General Conference October 2021 - The Greatest Possession

The Vance Creek Bridge - second highest Railroad arch bridge ever built in the United States - is located in the Olympic Forest outside Shelton, Washington and is 347 feet high and spans 422 feet. It was built by Simpson Timber Company in 1929.

 

Each of us is to come to Christ with uncompromised commitment to His gospel.

Touching on the nature of pure teaching, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation - we turn to the message Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave. His address opens up with the story of the Rich Young Ruler and the encounter he had with Jesus Christ (See Mark 10: 17-22). Many of us are familiar with this story. A young man, quite wealthy and affluent, comes to the Messiah to seek after wisdom and guidance related to attaining eternal life. His question is the very question many of us are asking. What shall we do. Christ simply responds that one is to keep the commandments. To which the young man replied he has throughout his youth. The Lord challenged the young man with a specific direction - go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. This simple directive caused the young man to possibly hang his head in grave disappointment. He turned and walked away from the Savior. His possessions, wealth, affluence, and all that went with worldly prestige appeared to be more important than what he desired - eternal life.

And there are plethora of messages, sermons, scripture studies, devotions on the nature and application of this story. Elder Holland remarks:

Obviously, this is an important cautionary tale about the uses of wealth and the needs of the poor. But ultimately it is a story about wholehearted, unreserved devotion to divine responsibility. With or without riches, each of us is to come to Christ with the same uncompromised commitment to His gospel that was expected of this young man.

The Greatest Possession: Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; General Conference - October 2021.

I agree. The great cost of discipleship. The great cost of picking up our cross and following Christ is a weighty and serious commitment we ought not to take lightly. The directive, as Elder Holland instructs, is to Come completely and wholeheartedly. It is a call for us to take up [our] cross, however, heavy it may be, and follow Him (see Mark 10:21).

Elder Holland also shares this insight where there can be no halfway measures, no starting and stopping, no turning back as it relates to us pondering how we may inherit eternal life. He also shares that when difficult things are asked of us, even things contrary to the longing so four heart, remember that the loyalty we pledge to the cause of Christ is to be supreme devotion of our lives.

The promised blessing is given unto us where God … our Father … is exceptionally good at forgiving and forgetting sins we have forsaken.

Speaking to the mother of the sons of Zebedee - the Savior asks this:

Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said to her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my father.

Matthew 20:20-23, KJV

The cup Christ drank from is the bitter cup of suffering. In the beatitudes, we find Christ teaching that those who are persecuted, reviled, and slandered with false accusations will be blessed because of their faithfulness and righteousness in following Christ (See Matthew 5:10-12).

Not only are we taking upon ourselves the name of Christ and suffer with Christ; we are also suffering with others as a commitment to our faith (see Mosiah 5:7-8; Mosiah 18:7-17). This is a covenant made through baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Christians at Rome reflects on the nature and covenant of baptism in Romans 6:1-18 as a reminder of their covenant and commitment in following Christ.

The baptismal font at St Bartholomew's Church, Liège is a Romanesque brass or bronze baptismal font made between 1107 and 1118 now in St Bartholomew's church in Liège, Belgium. The font is a major masterpiece of Mosan art, remarkable for the classicism of its style, whose origin has been the subject of great debate among art historians. The Meuse River valley in modern Belgium and France, roughly coterminous with the Diocese of Liège, was the leading 12th-century centre of Romanesque metalwork, which was still the most prestigious medium in art.

Cyril of Jerusalem is probably one of the most interesting patristic church fathers that teaches us the mysteries of baptism:

As soon, then, as ye entered, ye put off your tunic; and this was an image of putting off the old man with his deeds. Having stripped yourselves, ye were naked; in this also imitating Christ, who was stripped naked on the Cross, and by His nakedness put off from Himself the principalities and powers, and openly triumphed over them on the tree. For since the adverse powers made their lair in your members, ye may no longer wear that old garment; I do not mean this visible one, but the old man, which waxeth corrupt in the lusts of deceit. May the soul which has once put him off, never again put him on, but say with the Spouse of Christ in the Song of Songs, I have put off my garment, how shall I put it on? O wonderous thing! ye were naked in the sight of all, and were not ashamed; for truly ye bore the likeness of the first formed Adam, who was naked in the garden, and was not ashamed.

Cyril of Jerusalem continues his lecture on the mystery of Baptism - reminding us of the sacredness and oath of the covenant we take:

Then, when ye ere stripped, ye were anointed with exorcised oil, from the very hairs of your head to your feet, and were made partakers of the good olive-tree, Jesus Christ. For ye were cut off from the wild olive-tree, and grafted into the good one, and were made to share the fatness of the true olive-tree. The exorcised oil therefore was a symbol of the participation of the fatness of Christ, being a charm to drive away every trace of hostile influence. For as the breathing of the saints, and the invocation of the Name of God, like fiercest flame, scorch and drive out evil spirits, so also this exorcised oil receives such virtue by the invocation of God, and by prayer, as not only to burn, and cleanse away the traces of sins, but also to chase away all the invisible powers of the evil one.

After touching upon the anointing of oil and it's power, authority, and symbolism, Cyril continues to describe the ordinance of baptism:

After these things, ye were led to the holy pool of Divine Baptism, as Christ was carried from the cross to the Sepulchre which is before our eyes. And each of you was asked whether he believed in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and ye made that saving confession, and descended three times into the water, and ascended again; here also hinting by a symbol at the three days burial of Christ. For as our Saviour passed three days and three nights in the heart of the earth, so you also in your first ascent out of the water, represented the first day of Christ in the earth and by your descent the night: for as he who is in the night, no longer sees, but he who as in the day, remains in the light, so in the descent, as in the night, ye saw nothing, but in ascending again ye were as in the day. And at the self-same moment ye were both dying and being born; and that Water of salvation was at once your grave and your mother.

Cyril of Jerusalem: On the mysteries, II; On Baptism (Lecture XX)

Cyril of Jerusalem continues his lecture on the mysteries of the Chrism and the sacramental partaking of bread and wine as related to the covenant of baptism for the remission of sins, covenant of God's divine grace and salvation of humanity.

Christ being baptized by John the Baptist

Coming unto Christ requires Spiritual Transformation - A New Birth

Elder Holland points out the scriptures that reflect a real and significant change that occurs within our hearts and minds. This is evidenced by the conversation Nicodemus (a Pharisee) had with Christ (See John 3:1-21) At the outset of their conversation, Christ reveals that no one can see the Kingdom of God except he that is born again. Perplexed by this statement, the Pharisee asked - how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb to be born? The Savior answered and said … except a man be born of water and spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Here, born of water is referencing baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. And being born of spirit is the anointing of the Holy Spirit as a witness that bears record to the Son and the Father that we have made a sacred covenant to take up on ourselves the name of Christ. Without baptism or the gift of the Holy Spirit, one may not be able to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven and be partakers of God's Holy Kingdom.

Upon our baptism, we are given a new heart and a new mind. According to Elder Holland, there is divine help for every one of us at any hour we feel to make a change in our behavior. He also observes that:

• God gave Saul "another heart" (see, 1 Samuel 10:9)

• Ezekiel called upon all of Ancient Israel to cast off her past and "make … a new heart and a new spirit." (see, Ezekiel 18:31; Ezekiel 36:26)

• Alma called for a "mighty change" that would cause the soul to expand (See, Alma 5:9-14)

Along with this, Paul called Christian believers to not be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of the mind (See, Romans 12:1-3). This spiritual transformation and change occurs as a blessing and gifts of God for our welfare and benefit.

Because of this spiritual transformation - new birth - we are able to put aside all strife, contention, divisions, and strive to live in harmony with family, friends, co-workers, and within the community. The love of God ought to begin dwelling within our hearts. And since we have the love of God dwelling within our hearts, we come to realize the true nature of happiness and sets the tone for our own lives, for our relationships to each other and ultimately our feeling for all humankind …

The heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is based on the founding truths of loving God and loving others (See Mark 12:30). Christ said that upon the two commandments (love for God and love for others) hang all the prophets and the law. It is the love of God that transforms us and renews us with a new heart and a new spirit. We truly become a new creation through Jesus Christ. And it is through the love of Christ that we are able to minister to others, call them unto repentance, be reconciled with others, and bring restoration, rest, and new life where there is despair, disappointment, and a sense of feeling lost. It is the ability where we love others in a manner that minister the healing power of Christ upon those suffering.

Ultimately, it is our love for God and others that leads us to where we are able to faithfully endure with patience and long suffering those trials and adversities that may come upon us.

Christ calls the Disciples to follow Him

Come Follow Me - The Cost of Discipleship and Crucified Life

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland concludes his General Conference Address and shares his own thoughts and insights related to the encounter between the Rich Young Ruler and our Savior:

Brothers and sisters, I pray we will succeed where that rich young man failed, that we will take up the cross of Christ, however demanding it may be, regardless of the issue and regardless of the cost. I bear witness that when we pledge to follow Him, the path will, one way or another, pass by way of a crown of thorns and a stark Roman cross. No matter how wealthy our young ruler was, he wasn't wealthy enough to buy his way out of a rendezvous with those symbols, and neither can we. For the blessing of receiving the greatest of all possessions - the gift of eternal life - it is little enough that we are asked to stay the course in following the High Priest of our Profession, our Day Star, Advocate, and King.

Elder Holland also shares that each one of us, as Amaleki taught, are to be willing and committed in surrendering our whole souls as an offering unto him (See, Omni 1:26). This is because the Grace of God is one that is of great Cost.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer observes the following:

Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will gladly go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble; it is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him.

Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock.

Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs it man his life: and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son: "ye were bought at a price," and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it is grace because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered him up for us. Costly grace is the incarnation of God.

Cost of Discipleship, p. 45; Dietrich Bonhoeffer

How we take up our cross daily to follow Christ and be transformed by the renewing of our minds is based on our willingness to walk in faithful obedience to God's will. Recognizing the hidden treasure and the great possession of eternal life that is bestowed upon us. When we lose our lives for the sake of Christ and His infinite atonement, we shall find it (See, Matthew 16:24-27).

A. W. Tozer also observed the following:

Many Christians talk about living the crucified life, but nothing in their lives indicates they have even begun the journey. … there is much joy that they have been saved but no anticipation of continuing on the journey toward spiritual perfection. They are so happen they are not what they used to be that they cannot see what God wants them to be.

The Crucified Life: The Foundation of the Christian Experience, pp 23-24

He also observes:

Many are not willing to pay the cost associated with the victorious Christian life. Erroneously, many are taught and believe that the Christian life is a free ride that eventually ends in heaven. After all, Jesus paid it all.

Are we willing to pay the cost of coming unto Christ and following him? Willing to pay the cost of walking in the process of repentance in order to be reconciled? Ready and committed in putting to death our former self? How does the rich young ruler represent you? What are some of the great possessions that you have whereby it may interfere with you committing to immerse yourself in following Christ? And, as Tozer asks - as the only two questions that truly matter in the hearts of men - what are you to think of Christ? Furthermore, what are you going to do with Christ?

How we answer these questions may reflect on our present spiritual condition. There is no other means and no other way. As Christ Himself declared: I am the way, the truth, and the Life (John 14:6)

Meditate and Reflect on Today's Message
Share your Thoughts in the Comment Section Below

Take a moment and reflect on the questions above.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland presents us with a message of hope, a message that challenges us, and a message that provides blessings and truth. Reflecting upon the encounter of the Rich young Ruler and Jesus Christ ought to stir our hearts and minds to reflection and seeking revelation. How do you respond to this challenge? this pure teaching, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation? What areas in your own personal life are you struggling to give up and walk away from? Do you consider the cost of following Christ in these challenging times too much? How so? What prevents you from immersing yourself into a deep and enriching fellowship with Jesus Christ? Please provide any thoughtful response in the comment section. Share this with others on your social media platforms.

General Conference October 2021: A Time of Personal Reflection and Revelation

 

October 2021 General Conference presented us with much blessing and revelation. Twice year members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are blessed with inspiring messages, wise counsel, guidance, and direction. These messages provide a foundation to our growing faith, understanding, and enlightenment of Christ, the plan of salvation, and the infinite atonement. Specifically, these messages come in a time where there is growing upheaval and chaos in our lives. Those whom I have spoken with in private conversations all seem to agree - there is a great sifting occurring in the hearts of men. And for me that sifting begins with deep personal reflection and seeking divine revelation in these difficult and trying times.

In his opening conference address, President Russell M. Nelson shared these words:

During recent weeks I have prayed intently that this conference would be a time of revelation and reflection for all who seek those blessings.

Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, Pure Revelation - Russell M. Nelson, October 2021 General Conference

One of the greatest counsel's I have ever recalled is that of seeking after personal revelation from our Heavenly Father. Not just a testimony of Christ, the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel, and the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. A much deeper and rich revelation that goes beyond a simple testimony. A revelation that impacts us deeply to move closer to our Heavenly Father.

President Nelson encourages such an understanding with these words:

There has never been a time in the history of the world when the knowledge of our Savior is more personally vital and relevant to every human soul. Imagine how quickly the devastating conflicts throughout the world - and those in our individual lives - would be resolved if we all chose to follow Jesus Christ and His teachings.

Ibid

President Nelson followed up with this challenge:

In that spirit, I invite you to listen for three things during this conference: pure truth, the pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation.

Ibid

He then shares that contrary to the doubts of some, there really is such a thing as right and wrong. And the problem he observes, despite that there really is absolute truth - eternal truth, is a plague where too few people know where to turn for truth.

In the Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:12 we read the following:

For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it.

What is this pure truth, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation President Russell M. Nelson is referring too?

The answer is found in The Great High Priestly Prayer of John 17.

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

John 17:1-3, KJV

The pure truth, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation is based on each one of us to come to know Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Father, and the depth and richness of the infinite atonement. This is the blessing of our reflection and personal revelation - eternal life. All other blessings are appendages to this one truth.

In one of my favorite translations, one reads the same passage as follows:

After Yeshua had said these things, he looked up toward heaven and said, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, so that the Son may Glorify you - just as you gave him authority over all mankind, so that he might give eternal life to all those whom you have given him. And eternal life is this: to know you, the one true God, and him whom you sent, Yeshua the Messiah

John 17:1-3, CJB (Complete Jewish Study Bible)

Pure truth, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation is the foundation of the Church. There is no other foundation to build upon. It is the basis for all blessings that are bestowed upon us from our Heavenly Father. Pure truth, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation is that which leads us toward the kingdom of God and riches of our eternities (see, D&C 78:17-18, and D&C 84:38) . And these principles are found when we come unto Christ (see, Ether 4:14).

Jesus is the Christ - Son of the Living God

The Prophet Joseph Smith made this observation:

The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it. But in connection with these, we believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost, the power of faith, the enjoyment of the spiritual gifts according to the will of God, the restoration of the house of Israel, and the final triumph of truth

Teachings of Presidents of the Church - Joseph Smith

Throughout Joseph Smith's life, he had experienced multiple visions and revelations of Jesus Christ (See, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church - Joseph Smith; Chapter 3: Jesus Christ, The Divine Redeemer of the World). These visions often included personal and divine revelation that mirror many of the Old Testament and New Testament descriptions of those individuals experiencing theophanies - or Christophanies - and witness to the divine council.

Restoration of the pure teaching, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation formulated the early and young Church of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith, himself, became acquainted with the truth of what God revealed. Today, we are blessed to receive our own knowledge and truthfulness of who Christ is, what his purpose and mission was, and how it relates to our eternal happiness and well-being.

One may ask themselves, who is Jesus Christ? A question the Savior himself asked of his disciples:

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou Simon Barjona: For flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say unto thee, That thou art Peter, and up on this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:16-18, KJV

Turning to the same passage in the Complete Jewish Study Bible we read:

Shim'on Kefa answered, "You are the Mashiach, the Son of the Living God." "Shim'on Bar-Yochanan," Yeshua said to him, "how blessed you are! for no human being revealed this to you, no, it was my Father in heaven. I also tell you this: you are Kefa," [which means 'Rock'] "and on this rock I will build my Community and the gates of Sh'ol will not overcome it.

Matthew 16:16-18, CJB

Hebrew for Sheol is death and the grave. What we read here is that Peter's confession came by divine revelation. It is the same divine revelation and knowledge that Christ will build his Church upon. Revelation that even death and the grave will not hold power over. Simply put, it is the pure teaching, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation that Jesus is the Christ, redeemer of humanity, and the Resurrection and the life (see, John 11:25).

In these latter-days, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is restored with the pure teaching, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation given unto humanity as a blessing toward eternal life.

When we read Matthew 16:19, we find something else interesting:

And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Here, Christ is talking about divine authority by which he empowers the disciples. Keys of the kingdom of Heaven is the priesthood authority and power of God to administer within the Church. It is fitting that after Christ pronounced blessings upon Peter, he confers upon them the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Regarding these keys of the kingdom of Heaven, Wilford Woodruff shares the experience he had with Brigham Young. Recollecting the last meeting they had with Joseph Smith. Woodruff says this:

I say to the Latter-day Saints the keys of the kingdom of God are here, and they are going to stay here, too, until the coming of the Son of Man. Let all Israel understand that. They may not rest upon my head but a short time, but they will then rest on the head of another Apostle, and another after him, and so continue until the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds of heaven to “reward every man according to the deeds done in the body

The Keys of the Kingdom - July 2004 Ensign

In The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, we find the following teaching as well:

What is the priesthood for? It is to administer the ordinances of the gospel, even the gospel of our Father in heaven, the eternal God, the Eloheim of the Jews and the God of the Gentiles, and all he has ever done from the beginning has been performed by and through the power of that priesthood, which is “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life,” and the administration of his servants holding this priesthood is binding, being the savior of life unto life or death unto death.

Teaching Concerning Priesthood Keys

Thus, we see how the Keys of the Kingdom of God correlate with the pure teaching, pure doctrine, and pure revelation of Jesus Christ. All power and authority has been restored in these last days to assist us in drawing closer to our Heavenly Father, to come to know Jesus Christ, and to be blessed to have revelation on the infinite atonement that leads us back to our Heavenly abode.

Pure Doctrine of Christ is Powerful and Life Changing

Russell M. Nelson addresses the power associated with the pure doctrine of Christ. He remarks how it changes the life of everyone who understands it and seeks to implement it in his or her life. He further observes that:

The doctrine of Christ helps us find and stay on the covenant path. Staying on that narrow but well-defined path will ultimately qualify us to receive all that God has. Nothing could be worth more than all our Father has!

Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, and Pure Revelation - October 2021 General Conference

What is the pure doctrine of Christ? Brian K. Ashton shares his thoughts on what the scriptures reveal:

The scriptures define the doctrine of Christ as exercising faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repenting, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.

The Doctrine of Christ - Ensign, November 2016

One of those scriptures is 3 Nephi 11:21-39. In this passage we find Christ giving authority and teaching on the administration of Baptism by immersion. It is when we come to verses 32-33 that we find Christ saying to the inhabitants:

And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of men, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.

3 Nephi 11:32-33

And this doctrine of Christ ... is the means - the only means - by which we can obtain all of the blessings made available to us through Jesus's Atonement. Furthermore, it is the power that allows us to access the spiritual power that will lift us from our current spiritual state to a state where we can become perfected like the Savior (See, 3 Nephi 27:13-21).

What I love about Brian K. Ashton's message is how he breaks down the doctrine of Christ:

• First, faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement

• Second, Repentance

• Third, baptism and the sacrament

• Fourth, the gift of the Holy Ghost

• Fifth, enduring to the end

He expounds on each of these principle truths. Not only are they important, and powerful, in our own lives - we are admonished to apply these principles. It is by applying the doctrine of Christ in our lives where we experience temporal and spiritual blessings. Even blessings that come because of adversity. And the important reason we must apply the doctrine of Christ in our own lives?

But more importantly, we must apply the doctrine of Christ in our lives because it provides the only path back to our Heavenly Father. It is the only way to receive the Savior and become His sons and daughters. In fact, the only way to be redeemed from sin and progress spiritually is to apply the doctrine of Christ in our lives.

Ibid.

Those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ do not have God. They are spiritually bankrupt, lost, confused, and lack any direction (see, 2 John 1:9).

Pure Revelation comes through the ministering of the Holy Spirit

Since the pure truth establishes that Jesus is the Christ. And pure doctrine of Christ involves our faith in him, humble and sincere repentance, and our willingness to be baptized for the remission of sins. Pure revelation comes through the ministering and witness of the Holy Spirit.

President Russell M. Nelson says this:

If you have not yet sought for the ministering of the Holy Ghost to help you hear what the Lord would have you hear ... I invite you to do so now.

There are three distinct ways we receive the ministering of the Holy Spirit.

• Reflection and prayerful meditation upon the scriptures

• Reflection and meditation on messages delivered through the Leaders of our faith

• Personal ministry and fellowship with others

John 16:13 gives us this insight about the ministering power and authority of the Holy Spirit:

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

John 16:13, KJV

The ministering authority of the Holy Spirit is to reveal unto us Jesus Christ. Convict us of our need to repent. Assist and guide us toward all truth. By the ministering of the Holy Spirit, we are comforted in times of sorrow and distress. Because of the ministering of the Holy Spirit, we are guided in times of confusion and stand in need of direction. And it is because of the ministering of the Holy Spirit that we are able to receive our own personal revelation of who Jesus Christ is, and the pure doctrine of Christ and how it impacts and influences our lives for the better. Through the ministering of the Holy Spirit, we are able to endure to the end.

As the days seem to grow more and more tumultuous, let our hearts not fail us. Let us root ourselves in the pure truth that Jesus is the Christ, Son of the Living God. For it is on that firm foundation we are built up in resilient and bold faith. Let us lay hold and apply the pure doctrine of Christ that leads us toward a broken heart and contrite spirit (see Psalm 51:17, Acts 2:37-39, and 3 Nephi 9:20). For when we do this, we are blessed and receive pure revelation concerning Jesus Christ, the divine plan of salvation, and the authority and empowerment to endure to the end.

Meditate and Reflect on Today's Message - Share your Thoughts in the Comment Section Below

As President Russell M. Nelson provided his opening remarks to the October 2021 General Conference - we learn that the focus of our attention is to understand three things: Pure Teaching, Pure Doctrine of Christ, and Pure Revelation. Reflecting on this message, how have you come to understand these three principle truths? What are you struggling with when it comes to your faith in Christ? Faith in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ? and where do you feel lacking when it comes to revelation and the ministering of the Holy Spirit? Knowing that personal revelation comes through our daily commitment to scripture study, prayerfully reflecting and meditating on teachings from Church Leaders and those within our own community, and through personal fellowship and service toward others: how does this help build up your faith and testimony? Please share your comments, thoughts, and feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below. Share this with others through your social media platforms as well.

Latter-day Saint Christians are not Victims or Enemies

When you think of the term victim being used - what comes to mind? For me, it presents a notion that someone is suffering some form of abuse. Maybe someone who experienced some form of crime against them. Others may have experienced the devastation of fraud. However, would it ever occur to you that someone within a religious group be considered a victim? Maybe of spiritual, physical, and/or emotional abuse. In that context and understanding, I'd agree that a person is a victim. What if being a member of a faith-based community really is what it takes to be a victim?

According to Truth in Love's Ministry approach to ministering and witnessing to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - we are not considered enemies of the Christian Faith. We are merely victims because of our faith in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, a video was posted on Truth in Love's Ministry YouTube channel on September 15, 2021 where the presenter discusses Top 5 principles for witnessing to Mormons. And the primary de facto principle is to see Mormons as victims and not enemies.

A False Premise and Perception Established

The opening portion of this 3:45 minute video presentation begins with the idea that Latter-day Saint Christians are to be considered victims.

There are everyday examples of people who see someone in need and then step into action, often without even thinking. Someone jumps into the water to rescue another who's drowning. Someone rushes into the road and pushes a child out of the way of oncoming traffic. If we see someone in danger, even complete strangers, we will rise up. We have compassion and help those in need. But sometimes a person's need is less dramatic. The danger they may be in, it seems subtle. Perhaps the victim can't articulate or maybe even doesn't realize it. Their need is still very real, and it is as important as ever to help them. This is why our first witnessing principle is seeing Mormons as victims, not enemies. Mormons really are victims, yet most don't realize it.

While I do credit the acknowledgement that there has appeared to be this perception that Latter-day Saints (Mormons) were (and still are in some Evangelical and Christian circles) considered enemies of the Christian faith. This statement of Latter-day Saints being victims appears to be subtle deception. It is one thing for someone to comment, speak, or share that they believe that what many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teach and hold dear is false, wrong, erroneous, anathema to the Bible, et. al. However, it is another to shift gears and teach people that Mormons really are victims, and many may not be aware of it.

The question is - what are Latter-day Saints supposedly victims of? Well, the video continues:

Let me give you a couple of examples. Mormonism teaches conditional grace so any blessing from God is contingent on their obedience. They're taught the best are blessed and you may feel pretty good when things are going well. Inevitably, we all face times of trouble, and in those moments, Mormons question their relationship with God. The question of what they did wrong. In those moments, it can feel like the worst are cursed. This mindset leads Mormons to chase after blessings as the demonstration that, well, they must have God's love. As a result, Mormons are victimized by a culture of success. They want to project the image of God is pleased with them and this is never ending and exhausting.

Yet because they're surrounded by others who also must demonstrate they have God's blessing, there's very little room for weakness. So many describe suffering silently behind a mask. Most Mormons fear sharing their struggles with another Mormon. Their culture doesn't allow them to open up and be authentic. Mormonism creates pressure, but there's no release valve.

In essence, what I believe the presenter is saying, is that Latter-day Saints feel the desire and need to chase after blessings because they are experiencing struggles in life? That we hold to the idea that there is a contingency of receiving blessings by our mere obedience to God?

Yet any person who reads the Old and New Testament scriptures are amazed at the insurmountable times God has placed contingencies on blessings with obedience. In some instances, there is not only the blessings attached with obedience, but also an attached curse as part of that contingency.

Take for example the following statement that Jesus Christ himself made:

Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven.

Matthew 7:21, KJV

In another translation, we read:

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, only those who do what my Father in heaven wants.

Matthew 7:21, CJB (Complete Jewish Study Bible)

And we read this same passage in another translation:

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 7:21, English Standard Version

What we do know is that Christ spent time instructing the disciples, and those gathered around him (including the religious leaders of the day) to teach them and instruct them on the way to live life. Matthew 5 contains the beatitudes, exhortations, and parables. Matthew 6 continues with more exhortations and parables. Matthew 7 concludes with exhortations, responses to the religious leaders, and then a parable of the wise man and the foolish man. The question is - what did Christ mean by those who do the will of the Father? Certainly, we consider that Eternal life and Salvation are the epitome of all blessings granted upon humanity. To be allowed into the Kingdom of Heaven. Christ explains himself in Matthew 7:24 by likening those who hears and does those instructions he provided in Matthew 5-7 are liken unto the wise man building his house on a sure foundation of solid rock. The foolish man is those who do not hear and do what Christ taught and subsequently build their house on sandy and unstable foundations.

Another contingency we find in the teachings of the Savior relates to the following:

²⁴ Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ²⁵ For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. ²⁶ For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

Matthew 16;24-26, ESV

Notice that Christ says that if any person is willing to deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Him, they will receive blessings. Those who are not willing, shall lose their very own lives. This is a contingency statement. A very deep and enriching one. There are many other scriptures that speak to how blessings are tied to obedience to God's will and desire. There are also those contingencies attached that if we do not walk in obedience to God's will and desire, we will experience suffering, despair, and even judgment. Furthermore, scripture does teach that God will chide and chastise those who are following Him.

So, I am not sure how this presenter is teaching that Latter-day Saints are victims because of the idea that when we are following God, when we are devoted to Christ, and when we are walking in accordance with God's will and desire, that we will experience blessing as a "contingency" that frustrates and disappoints us.

The other observation is that the presenter appears to focus mainly on Latter-day Saints when it comes to suffering through adversity. There are plenty of Christian believers who suffer and experience adversity in their own lives. Many who question their faith. Some have even abandoned their faith and now are atheists. This form of argument appears to be a grandiose special pleading fallacy.

Latter-day Saint Christians do hold to and understand that we will experience suffering in this life. That we will experience those circumstances where our faith and testimony will be challenged. This does not make us "victims" in the sense the presenter appears to claim. We may be a victim of natural disasters, victim of crimes committed against us. In fact, many Latter-day Saints were victimized by Evangelical Christians in the early days of the Church growth.

This form of victimization involved families being driven from their homes, men accosted and assaulted, tarred and feathered, all because they held to their belief and testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As for today - Latter-day Saints being victims - only from misinformation, false teachings, and deceptive insinuations promoted and published to discourage anyone from honestly investigating our faith. Or to challenge and get people to question their faith in a manner to abandon their testimony. That is the only time Mormons succumb to being victims (outside of any form of abuse perpetrated by others).

Touching on the false perception (for that is exactly what it is) where Latter-day Saints are isolated, closed off, and unable to be transparent about their suffering? This is further from the truth. Many members of the LDS Faith utilize their ward families, bishopric, local leaders, and even close friends to share and discuss their struggles and issues with. This is the heart and soul of the ministering aspect of the LDS Faith, to reach out to those struggling. Whether it is with temporal needs, or spiritual issues and concerns. For temporal issues a person is struggling with, the LDS Faith has the following:

1. Addiction Recovery Program to help those suffering with pornography and/or substance abuse related issues
2. Family Services for those needing mental health services, counseling, and other resources
3. Welfare Services - Well know program to help those who are impoverished receive needed food, and other resources
4. Programs to develop self-sufficiency
5. Employment Counseling and Ministry to help those not only find employment, gain ways to access other resources - to include education

Much of this is accomplished because many members of the LDS Faith are faithful in obeying the law of tithing, and the giving of fast offerings once a month. The LDS Faith is also actively involved in providing humanitarian aid to those areas devastated by natural disasters and needing relief.

Again, there is no real credible merit or evidence to suggest that Latter-day Saints suffer alone, isolated, and in silence without the spiritual guidance of leaders, family, and friends within the ward.

Finally, Latter-day Saints are not victimized by a culture of success. If anything, Latter-day Saints are counseled and directed toward ways to improve overall quality of life. Seek out education, maintain an active savings account, live where one is self-sufficient, develop and create a healthy home environment for family. Follow wise counsel given by leaders of the Church. If anyone feels victimized by a culture of success, it is not really because of the LDS faith, it may be because of the persons own inadequacy and lack of awareness. It is quite easy to blame a group of people or a individual because of own's own inadequacy.

Unverified and False Assertions Being Presented

The presenter moves on and presents some interesting statistics:

Utah, majority Mormons, consistently ranks among the highest for depression and suicide to cope with these impossible expectations. It also has some of the highest use of pornography, anti-depressants, and plastic surgery. Those stats can be startling to Christians. Mormons are some of the nicest folks you'll encounter, yet many suffer silently. Their continued attempts to win God's love and acceptance indicate that they don't feel they have it.

If you are familiar with some of the things that are perpetuated against the LDS Faith, this is one of them.

First, regarding the statement: Utah has the highest use of pornography. This is false as evidenced by a major publisher and contributor of Porn where Utah ranked 40th Nationwide for consumption of porn. In fact, the statement itself is based on a single and unverifiable study, or any potential study that may be biased in some fashion. (See, Question: Why does Utah lead the United States in subscriptions to online adult entertainment?).

What is interesting to note is that, according to Ministry Magazine's article on pornography consumption, is that about 65% Christian men and about 15% Christian women view pornography at least once a month. This is compared to 65% of non-Christian men and 30% non-Christian women:

“Sixty-four percent of self-identified Christian men and 15 percent of self-identified Christian women view pornography at least once a month (compared to 65 percent of non-Christian men and 30 percent of non-Christian women).

“Thirty-three percent of clergy say they have visited a sexually explicit Web site. Of those who have visited sexually explicit websites, 53 percent say they have visited the sites a few times in the past year, and 18 percent said they visited explicit Web sites between ‘a couple times a month’ and ‘more than once a week.’

“Twenty-one percent of youth pastors and 14 percent of pastors admit they currently struggle with pornography.”

Dangerous kissing cousins: Pornography and intimate partner violence, Ministry Magazine

And regarding whether or not one may find sexual fulfillment through online pornography consumption: Christianity Today writes this:

Survey results showed that one in four American men (25.9%) and about one in six women (16.7%) say it is either very or somewhat likely they can find sexual fulfillment online. Nearly one in five Christians (18.68%) gives the same response.

We've Got Porn: Online smut is taking its toll on Christians. What is the Church doing about it? - A Christianity Today Editorial; June 12, 2000

The editorial published online and in their print, magazine goes on and further states this:

Focus on the Family has launched a Web-based effort to help those addicted to online pornography ( www.pureintimacy.org). The site offers a self-test to help users determine whether they have become addicted. It offers a variety of essays ranging from singer Clay Crosse's testimony about his struggle with pornography to a help page for struggling Christian leaders. (According to the site, one out of seven calls to the ministry's Pastoral Care Line concerns pornography.) There is even a page to connect spouses of porn abusers with needed resources.

Ibid.

1 out of every 7 calls Focus on the Family receives concerns pornography? That is a lot of people within the Evangelical Christian community struggling with sexual integrity issues.

I do not want to be dismissive about the issue regarding pornography. It is a billion-dollar business. It is substantially proven to be associated with human trafficking. This is no light issue. However, to make a claim that Utah leads highest in porn consumption obfuscates the real fact that even within the Evangelical Christian community, many men and women struggle with pornography themselves.

Anybody, whether Protestant, Evangelical, or Latter-day Saint Christian is struggling with pornography, there are really good resources. Get connected with your local Bishop, clergy, pastor, and get connected with ministries like New Life, focus on the Family, Celebrate Recovery, or Addiction Recovery Program of the LDS Faith. A person struggling with pornography is struggling with deep rooted spiritual issues as well and is something that ought not to be used as a means to throw out a victim card.

Second, regarding the statement as to Utah being the highest in plastic surgery please take a moment and thoughtfully review this response: Question: Is the fact that Salt Lake City has many plastic surgeons indicative of Mormon vanity and concern with appearance? Again, we see a statement being presented as an attempt to lead viewers to believe information without any serious credible validation or source.

Third, as to the more important statement being presented to Truth in Love Ministry's viewers: Does Utah lead the highest in depression, suicide, and anti-depressant medications?

• Question: Is the suicide rate in Utah higher than the national average?
  • It is unfortunate that critics wish to trivialize a serious problem such as suicide—a leading cause of death in the United States—by using it as a club to beat a specific religion. They do this without any data implicating the Church, and much data which argues against the patients' religion as a causative factor."
  • Critics should avoid concluding that Utah data = Mormon data. This is often not true, and in this case the Mormon influence may be lowering Utah's suicide rates below those of its neighboring states.
  • If we follow the flawed logic of the critics, one is better off as an American by not being a Southern Baptist, since states in which they are the most common religion almost always have worse suicide rates than the nation as a whole. Clearly this logic is specious and ought to be rejected.
• Question: Is the rate of antidepressant use in Utah much higher among Mormons than the general population?
  • While Utah does have the highest rate of antidepressant use in the United States, there is no evidence that this is because of stress from the LDS lifestyle and culture. Credible research has shown that LDS women are actually more likely to identify themselves as "happy" than non-Mormon women. Religion generally (and the LDS religion specifically) has been repeatedly shown to be either beneficial or neutral for mental health and well-being.
  • Latter-day Saint Social life: Social Research on the LDS Church and Its Members

As we see, such statements being made, well regurgitated statements without supporting reasonable evidence that merits any credible validation and acknowledgement, is quite deceptive, manipulative, and intellectually dishonest. Such misleading tactics begins to unmask the subtle attitude and behavior of the presenter, Truth in Love Ministry as nothing more than a welcoming wolf in sheep's clothing that continues to perpetuate lies and slander. This per the evidence presented and accessible to review in light of their so-called perception that Mormons are victims.

The real victims are those who view this YouTube video and are not aware of such subtle and deceptive tactics being employed. That is the sad and unfortunate reality.

Finally, the very last statement is a false dilemma based on a false premise. This is summed up in the last statement: [Mormons] continued attempts to win God's love and acceptance indicate that they don't feel they have it.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides insights and wisdom from the leaders on ways to live a life that is fulfilling and enriching through the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ. The stress is placed on individual and family devotion to studying and applying the scriptures. Listening to messages from the Leaders, prayerfully seek our Heavenly Father's will continually, and strive to serve within our families, communities, and live out the principle truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

There is no direction, encouragement, or teaching that may lead one to conclude that Latter-day Saints are victims because they are being taught that they have to walk in obedience as a means to win our Heavenly Father's Love and acceptance. On the contrary, many who feel that they may not deserve or are worthy of our Heavenly Father's love and acceptance are guided to seek Him, prayerfully meditate upon the scriptures, and seek out and discuss their concerns with their teachers, family, friends and Bishop. If anything, there are just as many Evangelical and Protestant Christians who I have spoken with that have shared the same perception - that they feel they have had to win God's love and acceptance because they don't feel it. Does not mean that I consider them a victim and need rescuing. If anything, they need love, compassion, and empathy.

Misapplication of Scripture to Support False Assertions

Inevitably, counter-cult ministries bring up some scripture, or event in the ministry of Jesus Christ as a means to substantiate their claims, perception, and assertions. In the concluding remarks of the video, the presenter focuses on Christ and the harvest field:

Friends, before sending his disciples out into the harvest fields Jesus shared the lens through which he sees the lost. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them. Because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus' heart aches for every blood-bought soul who doesn't yet know his love.

Christ's love also compels us to see Mormons through his eyes. Remember that the next time you have a conversation with a Mormon. Picture someone who's drowning in exhaustion. Picture someone whose soul is in danger on their current path. Picture someone who is desperate to be loved by God. With that mindset, you will be positioned to then share the truth in love.

From what one may gather, Latter-day Saint Christians are to be seen as:

• Victims and not enemies
• Living up to unrealistic expectations as evidenced by so-called statistics
• Striving to seek God's love and approval and unable to attain it through a false sense of contingencies of walking in obedience for blessings
• Lost sheep who are exhausted, weakened, and in need of rescuing due to being victims of the teachings of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
• So much so to see "Mormons" as Christ sees them - as victims

What is quite sad and disappointing is how the presenter in the video appears to misapply Christ, his ministry, and the calling of the Twelve to go out and preach.

Yes, I do agree that Christ called his disciples to go out and preach. Not only did he call them to go out and preach, but he also called them to call all men unto repentance. To teach them all that He [Christ] commanded them, and to make them disciples. Such instruction is quite clear in the Great Commission. And there is nothing wrong with evangelism or missionary work.

What is appalling is attributing such a calling under the guise and premise of saying that Christ apparently views members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as victims who need rescuing. In fact, nowhere in the Gospel accounts of Christ's ministry do we find that Christ viewed those whom he ministered to as victims. He viewed them as needing compassion, love, healing, and service. Nowhere does one read where Christ may have inferred or hinted at the religious leaders as being victims either. What we do read is that the religious leaders were misled, hypocritical, proudful, arrogant, boastful, and lacking understanding of scripture and teachings. Yet nothing that may lead, even a casual observer, to conclude that such individuals were victims.

Reality of scripture is that Christ sees us as one of two ways: Lost, despondent, broken, suffering, and in need of healing, restoration, forgiveness, guidance, and restoration; or, growing spiritually, maturing, faithfully facing our challenges with courage, being of good cheer, and resilient in enduring to the end. Nothing involving a sense of being a victim.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not victims of a false religion or gospel. Neither are we an enemy to evangelical and protestant Christians. Much like many members of any faith-based community, we are striving to live according to the teachings and principle truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Striving to bring a message of hope to individuals struggling, facing uncertainty, questioning, and experiencing a crisis of faith.

Any real and true victim are those who are being misled by false information, misleading statements, and unsubstantiated claims that lack any credible authority and truth when examined fully.