This is my personal study of this talk. All words in blue font,highlights, bold type, and italics are mine only and reflect my personal impression about this talk and are not intended to be the reflect the prophet's intentions.
200 Years of Light: 1820–2020
By President Russell M. Nelson
The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is preparing the world for
the day when “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:9). This IS going to happen and when it does ALL shall KNOW the Lord because He will be here, ruling and reigning personally on the earth.
You
and I get to participate in the ongoing Restoration of the gospel of
Jesus Christ. It is wondrous! It is not man-made! It comes from the
Lord, who said, “I will hasten my work in its time” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:73).
This work is empowered by a divine announcement made 200 years ago. It
consisted of only seven words: “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (see Joseph Smith—History 1:17).
It is a privilege to be living in this time. We will yet see more 'restoration' of the gospel. Know that the Lord has a timetable even though it seems like evil is the only one with an agenda. It's probably significant that we are in the Bicentennial year commemoration of the 1st Vision and the part of that the prophet is emphasizing are the words "Hear Him". I think we are about to 'hear Him' like never before - personally and as a church. We need to know it is His voice and not man's. The things we will hear are NOT man-made, unlike everything else we hear from the world (aka 'great and spacious building')
It is a privilege to be living in this time. We will yet see more 'restoration' of the gospel. Know that the Lord has a timetable even though it seems like evil is the only one with an agenda. It's probably significant that we are in the Bicentennial year commemoration of the 1st Vision and the part of that the prophet is emphasizing are the words "Hear Him". I think we are about to 'hear Him' like never before - personally and as a church. We need to know it is His voice and not man's. The things we will hear are NOT man-made, unlike everything else we hear from the world (aka 'great and spacious building')
Uttered
by Almighty God, that announcement brought a young Joseph Smith to the
Lord Jesus Christ. Those seven words launched the Restoration of His
gospel. Why? Because our living God is a loving God! He wants His
children to gain immortality and eternal life! The great latter-day work
of which we are a part was established, on schedule, to bless a waiting
and weeping world.
We don't have very many recorded words directly from the Father, so when we do hear them, we must take notice! If the words, "Hear Him" brought Joseph to Jesus, then it can do the same for us.
Interesting that he said the restoration was established "on schedule". We are also a "waiting and weeping" world, and the things that are yet coming will also be "on schedule". We can trust that because we have a loving God.
Interesting that he said the restoration was established "on schedule". We are also a "waiting and weeping" world, and the things that are yet coming will also be "on schedule". We can trust that because we have a loving God.
I
cannot speak of the Restoration in tempered tones. This fact of history
is absolutely stunning! It is incredible! It is breathtaking! How
amazing is it that messengers from heaven came to give authority and
power to this work?
Given the absence of angelic messengers coming from heaven in my lifetime, I should feel these adjectives when pondering what happened 200 years ago. I have sometimes assumed that we would not have that again until Christ came again, but what if we had more of this in conjunction with the "ongoing" restoration? That would indeed be stunning, incredible and breathtaking!!
Today,
the Lord’s work in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is
moving forward at an accelerated pace. The Church will have an
unprecedented, unparalleled future. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, …
the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9; see also Doctrine and Covenants 76:10).
What has accelerated? The age of missionaries increasing the force? The changes in the last 2 years? The number of temples? The amount of family history and temple work? Yet...we have not seen anything yet. We have been reflecting much on the past through the 2 volumes of "The Saints" history, the Joseph Smith Papers, and the Bicentennial celebration of the Restoration. But the things that are coming are:
"Unprecedented" - never before known or experienced; novel (weird side note: this new virus is called "novel" as well. Satan's counterfeit before God's "real" truth goes "viral"??)
"Unparalleled" - unmatched; Being of the 'last' dispensation, we have knowledge of the past such that we will be able to say for certain that the things that will take place are unprecedented and unparalleled.
Oh, how we must be found among those that "love Him".
What has accelerated? The age of missionaries increasing the force? The changes in the last 2 years? The number of temples? The amount of family history and temple work? Yet...we have not seen anything yet. We have been reflecting much on the past through the 2 volumes of "The Saints" history, the Joseph Smith Papers, and the Bicentennial celebration of the Restoration. But the things that are coming are:
"Unprecedented" - never before known or experienced; novel (weird side note: this new virus is called "novel" as well. Satan's counterfeit before God's "real" truth goes "viral"??)
"Unparalleled" - unmatched; Being of the 'last' dispensation, we have knowledge of the past such that we will be able to say for certain that the things that will take place are unprecedented and unparalleled.
Oh, how we must be found among those that "love Him".
Remember
that the fulness of Christ’s ministry lies in the future.Because He will personally rule and reign on the earth.The
prophecies of His Second Coming have yet to be fulfilled.What would you list as the 'prophecies' of His Second Coming? (See this link)We are just
prophecies of His Second Coming have yet to be fulfilled.What would you list as the 'prophecies' of His Second Coming? (See this link)We are just
building up to the climax -(the highest or most intense point in the development or resolution of something; culmination:) of this last dispensation
—when the Savior’s Second Coming becomes a reality. I usually associate the 'climax' of something to the high point in the middle, but I've never thought of the 2nd Coming as being in the middle of this dispensation, so this definition of climax as the highest, most intense point in time in this dispensation and the thing that everything leads up to makes better sense to me, since the climax is at the end, not the middle.
—when the Savior’s Second Coming becomes a reality. I usually associate the 'climax' of something to the high point in the middle, but I've never thought of the 2nd Coming as being in the middle of this dispensation, so this definition of climax as the highest, most intense point in time in this dispensation and the thing that everything leads up to makes better sense to me, since the climax is at the end, not the middle.
Gathering Israel on Both Sides of the Veil
A necessary prelude to that Second Coming is the long-awaited gathering of scattered Israel (see 1 Nephi 15:18_); Wherefore, our father hath not
spoken of our seed alone, but also of all the house of Israel, pointing
to the covenant which should be fulfilled in the latter days; which
covenant the Lord made to our father Abraham, saying: In thy aseed shall all the kindreds of the earth be bblessed.
see also the title page of the Book of Mormon)...
"Which is to show unto the remnant of the house of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever
"Which is to show unto the remnant of the house of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever
Israel is gathered before Christ comes. Pres. Nelson has said this is the most important thing that can be done right now. Why? Because Christ is coming soon and this has to be accomplished first. How do we know it has been accomplished?Not til the 10 Tribes return?
This doctrine of the
gathering is one of the important teachings of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Lord has declared: “I give unto you a
sign … that I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O
house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion” (3 Nephi 21:1).
And verily I say unto you, I give unto you a asign, that ye may know the btime when these things shall be about to take place—that I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion;
And verily I say unto you, I give unto you a asign, that ye may know the btime when these things shall be about to take place—that I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion;
We
not only teach this doctrine, but we participate in it. We do so as we
help to gather the elect of the Lord on both sides of the veil. As part
of the planned destiny of the earth and its inhabitants, our kindred
dead are to be redeemed(see Doctrine and Covenants 128:15)
And now, my dearly beloved brethren
and sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in relation to
the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as
pertaining to our salvation. For their asalvation
is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning
the fathers—that they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we
without our dead be made bperfect. I've never really understood why their salvation is necessary to our salvation...We without them cannot be made perfect. Why is that? Does our work for them free them somehow to minister to us personally? Are they doing something for us on their side that is as necessary for us as our work is to them?
Mercifully, the invitation to “come unto Christ” (Jacob 1:7;)
Moroni 10:32;Yea, acome unto Christ, and be bperfected in him, and cdeny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and dlove God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be eperfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.The power of godliness is made possible through the covenants and ordinances of the priesthood. We are perfected through the Doctrine of Christ (Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Holy Ghost, Endure to the End - 'wash, rinse, repeat') We are perfected by the grace of God and we will surely say it was only done by His power!
Doctrine and Covenants 20:59)
They are, however, to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.
This can also be extended to those who died without a knowledge of the gospel
They are, however, to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.
This can also be extended to those who died without a knowledge of the gospel
6 And amarveled how it was that he had obtained an binheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to cgather Israel the second time, and had not been dbaptized for the remission of sins.
7 Thus came the avoice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died bwithout a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be cheirs of the celestial kingdom of God;
8 Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who awould have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;
Part of their preparation, however, requires the earthly efforts of
others. We gather pedigree charts, create family group sheets, and do
temple work vicariously to gather individuals unto the Lord and into
their families (see
1 Corinthians 15:29
Else what shall they do which are abaptized bfor the dead, if the dead crise not at all? why are they then baptized for the ddead?
Else what shall they do which are abaptized bfor the dead, if the dead crise not at all? why are they then baptized for the ddead?
1 Peter 4:6).aFor for this cause was the bgospel cpreached also to them that are ddead, that they might be ejudged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
Families are to be sealed together for all eternity
(see Doctrine and Covenants 2:2–3;
And ahe shall plant in the hearts of the children the bpromises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.
49:17;
138:48;Foreshadowing the great work to be done in the atemples of the Lord in the bdispensation of the fulness of times, for the redemption of the dead, and the csealing of the children to their parents, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse and utterly wasted at his coming.
Joseph Smith—History 1:39).
(Same as D&C 2:2-3 above)A welding link is to be forged between the fathers and the children. In our time, a whole, complete, and perfect union of all dispensations, keys, and powers are to be welded together
(see Doctrine and Covenants 128:18).
I might have rendered a aplainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a bcurse
Is this why Pres. Nelson said gathering Israel is the MOST IMPORTANT thing we can be doing now? Is that why we are seeing this 'curse' on our world? Have we been complacent?
unless there is a welding clink of some kind or other between the fathers and the dchildren, upon some subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the ebaptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also;
There might be a clue here...How are those who have died without the gospel and we who have not died, made perfect by those who have died 'in' the gospel? It makes sense that the missionary force on that side of the veil is made of those who have died 'in' the gospel. But what of those who accept the gospel after they have died? Are they able to join the missionary force? Perhaps their labors are limited to those on that side of the veil. What if the missionary force that helps us from that side of the veil is limited to those who've died 'in' the gospel? Or is it something else? Must keep pondering this one...
for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the ffulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time.
And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the gfoundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto hbabes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times. Did you hear that? Things that have NEVER been revealed shall be revealed IN THIS DISPENSATION! Get ready!!!
For these sacred purposes, holy temples now dot the earth. I emphasize again that construction of these temples may not change your life, but your service in the temple surely will.
Do you believe that? Do you go to the temple with the faith that it will change your life? Does it change your life somehow because of what it allows those on the other side to do for you?
(see Doctrine and Covenants 2:2–3;
And ahe shall plant in the hearts of the children the bpromises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.
3 If it were not so, the whole aearth would be utterly wasted at his coming.
49:17;
16 Wherefore, it is lawful that he should have one awife, and they twain shall be bone flesh, and all this that the cearth might answer the end of its creation;
17 And that it might be filled with the measure of man, according to his acreation bbefore the world was made.
138:48;Foreshadowing the great work to be done in the atemples of the Lord in the bdispensation of the fulness of times, for the redemption of the dead, and the csealing of the children to their parents, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse and utterly wasted at his coming.
Joseph Smith—History 1:39).
(Same as D&C 2:2-3 above)A welding link is to be forged between the fathers and the children. In our time, a whole, complete, and perfect union of all dispensations, keys, and powers are to be welded together
(see Doctrine and Covenants 128:18).
I might have rendered a aplainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a bcurse
Is this why Pres. Nelson said gathering Israel is the MOST IMPORTANT thing we can be doing now? Is that why we are seeing this 'curse' on our world? Have we been complacent?
unless there is a welding clink of some kind or other between the fathers and the dchildren, upon some subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the ebaptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also;
There might be a clue here...How are those who have died without the gospel and we who have not died, made perfect by those who have died 'in' the gospel? It makes sense that the missionary force on that side of the veil is made of those who have died 'in' the gospel. But what of those who accept the gospel after they have died? Are they able to join the missionary force? Perhaps their labors are limited to those on that side of the veil. What if the missionary force that helps us from that side of the veil is limited to those who've died 'in' the gospel? Or is it something else? Must keep pondering this one...
for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the ffulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time.
And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the gfoundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto hbabes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times. Did you hear that? Things that have NEVER been revealed shall be revealed IN THIS DISPENSATION! Get ready!!!
For these sacred purposes, holy temples now dot the earth. I emphasize again that construction of these temples may not change your life, but your service in the temple surely will.
Do you believe that? Do you go to the temple with the faith that it will change your life? Does it change your life somehow because of what it allows those on the other side to do for you?
The time is coming when those who do not obey the Lord will be separated from those who do
(see Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7).
safest insurance is to In this time of turmoil people are rushing to find "safety" in food, supplies and precious metals. This is not our 'safest' insurance!
continue to be worthy of Don't let the adversary pull you away now
admission to His holy house. The Keep your temple recommend!
greatest gift you could give to the Lord is to
keep yourself unspotted from the world, This is a "keep the Sabbath Day Holy" phrase. Don't fall away during "home church". Take the Sacrament worthily and do the work of repentance so the Holy Ghost can purify you.
worthy to attend His holy house. Be worthy to go there, even if the doors are closed for a time.
His gift to you will be the
peace and
security of
knowing that you are worthy to meet Him,
whenever that time comes.
This sounds like a clear warning that we do not know when we will leave this earth. Much calamity is coming. Even if righteous, we may fall victim to it. Just stay worthy to meet Him, whether on this side of the veil or the other. Remember death is sweet to the righteous. Do not fear martyrdom.
(see Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7).
1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants, concerning the aparable of the bwheat and of the tares:
2 Behold, verily I say, the field was the world, and the apostles were the asowers of the seed;
3 And after they have fallen asleep the great persecutor of the church, the apostate, the awhore, even bBabylon, that maketh all nations to drink of her cup, in whose hearts the enemy, even Satan, sitteth to reign—behold he soweth the ctares; wherefore, the tares choke the wheat and drive the dchurch into the wilderness.
4 But behold, in the alast days, even now while the Lord is beginning to bring forth the word, and the blade is springing up and is yet tender—
5 Behold, verily I say unto you, the aangels are crying unto the Lord day and night, who are ready and waiting to be sent forth to breap down the fields;
6 But the Lord saith unto them, pluck not up the tares while the blade is yet tender (for verily your faith is weak), lest you destroy the wheat also.
7 Therefore, let the wheat and the atares grow together until the harvest is fully ripe; then ye shall first gather out the wheat from among the tares, and after the gathering of the wheat, behold and lo, the tares are bound in bundles, and the field remaineth to be bburned.
Oursafest insurance is to In this time of turmoil people are rushing to find "safety" in food, supplies and precious metals. This is not our 'safest' insurance!
continue to be worthy of Don't let the adversary pull you away now
admission to His holy house. The Keep your temple recommend!
greatest gift you could give to the Lord is to
keep yourself unspotted from the world, This is a "keep the Sabbath Day Holy" phrase. Don't fall away during "home church". Take the Sacrament worthily and do the work of repentance so the Holy Ghost can purify you.
worthy to attend His holy house. Be worthy to go there, even if the doors are closed for a time.
His gift to you will be the
peace and
security of
knowing that you are worthy to meet Him,
whenever that time comes.
This sounds like a clear warning that we do not know when we will leave this earth. Much calamity is coming. Even if righteous, we may fall victim to it. Just stay worthy to meet Him, whether on this side of the veil or the other. Remember death is sweet to the righteous. Do not fear martyrdom.
In
addition to temple work, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a
sign to the entire world that the Lord has commenced to gather Israel
and fulfill the covenants He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see Genesis 12:2–3; 3 Nephi 21; 29).
I think the world is going to see more signs from the Lord coming from His church.
The Book of Mormon declares the doctrine of the gathering (see, for example, 1 Nephi 10:14). It causes people to learn about Jesus Christ, to believe His gospel, and to join His Church. In fact, if there were no Book of Mormon, the promised gathering of Israel would not occur.
Pres. Nelson has asked more than once that we consider what our life would be like if we did not have the gospel. At it's core, it means the gathering would not occur and God would have ceased to be God for He would not have fulfilled His covenants. This is impossible!
I think the world is going to see more signs from the Lord coming from His church.
The Book of Mormon declares the doctrine of the gathering (see, for example, 1 Nephi 10:14). It causes people to learn about Jesus Christ, to believe His gospel, and to join His Church. In fact, if there were no Book of Mormon, the promised gathering of Israel would not occur.
Pres. Nelson has asked more than once that we consider what our life would be like if we did not have the gospel. At it's core, it means the gathering would not occur and God would have ceased to be God for He would not have fulfilled His covenants. This is impossible!
Missionary
work is also crucial to that gathering. Servants of the Lord go forth
proclaiming the Restoration. In many nations our members and
missionaries have searched for those of scattered Israel; they have
hunted for them “out of the holes of the rocks” (Jeremiah 16:16); and they have fished for them, as in ancient days.
Missionary work connects people to the covenant the Lord made with Abraham anciently:
“Thou
shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee, that in their hands they
shall bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations;
“And
I will bless them through thy name; for as many as receive this Gospel
shall be called after thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed, and
shall rise up and bless thee, as their father” (Abraham 2:9–10).
Missionary
work is only the beginning of the blessing. The fulfillment, the
consummation, of those blessings comes as those who have entered the
waters of baptism perfect their lives to the point that they may enter
the holy temple. Receiving an endowment there seals members of the
Church to the Abrahamic covenant.Need to ponder this last statement...
The
choice to come unto Christ is not a matter of physical location; it is a
matter of individual commitment.
We are being asked more than ever to make a choice; a commitment to follow Christ - completely. Not just be a member of record - but a member of heart and action.
All members of the Church have access to the doctrine, ordinances, priesthood keys, and blessings of the gospel, regardless of their location. People can be “brought to the knowledge of the Lord” (3 Nephi 20:13) without leaving their homelands.
13 And then shall the aremnants, which shall be bscattered abroad upon the face of the earth, be cgathered in from the east and from the west, and from the south and from the north; and they shall be brought to the dknowledge of the Lord their God, who hath redeemed them.Are we talking 'internet' here? Surely this includes places the gospel doesn't have missionaries. Perhaps it will be via the 144K or the 3 Nephites, or John the Revelator, or Christ himself...or is this fulfilled "when every knee shall bow"? What does it mean to be "brought to a knowledge"? When missionaries go door to door they bring the gospel to that person, but how are the people brought to the knowledge? What will bring people TO the gospel instead of us going to find them?
We are being asked more than ever to make a choice; a commitment to follow Christ - completely. Not just be a member of record - but a member of heart and action.
All members of the Church have access to the doctrine, ordinances, priesthood keys, and blessings of the gospel, regardless of their location. People can be “brought to the knowledge of the Lord” (3 Nephi 20:13) without leaving their homelands.
13 And then shall the aremnants, which shall be bscattered abroad upon the face of the earth, be cgathered in from the east and from the west, and from the south and from the north; and they shall be brought to the dknowledge of the Lord their God, who hath redeemed them.Are we talking 'internet' here? Surely this includes places the gospel doesn't have missionaries. Perhaps it will be via the 144K or the 3 Nephites, or John the Revelator, or Christ himself...or is this fulfilled "when every knee shall bow"? What does it mean to be "brought to a knowledge"? When missionaries go door to door they bring the gospel to that person, but how are the people brought to the knowledge? What will bring people TO the gospel instead of us going to find them?
True,
in the early days of the Church, conversion often meant emigration as
well. But now the gathering takes place in each nation. The Lord has
decreed the establishment of Zion (see Doctrine and Covenants 6:6; 11:6)
in each realm where He has given His Saints their birth and
nationality. The place of gathering for Brazilian Saints is in Brazil;
the place of gathering for Nigerian Saints is in Nigeria; the place of
gathering for Korean Saints is in Korea. Zion is “the pure in heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:21). It is wherever righteous Saints are.
And we know Zion must be established to receive the Savior and build the New Jerusalem. How do we know if we are the "pure in heart"?(which are promised that they shall "see God".)
(D&C 9715-21)
And we know Zion must be established to receive the Savior and build the New Jerusalem. How do we know if we are the "pure in heart"?(which are promised that they shall "see God".)
(D&C 9715-21)
15 And inasmuch as my people abuild a bhouse unto me in the cname of the Lord, and do not suffer any dunclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my eglory shall rest upon it;
16 Yea, and my apresence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the bpure in heart that shall come into it shall see God.
17 But if it be defiled I will not come into it, and my glory shall not be there; for I will not come into aunholy temples.
18 And, now, behold, if Zion do these things she shall aprosper, and spread herself and become very glorious, very great, and very terrible.
19 And the anations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say: Surely bZion
is the city of our God, and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved
out of her place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there;
20 And he hath sworn by the power of his might to be her salvation and her high atower.
21 Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is aZion—the pure in heart; therefore, let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn.
22 For behold, and lo, avengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly as the whirlwind; and who shall escape it?
23 The Lord’s ascourge
shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof shall vex
all people; yea, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come;
24 For the aindignation of the Lord is kindled against their abominations and all their wicked works.
25 Nevertheless, Zion shall aescape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her.
26 But if she aobserve not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will bvisit her caccording to all her works, with sore affliction, with dpestilence, with eplague, with sword, with fvengeance, with gdevouring fire.
27 Nevertheless, let it be read this once to her ears, that I, the Lord, have accepted of her offering; and if she sin no more anone of these things shall come upon her;
28 And I will bless her with ablessings, and multiply a multiplicity of blessings upon her, and upon her generations forever and ever, saith the Lord your God. Amen.
We must, must, must, be worthy of these blessings or what we are experiencing now will just be the 'beginning of sorrows'. Whatever the prophet says at GC we must, must do. The prophet has asked, "How do you hear Him"?. The Lord has said, "Whether by mine own voice or the voice of my servants, it is the same." We will all show the Savior we "hear Him" by first listening, then following what the prophet says. He has taught us that "Obedience brings success, but exact obedience brings miracles." We will all need miracles as we march towards the Second Coming. Make a commitment to follow Christ via the prophet - exactly! Spiritual security will always
depend upon
how one lives, not where one lives. I Don't focus on 'what' is happening but 'who' you want to be and 'how' you want to respond.
promise that if we will
do our best to
exercise faith
in Jesus Christ and
access the power of His Atonement
through repentance, we
will have the
knowledge and
power of God to
help us
take the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to
every nation,
kindred,
tongue, and
people and to
prepare the world for the
Second Coming of the Lord.Sounds like our missionary work is just beginning. I wonder what avenues the Lord will open for that now? For the day of the Gentiles is fulfilled by the missionaries being called home...
Another thought I had, is that the converts that come in to the church during this time of turmoil and persecution when it's never been harder to be a faithful Saint, may be like the Lamanites who converted and buried their weapons and never fell away. And they may be like the stripling warriors with a zeal for 'obeying every word of command with exactness' and thus they will see great miracles. Life-long members like me may get a wake up call to the complacency or apathy we may have been showing for taking for granted all that we have been given in this time of prosperity. These new converts may not understand why we are so 'casual' in our commitment when they have come in at such great cost. Something to think about...the Book of Mormon certainly sets a pattern for it...
The Second Coming
The
Lord will return to the land that He made holy by His mission there in
mortality. In triumph, He will come again to Jerusalem. In royal robes
of red to symbolize His blood, which oozed from every pore, He shall
return to the Holy City (see Doctrine and Covenants 133:46–48). There and elsewhere, “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5; see also Doctrine and Covenants 101:23). His “name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
He will govern from two world capitals: one in old Jerusalem (see Zechariah 14) and the other in the New Jerusalem “built upon the American continent” (Articles of Faith 1:10).
From these centers He will direct the affairs of His Church and kingdom. Another temple will yet be built in Jerusalem. From that temple He shall reign forever as Lord of Lords. Water will issue from under the temple. Waters of the Dead Sea will be healed. (See Ezekiel 47:1–8.)
From these centers He will direct the affairs of His Church and kingdom. Another temple will yet be built in Jerusalem. From that temple He shall reign forever as Lord of Lords. Water will issue from under the temple. Waters of the Dead Sea will be healed. (See Ezekiel 47:1–8.)
In
that day He will bear new titles and be surrounded by special Saints.
He will be known as “Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that
[will be] with him [will be those who] are called, and chosen, and
faithful” (Revelation 17:14) to their trust here in mortality. Then He “shall reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).
We will have seen the Anti-Christ and all those who have labored for centuries to rule this world headed by Satan. But Christ will end the conflict and will exchange is crown of thorns with a crown greater than any earthly king has ever worn. The original battle from Satan was that he wanted to "rule and reign" and to that end he calls himself the "god of this world". But he will have to kneel and yield to Jesus Christ.
How we should desire to be one of His "special Saints" - called, chosen, and faithful to the trust we were given for this life.
We will have seen the Anti-Christ and all those who have labored for centuries to rule this world headed by Satan. But Christ will end the conflict and will exchange is crown of thorns with a crown greater than any earthly king has ever worn. The original battle from Satan was that he wanted to "rule and reign" and to that end he calls himself the "god of this world". But he will have to kneel and yield to Jesus Christ.
How we should desire to be one of His "special Saints" - called, chosen, and faithful to the trust we were given for this life.
The earth will be returned to its paradisiacal state and be made new. Way better than the "Green New Deal"!! LOL There will be a new heaven and a new earth (see Revelation 21:1; Ether 13:9; Doctrine and Covenants 29:23–24).
It is our charge—it is our privilege—to help prepare the world for that day. Time for our marching orders!
Face the Future with Faith
Meanwhile,
here and now,
we live in a time of turmoil. Yet he remains optimistic about the future. I can only see that optimism that sees through the mist to the millennium.
Earthquakes and
tsunamis wreak devastation,
governments collapse, ours...?
economic stresses are severe, the are you ready for that?
family is under attack, and
divorce rates are rising. We have
great cause for concern. But we
do not need to let our fears
displace our faith. We can "Even though I have great cause for fear, I choose to live by faith. I choose to act 'in' faith so that my faith can continually get stronger and stronger.
combat those fears by
strengthening our faith.
we live in a time of turmoil. Yet he remains optimistic about the future. I can only see that optimism that sees through the mist to the millennium.
Earthquakes and
tsunamis wreak devastation,
governments collapse, ours...?
economic stresses are severe, the are you ready for that?
family is under attack, and
divorce rates are rising. We have
great cause for concern. But we
do not need to let our fears
displace our faith. We can "Even though I have great cause for fear, I choose to live by faith. I choose to act 'in' faith so that my faith can continually get stronger and stronger.
combat those fears by
strengthening our faith.
Why
do we need such
resilient (springing back; rebounding.
difficult days are ahead. Remember he's a seer. Not that we all can't see that. But just in case you think things are going to "glide calmly to the Second Coming" ...not.
Rarely in the future
will it be easy or
popular to He separated 'easy' from 'popular'. Perhaps there will be some things we will be asked to do/believe that will not be easy. And then those things or unrelated things will make us not popular. Get ready!
be a faithful Latter-day Saint.
Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul What things will test your faithfulness? A graveyard shift at the temple? Regular members going door to door to share the gospel? Financial sacrifice? Leaving your home to go to a place of safety?
warned that in the latter days,
those who
diligently (constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything:
done or pursued with persevering attention; painstaking:)follow the Lord
“shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). That very persecution can either crush you ouch
into silent weakness or we are going to be tempted to hide in the shadows
motivate you to
be more exemplary and live it anyway
courageous in your speak out anyway
daily lives. not just in big things but in daily righteous living and routines.
Pres. Nelson said this to the Saints in Samoa in May 2019:
1. The restoration 'in its fullness' will happen before the 2nd Coming.
2. We are going to be persecuted for following Christ - every day!
3. Deception is rampant.
4. Get busy fortifying yourself against the attacks of the adversary.
resilient (springing back; rebounding.
returning to the original form or position after being bent, compressed, or stretched.)
faith? Because difficult days are ahead. Remember he's a seer. Not that we all can't see that. But just in case you think things are going to "glide calmly to the Second Coming" ...not.
Rarely in the future
will it be easy or
popular to He separated 'easy' from 'popular'. Perhaps there will be some things we will be asked to do/believe that will not be easy. And then those things or unrelated things will make us not popular. Get ready!
be a faithful Latter-day Saint.
Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul What things will test your faithfulness? A graveyard shift at the temple? Regular members going door to door to share the gospel? Financial sacrifice? Leaving your home to go to a place of safety?
warned that in the latter days,
those who
diligently (constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything:
done or pursued with persevering attention; painstaking:)follow the Lord
“shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). That very persecution can either crush you ouch
into silent weakness or we are going to be tempted to hide in the shadows
motivate you to
be more exemplary and live it anyway
courageous in your speak out anyway
daily lives. not just in big things but in daily righteous living and routines.
Pres. Nelson said this to the Saints in Samoa in May 2019:
“This Church, when restored in its fulness, will prepare the world for the coming of the Lord,” but not before Christ’s followers are persecuted, he said.
“Church members in the Samoan Islands will not be immune from being persecuted,” he said, warning them to “prepare to be persecuted, even every day,” and telling them they have a solemn duty to prepare for it.
“Please protect your families from the deception you will see in your future,” he said. “That’s why we are all busily engaged in this work. We have to fortify our people against attacks of the adversary.”How clear can he be? 1. The restoration 'in its fullness' will happen before the 2nd Coming.
2. We are going to be persecuted for following Christ - every day!
3. Deception is rampant.
4. Get busy fortifying yourself against the attacks of the adversary.
How
you deal with life’s trials is part of the development of your faith.
So when we are told to strengthen our faith, some of that growth will come as we just do the hard things that are coming.
Strength comes when you
remember that you have a
divine nature, an
inheritance of infinite worth. The Lord has reminded you, your children, and your grandchildren that
you are lawful heirs, that you have been
reserved in heaven
for your specific time and
place
to be born,
to grow and
become His standard bearers and
covenant people. As you Keep an eternal perspective. See with an eye of faith
walk in the Lord’s path of righteousness, you will be Don't leave the covenant path for some other path. Remember Lehi's dream.
blessed to continue in His goodness and be
a light and a
savior unto His people
(see Doctrine and Covenants 86:8–11).
So when we are told to strengthen our faith, some of that growth will come as we just do the hard things that are coming.
Strength comes when you
remember that you have a
divine nature, an
inheritance of infinite worth. The Lord has reminded you, your children, and your grandchildren that
you are lawful heirs, that you have been
reserved in heaven
for your specific time and
place
to be born,
to grow and
become His standard bearers and
covenant people. As you Keep an eternal perspective. See with an eye of faith
walk in the Lord’s path of righteousness, you will be Don't leave the covenant path for some other path. Remember Lehi's dream.
blessed to continue in His goodness and be
a light and a
savior unto His people
(see Doctrine and Covenants 86:8–11).
8 Therefore, thus saith the Lord unto you, with whom the apriesthood hath continued through the lineage of your fathers—
9 For ye are lawful aheirs, according to the flesh, and have been bhid from the world with Christ in God—
10 Therefore your life and the apriesthood have remained, and must needs remain through you and your lineage until the brestoration of all things spoken by the mouths of all the holy prophets since the world began.
Do
whatever it takes to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ by
increasing your
understanding of the doctrine taught in His restored Church and by relentlessly seeking truth.
Anchored
in pure doctrine, you will
be able to step forward
with faith and
dogged persistence and
cheerfully
do all that lies in your power to
fulfill the purposes of the Lord.
understanding of the doctrine taught in His restored Church and by relentlessly seeking truth.
Anchored
in pure doctrine, you will
be able to step forward
with faith and
dogged persistence and
cheerfully
do all that lies in your power to
fulfill the purposes of the Lord.
You
will have days when you
will be discouraged. So
pray for
courage
not to give up! Sadly, some who you thought were your
friends will betray you. And
some things will simply seem unfair.Expect these things as part of the plan. It's ok to be discouraged. Just pray for courage to not give up. Don't expect people to love you or for things to be fair. Just know that God will give you everything. This life is just a test; a school; an experience. You don't need to achieve, have, become everything here in this life. There will be places you never see, things you never own, and jobs you'll never have. It's ok. You have eternity ahead of you. Now is the time to secure eternal opportunity so no door is ever closed on you again.
will have days when you
will be discouraged. So
pray for
courage
not to give up! Sadly, some who you thought were your
friends will betray you. And
some things will simply seem unfair.Expect these things as part of the plan. It's ok to be discouraged. Just pray for courage to not give up. Don't expect people to love you or for things to be fair. Just know that God will give you everything. This life is just a test; a school; an experience. You don't need to achieve, have, become everything here in this life. There will be places you never see, things you never own, and jobs you'll never have. It's ok. You have eternity ahead of you. Now is the time to secure eternal opportunity so no door is ever closed on you again.
However,
I promise you that
as you follow Jesus Christ, you will
find sustained peace and
true joy. As you
keep your covenants with
increasing precision, and as you
defend the Church and kingdom of God on the earth today, the
Lord will bless you with
strength and
wisdom to
accomplish what only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can accomplish.
Have faith in these promises! Notice God will ask for more precision. We will need to defend the Church - maybe even physically. But as Nephi said, 1 Nephi 17:3"And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them;"
I promise you that
as you follow Jesus Christ, you will
find sustained peace and
true joy. As you
keep your covenants with
increasing precision, and as you
defend the Church and kingdom of God on the earth today, the
Lord will bless you with
strength and
wisdom to
accomplish what only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can accomplish.
Have faith in these promises! Notice God will ask for more precision. We will need to defend the Church - maybe even physically. But as Nephi said, 1 Nephi 17:3"And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them;"
We
are to be
builders of an individual faith in God,
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and faith in His Church. We are to
build families and
be sealed in holy temples. We are to
build the Church and
kingdom of God
upon the earth (see Matthew 6:33). We are to
prepare for our
own divine destiny:
glory,
immortality, and
eternal lives (see Romans 2:7; Doctrine and Covenants 75:5).
builders of an individual faith in God,
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and faith in His Church. We are to
build families and
be sealed in holy temples. We are to
build the Church and
kingdom of God
upon the earth (see Matthew 6:33). We are to
prepare for our
own divine destiny:
glory,
immortality, and
eternal lives (see Romans 2:7; Doctrine and Covenants 75:5).
I
humbly testify to you that—as the Prophet Joseph Smith proclaimed—the
restored gospel of Jesus Christ
“will go forth
boldly,
nobly, and
independent, till it has
penetrated every continent,
visited every clime,
swept every country, and
sounded in every ear,
till the purposes of God shall be
accomplished, and the
Great Jehovah shall say t
he work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).
Yep...missionary work has just begun. Get ready for massive conversions!
“will go forth
boldly,
nobly, and
independent, till it has
penetrated every continent,
visited every clime,
swept every country, and
sounded in every ear,
till the purposes of God shall be
accomplished, and the
Great Jehovah shall say t
he work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).
Yep...missionary work has just begun. Get ready for massive conversions!
We are engaged in the work of Almighty God. I pray for His blessings to be with each and every one of you.
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