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Saturday, April 21, 2012

“History is Repetitive”


“History is Repetitive”

cji

4/21/12





History is very repetitive – as the adversary knows what works and what doesn’t.  Most ignore what they should be learning.  Substituting what they’d like to know (that which makes life easier) disregarding responsibility and accountability – i.e. the alternate plan in the preexistence which those with physical mortal bodies rejected.  Satan’s Plan was that we all come down get a body and then return without trials or tribulations – thus without agency to choose right or wrong.  We choose to be tested, tried and to enter the refiner’s fire. 



As having chosen the path of agency and that of choices – men/women tend to weaken under the stress and revert to that of less accountability and responsibility – which is why they choose kings, queens, dictators, czars and large powerful governments rather than to exercise their own freedoms – they want someone telling them what to do and when and with what.  Which is why few there are that make it in the world of Heavenly Father’s Commandments.  Thus some 50,000 churches to choose from each teaching some truth mixed with the philosophy of men/women.  Many are called and few chosen – while many more never will hear the word’s or even know of the Father and the Son.  However, those who do and can read and understand – are those who live under the justice of knowledge – and most of these choose the Gospel of Men/Women – i.e. Greek Philosophy rather than the Full Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They reject the idea of one church, one baptism and one way.  This they say is too restrictive!  However, obedience is always more restrictive until one understands the purpose of the Plan of Salvation and true happiness in this life and eternal life hereafter. 



Indeed many who are righteous – good people – feel useless in the world of men/women – because they do not literally believe the Bible or other Scriptures.  And yes there is little we can do for the salvation of this world – but there is much we can do for ourselves, loved ones, and those seeking to find the answers to: 1) Where did we come from; 2) Why are we here; and 3) Where will be going after death.  Example and good works – and complete, willing obedience to the Commandments (all of them – and there are many more than just the basic ten) and the Covenants one can make with the Father and the Son only while in mortality if they’ve knowledge of who the Father and the Son are – read or had access to the Bible.  All of the remainder will hear these things during the Millennium and choose as they would’ve chosen if having heard in their mortal probation. Many will still reject this message of eternal life. 



One must comprehend that many of the 50,000 Christian denominations believe there’s a heaven and hell – while neither accepting Paul’s or others teachings – especially those of the Savior – and figure on deathbed repentance or some time, somewhere and then becoming administering angels.  Only one absolutely believes what the Prophets and the Savior have taught – that families can be eternal in the Celestial Kingdom (if worthy) and have eternal increase – while those not found worthy will be in one of the other Kingdom’s as described in Scriptures – with only a few being cast into outer darkness with Satan and the one-third which followed him in the preexistence.  Most who describe Hell have little or no understanding – the same as understanding Heaven. 



Yet men/women will reject the simple common sense – consider those like me a ‘bigot’ or ‘self-righteous’ while having neither done their own homework of what is available to be studied and understood.  It’s much easier to label another than to improve oneself by personal study or research.  Many have retrograded their learning where they accept fiction as truth – and nothing can change their minds. Thus the world is more than happy to have company cater to this type of thinking and learning.  The whole idea of the Greeks was give them what they want and they will pay you well for what they get – rhetoric. 



In many places one is not allowed to even say certain things – i.e. Middle East – anything of any religion other than Islam or Judaism (depending on nation); both founded upon the ideals of men/women seeking power after the death of another.  This is not unlike some in the Racist community using Dr. King as an example of their belief system – while denying privately all that he tried to accomplish. In Islam there was no one to follow Mohammed – yet they could form governments and enforce their will upon others – claiming one thing while teaching another.  In Judaism the Rabbi’s did the same thing in 70AD – destroying everything which taught the true beliefs on their religion – claiming the right to be the spokesmen from then on.  In Christianity the same thing has occurred from the time of the end of the Apostles of the Savior – by the Gnostics – who changed the teachings of the Apostles and the Savior till the semblance of what was taught once was gone forever as Paul foretold.  In history it is much the same – China one cannot have any religion and be acknowledged by the government – the same in Russia and many other nations around the world.  In the US one can teach whatever they want as long as it doesn’t take the Bible literally or any other claiming to be Scripture.  Not being allowed to mention something dealing with truth is to deny truth – and thus substitute with their own fiction and calling it truth (which it will never be). 



Of course much of this is redundant – over and over – and then they turn to the books sold as revised history which can be shuffled as a deck of cards to reject both common sense and truth.  Therefore history is irrelevant unless it supports what one wants to believe and ignore the truth of what really happened and why – and what will happen and why.  Of course the Scriptures in their fullness are really only understandable to those who ask with a sincere heart – having faith – and then putting into their works what they’ve learned.  Thus the same with history – it becomes only relevant when one goes to primary sources – unaltered by men/women and defines what was going on at the time of the various events.  This material is available (actually in abundance) but since most no longer desire to read – it lies gathering dust on the shelves of time.  When one does refer to it – they are thought to be out of step and out of time.  History and religion are tied closely together – to ignore one and destroy the other as men/women continue to do is to redefine where we came from – why we are here – and where we might be going after death.  Remove these three questions and their answers which are easily available (without interpretation for each to learn on their own) one destroys the ability or reason to be honest, moral, virtuous, truthful, and any other characteristic of good.  When one looks into the windows of today’s world they see men/women as nothing more than animals – with the one difference of having greed, avarice, envy, lusts, desires for wealth and power, and to be liked!  Most animals are mainly worried about survival – and unfortunately now are many of those called men/women.



The great minds of this world have lost a grip on reality – having become much as spoken in Genesis – 3:22 “¶And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:”  Men/women feel they’re not only like deity but indeed smarter than whatever might have been out there. Thus they no longer need any religion – and anyway doesn’t evolution prove there was nothing before – and therefore nothing after?  Common sense and reason – have been replaced by a false reality of pleasing the audience – being rewarded – living for the day with no thought of the next second, minute, hour, day or indeed future time.  In the beliefs of this world – because of a need for membership – funds – and followers – anything is taught to satisfy the animal hunger of men/women. 



In those remote cases where this is not the case – and truth is taught and believed and lived - these beliefs are ridiculed and denied making those who believe symbols of a lie.  Thus one will find very few totally obedient to the Commandments and Teachings literally found in the Bible or other Scriptures.  And who are those most vindictive against these truthful teachings – those that others pay to teach them.  Therefore getting what they want to hear – going away sedated with their lifestyle the attacks continue against any truths being taught or lived.  History is the same way – many refuse to believe there was a Holocaust – others refuse that there are Prophets – while others refuse to believe in a God – others still believe nothing and don’t really care. 



One might ask an onion a question being as acceptable as anyone else – and this might be acceptable if an onion could talk or reason. One can see and know an onion can make you cry – please your taste – and flavor your life – just like the beguiling words of men/women who speak and teach without reason yet are able to talk.  In the world there are those taught by onions (or similar) and being so taught – they cry, taste and find flavor – and come away without reason or truth in a world which someday (even today and yesterday) requires truth and reason.



c/ork



“History is Repetitive”



cji

4/21/12



Great books are so written

paintings of such wonder

oratory in plays or opera

measures of time past

history is repetitive to all

even those who care not

as to those who desire all

blending truth and fiction

points of view so diverse

depending on the goals

to gain men/women’s souls

demandingly to converse

creating confused friction

any learning to forestall

revisionist history forgot

somehow unable to recall

anyway nothing to last

even the blood of sabra

rhetoric left to ponder

so said and so written!



Copyright © 2012 – cji


Sunday, April 15, 2012

"My Thoughts"


This is a reply to a member of the clergy of a church in Maryland. He shared his thoughts with an audience dealing with the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – My reply starts where he ends – and then reviews the document he send/shared. My comments are in red – his are in black - chuck
Whereas he ends with saying, “I know what I believe and they know what they believe, and that is enough,” I’m not sure what he believes we believe. Much of what he’s written can constantly be found in anti-Mormon literature – of which there are over 20,000 texts mostly repeating one another. Hopefully to clarify – I searched for a Church since the age of 11 – had read the Bible cover to cover and was good friends with a Catholic Priest. We had regular meetings once a week for five years to discuss the Bible. When I was preparing to leave – he told me if I ever found what I was looking for – “A Church which met the description found in the Bible to tell him.” He died when I was in the Far East. For over 18 years – 1955-1973 I went to every church I could find – asking questions – and mostly being told not to return – and after being married – my bride was told she could come back but to leave me at home. My library extends to translations of documents from before 3000BC – unto the modern day. I study every day from the writings of those who were the foremost scholars of the time from 1000BC through to the Age of Reformation. Let me be quite clear – anyone can spit into the wind- not very smart to do but one can do it. When one attacks another’s belief – that is what they are doing. One, because it should be no concern of theirs and two, all it does is muddy the waters and cause confrontation (which is of the adversary). Why I choose to address this is because when one talks about what I believe and shares it with others – then they cause confusion – and again confusion is of the adversary. Below are my thoughts. chuck
From: Rev
To: The Class -, Md
Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:59:50 -0400
Hi Guys,
Some folks have been asking me to reiterate the five theologies that separate the Mormon Church from all Mainline Christian Denominations, causing all other mainline Christian Denominations to affirm that Mormonism is another religion and not merely another denomination. Here goes...
The five theologies that cause every mainline Christian denomination to affirm that Mormonism is not a Christian religion, but is an entirely different religion are:
One would think anyone would start and end with the Book of Mormon – is it true or is it fiction? According to Smithsonian and others of very high report – it is True and according to all of the historical evidence uncovered since its original publication (none of which could or would’ve been available in 1830) – it is not only true but in harmony with the Holy Bible and the all of the relevant material taken from the Dead Sea Scrolls, etc.
Was Joseph Smith, Jr. a Prophet of God – all the evidence points to the fact that he was! Yes, there are those who continue to maintain that he was a fraud however, the evidence is clear this is not the case. One can believe what they want but in the end only what is true will really matter.
Should the Bible be taken literally or just some here and there? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints takes the Holy Bible literally! And this alone separates it from all other Christian Religions – which use their various Creeds and own writings in addition to what Bible says. (I say this not as a criticism but as a fact – in that I used to belong to many of these churches growing up.)
1. Brigham Young, Joseph Smith's successor stated, "As man is God was, and as God is, man will become." This is a statement of equality with God that is fundamentally opposed by both Judaism and Christianity, and can be tracked back to the garden where the Devil tempted Adam and Eve with knowledge that was equal to God.
One might look at Genesis and then throughout the Bible – The Savior and Prophets tell those who are righteous might expect eternal life and live in the presence of the Father and the Son – which is what the Savior taught. What no one seems to address is what will we be doing in their presence – there are many secular guesses – but that’s all they are. Basically if one likes one guess better than another – that is their choice. However, it must be remembered – if you belong to one church or another – you should best believe and understand what they believe (i.e. their creeds, etc.) Basically the ‘couplet’ above is just that – a couplet – nothing more. What a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes if you are not a member – really shouldn’t matter – what you believe should. One who is a member of any church should seek to understand their own beliefs in harmony with their churches beliefs and not worry about anyone else.
It would be my guess – that many who continue to attack what I believe surely have something better to do with their time. My time is not useful in either attacking or demeaning them but to lift them up and wish them well.
2. Baptism for the Dead is prohibited by the bible. Mormon genealogies are the most extensive in the world because an ancestral link needs to be established if a Mormon is going to be baptized for a deceased person. If a person has not been baptized in the Mormon church, they cannot enter the innermost circle of heaven, while they can inhabit outer rings if they lead a good life and follow God the Father.
What did Paul teach? What did Job teach? As for those who will or will not make it to the Celestial Kingdom as described by Paul – that is called final judgment and only Heavenly Father and the Savior can make that judgment – neither you nor I can make such judgment. Again if one chooses to do Baptism for the Dead – why should that bother someone who doesn’t?
3. Blood Atonement - the theology that one's own blood is only sufficient to satisfy some sins. A theology of absolute grace is not part of Mormon theology.
Blood Atonement (as above #3) is not a teaching of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – for the Atonement of the Savior is the most important act done by one for another. Through this Atonement all men/women (those who’ve been born into mortality are or can be saved). Thus all are Saved through the Atonement of the Savior – however, being Saved is only the beginning and not the end in itself. Otherwise much of the Bible would have to be disregarded. Again as Paul talks of the various degrees of Glory – surely there must be something which assign one to one and one to another. And this is by their works! Surely the Theology of Absolute Grace (good time for a definition of Grace) –
Grace is the help or strength given through the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through the grace of God, everyone who has lived will be resurrected—our spirits will be reunited with our bodies, never again to be separated. Through His grace, the Lord also enables those who live His gospel to repent and be forgiven.
Grace is a gift from Heavenly Father given through His Son, Jesus Christ. The word grace, as used in the scriptures, refers primarily to enabling power and spiritual healing offered through the mercy and love of Jesus Christ.
Everyone on earth experiences physical death. Through the grace of Jesus Christ, all will be resurrected and will live forever (see 1 Corinthians 15:20-22; 2 Nephi 9:6-13).
Because of personal choices, everyone also experiences the effects of sin (see 1 John 1:8-10; Mosiah 16:4). These effects are called spiritual death. No one can return to the presence of God without divine grace. Through the Atonement, we all can be forgiven of our sins; we can become clean before God. To receive this enabling power, we must obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, which includes having faith in Him, repenting of our sins, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and trying to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ for the rest of our lives (see Ephesians 2:8-9; James 2:17-22; 2 Nephi 25:23; 31:20).
The grace of God helps us every day. It strengthens us to do good works we could not do on our own. The Lord promised that if we humble ourselves before Him and have faith in Him, His grace will help us overcome all our personal weaknesses (see Ether 12:27).
Scripture References
Acts 15:11
Romans 5:2
2 Nephi 10:24; 11:5
Grace is part and parcel of the Teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! Clarity of what one believes or doesn’t – does not come from the teachings of one person or another but from what is found in the Scriptures. (Note: in the late 1850’s one member did teach this false doctrine of Blood Atonement – and was excommunicated for his teachings.)
4. Theology of who Jesus is - the messiah for this world alone. Mormon theology states that some Mormon men will become messiahs for other worlds, and that Jesus was merely the messiah for this world. They are pseudo-Christian in their faith, claiming that they worship Jesus Christ and that only a fool would believe that they were not Christians - which is based on a thin veneer of monotheism stretched over a religion that is inherently polytheistic.
We worship Jesus Christ as the Savior of this world – the Son of Heavenly Father – and no one else! We respect the great men and women of this world – i.e. Prophets, Apostles and others noteworthy in doing the good for all mankind. In the pre-existence there was a counsel held in Heaven – which our Lord and Savior stepped forth on our behalf – we cheered – and thus both Justice and Mercy could be served and mankind could be saved.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not polytheistic we believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost – and according to Webster’s a Christian is one who believes Jesus is the Christ – or the Messiah of this world! That he may very well be of many worlds we do not know in our limited intelligences – but we know for sure He is for this world.
5. Denial of the trinity as a theology that makes god into a monster. Instead the Mormon church affirms that Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit are entirely separate entities.
One would think that the Creeds of Men/women override the Scriptures? Jesus Testified of doing what His Father sent him to do – at the Baptism by John – the Heavens opened and a voice was heard, “This is my beloved Son!” When Stephen was stoned – for what reason – that he said he saw the Savior standing at the right hand of the Father. The Father and the Son both have bodies of Flesh and Bone – this is testified to in all of the writings – the Scriptures and those who saw the Savior after the Resurrection around the world.
Really #4 and #5 are simple extensions of #1 which is the most fundamental break with Christianity.
Therefore, stating is that if you don’t believe in the Creeds of Men/women you cannot be a Christian – this to my understanding is false as Webster’s states that to be a Christian one has only to believe in Jesus Christ and follow his teachings.
There are some other theologies that are distracting but not part of a case that Mormonism is not a Christian religion. They include:
1. Polygamy that extends beyond simply one man with multiple wives, but an eternity of sexism where a woman's best aspiration is to be the first wife of a Mormon god. The wives of protestants and other men in heaven will be given to Mormon gods. Polygamy was part of the Hebrew traditions, but sexism is not nearly as strong even in Jewish history or antiquity as it is in the Mormon church.
Sexism in Heaven? We believe the family is eternal and that husbands and wives will be together forever – and with their eternal families – progenitors and posterity – this is taught in the Scriptures (Bible) – by the Prophets and by the Savior! Men and women (as husbands and wives) are heirs together forever – with equality in all things – with each having responsibilities while always being one with the other.
2. Prejudice in the theology that black people are an incarnation of angels that fought for Satan in the great war in heaven. While they can get into heaven, they have a long uphill battle to get there. If we take away a theology that all people are sons and daughters of God, it changes the way we look at other nations, races, or cultures in a fundamental way.
Anyone who fought for Satan – cannot have a physical body or be born into this world (see Bible) – and surely Blacks have as great a role in our Church as in any other Church – actually here in the Deep South we’re one of the few Churches which have both white and black (and all other races) in attendance and leadership. Further The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has more membership outside of the US than inside – thus it is a world religion.
3. Renunciation of all family ties with any Mormon son or daughter who renounces the faith. This kind of social pressure inhibits free will and the possibility of a person freely and joyfully accepting a relationship with God.
There is never a renunciation of all family ties – one loves and cherishes their children forever – however, at the age of eight (if one can be accountable) each person within a family make their own choices (agency is only in effect as long as one is in obedience to the Commandments of God) – and under no social pressure to be good. However, in the world of today it would seem everyone is under social pressure to be bad/evil – or as some would say, ‘simply free to do whatever they want – without any consequences.” The relationship with Heavenly Father – is one of each individual whether they belong to an organized church or not – and this is done by their obedience to the Commandments of God – “If you love me, keep my Commandments.” No one needs a church to show this love – if this were the requirement then many wonderful people would’ve been denied this choice – and that is not in keeping with either Justice or Mercy.
4. The Book of Mormon was revised from its original publication. This is not an issue until one considers that the BOM was said to be a completely inspired translation, and therefore infallible. This theology is the basis for all things in the bible being interpreted in light of the BOM rather than interpreting the BOM in light of the bible. Mormons universally believe that the BOM is more authoritative than the Bible in all matters of faith.
The Book of Mormon was updated (not revised, rewritten or changed in context or subject or was anything changed from the original inspired translation) – only in type setting (three errors in transmission not translation) and putting it into chapters and verses – much as was done with the Holy Bible.
In light of this one might be able to explain why 3,400 books of the Bible are missing – or some 10,000 letters? Or why each edition of the Bible adds and deletes material not suited to one’s current point of view. We use the standard KJV (approximately 1750’s) version of the Bible – as most Bible Historians – have openly admitted that since 1880 most new editions of the Bible are quite different –now numbering in the thousands. Basically it doesn’t matter if one reads the Bible – studying and praying – pondering – one can discern the truth and if not they can follow the admonition of James 1:5; “If anyone lack wisdom, ask of God who giveth liberally to all.”
The value of Scripture is that it is what the Father and the Son want all the people to know – that they would teach those of the ten tribes scattered around the world – and those who left Israel – was known not only the Greeks but to the early Christians. Ref. Origen quoting Clement of Alexandria in referring to ‘those who are not of this flock’ – would a loving God not have scriptures with all of his children?
5. Joseph Smith's original wife left the church and him, as did all of the individuals that were said to have seen the BOM after fasting and praying in order to be pure enough to see it. (I'll have to double check my facts on this one. I'm not quite certain that it is true. I am positive about his wife and a number of his followers, but I am not certain that it was all of the original group that left the religion before their deaths)
Emma Smith stayed behind in Nauvoo and she remarried. Before anyone judges her with final judgment – remember all she endured and went through – thus I believe it is unfair to bring her into such a discussion (and she never denied her testimony). However, as to the Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses – some did and some did not leave the Church – some who did leave returned – but note – none (not one) ever denied their testimony of what they had seen and touched – and they each indeed did see an Angel. And if you are discussing those who left the Church – many left the Church over the trials and tribulations – having their homes burned – loved ones killed (by the good citizens urged on by the media and clergy) – some left over certain doctrines – others because they wanted to do it their way – and some simply for power/greed/lust. Many were also excommunicated due to teaching false doctrine (i.e. the one who taught about Blood Atonement in the 1850’s - A. Lyman).
Wonderful qualities as a separate religion to applaud and admire:
1. Each Mormon goes on a 2 year mission when they graduate high school or college. This is only rivaled by the Moravian history of missionary work that inspired John Wesley and many others.
2. Generosity and hard work as basic ethics
In the end, if all can agree that Mormonism is not the same as Christianity in almost any way other than the fact that the Mormon church also uses the Bible as a holy book - Mormons should be applauded as making a positive impact on the world. The vast majority of Mormons are good people who live fulfilling and graceful lives that are focused on giving back to their community. They are another religion that is peace-loving and generous, focused on altruistic ideals and genuine desire to see humanity thrive. I personally know and love numerous friends who happen to worship in the Mormon church. We pretty much agree to disagree as to their status as Christians, and that's ok. I know what I believe and they know what they believe, and that is enough.
As to what we believe:
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

“My Thoughts”

cji
4/15/12

Sharing sincere love
wanting none to hide
finding logic and reason
fit for most any season
it is then in truth to abide
finding guidance above;

Confusion and contention
creating illusions of truth
needful to be careful
both humble and grateful
addressing old and youth
removing hostile intention;

My thoughts shared
hoping clarifying true
never attacking another
as all are sister/brother
understanding anew
knowing we each cared!

Copyright © 2012 – cji

Sunday, March 25, 2012

"Saved"


Hi – this is a subject which continues to return in various conversations and with varying understandings. i.e. being ‘Saved’ – thus my humble attempt at making it simple and plain – as you know I seldom use references but all that is below comes from the Scriptures and my guess would be has all been written by others in the same manner – c/ork




“We are only to trust in Jesus and God and what He said will happen to the righteous - SAVED - from the end result.” Please clarify this?

Actually ‘Saved’ is applied to everyone who achieved a mortal body – and don’t commit either Murder (shedding of innocent blood) or deny the Holy Ghost. Only those who’ve been baptized and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost can deny him – so other than members of the Church – only the first – murder applies.

It’s not quite that simple but close – smile. If someone professes a belief – in Jesus Christ – then they’re by definition saved from outer darkness as is anyone who’s never heard of Jesus Christ who’s had a body in mortality been saved. This is the result of the Atonement – it included anyone and everyone born into mortality! Thus to be ‘saved’ is only the beginning of the journey to the Celestial Kingdom – the very beginning!

‘Saved’ means to be able to not go into outer darkness (or originally to remove eternal death as a result in the fall of Adam and Eve) – and thus not join Satan and his followers. None of Satan’s followers are ‘saved’. However, by murdering someone deliberately one forfeits the gift of the Atonement. Being ‘saved’ is literally universal – however, where one will end up is not either universal or guaranteed to be the Celestial Kingdom. There are other Kingdoms – of lesser degrees and within the Celestial Kingdom we know of at least three degrees. The highest kingdom within the Celestial is to be as an eternal family – having been sealed by one having authority while in mortality or the millennium of one thousand years. (Note: there are scriptural references for all of what I’m writing.)

The righteous by the designation – judged by the Son (for this Earth) and the Apostles responsible – would of course then be ‘saved’. However, how the world defines righteousness and how the Savior defines it are two different things. The Gospel says, “If you love me – keep my Commandments” – all of them and there are more than ten – many more. Thus professing to love the Father and the Son – require proof of behavior – action and thoughts not just the ‘lip service’ – of saying you do and then doing what you want. Love requires being obedient to the Will of the Father – which is obedience to the Commandment found in the fullness of the Gospel of his Son – Jesus Christ.

However, for those who’ve never heard of the Father and the Son – which are most of the mortals who’ve ever lived on this earth or will live on this earth – they have not had this opportunity and therefore cannot be held to this standard while in mortality. They however will hear the Gospel during the Millennium and will choose as they would’ve chosen while in mortality to accept or reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ – but if they’ve not committed murder – will still be ‘saved’ into one of the many Kingdoms prepared for the mortals of this world.

Thus one can see more is required of those who know more than those who do not. Those who can read and write – reason and have had access to the Bible and all of the other Scriptures and have accepted or denied – will be accountable for their decisions as to where they’ll end up in eternal worlds. One must discern what they are feeling when they feel the Spirit of the Lord – to discern truth or deceit – and how they choose to adjust their lives – physically and mentally. The Spirit of the Lord is available to all men and women born in mortality – the Gift of the Holy Ghost has to be conferred by one having authority from the Father – for in only this way can the Holy Ghost be given to an individual. Therefore while all come into this world with the light or Spirit of the Lord – they can choose to allow the light to grow or to diminish. However, only those who’ve been Baptized by one having Authority into the Church of Jesus Christ – can have the opportunity to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost – which comes from the Father through the Priesthood.

Article of Faith 4 We believe that the first principles and aordinances of the Gospel are: first, bFaith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, cRepentance; third, dBaptism by eimmersion for the fremission of sins; fourth, Laying on of ghands for the hgift of the Holy Ghost.

When Paul went to Ephesus he found 12 men who had been baptized, but they had not yet received the Holy Ghost. They said to Paul, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost” (Acts 19:2).
What happened next is significant. Paul had them baptized again. Then he conferred upon them, by the laying on of hands, the gift of the Holy Ghost (see Acts 19:2–7).

Remember the fourth article of faith: “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.”
Remember what Joseph Smith said: “You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost.”
Thus to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost one has have Faith – Repent – Baptism (by immersion by one having authority) and then can they receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. It is then and only then that one can reject this gift – and to do so is to lose all. This is why apostasy can only come within the Church and not from without. Those who’ve received the Gift of the Holy Ghost and then reject it – deny it – make a willing and knowing choice to do so. This in no way means that someone who’s excommunicated has denied the Holy Ghost – as many of those found in such a situation have not done so – but those who actively go out and teach/preach against the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his Church and his Prophets – have done so and will have to account for having done such.
Being ‘saved’ has become more of a buzz word within the worldly body of Christianity – in that it takes part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and ignores the rest of the requirements and what is possible after having this beginning. Most think that all is needed is to be ‘saved’ – nothing more – but this is not what the Bible or other Scriptures teach or have taught. So in addressing being ‘saved’ – yes if one is born into mortality – reaches the age of accountability – they’ve been ‘saved’ as long as they don’t commit murder via the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. This isn’t just applicable to those who call themselves Christians – but to all born in mortality. Thus, in the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ very few will be going into outer darkness – or what the world refers to as Hell – while most all will be going to the Kingdoms so spoken by Paul and others.
During this writing I’ve failed to mention those under the age of eight years old or those who are unable to reason due to illness – these are addressed in the Scriptures – and are automatically ‘saved’ into eternal life in the highest degree of glory. http://www.lds.org/liahona/1978/03/salvation-of-little-children?lang=eng&query=little+children This is a reference to a talk given by Bruce R. McConkie in 1978 “Salvation of Little Children” and is recommended to be read by all. I’ll add one quote: “Speaking of the Prophet’s statement that all children are saved in the celestial kingdom, President Joseph Fielding Smith said: “This would mean the children of every race. All the spirits that come to this world come from the presence of God and, therefore, must have been in his kingdom. … Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; and all who rebelled were cast out; therefore, all who remained are entitled to the blessings of the gospel.” (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:55.)”
Hopefully this helps answer and clarify the idea of being “saved” – c/ork
“Saved”

cji
3/26/12

Saved from eternal death
given freedom of choice
one more additional breath
the opportunity to rejoice;

Jesus Christ who gave all
provided justice’s full price
obeying His Father’s call
the eternities to splice;

His Atonement required
for us to have our choice
this the reason so sired
the eternities to rejoice!

Copyright © 2012 – cji

Saturday, March 24, 2012

"To Be Found" (a short essay)


Question: You said (wrote), "Father has told his Son and his Son the Prophets of where we’re to be found,” what does this mean?

My Reply: Over the millennia of time the Father and the Son have spoken to their Prophets whether on this Earth – in the Pre-existence or on other worlds. These Prophets have then been given the responsibility and authority to teach, instruct, counsel, command, warn, discipline, and to direct the children of men on/in this world of their accountability. In this world which we call Earth – it has almost always been the Son who’s communed with the Prophets – and thus the Church is respectively called – His Church – or the Church of Jesus Christ and currently The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This communication is known as Continued Revelation – and can either be done in face to face – by messengers – or in visions. We know of each of these occurring in all of the Scriptures which still exist today throughout this world. This pattern is constant and true – for God is the same yesterday, today and forever.

The ‘where we’re to be found’ is included in every one of the Revelations – while some may be meant for a more specific group than another. These groups can be identified in various ways – but to simplify (which is always dangerous) – Christians – Non-Christians – which would be those who either profess a belief in Jesus Christ or they deny such a person or being. The Jews – would be another group – and then those who believe in a Supreme Being but cannot or do not clearly identify him/her or accept continued Revelations or better the communion between Deity and a man/woman. The last and the largest group would be those who’ve never heard of Jesus Christ and in their lifetimes of mortality are likely never to hear about him. Each of these groups would be accounted for those who’ve already lived and died while on this Earth.

Now for our greater understanding – the Christians are broken down into several groups – i.e. those who believe literally and those who do not – and finally those who don’t know which to believe. Addressing the second group first – those who don’t know what to believe or do not believe the Bible literally we call the various man-woman-made churches found in abundance around the world – today. Each of these has in common several things: first; the heavens are closed and the Holy Bible is all that is needed. Second; that there is a Jesus Christ – but with a belief in the Creeds of their particular faith he is undefinable. Third; there is no more current need for either a Prophet or Apostles or Continued Revelations. And finally, fourth; Anyone who does not believe in their assembled Creeds cannot be a Christian.

The group which do believe the Holy Bible literally (as long as correctly translated) are a very small group within the Christian community in that the remainder of Christians are told that they are not Christians at all but only a cult. To accept the Holy Bible literally means just that – what it says and what the Prophets and Apostles and the Savior and his Father have taught are literally true! Thus when the Savior says he is the Son of God – he means just that! When the heavens open and the Father says, “Behold this is my beloved Son in whom I’m well pleased,” we believe it is the Father speaking and not the Son. When Stephen or others say they saw the Heavens open and saw Jesus standing on the Right Hand of the Father – it is believed! That when the Savior says he goes to prepare a mansion for us – that is what he is going to do. That when it is said, “Husbands and wives are to be heirs together forever,” that is exactly what it means. That when the Prophets and Apostles are given the authority to ‘Seal on Earth what will be Sealed in Heaven’ that this is the marriage covenant made in the Temple of the Lord – for time and all eternity.

The main group or church which falls into believing the Bible literally is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thus by taking the Bible literally (as many of the translators had in mind when translating and sacrificing their very lives) the Gospel of Jesus Christ becomes quite simplified – such as a parent would want to teach their children to be able to return onto them and to be righteous. It is also significant that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – was restored to this Earth by the Father and the Son in 1820 – with their visit to Joseph Smith, Jr. outside of Palmyra New York. This fulfilled the Scriptures wherein the Apostles asked the Savior when he would return – and his reply was, “When he who sent me – comes with me again.” Thus, again – the heavens opened and Joseph Smith, Jr. saw two personages standing above him – one calling the other by name saying, “This is my beloved Son, hear ye him.”

This then comes to where we should be found – and how do we know it applies to us individually? When the Church was restored by the Father and the Son through Joseph Smith, Jr. called as a Prophet – he was given much to do. First, he translated the Book of Mormon – a second testimony of Jesus Christ and a record of those people who’d left the Middle East to come to the Americas. He then kept a record of all of the Revelations given to him and others (in his presence) called the Doctrine and Covenants. Next, he was given the task of editing the Old and New Testaments and then when presented with materials from Egypt (tomb robbers) he was able to translate the following: The Book of Moses and The Book of Abraham – to which he added his first vision and testimony and is called the Pearl of Great Price. Each of these Scriptures are for the sole purpose to give mankind instructions and edification into further light and knowledge to be able to return to our Heavenly Father once more.

Thus we should be found studying these Scriptures and applying them in our lives – this is both self-study and within groups. We should be seeking in prayer (individual) for our personal revelation which is needful for us to know what we should be doing and not doing. We should be found clean (morally and physically); truthful in all things; in the service of others righteously; living in full and perfect compliance with the multiple commandments from a loving God; and then doing as the Savior did by both example and practice – entering into baptism by one having authority (not from man but from God) – becoming worthy to attend the House of the Lord (or the Holy Temple) and striving to become as the Son – which he commanded us to do.

We should learn to accept the Scriptures literally – studying them out – to see what it is we need to know more fully. The Lord has said, “If you love me – keep my Commandments,” and this is what we should be about doing and found being. One can only do this if they study the Scriptures and know literally what these commandments are. We do know this that if one were to keep the first two great commandments – then they would be in obedience with all of the commandments. We also know that some need more guidance than others – while some need less – interestingly those who need less seek to know more – and therefore study more – and pray more for understanding.

Now nothing said above has not been said before – all is repetitive to one who seeks the clarity of the Scriptures – and to know the Will of the Father and the Son. It’s all very simple and understandable. There is no secret key – or hidden agendas – which the worldly would want one to believe – and understand there is no worldly cost involved – unless one considers that those who strive to do what is right for the right reason – will be attacked by the worldly – as was our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One who loves the Father and the Son – i.e. keeps all of the commandments willingly and humbly – is loved by the Father and the Son and hated by the worldly. In these the latter-days – it will become worse for the righteous among the wicked (even those who are moderately so found).

The Prophets have told us what to expect in these Latter-days – Isaiah – Jeremiah – Mormon – Alma – Nephi – Samuel – Paul – John – Peter – Nahum – Malachi – Moses – Abraham – and those who live today – even Thomas S. Monson – and those who preceded him since the Restoration of the Church in these latter-days. Knowing what to expect – has also taught us how to prepare – and what we should be doing and where we should be found.

Many years ago – several things happened in my life – and I had choices to make. First, I had to decide if the Church was true – and if it was – why should I attend? This I found to be true – and I attended because the Church was true and not because of those who were there – I attended because it was true – everything else would take care of itself (and it has). Second, I was asked if I’d been offended yet? To which my instant reply was – ‘No one can offend me unless I choose to be offended,’ and I added, “unless one attacks my integrity or my families – then I will not be offended but I will do all in my power to correct the situation.” Some think me as hard because I don’t really care if anyone likes or dislikes me – loves or hates me – what I do care about is truth – and my covenants with Heavenly Father – and his love and his Son’s love for me. That it is nicer and easier to get along with those who like/love than those who dislike/hate – there is no doubt – but what matters most is to be found where I belong – doing what I’m to be doing – for the right reasons and in the right ways.

In the name of Jesus Christ – amen – c/ork

“To Be Found”

cji
3/25/12

(It’s the Sabbath Day
where are you today?
are you on your knees
bent in humble prayer?
Does your day begin/end
this way on every day?)

Thus was the Son sent
showing us each the way
our Sabbath to be spent
with his suffering to pay;

To be found in obedience
honoring his Father always
growing into pure innocence
each our paths never strays;

The instructions found in full
Scriptures plan and clear
to be found light to know
when the veil is very sheer!

Copyright © 2012 – cji

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

"What I Believe" (reply to Rev. Graham)


Breaking News from Newsmax.com
Rev. Franklin Graham: Mitt Romney Not a Christian


“What I Believe”

cji
2/22/12

Seems to be misunderstanding
somewhere things changed
what seemed quite simple is not
confused and misunderstood;

Read the Scriptures very young
cover to cover in the Bible (age 11)
discerning great treasures there
awakening questions unasked;

Turned away at most every door
none to answer just explain away
nothing black or white but grey
sadly seeking unable to find;

Simple truths were to be mine
a Father, Son and Holy Ghost
three separate – one in thought
understandable at least to me;

Questions continued to be asked
the Scriptures more clear became
true and literally to be taken
my understanding to awaken;

What do I believe I can tell all
the Bible literally to be known
thus I’m a child of God in flesh
love, hope, faith all to mesh;

Prophets, Apostles here to know
revelations and prayer answered
the same yesterday, today, forever
eternal our lives never to sever!


Copyright © 2012 – cji


For those who don’t understand or know a Mormon – or better a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – here’s a quick note – chuck (I’m one)

Guess the Rev. Graham hasn’t read the Bible lately – or the Dictionary! It clearly states in both – one the name of the Savior’s Church is The Church of Jesus Christ (and with the Restoration – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) – and in the Bible the definition of a Christian is one who professes a belief in Jesus Christ – which the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does at all times. Would guess he might be upset that we’ve a lay ministry (none are paid); we’ve a welfare programs and Priesthood and Relief Society which sees to the needs of the homeless, widows, orphans or indeed James 1:27. That indeed we believe Literally in the Holy Bible (not just part and parcel) – we do not believe or one cannot even understand the Creeds of men/women which were written in council and voted on by those with a vested interest over 200-1700 years ago. We don’t believe in mixing Greek Philosophy or other gnostic teachings with the Scriptures.
And unlike Rev. Graham – we believe all men/women who profess a faith and belief in the Savior are indeed Christians.
Sadly – Rev. Graham speaks as one who’s not done his homework very well – and I doubt he’s seriously read the combined Scriptures to discern who might or might not be a Christian.
Is this relevant to Intel – yes in that when one discounts a Prophet of God – the Quorum of the Twelve – either from prior dispensations or today – they put grave concern on exactly what’s wrong in today’s world – a lack of beliefs – playing to the tune of men/women and not Heavenly Father – or His Son. Even Islam recognizes Allah – as do those who’re Jewish.
But of course Rev. Graham is in good company – just recently Tom Hanks said Mormons are non-American; and in the 1830’s/1840’s the then US had extermination orders against anyone who was a Mormon and drove those who would not deny their belief in the Father and the Son from the then boundaries of the US.
And then again – most of you know me – and honest I do keep my tail and horns out of sight (smile) - chuck

Thursday, February 16, 2012

"Arrogance" (short essay)


Over time I receive a number of emails based on what I’ve written.

This was included in a recent email received - “As well the Mormon headlines regarding certain rituals are not very helpful subjects. Strong beliefs can be acceptable and as well arrogant”

My reply: I’ve thought about your email most of the day – Strong Beliefs are never arrogant if they are true – every one of every faith should believe there Church is the only Church as there can only be one if it is the Church of Jesus Christ – not many! Certain rituals are not known in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – we’ve sacred covenants we make in the House of the Lord – which are the same made whenever the House of Lord has been upon this earth. These are not ‘rituals’ but covenants! As far as Baptism – it’s by immersion which was the way the Savior was baptized by John. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is by the laying on of hands by two (or more) who hold the authority to do such – i.e. the Melchizedek Priesthood,

There is nothing else performed – the Baptism for the Dead was and has been practiced whenever the true Church has been upon this earth; Sealing for Time and All Eternity was and has always been performed in the House of the Lord since the days of Adam – again whenever the True Church has been upon this earth.

As far as the politics and the corruption found in government and in the world today – that was foretold by every Prophet who ever walked upon this earth – and those who are on this earth today! They saw and see the events of today – tomorrow and forever. It is all in the Old Testament – even with some 3400 books missing and untold editing and deleting of many plain and precious doctrines.

Arrogant – interesting term as this has always been the attitude of those who’ve fought against simple – common sense truth. Humble and meek and willing to share precious doctrine are much different when one who knows a valuable truth – shares it with others. That some will listen and some will not – some will follow the teachings of men/women and not those of a living or dead Prophet is all part of the Plan of Salvation – there will be no coercion – everyone has the right to choose for themselves what they will do or not do – however, agency only comes through obedience to the Commandments of God – when one chooses not to be in 100% compliance with Heavenly Father and the Son (our Savior Jesus Christ) then they have abdicated their agency along the way. Repentance is not arrogant but meek and humble – with a contrite spirit – a broken heart in comprehending the Atonement – and their part in what took place and the suffering they cost the Savior to endure.

It’s really simple stuff – the Church has been Restored – there is a Prophet on the Earth today with 12 Apostles. Whether one chooses to accept this or not is up to them – but it doesn’t change the truth of it being a reality. If it is not true – then the Scriptures are all wrong – and there is no need for a God – and Satan wins. The idea of the ‘big bang’ or Creatio ex Nihilo and even the teaching of Darwin’s Evolution then become the abstract men/women build their lives around and literally live without any meaning at all – or like Bertram Russell. When someone can ever convince one that something can be created out of nothing – then indeed – there is no meaning in anything. To me this would be the teaching of being arrogance – and not one where someone claims to have the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – and that it is once again been restored to this earth.

Remember we must that when Joseph Smith, Jr. went to the grove to pray – he went under the direction of one of the local ministers. He went to ask which Church he should join – nothing more or less. When he came out of the grove and told the minister he did what he was told and this is what happened – that he saw two personages standing above him in the air – one calling him by name said pointing to the other, “this is my beloved Son – hear ye him!” He was 14 years old – and the arrogance of the world of ministers, preachers, media, learned men/women – from that moment on ridiculed him – belittled him – harassed him – beat him – tried to poison him – tarred and feathered him – arrested him – imprisoned him (repeatedly) – because they refused to believe him – not unlike Paul – until as Paul was murdered – they indeed murdered Joseph Smith, Jr. – and then bragged about it throughout the world and media. The idea was that the Restoration would then be over – and things would all return to normal – Greek Philosophy mixed with some Scriptures. Yet this did not happen – for the Restoration was true – it’s what everyone who says the Lord’s Prayer asks for over and over – Thy Kingdom Come – and without the Kingdom being Restored the Savior cannot return to His Kingdom.

Arrogance - ?? – would guess it would be in the attitude of those who either accept or reject truth without having really prayed – read the Scriptures – by themselves (including the Book of Mormon – for surely no man/woman could have written it) – and learned for themselves whether they’re true or not – remember if one rejects some of the truth and accepts only some of the truth – they only deceive themselves and thus are found in the worldly sense – arrogant!

If I were a mathematician and found a new theorem – proved it over and over – and yet the school of old masters rejected it – would it be any less true? Yet men and women of math and science reject new truth’s in each of their fields if it doesn’t fit within their structured school of thought. They’ve pretty much proven DNA – yet when the same science shows that our current edition of men and women only goes back about 6500 years – they then reject this finding – same math – same science – but it doesn’t fit what they want to teach or believe. Religion is much the same – with the sole exception of only One Church – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (which is the name the Savior gave his Church when he Restored it to the earth for this last dispensation).

Enough – the Church is True – all of the arguments of men and women to the opposite have never held any water and never will – but it isn’t about argument – it’s about prayer – reading and understanding by oneself – which many simply will not do – for they really don’t want to know one way or the other.

c/ork


“Arrogance”

cji
2/18/12

Demanding and forthright
unwilling to bend or break
being like Paul the Apostle
having a sure witness true
yet an unbelieving listener
many found in a mob’s mass
denying and decrying of all
wanting only the status quo;

How much there is to know
standing in oft humbled awe
through the mysteries to pass
seeking as the Savior’s follower
and having a disciple’s view
being found meek and docile
in light and knowledge awake
the veil thin within my sight!


Copyright © 2012 – cji

Sunday, January 8, 2012

"Understanding"


Sometimes one is led to forget where things came from and what the people believed who gave them to us. Was thinking on this in relationship to the 3rd and 4th Century through to about 1400 AD(AE) in regards to those who lived in Europe.
1. They believed the world to be flat – and would and did burn people at the stake for saying otherwise.
2. They believed the sun rotated around the earth and the earth was the center of the galaxy – and would burn and did for those saying otherwise.
3. With the age of the Reformation many could be burnt at the stake for reading the Scriptures – including children and those translating them.
4. In the 3rd – 4th and continuing Centuries anyone claiming the beliefs of the Primitive Church (or the Bible as was known by the mid-1700’s) were murdered – including children; over 150,000 in Denmark in one window of time. St. Augustine approved this as a means of getting continuity in the Church.
5. Celibacy and therefore promiscuity were prevalent within various groups claiming to be the leaders of religion for over 1700 years and still is present today.
6. Many books were banned and burned – and while one could learn to read – what they read was strictly observed.
7. None could disagree with the ‘enlightened teachers’ of the day – who all came out of the various schools – evolving from the schools of Rhetoric of the 3rd and 4th Centuries.
8. One to understand religion had to be from the educated or elite classes of society – all others were denied this right. Therefore religion was for the enlightened to the intelligent and for those in power to control.
9. All of the various translations and copies of the scriptures came from those with political and powerful goals of rule and control.
10. When William Tyndale translated the Scriptures (remember there was no Bible per se’) he was first strangled and then burned at the stake. His translations make up 80% of the King James Version of the Bible – 78% of the Old Testament and 82% of the New Testament.
11. Today 3400 books of the Bible or the writings of the various Prophets and Apostles are missing.
12. Coming up today – those who claim that the Bible is complete, whole and unchanging – continue to change and re-interpret in violation of their own belief – knowing that they do not believe literally in either the Old or New Testament. Thus the teachers of religion today like their forefathers/mothers use about 5% Scripture and 95% Greek Philosophy and Rhetoric.

All of those found above are responsible for the Creeds (creation and continued practices) of the various Churches of Religion in today’s Christianity – of which some 52,000 different churches in the US claim to be the only true church – as the Scriptures clearly state there is only one!

Daily many in the Christian world say/repeat the Lord’s Prayer (properly notated – as it was the Savior’s prayer to teach us how to pray and not to just continually repeat what He said) – wherein the ask for the Kingdom to come – yet expect the 2nd Coming without this Kingdom being restored first to the earth in these Latter-days.

How little most take the time to understand or question for their wellbeing. Consider the following:
1. Why are there many mansions in the Father’s Kingdom?
2. Why are men and women commanded to become as one (like the Father and I are one)?
3. How can someone be with their spouse Heir’s Together forever – if there is no marrying or giving of marriage in heaven?
4. Why did the Apostles of the Savior have the right to Seal on Earth what would then be Sealed in Heaven – regarding the eternal covenant of marriage; and what they did not Seal would not and could not be Sealed in Heaven?
5. Why did the Savior continue throughout His Ministry refer to the Father – and that he was doing the Father’s will and work – if they are not two separate beings?
6. Why do the teachers and ministers and rabbi’s and preachers and priests and clerics and those who profess to be learned refuse to accept the Scriptures literally?
7. As in the above #6 – why do those who are above continue to change what the Father and the Son and the Apostles/Prophets have taught?
8. Consider carefully what you individually believe – it is the difference between Eternal Life or being as the clergy of the world teach – just being again a Spirit without body, parts or passion – and either being in a heaven or hell – disregarding all of the various degrees of Glory as described by the Apostles and Prophets (especially Paul and John) – then ask yourselves why you believe what you believe and is it in harmony with the written Creeds of your specific Church – and if you belong to no Church – if there is one Church – Restored in the Fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – would you want to know which one and do whatever to affiliate with such?

Hard doctrine is taught in the literal teachings of the Scriptures – which is why most ignore 95% of them in their teachings. Most don’t like to hear hard doctrines – and certainly will not pay anyone to teach them the same. Yet the Savior set the ground work for the teaching of His Word and the Father’s Commandments – and there will be no excuses acceptable for not adhering to the words of their servants the Prophet’s and Apostles of any period of time on this earth – from Adam until Thomas S. Monson today. I express all of the above in the name of Jesus Christ - amen

c/ork

“Understanding”

cji
1/9/12

Sitting on the shelves of life
one finds the teachings of all
many dust covered and unread
others water damaged and alone
many never to read a word alone
wanting only to be taught to please
asking for the softness/togetherness
expressed in love and peace to find
embracing not all the truth but a bit
finding solace in that to believe
their conscious to relieve
understanding but little
for the less to know
less to account for
no responsibility
sadly nothing
being taught
the same
of old!


Copyright © 2011 – cji

Friday, December 23, 2011

"Questions and Thoughts about the Martyred"

"Questions and Thoughts about the Martyred"

cji
12/23/11

Over the years many have read the Holy Scriptures - while
many have never heard of them. The later most likely make up the larger group
in the world today. But for now we'll dwell on those who've read the Scriptures
and portend to fully understand them in their fullness. These are those
who've attending schools of higher learning - professing the authority to not
only confer degrees but also an awkward form of the Priesthood. Awkward in that
it must be sustained by the laws of the land, school, nation or the creeds of
men and has no need of a calling from the Father or the Son. Let's be very
clear the creeds of men have no acknowledgement of the heavens being open and
there be any continuing revelation and therefore no contact or communications
with the Father or the Son. Thus none with such a Priesthood can claim if
from the authority of the Father or the Son.

Yet from this group we find volume's of books, pamphlets,
sermons, hell and damnation, and the actual degradation of other
religions. These are considered the learned of our age - but have not
really done all of their homework. They add to their communications the
soul of philosophy, mythology, psychology and here and there some of the
Scriptures as they've access to use. While claiming they've all there is
- they ignore many teachings and about 3400 books of the Old and New Testaments
hidden away somewhere - and in addition while allowing no new revealed
Scriptures they constantly change and add and delete (saying for clarification)
since the 3rd and 4th Centuries.

You can find some 52,000+ of these variations of teachings
within just the US alone - and this number changes weekly. It's a wonder
they understand that God is not a God of confusion but one of simple
clarity. They claim Paul as an Apostle but will also say there were only
12 Apostles and can be no more. They claim the teachings of the New
Testament - but deny their literalness.

But enough - what about those Martyred for the teaching of
the Father - and claiming revelation and keys to be authorized to do
such. Throughout the ages the Prophets and Apostles of God the Father and
His Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ have been killed, murdered, or
otherwise abused for some really very simple testimonies. Nothing as complex as
the professional clergy would have us believe or not believe.

The Savior was Crucified for teaching from the Scriptures -
and repeatedly testifying about His Father - and about who he was. Paul,
Stephen, James, Peter, and one could number more and more to this list from the
Old and New Testament - while others have been added during the coming out in
public the Bible as we now have it (considering always the modifications made
by modern man/woman); such as Hess, Wycliffe, Tyndale. Since the early
1800's while most think this killing of those testifying of the Father and the
Son - having seen them and spoken to them has ceased but again it has
not. We've modern Prophet's and Apostles who've also been Martyred for
the exact same reasons of the others.

What are these reasons? Below you will find the 13
reasons all Prophets, Apostles and the Savior himself have been Martyred (Today
they are referred to as the Articles of Faith):

1 We abelieve
in bGod, the Eternal Father, and in His cSon,
Jesus Christ, and in the dHoly Ghost.
2 We believe that men will
be apunished for their bown
sins, and not for Adam’s ctransgression.
3 We believe that through
the aAtonement of Christ, all bmankind
may be csaved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4 We believe that the
first principles and aordinances
of the Gospel are: first, bFaith
in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, cRepentance;
third, dBaptism by eimmersion
for the fremission of sins; fourth, Laying on of ghands
for the hgift of the Holy Ghost.
5 We believe that a man
must be acalled of God, by bprophecy,
and by the laying on of chands
by those who are in dauthority,
to epreach the Gospel and administer in the fordinances
thereof.
6 We believe in the same aorganization
that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, bprophets,
cpastors, dteachers,
eevangelists, and so forth.
7 We believe in the agift
of btongues, cprophecy,
drevelation, evisions,
fhealing, ginterpretation
of tongues, and so forth.
8 We believe the aBible
to be the bword of God as far as it is translated ccorrectly;
we also believe the dBook
of Mormon to be the word of God.
9 We believe all that God
has arevealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He
will yet breveal many great and important things pertaining to the
Kingdom of God.
10 We believe in the
literal agathering of Israel and in the restoration of the bTen Tribes;
that cZion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American
continent; that Christ will dreign
personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be erenewed
and receive its fparadisiacal
gglory.
11 We claim the aprivilege
of worshiping Almighty God according to the bdictates
of our own cconscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them dworship
how, where, or what they may.
12 We believe in being asubject
to bkings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in cobeying,
honoring, and sustaining the dlaw.
13 aWe
believe in being bhonest,
true, cchaste, dbenevolent,
virtuous, and in doing egood
to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe
all things, we fhope
all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to gendure
all things. If there is anything hvirtuous,
ilovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after
these things.
Joseph Smith, Jr.
"About the
Martyred"

cji
12/23/11

Gone from our sight
men and women to miss
yet their teaching
call
and their memories
last;

Names many of the
past
having given their
all
their cries to us
hiss
to always do the
right;

Over millennium to
know
their minds
flourishing
only to be cut short
each
about the martyred to
speak;

Men/women strong and
meek
of the Father/Son to
teach
our Spirits/Souls
nourishing
helping us to
Celestial grow!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

Saturday, November 26, 2011

“PTSD and the Guilt Factor”



“PTSD and the Guilt Factor”
cji
11/26/11

(Disclaimer: First I’m neither a medical doctor nor a psychologist. However, I know what I both know and don’t know – which the Egyptians would define as “All that there is – that what I can see and not see.” Secondly, over the years I’ve had to deal with a multitude of doctors and psychologists for a variety of medical reasons. It seemed to appear if one had a medical complaint in the military they almost always had to see the psychologist in residence. c/ork)

Over the years of my life I’ve observed much in a plethora of areas and interests. Having been associated for the majority of this time with the military – most of my immediate friends come from this arena. Combat veterans and I seem to have a kindred spirit whenever and wherever we meet. Understand I was never in combat per se’ but in the mid-to late 1960’s I started two of the first Vietnam Veteran Clubs at the colleges I attended. We in those days counseled each other and helped as we could and would.

Sometime in the 1970’s the Government decided they had some responsibility in doing this and hired psychologists and social workers to do this counseling. However until the mid-1980’s and still today we continue to assist each other – mostly not trusting these government appointed counselors. Most all of these counselors or psychologists had no military experience and if they did – no direct contact with those in combat. With one exception – almost everyone I was sent to see had no combat and almost no idea with how to understand what had/has taken place in my life or others.

One example of this was when I read at a Holocaust Memorial afterwards I was approached by one of these psychologists and asked, “Why can’t I communicate with those like you and others?” His role was to counsel returning men and women from combat areas and he didn’t have a clue. I explained in simple terms that he hadn’t been or done – and what he read in the books wasn’t going to help him very much. He would have to change how he thought about things and open up new windows of how to listen and understand (will address this more in a bit).
The second example was a VA social worker who’d been to Nam – but was an apologist for what had happened and held most of us in some contempt that we didn’t agree with him (i.e. similar to Kerry) as to how evil we’d been in our service to our nation. This is where I believe that the idea of ‘guilt’ associated with PTSD began as a seedling – to explain away anything else of importance in dealing with PTSD.

Thus there were two points which were present in the early days of dealing with PTSD – one a complete lack of knowledge and the second – that we had been or had done something evil – i.e. that we had guilt for our actions.

Addressing the first of these the lack of knowledge – each time I was assigned a new counselor or to see a psychologist they would put me through a series of questionnaires. Mostly the following two events would occur: first, that I should be in a hospital or jail; or second, that they just didn’t understand and could I help them in dealing with veterans.

Those with the first response I would have call a specific number and speak with ‘Chick’ (many might know who this is) – and he would patiently explain that I was okay, etc. With the second response – I knew only that I had to assist this person into understanding – not so as to help me but to help the others he/she would eventually have to be seeing.

A couple of things one must understand – veterans are pretty honest and straight-forward in what they say and think. Each has learned in differing ways to deal with their lives and actions. They answer questions truthfully and fully – which in many cases shocks those who’ve been hired to help them – as it is beyond their scope of understanding. Louis L’Amour in his many novels and short stories was able to convey this in the following way. Usually a stage pulls into town and as the new people to the west were getting off the stage there’s a shooting – good guy versus bad guy. One lies dead in the street almost at their feet and the other rides away. This is brutal and shocking to those newly arrived and they think (rather than understand) one man has just killed a person and ridden off. They understand not the circumstances and for the most part initial judgment has been made and is final. Later, the learning and discerning ones better understand the clarity of what took place – but it could be months or years. This is what happens – the veteran – confronts the bad – deals with it and rides away. Those who are observing haven’t a clue if they’re new to the arena.

It’s the stark honesty which gets most veterans in trouble with the civilized world – they don’t understand the simpleness of either our thinking or actions. Once when taking a science exam – was pondering over what to do about a ‘germ’ trying to enter my body. The teacher came up and drew a little germ on a piece of paper and said, “How would you keep this out of your body?” I picked up a book and smashed it! She wasn’t pleased with the reply (smile). However, to me it solved the problem. And most veterans being mission orientated – solve the problems simply and efficiently.

When working in a drug rehab program (our population was 11-18 years old – first time offenders) we found it took about six months to get most to open up (and this was in a contained environment). In addition, we didn’t have a negative influence from the media or government. As we had to earn the trust of these young people – equally one has to earn the trust of the veteran.

Rumors have a lot to do with earning trust. Currently, most veterans are unwilling to trust anyone who’s the ability to disarm them. Further when one has the power based on ‘generic test results’ to confine or otherwise control a person’s life – the idea of actual trust dissipates in a hurry. Thus the knowledge and understanding gap – the trust gap – and what is eventually reported (supposedly confidential) does not exist in the environment of counseling one with PTSD (whether a veteran or a victim of a violent crime).
The second factor mentioned above is the new rage to associate ‘guilt’ with PTSD. First off what is ‘guilt?’ “Guilt is the state of being responsible for the commission of an offense.[1] It is also a cognitive or an emotional experience that occurs when a person realizes or believes—accurately or not—that he or she has violated a moral standard, and bears significant responsibility for that violation.[2] It is closely related to the concept of remorse.[1]” The idea of violating a moral standard would depend on who’s doing the association. We find many times in reference to veterans the word ‘kill or killing’ and thus meaning that in wartime or combat that this is in violation of the Ten Commandments, etc. However, one must realize in the original Decalogue the word was ‘murder’ and not ‘kill’. There is significant difference in the meaning and usage of these two words – yet it would appear for convenience the worldly of today have self associated the two as meaning the same.
Very few if any of the veterans I’ve known or know are having a problem with guilt in their lives over their previous actions associated with combat in the service of our nation. They have a different association with the thoughts of, “Why me and Not them” in relation to the death of a friend/buddy in combat. This is not guilt – it is trying to discern why things happened the way they did. If this in anyway can be discerned as guilt then everyone who watches the evening news – travels on a highway – or sees a serious accident would have ‘guilt’ feelings why it was someone else killed or injured in an accident or abusive crime. To my knowledge this doesn’t happen as a regular turn of events in most lives.

Even those like Kerry who admitted to killing (murdering) mothers and babies didn’t feel guilt or even remorse of any kind – he used as something political in condemning those who were beneath him or his liberal beliefs. Others have done the same – over and over – and while mainstream media and the world of counselors/psychologists enjoin them – they never condemn them but make excuses for them. The veteran or victims of a violent crime who have PTSD on the other-hand are never freed from being honest and open. The media wants to keep them as the victims and to disenfranchise the worthy veteran.

Sadly today many veterans and even victims of violent crimes will not go to counseling or seek redress for their suffering. Each time the headlines proclaim another violent crime – or similar event to what they’ve suffered (even if years ago) their past open up like a sore wound. For the veteran it’s worse only in the fact they are always subject to confinement for being honest when telling their story or feelings. Do real victims feel guilt – if so only because of our society in defending the criminal at the expense of the real victims?

Guilt is something others inflict upon the innocent to justify their actions being done without remorse. The government and many if not all of their intrusions into another’s life – are failures – planned and executed to be such from the beginning. Councilors and Psychologists who’re untrained and have nothing to do with diagnosis – dealing instead with prescriptions and results (have to meet their numbers) – fail in dealing with most victims and veterans with PTSD. Therefore, as their justifications and excuses they seek to blame the victims and veterans for doing something that was morally incorrect which has caused their present state of being.

What is needed is a wakeup call - shrill and deafening – for those who’re in the fields of counseling and psychological analysis to reprogram themselves to listen to our sisters and brothers, fathers and mothers, son and daughters – friends and associates – and stop predetermining based on shallow books – incomprehensible to most. One needs only to keep it simple – honest – and without condemnation of the innocent. A veteran and a victim in order to get on in their lives do just that – speak the truth – simply and clearly.

PTSD and the guilt factor is only one more way in which government and the sciences are saying – they need an excuse and this is it! Don’t believe or accept this as a truth – because it is not. The veteran and victim have not violated any moral law or committed any violent crime – they are not guilty of anything – anywhere – no matter how hard the media and government try to prove otherwise. Sadly, now even more will not seek assistance due to the inference of their guilt. More will continue to still be coming home but never quite reaching it fully. c/ork

“am I guilty?”

cji
11/26/11

Did I do something
morally against society
did I create a monster
a crime so evilly bad
am I guilty of being
did the world change
are the innocent evil
wherefore am I sought
will I never be left alone
is home really there
or as in illusions oft
just a mirage of sand?


Copyright © 2011 – cji
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guilt