Ministering “Why or why not to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”
The following message comes from a recent Sacrament talk and will be loosely organized as no notes were taken. The idea of the talk was to get to the basics of why one does or doesn’t belong to the Church. A secondary message is why those who do belong to the Church but choose to be inactive and not attend.
Therefore there are three groups of discussion. First we’ve non-members of the Church; second inactive members of the Church; and third active members of the Church. The third group can be further divided into at least two groups those Temple worthy and those without a Temple Recommend.
First, what follows is from a talk given by Russell M. Nelson as member of the Quorum of the 12 in 1992. He describes being on a two engine plane who had an engine catch fire. The pilot put the plane into a steep dive – where upon many of the passengers started to scream in fear for their lives. On the other hand this was his response.
“Throughout that ordeal, though I “knew” death was coming, my paramount feeling was that I was not afraid to die. I remember a sense of returning home to meet ancestors for whom I had done temple work. I remember my deep sense of gratitude that my sweetheart and I had been sealed eternally to each other and to our children, born and reared in the covenant. I realized that our marriage in the temple was my most important accomplishment. Honors bestowed upon me by men could not approach the inner peace provided by sealings performed in the house of the Lord.”
Think about his calmness – would you have such calmness – such a testimony of eternal truths. Let us be forewarned from the Scriptures:
“Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.” (D&C 6:7; see also D&C 11:7.)
In bright contrast to such bitter chaos, the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ beams as the hope of the world. Missionaries and members courageously proclaim its brilliance. Wise students throughout the world heed its light and enrich their education by adding the curriculum of Church Seminaries and Institutes. The Lord hides His wisdom from no one: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” (James 1:5.)
“I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more.” (2 Ne. 28:30.)
A further witness is found given by Elder Uchtdorf of the Council of Twelve Apostles:
“Most of all, I am deeply humbled and very happy to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where millions of men, women, and children are willing to lift where they stand—in whatever capacity or calling—and strive with all their hearts to serve God and His children, building the kingdom of God.
First, we all die. No matter how young, beautiful, healthy, or cautious you are, someday your body will become lifeless. Friends and family will mourn you. But they cannot bring you back.
Nevertheless, because of Jesus Christ, your death will be temporary. Your spirit one day will reunite with your body. This resurrected body will not be subject to death,3 and you will live in the eternities, free from pain and physical suffering.4
This will happen because of Jesus the Christ, who laid down His life and took it up again.
He did this for all who believe in Him.
He did this for all who do not believe in Him.
Second, we have all sinned. Our sins would forever keep us from living with God, because “no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom.6
As a result, every man, woman, and child was shut out of His presence—that is, until Jesus Christ, the Lamb without spot, offered His life as a ransom for our sins. Because Jesus owed no debt to justice, He could pay our debt and meet the demands of justice for every soul. And that includes you and me.
Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins.” (Elder Uchtdorf)
Next I would recommend one review the hymns of Sister Eliza R. Snow – one of the truly inspired women of this last dispensation of The Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
292 (O My Father) – 122 (Though Deepening Sorrows)– and (Think Not When You Gather to Zion?)
Eliza R. Snow addressed the lines of a provocative pioneer hymn to those who were coming to Zion in the belief that they were leaving the afflictions of the world behind. Her words are also appropriate for all of us who embark on new experiences in which we expect to find “a nice life.”
Think not when you gather to Zion,
Your troubles and trials are through,
That nothing but comfort and pleasure
Are waiting in Zion for you: …
Think not when you gather to Zion,
That all will be holy and pure;
That fraud and deception are banished,
And confidence wholly secure: …
Think not when you gather to Zion,
The prize and the victory won.
Think not that the warfare is ended,
The work of salvation is done.
No, no; for the great prince of darkness
A tenfold exertion will make,
When he sees you go to the fountain,
Where freely the truth you may take.
(Hymns, 1948, no. 21.)
There is opposition in Zion, because there is opposition in all things, even those experiences made memorable partly by their implied promise of better times ahead.
122
Though Deepening Trials
Though deep’ning trials throng your way,
Press on, press on, ye Saints of God!
Ere long the resurrection day
Will spread its life and truth abroad,
Will spread its life and truth abroad.
Press on, press on, ye Saints of God!
Ere long the resurrection day
Will spread its life and truth abroad,
Will spread its life and truth abroad.
Though outward ills await us here,
The time, at longest, is not long
Ere Jesus Christ will reappear,
Surrounded by a glorious throng,
Surrounded by a glorious throng.
The time, at longest, is not long
Ere Jesus Christ will reappear,
Surrounded by a glorious throng,
Surrounded by a glorious throng.
Lift up your hearts in praise to God;
Let your rejoicings never cease.
Though tribulations rage abroad,
Christ says, “In me ye shall have peace.”
Christ says, “In me ye shall have peace.”
Let your rejoicings never cease.
Though tribulations rage abroad,
Christ says, “In me ye shall have peace.”
Christ says, “In me ye shall have peace.”
What though our rights have been assailed?
What though by foes we’ve been despoiled?
Jehovah’s promise has not failed;
Jehovah’s purpose is not foiled.
Jehovah’s purpose is not foiled.
What though by foes we’ve been despoiled?
Jehovah’s promise has not failed;
Jehovah’s purpose is not foiled.
Jehovah’s purpose is not foiled.
This work is moving on apace,
And great events are rolling forth;
The kingdom of the latter days,
The “little stone,” must fill the earth.
The “little stone,” must fill the earth.
And great events are rolling forth;
The kingdom of the latter days,
The “little stone,” must fill the earth.
The “little stone,” must fill the earth.
Though Satan rage, ’tis all in vain;
The words the ancient prophet spoke
Sure as the throne of God remain;
Nor men nor devils can revoke.
Nor men nor devils can revoke.
The words the ancient prophet spoke
Sure as the throne of God remain;
Nor men nor devils can revoke.
Nor men nor devils can revoke.
All glory to his holy name
Who sends his faithful servants forth
To prove the nations, to proclaim
Salvation’s tidings through the earth.
Salvation’s tidings through the earth.
Who sends his faithful servants forth
To prove the nations, to proclaim
Salvation’s tidings through the earth.
Salvation’s tidings through the earth.
Text: Eliza R. Snow, 1804–1887
Music: George Careless, 1839–1932
I’ll add “O My Father” at the end.
Why all of the above is to present to all who read this the feeling of both peace and understanding of part and parcel of our having been born into this world at this time. If your found among those who feel there is no God or Divine being then this mostly will be found amusing to you until you consider the odds of what you believe and what I believe (actually know to be true).
Okay let’s now look at the first group – those who do not belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This represents about 99% of the world’s population. It would be surmised that many have never heard of the Church – while there are some who have but have not responded. Why have they not responded can be from family traditions – refusing to want to change – listening to others who influence their behaviors to be among some of their reasons. Yet mostly they don’t know much of the Scriptures or of our eternal purpose of this life.
Many proclaim their love of the Savior and therefore of their Heavenly Father and the Savior’s Father. Yet fail to understand the Scriptures – all of them. When anyone lets another interpret the Scriptures for them they are living on very thin ice. When we leave our eternal progression up to another, why? What interest do they have about your eternal progression? Why would most of these who do so for income and indeed incorporate philosophy with the Scriptures ignoring that which doesn’t fit their conception of truth. Let’s give an example – life after death. Too many have passed the veil – to return to life having described finding those who’ve gone before on the other side. But how can this be so if we believe the Creeds of men and women which deny this occurring. Yet the Scriptures are full of life after death – seek out Malachi or Paul or the Savior.
Next they’re taught there is no more revelation and that the heavens are closed – but then why do little children get answers to their prayers or why indeed do we offer up prayers to a non-interested Father or His Son. In any event theirs is a world of confusion, contention, mis-understanding and when seeking common sense of the Scriptures it is not found when comparing what they’re taught compared to what they can read. One must consider the Scriptures – all of them – as they teach the Bible stands not alone.
Next we’ll look at those who’re members but for reasons of their own they’re inactive; not attending meetings, not following the Word of Wisdom, or otherwise not living to the covenants they made at Baptism or in other ordinances to which they’ve covenanted. Why when they’ve a truth given and received walk away? There are many reasons for this – some because they were raised in the Church and never obtained their own testimony. Some are inactive because they refuse to live one or more of the commandments. Others simply find membership too difficult to live and therefore walk away.
(Note: Let me clarify there’s a difference between being inactive and having been excommunicated. Excommunication takes place for one of two reasons. One and primary reason for excommunication is to allow a member who has fallen to various temptations to be able to repent and come back into full fellow-ship. The second is for those who deny the Holy Ghost – and therefore renounce their membership. It is these who seemingly willingly leave the Church but cannot seem to leave it alone.)
Too many following the training of the worldly feel too embarrassed to return – or worse feel that the Atonement was never intended for them. Some because of being offended – or otherwise disaffected feel they cannot forgive or be forgiven.
In any event it appears that those who become inactive do so without truly having a firm testimony of the truthfulness or Jesus Christ – the Scriptures and that Joseph Smith, Jr. is a Prophet of God and are all those who’ve been called since his passing. Now this is the pivot point to understand the next group or those who are active members of the Church.
The number one reason to be an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to have a firm knowing testimony of Jesus Christ – the Scriptures and that of those called from the Restoration of the Gospel as Prophets and Apostles. Knowing i.e. to know – never doubting that the Atonement of our Lord and Saviors was done for us and has full effect in our lives.
This is only part of the why we belong – a friend of mine when he was called on his mission was directed to bring people to the understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and prepare them to go to the Temple. And this is the reason one should belong to the Church. i.e. if you’re a member and are of age – you should have a Temple Recommend and then attend the Temple when able.
If you’ve no desire to have a Temple Recommend – then why do you belong to a Church which because it is the Lord’s restored Church in these latter-days? Hopefully the reason is that you need to gain the knowledge of why having a Temple Recommend is so important.
When I was home-teaching two sisters who were both ill (mother – daughter) and unable to attend the Temple – we would arrange for a member of the Bishopric and Stake Presidency to interview them each time their recommends came up for renewal. They always had their Temple Recommend active.
Thus the reason anyone should belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to have a Temple Recommend – to have their family Sealed for Time and All Eternity. And then to do the sealing and other Temple ordinances for their generations who’ve gone before. This is the Gospel plan for eternal families spoken of throughout the Scriptures. This what President Nelson was speaking about at the beginning of this essay.
Remember the Savior gave the Sealing power to the twelve Apostles to that what they Seal on Earth would be Sealed in Heaven – there would be no other way. Today that same Sealing power is held by Prophet and the Apostles and so delegated to worthy Priesthood holders for performing these Temple ordinances – for the Lord is the same yesterday – today and forever.
Can you appreciate what this means – read carefully Malachi – for is this Sealing work is not accomplished the whole purpose of this earth would be totally wasted. Satan knows this and will and is doing everything in his powers with his minions – to destroy the family unit. Next to the two greatest sins – murder (shedding innocent blood) and denying the Holy Ghost is that of sexual immorality.
We’ve each choices to be made – it’s easy to be among the 99% and far more difficult to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is the Lord’s Church – Restored in these latter-days to prepare His Kingdom upon this earth for Him to return to at His 2nd coming. There’s another hymn – “Who’s on the Lord’s Side? Who?”
Who’s on the Lord’s Side?
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
We wage no common war,
Cope with no common foe.
The enemy’s awake;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
We wage no common war,
Cope with no common foe.
The enemy’s awake;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
We serve the living God,
And want his foes to know
That, if but few, we’re great;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
We’re going on to win;
No fear must blanch the brow.
The Lord of Hosts is ours;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
And want his foes to know
That, if but few, we’re great;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
We’re going on to win;
No fear must blanch the brow.
The Lord of Hosts is ours;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
The stone cut without hands
To fill the earth must grow.
Who’ll help to roll it on?
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Our ensign to the world
Is floating proudly now.
No coward bears our flag;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
To fill the earth must grow.
Who’ll help to roll it on?
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Our ensign to the world
Is floating proudly now.
No coward bears our flag;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
The pow’rs of earth and hell
In rage direct the blow
That’s aimed to crush the work;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Truth, life, and liberty,
Freedom from death and woe,
Are stakes we’re fighting for;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
In rage direct the blow
That’s aimed to crush the work;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Truth, life, and liberty,
Freedom from death and woe,
Are stakes we’re fighting for;
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?
Text: Hannah Last Cornaby, 1822–1905
Music: Henry H. Russell, 1818–1900, alt.
We’ve each to consider where we stand and why? I’ve an advantage in that I know and testify that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior – that He restored His Church in these the latter-days. That in so doing He’s called Prophets and Apostles – and re-established Temples for the eternal ordinances for both the living and the dead. And that He did this for all living and dead of this world – i.e. He did it for us – for those who believe and for those who do not.
“Sealed For Eternity”
cji
5/1/15
Unlocking the key of happiness
eternal and unending forever
what the world searches always
while right there in the Scriptures
Psalms 73 – 1 Peter 3:7
and so many more to be found
family it’s all about family
our family – generations ago
generations still to occur
knowing who we are and why
children of our Heavenly Father
mortal probation to be proven
worthy of eternal progression
sealed for eternity within family!
Copyright © 2015 – cji
Closing now I’ll leave each of us with the Hymn “O My Father” and ask the question how many of us will be able to ask the question in the last verse. I’m hoping I’ll be worthy to do so and you also. A friend of mine long ago said to me, “Chuck sometimes having a testimony will come hard for some things – do this – use my testimony until you get your testimony – and then share as I’ve done with you.” In the name of Jesus Christ amen – c/ork
292
O My Father
1. O my Father, thou that dwellest
In the high and glorious place,
When shall I regain thy presence
And again behold thy face?
In thy holy habitation,
Did my spirit once reside?
In my first primeval childhood
Was I nurtured near thy side?
In the high and glorious place,
When shall I regain thy presence
And again behold thy face?
In thy holy habitation,
Did my spirit once reside?
In my first primeval childhood
Was I nurtured near thy side?
2. For a wise and glorious purpose
Thou hast placed me here on earth
And withheld the recollection
Of my former friends and birth;
Yet ofttimes a secret something
Whispered, "You're a stranger here,"
And I felt that I had wandered
From a more exalted sphere.
Thou hast placed me here on earth
And withheld the recollection
Of my former friends and birth;
Yet ofttimes a secret something
Whispered, "You're a stranger here,"
And I felt that I had wandered
From a more exalted sphere.
3. I had learned to call thee Father,
Thru thy Spirit from on high,
But, until the key of knowledge
Was restored, I knew not why.
In the heav'ns are parents single?
No, the thought makes reason stare!
Truth is reason; truth eternal
Tells me I've a mother there.
Thru thy Spirit from on high,
But, until the key of knowledge
Was restored, I knew not why.
In the heav'ns are parents single?
No, the thought makes reason stare!
Truth is reason; truth eternal
Tells me I've a mother there.
4. When I leave this frail existence,
When I lay this mortal by,
Father, Mother, may I meet you
In your royal courts on high?
Then, at length, when I've completed
All you sent me forth to do,
With your mutual approbation
Let me come and dwell with you.
When I lay this mortal by,
Father, Mother, may I meet you
In your royal courts on high?
Then, at length, when I've completed
All you sent me forth to do,
With your mutual approbation
Let me come and dwell with you.
Text: Eliza R. Snow, 1804-1887
Music: James McGranahan, 1840-1907
Copyright © 2018 – cji
'Chuck' Charles J. Ingerson, CPCM, Fellow (NCMA)
“Father loves us dearly each day a new sunrise-sunset – with music and adornments – we can chose to love Him more dearly – but being obedient to Him always – or … what? To follow the world expecting what? Love teaches – trials and tribulations – so we too then teach of eternal life and the Gospel of His Only Begotten Son.” Cjingerson 12/31/17
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“… tis true – we’ve but a season – to grow – nourish – plant – protect – water – correct – and most importantly to love as the Savior loved …” cji 1/7/15
(Do We Want to Know?)
http://www.jesuschrist.lds.org/SonOfGod/eng/ http://dailypoems1.blogspot.com/ (to access poems) http://cjames127.blogspot.com/ (to access essays)
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