 17:10 "Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the Rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips:"

 

 

“Strange Slips 2”

 

cji

9/23/13

 

Planting thistles and briars

fertilizing with acid and vinegar

finding lies and deceptions

encouraging pelf and greed

pleasure of the moment

ignoring the growing season

rather to be playing in evil

accepting false doctrines

failing to heed or read truth

caring not anything of value

unless found extrinsic today

selfishness to feed as famine

chastising the righteous all

hearing only satan’s call

planting strange slips!

 

Copyright © 2013 – cji

“Doctrinal Correctness vs. Political Correctness” (essay)

 

“Doctrinal Correctness vs. Political Correctness”

 

cji 8/6/13

 

Secular leadership in the various religions of the world appears to be leaning to the political correctness of their progenitors. Even in Islam this is the case – as after Mohammed none stayed the course of his doctrinal teachings but all sought the political leadership and secondary the spiritual responsibilities. After the apostasy of the Church organized by the Savior while on this earth – most of the leadership of the reformed churches – Catholicism, Judaism, even Baal and others of the 1^st to the 10^th century were all based on political correctness and not with anything doctrinal.

 

This drive along the worldly highway of Babylon is both incorrect and not in way part or parcel of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! It starts with the basics of the teachings of the Savior and the Prophets of the Old and New Testament, the Book of Mormon and all other Scriptures of which the has or will receive at some future date. (Author’s note: Historians know that there were about 3,400+ books of Scriptures omitted from the KJV.) Thus where many churches of today – omit some or all of the basic Scripture already available – what could they possibly do with anymore?

 

Some churches use only the first five books of the Old Testament – others only the first four books of the New Testament. Some claim to use all of the Scriptures but only as they interpret them to read – changing and revising as they go. Augustine, Origen and others of their day – disregarded whatever they could not understand and then mixed in the teachings Greek Philosophy and Rhetoric (which they were all both teachers and students).

 

In the ERA of Reformation – the idea of taking something living from something dead – thus calling what the apostasy left behind to be living and not spoiled. This would be like taking a fresh mountain stream – running it through the barnyard where the animals defecated – and proclaiming the stream still pure and thus palatable. Personally I would not drink or partake of such a product! 

 

The idea of being politically correct is one of the main reasons the Savior and the Apostles were each murdered (sentenced to death by the tribunals of their day). Throughout history (recorded) to be politically correct has been a ‘key-note’ of the plan of the adversary Satan. Thus, by using the desire for power and wealth to replace the need to do right!  The agency of anyone could then be forfeited to the will of the Satan and not the Lord.  His plan allowed for excuses for one doing this action or that one. No more was doing the right thing for the right reason all of the time was no longer to be taught as part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This in turn replaced the Ten Commandments (and the 603 from the Old Testament) as being only suggestions and not to be fully complied.

 

In addition, many of the great reformers discarded in part or whole of some books of the Bible – verses within the various books contained – and even to having placed the books in the Bible (New Testament) out of chronological order. As an example the Book of Revelations was not last book written but is treated as though it was! Indeed each Book found in the Bible are separate and individual without setting a precedent on any of the other books but to testify of the truthfulness of the Doctrine and Gospel of Jesus Christ! 

 

How often do religions claim there are no more revelations (i.e. referencing the Book of Revelations). Indeed the same verse which they quote over and over again is found in other books of the Scriptures. Yet over and over without the gift of revelations (i.e. the Heavens are closed or ‘we need no more revelations) have changed, revised, rewritten and otherwise altered the Scriptures. Indeed there are over 26,000 different editions of the Bible in usage today (Two ministers did a study of the number of revisionist Bibles – they studied the period before 1880 and then post 1880 – their work was published in 1981. This book was loaned to a friend who since has never returned it.)

 

Other reviews of the Bible and its many revisionist versions have been complied over the last four decades which compare and contrast the good and bad of what is presented. Still more research will show the battle for and against the truth of the Bible is being polled in the world (sadly the secular vote is against the Bible).  There are many who can disprove the parts and pieces of the Bible by taking any of the myriad editions and comparing it against another. Two verses which disagree with each other – certainly cannot be true!

 

Major churches have divided over a different interpretation of the same verse of Scripture (would guess this occurs out of context) and gone their separate ways some going with one side and others the other side. Just as it took place in the Pre-Existence! And in every man/woman made church in the history of this our world. Why is it so hard to comprehend what our Father, his Son, and all of the Prophets and Apostles have passed down to us as Scripture? Could it be because those who claim the loudest nothing can be changed or added to or even explained – do just that in their revisions, writings, sermons? The Scriptures are to be taken literally – and there’s really only one Church on this earth which takes the Scriptures literally. This Church takes the Old and New Testament – and all other Scriptures revealed to them over the ages. It does not believe the heavens are closed or that there is no more revelation. Yet, the contention of the world stemming from Political Correctness trumps Doctrinal Correctness. Wherever money is exchanged for preaching – then the world is involved – and there will be no consensus of doctrine truths and Greek philosophy.

 

How do we define truth? Truth is defined as simple common sense – clear, concise and irrefutable!  Just as a theorem in mathematics has to be arrived at – but will always come to the same understanding – truth in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is found in the same way – only with different methods.  To find the truth in the Gospel of Jesus Christ requires the usage of; prayer, research, faith, application, covenants, study, listening, and then finally believing what you find and have had the confirmation of the Spirit (to which all have) to the confirmation of the Holy Ghost which all members of the Lord’s Church have been given by proper authority. Nothing of worth is earned without dedication and the ability to endure!

 

Why is truth so difficult to attain? This is because the secular world dismisses truth as unimportant. Lying, cheating, justification, hedonism, and wrong doing in general require a lack of comprehension of truth. Thus, the secular world feels it could not exist with a firm understanding or the usage of truth. Satan firmly believes this and uses this to color truth with embellishment – surface arguments – contention – ill-feelings – and best of harsh laughter.

 

Therefore we find that Doctrinal Correctness is the antithesis of Political Correctness. Whereas Doctrinal Correctness is based on truth – Political Correctness is based on rhetoric. To be Doctrinal correct one must put away the things of the world (i.e. not have them as the sole definition of their lives) and put on the full armor of God! This would include full obedience to the Will of the Father. Further to be truthful, honest, virtuous, steadfast, clean in mind and spirit, or in other words striving to follow the Savior and at some point to become like him and his Father (John 1:12; Matthew 5:48; John 17:14; John 17:22)!

 

The worldly or secular reject any similarities we might have to Heavenly Father and or Jesus Christ (our Savior) – instead seeking to define in creeds – incomprehensible images and beliefs; or the teaching of evolution (which has occurred but not as they understand and teach it as fact – it was a theory which has never been proven and according to Darwin may never be found as truth), worshipping men and women (as John R. Tunnis said in the 1930’s that soon our athletes (and actors/actresses) will be more worshipped than with be the Father or the Son. (Note: this was before the abolition of the blue laws and the Sabbath Day was held sacred.)  Worshipping of those who’ve nothing but wealth and power – good looking or very talented – is the worldly way of determining gods and goddesses!

 

Music, TV, movies, liberal teachings and some conservative teachings, books, video games, iPods, ipads, cell phones, digital photography – all which may have had a good intent – are now found more and more to be negative, lustful, greedy, and generally induce a lowering of speech, values, morals, truth, honesty, virtue, and a clean mind. Our nation and others around the world have less and less agency and more and more government (or authoritarian) manipulation of our lives and those of our loved ones (2^nd Great Commandment). Surly we’ve learned the intrinsic value of the secular world have little or nothing to do with Doctrinal Correctness and everything to do with Political Correctness.

 

We find that the antichrists (1 John 2:18) now have control of the means of education, TV, movies, radio, music and games which are available to all age groups of our population. There have always been antichrists – some with the form and shape of decent persons – while others just are downright evil on the surface. Beguiling the attention without causing one to simply turn-away – is the common entry onto the stage of our lives. Taking small steps until too late one realizes they’ve gained the strategic footholds needful to take over. This is the primary usage of rhetoric (give the people what they want and they’ll give you what you want).

 

Thus did Socrates’ drink the Hemlock for refusing to give up truth for rhetoric! One forgets that it was his peers who forced this upon him with the multitude of the citizens where he lived. They wanted him to be like them and thus condone their behaviors, teachings and philosophy all based on altered truths – presented as the new truths. This occurs daily in our nation and around the world – especially in getting one to compromise what is right – either by force or gentle guile – like drowning it doesn’t happen all at once – even when held under the water by another.

 

Each day we’ve choices to be made – it has been my experience that one should make important choices well ahead of time – and thus when a situation presents itself (they always do) – we already know what we’ll do. Thus when being seduced by advertising, a friend, predator, TV, movie, music or other negative influence we like Joseph run to get away as quickly as we can. We must remember even though Joseph ran away he was convicted by the lies of Potiphar’s wife and went to prison. What did he do in prison – he made it better – and ultimately became 2^nd only to Pharaoh in Egypt! He understood fully the Scriptures and the Doctrines of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (he had been taught by his parents in the right way to go).

 

How will we make good choices if we don’t understand why they’re important? Surly the secular world is not going to teach anything except political correct doctrines of their own – making them seem as good as either truth or righteousness ( i.e. go to church on your Sabbath Day – but then go to the beach – or a movie – or an athletic event).  Have sex whenever you want with whoever you want – (they’ve now laws for this protection). Read and study (if you can) but only what the schools of men/women teach. If you can’t read or write – someone else will take your tests – and music will teach you what you need to know. Commit crimes – just don’t get caught – you’ve the right to be entitled by society – and even then society will take the blame for you.

 

One can see that not knowing why to make good decisions leaves little room for making them – just to be laughed at or ridiculed. Yet the Gospel of Jesus Christ requires one to make good decisions if they want the rewards covenanted for are to be theirs.

 

What rewards or what covenants? Before addressing this we’ve to acknowledge what the politically correct have done to the Scriptures (those who still use them) and present as what our mission here on earth is to achieve. To do this each reader should go on-line or to their local church of attendance and read the creed for your church.  Remember a preacher, minister, deacon, priest, rabbi, cleric, or other person who leads your congregation can say whatever they want (this is the license of rhetoric) but what is in your creed is what counts – nothing else! (Once you’ve done this return to reading.) 

 

What did you learn about rewards and covenants? If you learned little then most likely you are among the majority who learned the following: 1) The Father and the Son – are indescribable (and then they try to describe them). That if we die we’ll become administering angels without bodies. The rest various from creed to creed but it is important to understand what it is you believe as you’re staking your mortal test results on what is dictated that you profess as your standard for behavior.

Mortality according to the Scriptures (using the Bible only) is a probationary window preparatory for our 3^rd Estate. Our 1^st Estate was in the pre-existence with Father and the Son – learning the Plan of Salvation and voting for it! This is important for if you didn’t vote for it you would not now have a physical body – rather you’d be like Satan and his minions who followed him (1/3 the host of heaven) without ever having a physical body of their own. (Note: read about the pigs and others that had devils removed from them by the Savior with new understanding.) We’re here for several reasons: 1) to gain a physical body; 2) to be tested in choosing good or evil; 3) to obey all of the Commandments, laws and statutes found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ; 4) to be Baptized by one having authority to act in the name of the Father and the Son (to date no school of divinity, university, state laws or federal laws – have other than a worldly authority); 5) receive the gift of the Holy Ghost – again by one having the authority to act in the name of the Father and the Son; 6) to go to the House of the Lord with our eternal companions to be Sealed for time and all eternity; 7) do as much of our genealogy as possible; 8) teach the truth; 9) be obedient to James 1:27; and 10) live to be worthy of the Celestial Kingdom (per the teachings of the Prophets and Apostles, esp. Paul!

 

Thus there is a reason for being doctrinally correct at all times – yet most of the world has little or no knowledge of any this material. Instead they leave their spiritual life in the hands of a paid professional – who teaches them on various days of the week from the Scriptures what they’re to believe and why – and attends to the material affairs of the church or whatever they term their place of worship. For this they’re paid – sometimes provided housing, vehicles and other needs. In return they teach the approved doctrine of those paying for their services.

 

(Author’s note: In the past when I’ve questioned many in this profession – I was told I asked too many questions – and when researching their answers found them not to be doctrinally correct. For almost twenty years – 1956-1974 I was thrown out of every church I attended for simply asking questions – researching the answer – and pointing out the inconsistencies. Where I was just supposed to accept their various answers without question never entered my mind – as this would be putting my eternal salvation in their hands and thus my agency.)

 

In Revelations 3:21 – we’re told, “to him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Overcometh what? The world and the secular doctrines of political correctness we’re to overcome. This we read in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Therefore which side will we choose is very important in in our lifetimes (mortality) it is of eternal importance! And it is our choice regardless of what the world teaches as being politically correct.

Over the span of many years I’ve noticed a distinct class of persons have avoided or not joined any organized religion (which is where I had almost arrived at in 1973). Why didn’t they join – they were all intelligent – articulate – well read – leaders in their fields of endeavor – and all had been exposed to religion from their youths? One common occurrence maybe best summed up by Thomas Jefferson when he was asked about church attendance, “If the Savior were to come to earth today and see/hear the teachings of the various churches – he would recognize none of them,” (paraphrase)! It appeared this was true with Albert Einstein and Darwin as well – thus what was the key to even just these three? It has become apparent that when one reads and studies the Scriptures on their own – and then listens/reads or otherwise partakes of the worldly churches there is little in common between them.

 

The Scriptures are clear and concise as they’ve been translated initially – and the teachings of the secular world are in the teaching of these same Scriptures are confounding, confusion prone, and inconsistent. Anyone who seeks truth knows that if it isn’t clear, concise, making common sense and consistent from Prophet to Prophet – Apostle to Apostle – Father and the Son – for almost all Scripture is the writings of one of the above and from the Father or the Son – then most likely it isn’t truth – but instead only rhetoric!

 

To sum up one must consider what is most important to them – the world and the various peer groups, i.e. to be politically correct; or to be apart from the world and find important the doctrinal correct guides in their life. Doctrinal Correctness verses Political Correctness – you cannot have both – either one or the other the same as the two ways – either you’re on the road to Zion – or on the road to Babylon – there are no detours, curves or alternative choices. The why of the importance is in what one chooses to believe – either the Scriptures absolutely literally – or the rhetorical interpretations of the secular world? One would guess it is important to choose wisely!

 

c/ork

 

 

 

“Literal Truths”

 

cji

8/6/13

 

Balancing the scales of literalness

seeking common sense in reason

listening, pondering, researching

praying, studying things out within

reading all and not just a part here

taking things in context openly

placing oneself with the Savior

or with the Prophets or Apostles

hearing what is being said plainly

feeling the promptings of the spirit

touching upon the things of God

knowing we literally are His child

thus enjoying and comprehending

literal truths found in the Scriptures!

 

Copyright © 2013 – cji

 

"This is Truth" (a short series of thoughts)

1 Nephi 1:3 And I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge. (a Prophet of God 600BC)

 

*Church – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 

“This is Truth”

cji

7/28/13

 

When a true Prophet speaks;

It is always an eternal truth!

 

Men and women of the world

reject and continue to reject

stone and murder the Prophets

they make jokes vile and lewd

projecting an irrational hatred

which still today is the same;

 

Truth is still truth eternally

thus whether one believes

part or none as most choose

ignoring the literal meanings

Scriptures taught as rote

Greek Philosophy to the fore;

 

Are each of us accepting truth

When a true Prophet speaks?

 

Copyright © 2013 – cji

 

“Offended for a Word”

 

cji

7/28/13

 

How slightingly to be offended

making excuses for disobedience

justifying actions not wanting

ignoring the Ten Commandments

either in part or in whole today

feelings hurt without cause

seeking to magnify they’re hurt

offended for a word they choose

hearing not what was said

accepting instead their excuse

for not being obedient to truth!

 

Copyright © 2013 – cji

 

“Members Are People”

 

cji

7/28/13

 

In most any organization found

people are always people to be

frail and with many weaknesses

strengths and hardheadedness

saying what they say too quick

inserting feet and even their socks

members of the Church* the same

anxiously striving to be friendly

while making mistakes as all do

thus while the Church* is true

members are people still the same

upon which many measure truth!

 

Copyright © 2013 – cji

 

“Worldly Rhetoric”

 

cji

7/28/13

 

Laying on the sizzle to sell

more important than the truth

changing and altering truth

never to take any literally

who can believe resurrection

certainly not to be taken whole

but an idea without meaning

giving the Savior no body

and only a non-feeling form

entwined with Father as one

with neither one nor the other

creating an illusion void

certainly all the Prophets

simply repeating old tales

and anyway one only believe

mattering not what they think

common sense to ignore

providing what people want

more important than the truth

laying on the sizzle to sell!

 

Copyright © 2013 – cji

 

“The Church*”

 

cji

7/28/13

 

Only one Church* not many

Only one Savior not many

Only one Gospel not many

Only one Father called God

Only one Church* not many;

 

Apostasy comes from within

impossible to come without

to apostatize is 1^st to belong

once apostatized all changed

as a dead tree no live branches

thus unable to reform again

needing a restoration needed;

 

Only one Church* not many

Only one Savior not many

Only one Gospel not many

Only one Father called God

Only one Church* not many!

 

Copyright © 2013 – cji

 

 

“The Lizard”

 

cji

7/28/13

 

Often spoken of living water

that which keeps one alive

thus in the Scriptures full

that which is able to give life

not just for this world today

but for eternal life forever

much like the lizard found

carrying living water to all

drawn by horses or mules

sometimes oxen or cows

to the canal/ditch for water

barreled and encased

then back to the wanting

the Scriptures our lizard

taken only literally to live

without infusion worldly

pure, clarion clear, simple

common sense is truth

often spoken as living water!

 

Copyright © 2013 – cji

 

“Stalled in Time”

 

cji

7/28/13

 

Second hands without movement

no more seeing in endless time

blankness and special darkness

second hands not moving at all

surely the time has not stopped

hanging limp in the winds to feel

minds stalled in the time warp

so much to absorb and to learn

stretching out in endless thought

stalled in time without motion

surely just a hesitation in breath!

 

Copyright © 2013 – cji

 

“This is Truth 2”

 

cji

7/28/13

 

Nothing the world can say

regardless of what to think

there was an apostasy

the Church* taken away

nothing left to reform from

only again to be restored

as Prophesized in Scripture

one more time before the end

a last dispensation to endure

clearly declared in doctrine

announced by all Prophets

foretold by the Savior

proclaimed by Prophet’s today

having been restored now

Prophet’s, Apostles, 70’s

Priesthood and Authority

the Gospel the same eternal

One Church, One Gospel

One Baptism, One Church*!

 

Copyright © 2013 – cji

 

The Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

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, Jr.

 

(Writers note: The above 13 articles are the reason for the Crucifixtion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – and for the murder of Joseph Smith, Jr. in 1844)