Yesterday we had the best testimony meeting ever. We have two Tongan boys in our ward who moved in with their oldest brother about a year ago. They come from a very poor family, and their mom died in 2004. The older of the two boys is leaving on his mission to Detroit in a couple of weeks.
In the meeting we had a temple presidency member and his wife speak, and even though they're great and have had a lot of experience, the highlight was definitely Elder Latu.
Multiple times he quoted scriptures from memory - the best two being D.C. 4 and 3 Nephi 5:13 ( 13 Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been acalled of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.)
Impressive to see someone with slightly broken English (and it's his second language), repeat memorized scriptures so well prior to his mission. Also, the 3 Nephi scripture was so powerful to hear him say. He mentioned how blessed he was to be born into the covenant and receive his calling.
Making the whole event even better was that he could have been in the Olympics representing his country. He talked about that, how despite being so poor he was blessed to travel and was 2nd in South Pacific Games in boxing and 10th in the commonwealth games. He could have gone to the Olympics but when he moved to the U.S., after fasting and praying, he realized God wanted him to go on a mission, not to the Olympics. So he put all his energy into preparing for a mission, and it has been a great blessing for him. Very powerful to hear about this. He talked about his mom being so happy he's going on a mission (she's on the other side of the veil).
The people in Detroit are lucky to have this Elder. Incredibly humble. Very well prepared. An inspiration to us all.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Hints about Satan's lies - Korihor
In Alma 30 we get to see the story of Korihor, a man who taught that if you couldn't see something, you shouldn't believe it. Therefore, there was no reason to think there would be life after death or a judgment and as a result, you should do whatever you wanted in life. This led to an increase in people committing sexual sin in particular. Very sad. There was also an emphasis on the leaders of the church trying to hold down or oppress their followers.
Alma fought these points pretty specifically:
a) church leaders didn't get paid, so why would they lie
b) people found hope in the idea of Christ and what he would do for them; this is a hopeful, not oppressive belief
c) the order of the world was evidence of God existing (science talks about entropy; having organization is the opposite of this and infers an Organizor)
Also, we later find out that the following:
a) he wanted a sign - this is an easy thing to say but is quite damning when an individual requires this (we learn from Alma/Amulek in Ammonihah that a sign doesn't convince people for the long-term, only condemns them)
b) Satan came to him as an angel and Korihor believed because what was taught was pleasing to the carnal mind; if something sounds too good to be true (no punishment for behaving so selfishly) or involves a "me first" focus, it's probably not good
c) Korihor trusted a "super natural" person, Satan, but wouldn't believe in God. That seems surprising.
Alma fought these points pretty specifically:
a) church leaders didn't get paid, so why would they lie
b) people found hope in the idea of Christ and what he would do for them; this is a hopeful, not oppressive belief
c) the order of the world was evidence of God existing (science talks about entropy; having organization is the opposite of this and infers an Organizor)
Also, we later find out that the following:
a) he wanted a sign - this is an easy thing to say but is quite damning when an individual requires this (we learn from Alma/Amulek in Ammonihah that a sign doesn't convince people for the long-term, only condemns them)
b) Satan came to him as an angel and Korihor believed because what was taught was pleasing to the carnal mind; if something sounds too good to be true (no punishment for behaving so selfishly) or involves a "me first" focus, it's probably not good
c) Korihor trusted a "super natural" person, Satan, but wouldn't believe in God. That seems surprising.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Speaking with antagonistic/unbelieving groups - Significant amounts of data
It is difficult to speak with those that are extremely antagonistic/unbelieving groups. The Book of Mormon gives a case of this in Alma 9 to Alma 14.
Amazingly - Alma and Amulek convince some people, others die, and others are chased out to another town.
This is a very extreme story in which many are murdered. I must assume it's not in there randomly. Here's some thoughts.
- Alma and Amulek teach some very tough doctrine and some very detailed doctrine: - if you die as a sinner, you will be in a terrible place - your words, thoughts, actions will condemn you before God;
- people were foreordained as high priests in the premortal life based on their acceptance of the teachings of the Savior and faith and repentance; it's the same on earth - critical to repent and exercise faith
Then Alma and Amulek and placed into prison, women and children that believe are thrown into a fire and men who believe are kicked out of town. Alma and Amulek prophesy that the town will be destroyed, which the people say they don't believe. Town leaders tell Alma to free himself and then they'll believe; when Alma and Amulek are freed, their prison tumbles to the ground, killing everyone but themselves. Townspeople see this but still don't repent. Some lessons learned:
- even if everything a prophet says will happen happens, non-believers still don't repent
- terrible things can happen to believers; it's still wise to believe, but don't think it won't be difficult
- when teaching people who are antagonistic, it helps to have 2 teachers
- it's okay to teach very specific doctrine, which I believe shows there's merit to what's being taught (foreordination in this instance) and that the plan is fully formed
- those who are overly skeptical are left with the lesser portion of the word (that which is on the page only) and not the greater portion (that which is revealed)
Amazingly - Alma and Amulek convince some people, others die, and others are chased out to another town.
This is a very extreme story in which many are murdered. I must assume it's not in there randomly. Here's some thoughts.
- Alma and Amulek teach some very tough doctrine and some very detailed doctrine: - if you die as a sinner, you will be in a terrible place - your words, thoughts, actions will condemn you before God;
- people were foreordained as high priests in the premortal life based on their acceptance of the teachings of the Savior and faith and repentance; it's the same on earth - critical to repent and exercise faith
Then Alma and Amulek and placed into prison, women and children that believe are thrown into a fire and men who believe are kicked out of town. Alma and Amulek prophesy that the town will be destroyed, which the people say they don't believe. Town leaders tell Alma to free himself and then they'll believe; when Alma and Amulek are freed, their prison tumbles to the ground, killing everyone but themselves. Townspeople see this but still don't repent. Some lessons learned:
- even if everything a prophet says will happen happens, non-believers still don't repent
- terrible things can happen to believers; it's still wise to believe, but don't think it won't be difficult
- when teaching people who are antagonistic, it helps to have 2 teachers
- it's okay to teach very specific doctrine, which I believe shows there's merit to what's being taught (foreordination in this instance) and that the plan is fully formed
- those who are overly skeptical are left with the lesser portion of the word (that which is on the page only) and not the greater portion (that which is revealed)
Monday, June 25, 2012
Stand in the Sacred Grove - great lesson on family
Elder Jensen's CES talk had some terrific things. I learned something about the purpose of having a question on the family in the temple recommend interview.
Certainly the earliest and best laboratory for learning to get along with others is the home. It is at home that we learn the lessons of service, unselfishness, forgiveness, and patience that are essential to the formation of lasting relationships with others. I think it is for this reason that a part of being “temple worthy” is the requirement that we live in love and harmony with members of our family.
As I thought about this question, I thought of several families that appear to be quite faithful but have had one or two children leave the church. In some instances I have learned that the families were not very close growing up. There may have been a lot of competition or one or two children that felt left out or not as talented as the others. I realize that this can be perceived more than real in some cases, but one person's reality is their reality. Now that I'm a father, I saw as clearly as can be this morning while listening to Elder Jensen, that it's critical for love to exist in my home. If there isn't love and good relationships, then there can't be teaching. Also, when the church is something so integral in our lives, then it can be hard to separate family life from church life. Therefore, it's critical that parents and children have great relationships, and it's the parents' jobs to make that happen. Then there can be great teaching and our children can build great spiritual strength.
Parents - be wise...
Certainly the earliest and best laboratory for learning to get along with others is the home. It is at home that we learn the lessons of service, unselfishness, forgiveness, and patience that are essential to the formation of lasting relationships with others. I think it is for this reason that a part of being “temple worthy” is the requirement that we live in love and harmony with members of our family.
As I thought about this question, I thought of several families that appear to be quite faithful but have had one or two children leave the church. In some instances I have learned that the families were not very close growing up. There may have been a lot of competition or one or two children that felt left out or not as talented as the others. I realize that this can be perceived more than real in some cases, but one person's reality is their reality. Now that I'm a father, I saw as clearly as can be this morning while listening to Elder Jensen, that it's critical for love to exist in my home. If there isn't love and good relationships, then there can't be teaching. Also, when the church is something so integral in our lives, then it can be hard to separate family life from church life. Therefore, it's critical that parents and children have great relationships, and it's the parents' jobs to make that happen. Then there can be great teaching and our children can build great spiritual strength.
Parents - be wise...
Alma 7 - questions/guidance to the faithful
Alma gives us some good insight here:
a) he talks about his great anxiety/hope that the people were humble before God, praying, and found blameless before him (v3)
b) he says the people of Zarahemla were in an awful "dillemma" which is then footnoted to Alma 5:17 which quotes Alma saying the following: (v3)
17 Or do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say—Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth—and that he will save you?
Interesting that this is the dilemma - that they had to change or they would f)face God in a sad state and not be saved. Most people don't even know they're in that dilemma; maybe that's the problem.
c) Alma wades through affliction and sorrow with the people of Zarahemla; a priesthood leader suffers along with those he's teaching -
I do not desire that my joy over you should come by the cause of so much afflictions and sorrow which I have had for the brethren at Zarahemla, for behold, my joy cometh over them after wading through much affliction and sorrow.
d) he gets to be very specific about the Savior; he talks about all the things the Savior suffered and felt for us, not just for our sins. that's a very fascinating point. Perhaps he's able to share more than just he paid for our sins because they know that and have repented, so it's the next step to know more. So he gave it to them. (v11-12)
e) We need to live to receive the help of the power of deliverance of the Savior:
13 Now the Spirit aknoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the bflesh that he might ctake upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
f) After Alma's invitation for baptism, he can tell that they're living righteously; priesthood leaders need discernment to do this (v16-20)
g) Gives them a broad commandment to improve:
24 And see that ye have afaith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.
h) Alma is so happy that they are righteous: 26 And now my beloved brethren, I have spoken these words unto you according to the Spirit which testifieth in me; and my soul doth exceedingly rejoice, because of the exceeding diligence and heed which ye have given unto my word.
i) Promises them a lot - peace of God on all things associated with their lives
27 And now, may the apeace of God rest upon you, and upon your houses and lands, and upon your flocks and herds, and all that you possess, your women and your children, according to your faith and good works, from this time forth and forever. And thus I have spoken. Amen.
Very different speech compared to Alma 5.....
a) he talks about his great anxiety/hope that the people were humble before God, praying, and found blameless before him (v3)
b) he says the people of Zarahemla were in an awful "dillemma" which is then footnoted to Alma 5:17 which quotes Alma saying the following: (v3)
17 Or do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say—Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth—and that he will save you?
Interesting that this is the dilemma - that they had to change or they would f)face God in a sad state and not be saved. Most people don't even know they're in that dilemma; maybe that's the problem.
c) Alma wades through affliction and sorrow with the people of Zarahemla; a priesthood leader suffers along with those he's teaching -
I do not desire that my joy over you should come by the cause of so much afflictions and sorrow which I have had for the brethren at Zarahemla, for behold, my joy cometh over them after wading through much affliction and sorrow.
d) he gets to be very specific about the Savior; he talks about all the things the Savior suffered and felt for us, not just for our sins. that's a very fascinating point. Perhaps he's able to share more than just he paid for our sins because they know that and have repented, so it's the next step to know more. So he gave it to them. (v11-12)
e) We need to live to receive the help of the power of deliverance of the Savior:
13 Now the Spirit aknoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the bflesh that he might ctake upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
f) After Alma's invitation for baptism, he can tell that they're living righteously; priesthood leaders need discernment to do this (v16-20)
g) Gives them a broad commandment to improve:
24 And see that ye have afaith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.
h) Alma is so happy that they are righteous: 26 And now my beloved brethren, I have spoken these words unto you according to the Spirit which testifieth in me; and my soul doth exceedingly rejoice, because of the exceeding diligence and heed which ye have given unto my word.
i) Promises them a lot - peace of God on all things associated with their lives
27 And now, may the apeace of God rest upon you, and upon your houses and lands, and upon your flocks and herds, and all that you possess, your women and your children, according to your faith and good works, from this time forth and forever. And thus I have spoken. Amen.
Very different speech compared to Alma 5.....
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Alma 6 - Keeping the church strong
Zarahemla was a place that had a very fragmented church when Alma went to teach them in Alma 5. Here's what he did:
- ordained priests and elders to preside and watch over church (v1)
- added those who repented and were baptized to the church (v2)
- wicked in the church who were not humble had names removed (v3)
- HIGHLIGHTS fact that word of God given liberally to all and all invited to assemble (v5)
- those who were in the church were commanded to pray/fast for those who knew not God (v6); missionary minded church
That's what was critical. Notice the missionary minded point, all invited points are important. Also, v8 mentions how he taught those in Gideon according to the spirit of prophecy, the testimony of Jesus and the revelation of the truth of the word of the fathers. He taught what he knew was true of prophets of old, what he'd learned himself through revelation, and his own testimony of Jesus; critical to know that Jesus would guide in what to teach in order to help others benefit from the Atonement. Jesus has a great interest in this and will guide his leaders in order to help people.
- ordained priests and elders to preside and watch over church (v1)
- added those who repented and were baptized to the church (v2)
- wicked in the church who were not humble had names removed (v3)
- HIGHLIGHTS fact that word of God given liberally to all and all invited to assemble (v5)
- those who were in the church were commanded to pray/fast for those who knew not God (v6); missionary minded church
That's what was critical. Notice the missionary minded point, all invited points are important. Also, v8 mentions how he taught those in Gideon according to the spirit of prophecy, the testimony of Jesus and the revelation of the truth of the word of the fathers. He taught what he knew was true of prophets of old, what he'd learned himself through revelation, and his own testimony of Jesus; critical to know that Jesus would guide in what to teach in order to help others benefit from the Atonement. Jesus has a great interest in this and will guide his leaders in order to help people.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Alma 5 - teaching the recently gone astray members
Alma 5 teaches a few things; here's the highlights:
- recently there were people in bondage that were freed by the mercy/power and word of God; this is an example for us of what God does - takes those that are in bondage/darkness and frees/illuminates them (v3-11)
- likewise all of us also get in bondage due to our sin or lack of faith
- Believing on the words of Christ through a prophet led to salvation (v 10-13)
- asks if they have also been changed of God through faith? does it show in their countenance/actions? (v14-15)
- asks if they can imagine the judgement, standing in front of God, and a good or bad outcome depending on their lives. Focuses particularly on how they will feel if they are still soiled with sin when in front of God. (v16-25)
- If you were once changed, do you still feel changed ("sing the song of redeeming love")? (v26)
- series of questions about more particular traits a changed person needs to have (humility, no pride, no envy, not mocking those around you) (v27-30)
- Repent you workers of iniquity, Christ offers redemption freely to all and continually calls after you (v31-38)
- you either follow the Savior or the Devil, you'll be rewarded for who you follow, and it's shown by your works (v39-42)
- I am called of God to teach repentance to all, and I know these things are true of myself (v43-49)
- Spirit tells him to say, Kingdom of heaven is at hand, repent to be ready for it, if you don't repent you will be cast out into the fire (v 50-52)
- Summarizes warnings: will you, ignore these sayings (trampling Christ under your feet - notice it's an active, not passive thing to ignore and sends a message), be proud, wear costly apparel and focus on riches, think you're better than others and persecute others who are humble and do good works in the church, turn back on poor, persist in wickedness? If so, you will be cast into the fire unless you repent (v53-56)
- desirous to follow the Good Shepherd? leave the wicked; there will be clear separation at some point; also, "touch not their unclean things", and he will protect those in his fold (v57-60)
- Invitations: he does always call after you, he commands me to command you to follow my words, I command members and invite non-members to be baptized unto repentance in order to have entire life (v58-60)
- recently there were people in bondage that were freed by the mercy/power and word of God; this is an example for us of what God does - takes those that are in bondage/darkness and frees/illuminates them (v3-11)
- likewise all of us also get in bondage due to our sin or lack of faith
- Believing on the words of Christ through a prophet led to salvation (v 10-13)
- asks if they have also been changed of God through faith? does it show in their countenance/actions? (v14-15)
- asks if they can imagine the judgement, standing in front of God, and a good or bad outcome depending on their lives. Focuses particularly on how they will feel if they are still soiled with sin when in front of God. (v16-25)
- If you were once changed, do you still feel changed ("sing the song of redeeming love")? (v26)
- series of questions about more particular traits a changed person needs to have (humility, no pride, no envy, not mocking those around you) (v27-30)
- Repent you workers of iniquity, Christ offers redemption freely to all and continually calls after you (v31-38)
- you either follow the Savior or the Devil, you'll be rewarded for who you follow, and it's shown by your works (v39-42)
- I am called of God to teach repentance to all, and I know these things are true of myself (v43-49)
- Spirit tells him to say, Kingdom of heaven is at hand, repent to be ready for it, if you don't repent you will be cast out into the fire (v 50-52)
- Summarizes warnings: will you, ignore these sayings (trampling Christ under your feet - notice it's an active, not passive thing to ignore and sends a message), be proud, wear costly apparel and focus on riches, think you're better than others and persecute others who are humble and do good works in the church, turn back on poor, persist in wickedness? If so, you will be cast into the fire unless you repent (v53-56)
- desirous to follow the Good Shepherd? leave the wicked; there will be clear separation at some point; also, "touch not their unclean things", and he will protect those in his fold (v57-60)
- Invitations: he does always call after you, he commands me to command you to follow my words, I command members and invite non-members to be baptized unto repentance in order to have entire life (v58-60)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)