How to Prepare for Your Future by Russell Nelson

In a continuation of yesterday's post, I'd like to share another article from the 2000 StrongVoice Newsletter.

How to Prepare for Your Future By: Russell Nelson    Let me offer my vision of you and your future. You enter a world caught in a steep slippery slide of diminishing moral values. Against that backdrop, your character and integrity will let you stand out and shine like a lighthouse. You, your families, and your homes will become beacons of hope in a darkened world. Your faith and optimism will make you leaders in your communities, in your countries, and in the kingdom of God on earth.   It will be your privilege to proclaim the gospel to the world. You will place a high priority on those two great commandments: to love God with all your heart, and to love your neighbor as yourself (see Matthew 22:37–39). You will continue to learn and build in yourselves an ever-increasing capacity to serve others. As you do so, you will find that your own lives have been enlarged and enriched. When you serve your fellow men and women, you serve God and help to establish His Church in those lands where you live.   You will be examples to all with whom you associate—examples of forbearance, of integrity, of controlling your tempers, appetites, and emotions, as you honor your commitment to Christ.   As you adhere to the standards of the Church, you will be in great demand. And you will find true joy in total obedience to God’s laws. While some others choose which commandments they will keep, you know the fallacy and danger of this approach. It will only lead to misery. You will gain protection and spiritual strength in complete obedience. After all, he or she who does not stand for something will likely fall for anything.   What will keep you joyful and safe . . . physically and spiritually? Obedience! Obedience to all of God’s commandments will allow the Holy Ghost to be your constant companion. Such obedience will prepare you to be great leaders, great wives and husbands, great mothers and fathers. Such obedience will allow you to become more like the Lord (remember, your goal is immortality and eternal life - that goal is God’s glory.) The Lord’s vision for you as His elect children requires that you be clean, virtuous, and qualified for eternal life.         For more great messages from the 2000 StrongVoice Newsletter, click HERE. Visit http://www.2000strong.us/ for more information on their ministry.

A Great Faith by Fred Greene

I received the 2000 StrongVoice Newsletter yesterday, and was moved and inspired by it's message. I wanted to share part of it with you today.

 A Great Faith

By: Fred Greene

 

"The tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom He hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." [1 Nephi 1:23]

         

Paul told us that "God has dealt to each one a measure of faith."[Romans 12:3]

        

The first object of our faith... is belief in God and Jesus Christ: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." [John 14:1], which is followed by belief in their words and works.

 

However.... our Heavenly Father expects us to take that measure of faith He has given to each of us... and nurture it through study, prayer and service... in order for it to become a powerful moving force in our lives... and a witness to the world. Remembering the Parable of the Talents, we know that God expects His gifts to be multiplied. The main purpose of priesthood in the Restoration Movement.... is to feed His Sheep with faith nurturing substance... in order to increase that faith.

 

Thus His Sheep will understand that they cannot rely or follow the arm of flesh... but only the one Shepherd; Jesus Christ. Done properly and completely... by faith, all blessings will occur... and by faith, all things can be accomplished. It has been impressed upon me that the Lord is calling His people to begin building a Great Faith. I believe that the times we live in now - and in the near future - will demand of us a higher level of faith than we possess. An elevated level of faith will enable us to experience blessings in the midst of great tempests, purpose in lieu of fear, and opportunities for service in the midst of human commotion. It will call for us to trust God's will beyond what we have ever experienced before. The Scriptures give this kind of faith a name - it is called a Great Faith... and this is what will be required of us in the foreseeable future.

    

Joseph Smith described this kind of increased faith as having "power,

dominion, and authority over all things." [Lectures on Faith 1:24]... such is a Great Faith. What is a Great Faith? One having "power, dominion, and authority over all things." A Great Faith consists of at least four types of specific faith:

Obedient Faith

Courageous Faith

Trusting Faith

Experienced Faith

 

We need some of each of these types of faith in order to possess a Great Faith... one needed now, and for the future. 

 

 

 

For more great messages from the 2000 StrongVoice Newsletter, click HERE. Visit http://www.2000strong.us/ for more information on their ministry.

Jesus Beside Me: Meditations On Matthew by David Ramos

Today I'm reviewing a Kindle book called:

Jesus Beside Me: Meditations On Matthew

by

David Ramos

MY TAKE:

I was contacted in December of 2012 by the author and asked to review his new release, a collection of meditations on the words of Jesus in the book of Matthew. I agreed, but due to the holidays and such wasn't able to actually review it until now.

Each meditation is brief, taking only 5-10 minutes to read. David Ramos has a passion for Jesus and His word and it's obvious in his writing. His enthusiasm is clear and his insights were often unique and inspired. Although brief reading, each meditation definitely left you with something to think about, and mull over as the day progressed.

I did find, that despite his enthusiasam and insightful ideas, on a rare occasion, the presentation of an idea or thought wasn't as clear as I'm sure the author intended it to be and sometimes I had to re-read portions to try and get a clearer picture of the intent behind the message. I think that was due to the effort to keep the meditations brief and focused. I don't think this drew away from the over all effort of the message though. And that message, to me, was clear enough - Jesus is the Word and His word feeds your soul and brings joy to your life.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Jesus Beside Me is a collection of 30 meditations on the words of Jesus in Matthew (Volume 1 covers chapters 4 through 7 of Matthew). Each one captures a different aspect of Jesus' mission, character and power.

A meditation expresses "considered thought on a subject." Jesus Beside Me approaches Matthew passage by passage and gives each phrase of Jesus' speech "considered thought." The result includes both devotional and mindful reading that will engage the readers heart, mind and soul.

The book also serves as a reminder of the constant presence of our Savior. "We do not serve a Lord far off. We do not pray to an inattentive Master. Our Jesus is ever near, always close, right beside us."

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

David Ramos was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He has spent the last four years working in children, teen, and college-aged ministries. David's passion for the Word of God has led him to pursue a Masters of Divinity at Ashland Theological Seminary.

The Way to Salvation According to the Bible

Jesus placed something on my heart and I want to share it with everyone. I’ve mentioned recently that it is a writer’s call to shine the light on God’s word and point their reader toward Jesus Christ. That our words are important and we must use them wisely. More and more I feel God speaking to my heart and telling me that I need to be bolder in my testimony and share plainly the gospel that is preached in the Holy Scriptures. If I ask that other writers do this, then I have to hold myself to the same standard. I find it’s easy to think, “Someone else will say it better, or clearer. “ But the truth is we are all called to testify. And the most important thing to share is that Jesus Christ is the Son of God made flesh, and it’s through Him alone that we are saved. The scriptures are plain in how we come to this Salvation, but for many it is still unknown, so I want to share it now in hope that it will touch someone’s heart for Jesus and bring glory to His name.

What does the Bible say is the way to salvation?

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. - Romans 10: 9-13 KJV (all Bible references used are from the KJV)

Okay, so what are the steps outlined in the word of God?

Step 1. Come unto Me

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28

Isaiah 55:3,   Revelation 3:20,   Mark 10:14

I explained this to a young friend recently by sharing an example using my nephew who’s not quite 2 years old. Brock gets very excited when playing and when he’s really distracted by something fun, it can be hard to get his attention. Many times I’ll say, “Brock, come here, come see me.” I’ll repeat it multiple times, opening my arms to encourage him to come to me for a hug. But when he’s having so much fun in his own little world, he’s reluctant to stop what he’s playing and come greet me and give me a hug. We are called to be like little children. In fact we’re called God’s children. I see this first step much like Brock and I. We are the child that’s distracted by the world and our own interests. But Jesus continually calls to us, “Come to Me, come see Me, come share in my Love for you.” So why is this a step? Because it’s the first action we take to making that commitment. We come to Him.

Step 2. Faith

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1

Hebrews 11:6,   Mark 11:22

We’ve come to Jesus, we’re standing before Him and now we have to choose. Do we believe His message? Do we find hope in Him? Then we must chose to believe and have faith that the hope of forgiveness and eternal life He offers is real. We choose to have faith.

Step 3. Repentance

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; - Roamans 3:23

I Corinthians 15:22

Because Adam sinned, he was removed from the presence of God and the plan of salvation was shown to him so that he could come back into God’s presence. His original sin caused all of us to be born into sin as well. It doesn’t matter if we think we’re a good person or not, it’s not our opinion that matters. Jesus is the only one that is pure and Holy enough to see where sin lies, and Jesus is the only one that can wash it away as if it was never there.

Revelation 3:19,  Mark 1:15,  Acts3:19,  Ezekiel 18:30

Repentance is necessary because all have sinned and we are commanded to repent.  If we have already come to Jesus and chose faith in Him and in His word then we have already seen and felt the sin our lives and have chosen to obey His command to repent; to turn away from our sin and not go back to it.

Step 4. Baptism by Water

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. – Acts 2:38

Colossians 2:12 and 13,  Romans 6:2-5

Baptism of water is required. It’s not optional. We’re even told how to do it. We’re buried in the water, and then brought out again as a symbol of Jesus death for our sins and His conquering death by rising again. This baptism of water is what washes away our sins that we have repented of and turned away from. With this baptism of water we’re made a new person, whole and clean in Jesus. Our covenant has been made – we give Jesus all our sins and commit our lives to Him and His calling. In return He grants us salvation and eternal life. John the Baptist was called by God from birth and given authority from God to baptize in Jesus name for remission of sins. We must also be baptized in the name of Jesus by one called and given authority.

Step 5. Baptism of The Holy Ghost

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. – Mark 3:16-17

 Act 2:1-4,   Acts 8:17,  Acts 19:5-6

Baptism is in two parts, the first is our act of submission to Jesus to receive remission of our sins. The second part is to receive the gift He promised to all who believe on Him – the gift of the Holy Ghost. Jesus places His spirit within us to give us direction and keep us in tune with Him so that we will not turn back to our old ways. We may still stumble in our lives, but the Holy Ghost is present to show us when we fail and to encourage us to turn back to God. We could not live this new life in Jesus on our own, we need the gift of His Holy Spirit to help us and make us stronger. This gift is given by the laying on of hands by a minister called by Jesus and given authority by Him to administer both baptisms of water and Fire (Holy Ghost).

Step 6. New in Christ, Enduring to the End

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: - Romans 5:1

The dictionary defines Justified as: to declare innocent or guiltless; absolve; acquit. Our Faith in Jesus, our acceptance and belief in Jesus is what has made us innocent, or absolved of our sins. Does this mean works are not required?

No. Now that we are a new person in Jesus, our lives must reflect that. Not because doing all these good things will save us. We’re already saved. Instead it is because the Spirit God directs us to live and act for Jesus, in turn working to do good things for Jesus out of our love for Him and our desire to serve Him. So works are required as part of our journey in salvation because it is a part of who we are when we are made new in Jesus Christ.  It’s also counted to us as righteousness.

James 2:22-24,  Ephesians 4:21-24,  Colossians 3:14,  Hebrews 10:23-24,  James 2:15-18,  Matthew 16:27,  Ephesians 5:9-12,  John 10:37-38

Jesus showed works of the Father as a witness to others and to draw them to believe in God. Since we’re called to be like Jesus, our lives have to also reflect the works of God.  

Step 7. Resurrection from the Dead

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. – John 6:47

John 5:28-29,  John 6:39-40, 44

At the end of this life and the beginning of the Millennial Reign, we’ll see a resurrection of the just, or all those who have covenanted with Jesus Christ. At the end of the 1,000 year reign, the resurrection of the unjust will bring those who chose evil to stand before the judgment seat of God.

Step 8. Eternal Judgment and Eternal Life

And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. – 1 John 2:25

Romans 2:11-16,  2 Timothy 4:1,  Matthew 25:46,  John 4:36,  John 12:25,  John 17:1-3,  Titus 1:2,  John 5:19-30

The final fruition of Jesus’ promise to those who choose Him, the blood of Jesus has washed us clean and at that final Judgment we’re granted the ultimate prize, Eternal Life with Jesus Christ. To eternally be in the presence of God.

Salvation is a beautiful plan, perfect because God is perfect. He sent His only Son Jesus to fulfill a temporal law that no one else could ever have kept perfectly. He lived as an example and a beacon of light to the world and then sacrificed Himself on the cross, taking the punishment for an entire world of sin. Then Jesus conquered death and rose again to live forever, thereby offering us a way to also join Him in God’s presence.

God is just, He is perfect and He cannot lie. He has promised the opportunity of Salvation to all souls. What about those who die without the chance to come unto Christ and be saved? God has not forgotten them either.

For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. – 1 Peter 4:6

A Second Wittness:

For those unfamiliar with the Book of Mormon, it is a record of God’s people in the land of the America’s and Jesus visitation to them after His ascension out of Jerusalem. They are part of the ‘other sheep not of this fold’ that Jesus speaks of in John 10:16.  It was Divinely kept through history and then revealed and translated by Divine inspiration by Joseph Smith Jr. It is not a new Bible, nor does it replace the Bible. Instead, it is a beautiful second witness to the truth in the Bible. It confirms the same plan of salvation listed above and proclaims Jesus as the Son of God made flesh, the only way to salvation.

And now my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, which is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of His salvation and the power of His redemption; - Omni 1:46

'And moreover, I say unto you that there shall be no other name given, nor no other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men- Only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent. - Mosiah 1:116

"Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, That Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you His, That you may be brought to heaven, That ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life through the wisdom and power and justice and mercy of Him who created all things in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen." - Moroni 3:21

If you would like to learn more about this second witness of Jesus Christ through the Book of Mormon, fell free to contact me. I invite you to read it with an open heart, praying that God will show you the truth.

Now I, Moroni, write somewhat as seemeth me good; And I write unto my brethren the Lamanites, And I would that they should know that more than four hundred and twenty years have passed away since the sign was given of the coming of Christ; And I seal up these records after that I have spoken a few words by way of exhortation unto you. Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things-if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them-That ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men from the creation of Adam, even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, And ponder it in your hearts, And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true;  And if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, And He will manifest the ctruth of it unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost; And by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things;  And whatsoever thing is good, is just and true; Wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that He is. And ye may know that He is by the power of the Holy Ghost; Wherefore, I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; For He worketh by power according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow and forever. - Moroni 10:1-7

CFBA: The Sister Wife by Diane Noble

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:




The Sister WifeAvon Inspire (June 22, 2010)




byDiane Noble




MY TAKE:

When I first saw this book offered for review, I knew it was the most important book on this month's list for me to review. There is so much to say about Diane's latest novel. First, I will say her writing style is very good. Her research however is plainly one sided. It's clear that it was all done through Utah based Latter Day Saint's church records and history. What many might not know, is that the Utah Latter Day Mormons, are not the original church as founded by Joseph Smith Jr.

Joseph Smith Jr. was an inspired prophet and did receive and interpret the gold plates, or the Book of Mormon. Most of the historical instances she reports are accurate enough. However, Joseph Smith Jr. was NOT a polygamist. Nor did he claim to receive a revelation from God that plural marriage was to be instituted. It is true that some in the church were deceived into this practice by some very evil men, but Joseph was not one of them. In fact, he spoke loudly against the practice and many historians witnessed that. Also, the book of Jacob found in the Book of Mormon, speaks strongly against the practice.

But the word of God burthens me because of your grosser crimes.

For behold, thus saith the Lord, This people begin to wax in iniquity; they understand not the scriptures: for they seek to excuse themselves in committing whoredoms, because of the things which were written concerning David, and Solomon his son.

Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives, and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord,

Wherefore, thus saith the Lord, I have led this people forth out of the land of Jerusalem, by the power of mine arm, that I might raise up unto me a righteous branch from the fruit of the loins of Joseph.

Wherefore, I, the Lord God, will not suffer that this people shall do like unto them of old.

Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none: For I, the Lord God, delighteth in the chastity of women.

And whoredoms are an abomination before me: thus saith the Lord of hosts.

Jacob 2:31-37

Further proof of this can be found in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church History, Vol. 2, chapter 26.

After Joseph Smith Jr. and his brother's murder, the church was shaken tremendously with grief. It was not long after this that Brigham Young stepped forward claiming to be the new, rightful prophet and led a large group of the saints west. This group became what is now the Utah Mormon Latter Day Saints. However, he did not have the right or the call to do this. Joseph Smith Jr's son, Joseph Smith the III, would become the next prophet. He did reorganize the church later and it was renamed the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (RLDS)

During all of the upheaval in the church, policies -like plural marriage- were accepted by Brigham's group. In order to legitimize his claims, documents were created in Joseph's name that were not real. Such as the supposed revelation about polygamy. Utah church records show that Joseph had many wives, but all those that were supposedly married to him, were married to him after his death by the Utah group. Emma was Joseph's only wife and he loved her dearly.

Sealings, or Celestial Marriages, as well as man becoming god, etc. are all creations by Brigham's group after Joseph's death. Those were also not of the revelations God gave to Joseph Smith Jr. All marriage vows are still stated as until death do us part. Secret names and all that are solely part of the Utah Mormon's doctrine.

Nowhere in the Book of Mormon does it teach those principals, just as they are not taught in the Bible. In fact, nothing in the Book of Mormon goes against the word of God in the Bible. They are two separate and divinely inspired books that together witness of Jesus Christ as our savior, the eternal Son of God and the only God to worship. One a record of the tribe of Judah, the other a record of the tribe of Joseph. Together they form a more complete picture of the gospel working within the tribe of Israel.

There is a distinct tone of derision toward the Latter Day Saints in this novel, and I understand that there should be a tone of disgust against anyone that would accept polygamy. However, it's important to understand that there needs to be a separation between the Utah Mormon's beliefs and what is the truth. In the Sister Wife, neither Gabe or Mary Rose read the Book of Mormon. Their belief or disbelief is based solely on assumption and hearsay. That is not acceptable. Also, there is an obvious point made that a miracle performed by Brigham Young is a sham. Brigham Young may have later become confused and pulled away from the original beliefs of the church, but before that time, he and many ministers in the church performed great miracles in the name of Jesus Christ. They can be found recorded in many places, and not just church history. Contemporary historians not of the church recorded a great deal about Joseph, his inspired work and the miracles that came through the restoration.

Second, I found it disturbing that in the prayers quoted in this novel, all non-Mormons pray in the name of Jesus Christ; but not once does a prayer given by a Mormon use the name of Jesus Christ. This is an inaccuracy. We are told in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon that no man comes unto the Father except it be through His Son Jesus Christ. That includes through prayer. Showing Book of Mormon believers as non-Christian, or implying that we don't pray in the name of Jesus, is false.

I believe in the divine inspiration of the Book of Mormon. In no way does it take away from my equally strong belief in the divinity of the Bible. The Book of Mormon does not REPLACE the Bible. Jesus Christ is my only savior and God.

For those that would seek to know more, I invite you to read the Book of Mormon and judge it for yourself and not dismiss it based on hearsay or rumor alone. You can read it online HERE. If you choose to buy a copy, click HERE. Please be aware, that the Utah Mormon church removed and/or changed portions of the book so that it would not conflict with their new doctrine. Especially the reference from Jacob mentioned above that speaks clearly AGAINST polygamy.

Diane has written an interesting story that is skewed by her one sided research. Her main characters were realistic and I felt the agony that Bronwyn and Mary Rose felt. I would be just as revolted and sickened by the idea of Plural Marriage. Although, I enjoyed the characters for the most part, I can't recommend the book due to it's inaccuracies. If you choose to read this book, I pray that you'll remember what I've shared and pray and ask Jesus to lead you to truth.

If you would like to know more about Joseph Smith Jr.'s testimony, you can read his experience in his own words by clicking HERE.

You can also read our Epitome of Faith HERE.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

What if the man you loved told you God wanted him to take another wife? What if that woman was your best friend?

Set in the heart of the earliest days of a new nineteenth-century sect known as the Saints, The Sister Wife is a riveting account of two women forced into a practice they don't understand, bound by their devotion to Prophet Joseph Smith.

When Mary Rose marries Gabriel, neither of them could foresee how quickly the community would turn to the practice of plural marriage. Devastated when Gabe is faced with an order from the Prophet to marry her best friend, Bronwyn, Mary Rose tries to have the faith to carry through with the marriage.

But can she really be married to the same man as her very best friend? Can Mary Rose and Bronwyn face betraying both their husband and their God to do what they feel is right?

If you would like to read the Prologue and first chapter of The Sister Wife, go HERE.


Watch the book video!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Diane Noble is a former double finalist for the prestigious RITA Award for Best Inspirational Fiction, a finalist for the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Reviewers' Choice Award, and a three-time recipient of the Silver Angel Award for Media Excellence.

With more than a quarter million books in print, Diane feels incredibly blessed to be doing what she loves best—writing the stories of her heart.

For the last three years Diane has been honored to be lead author for the popular Guideposts series, Mystery and the Minister’s Wife (Through the Fire, Angels Undercover), and has recently returned to writing historical fiction. She is currently writing book two of her new historical series, The Brides of Gabriel. Book one is The Sister Wife.

Diane’s hometown is Big Creek, California, a tiny village nestled in the rugged Sierra Nevada back country. As a child, Diane’s older brother Dennis fueled her creative streak by entertaining her with his own gift of storytelling. Growing up without TV and iffy radio reception, Diane became an avid reader, inhaling more than one hundred novels—both YA and adult—in a single

year by the time she reached seventh grade. Her passion for reading continues to this day.

Now empty nesters, Diane and her husband live in the Southern California low desert, near a place known for the lush and beautiful gated communities of the rich and famous.