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IS ZIONISM SOCIALISM THE NEW JERUSALEM WHEN RECENT REVELATIONS TRUST IN THE LORD PRAY CONTINUALLY HISTORY NOTES By President of Seventy, Nolan W. Glauner
AN ANOINTED PRIESTHOOD
Enemies of the Restoration Movement
have made accusations that those believing in the
Book of Mormon and latter day
Joseph Smith Jr., was truly a unique man. The church and work he brought forth can only be labeled by Jew and Gentile, bond or free, as the work of God or the work of the Devil it cannot be in any possible way the work of a man. So why do Latter Day Saints believe that he was called of God with a mission to accomplish much restoration for the chosen children of God? As the old folk saying goes, “the proof is in the pudding.” “. . . And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself, shall not stand. And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?” Matthew 12:21 It is also written. . . "I say unto you, that whatsoever is good, cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil, cometh from the devil; Therefore, if a man bringeth forth good works, he hearkeneth unto the voice of the good shepherd; and he doth follow him; But whosoever bringeth forth evil works, the same becometh a child of the devil; for he hearkeneth unto his voice, and doth follow him.” Alma 3:67- 69 Joseph was anointed to perform all that the Lord gave him and finished his work and it was a glorious work filled with wonderful glory along with persecutions against his work by the Devil. Some would say that he fulfilled the predicted prophecy of the ancient Jews who proclaimed that before the last day a man who was anointed of the house of Joseph would do great things and this anointed person would start the work of the gathering of Israel and the re-establishment of the ten tribes of Israel to their inheritances. The ancient Jews called this man from the tribe of Joseph, “The Messiah Ben [son of] Joseph. We as a people do not have any trouble thinking of the anointing of kings Saul and David by Samuel the prophet, or the Holy Oil anointing of the priesthood under the leadership of Moses, but it seems that it is just to outlandish to think of a more modern man of God that did the things that Joseph Smith Jr., did to be considered anointed of the Lord for a special purpose. If we truly believe the Holy Scriptures we will realize that all priesthood, the sons of Moses [Melchisedek] and sons of Aaron should receive this Holy Oil [consecrating] anointing.
Definition; MESSIAH: “A messiah is a saviour or liberator of a people in the Abrahamic religions. In the Hebrew Bible a messiah (or mashiach) is a king or High Priest traditionally anointed with holy anointing oil.[1] However, messiahs were not exclusively Jewish kings, as the Hebrew Bible refers to Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, as a messiah, for his decree to rebuild the Jerusalem Temple. The Jewish messiah is a leader anointed by God, physically descended from the Davidic line, who will rule the united tribes of Israel [2] and herald the Messianic Age [3] of global peace also known as the World to Come.”
Jewish Rabbis have written about two major Messiah’s that were to make their appearance, the Messiah Ben Judah, [son of David], and the Messiah Ben Joseph [of the tribe of Joseph] and that each will have a very different mission or purpose in the world. Much has been written containing the amazing similarities between the prophetic mission of the messiah ben Joseph and the life and ministry of the prophet Joseph Smith Jr. Joseph Smith was a Major General in the Nauvoo Legion [Militia], recognized by the Government of the United States. It was stated that at one time he held the highest military rank in America. He claimed a divine mission appointed of God to restore what was lost on earth to the church of Jesus Christ and his kingdom. He was instrumental in re-organizing the scattered people of God and setting the church into order. One of the stated goals of the church was to gather the scattered tribes of Israel. Patriarchs in the founding church would give the tribal linage for the member in their patriarchal blessings. Joseph was instrumental in building two temples commanded of God; one in Kirtland, Ohio and one at Nauvoo, Illinois. He was murdered in his battle against evil forces that were hell bent to destroy him. He did not die before completing the work the Lord gave him. From the Encyclopedia Judaia we read: “…According to the Talmud, the Messiah will be a descendant of the house of David and will be preceded by a secondary Messiah from the house of Joseph. When the Chief Rabbi, Avraham Hakohen Kook, was appointed in Palestine in the 1920’s, he was asked if the Jews could now build the temple (destroyed since year 70 A.D.). His response was that the priestly rights were gone and referred to the great 12th century Rabbi Moses Maimonides. Maimonides said, in effect, ‘we are waiting for a Messiah Ben Joseph, to him will be given the keys to the gathering of Israel, He will restore temple worship.” From the Jewish Encyclopedia which is now a part of the public domain:
“Finally, there must be mentioned a Messianic figure peculiar to the rabbinical apocalyptic literature—that of Messiah ben Joseph. The earliest mention of him is in Suk. 52a, b, where three statements occur in regard to him, for the first of which R. Dosa (c. 250) is given as authority. In the last of these statements only his name is mentioned, but the first two speak of the fate which he is to meet, namely, to fall in battle (as if alluding to a well-known tradition). Details about him are not found until much later, but he has an established place in the apocalypses of later centuries and in the midrash literature—in Saadia's description of the future ("Emunot we-De'ot," ch. viii.) and in that of Hai Gaon ("Ṭa'am Zeḳenim," p. 59). According to these, Messiah b. Joseph will appear prior to the coming of Messiah b. David; he will gather the children of Israel around him, march to Jerusalem, and there, after overcoming the hostile powers, reestablish the Temple-worship and set up his own dominion. Thereupon Armilus, according to one group of sources, or Gog and Magog, according to the other, will appear with their hosts before Jerusalem, wage war against Messiah b. Joseph, and slay him. His corpse, according to one group, will lie unburied in the streets of Jerusalem; according to the other, it will be hidden by the angels with the bodies of the Patriarchs, until Messiah b. David comes and resurrects him (comp. Jew. Encyc. i. 682, 684 [§§ 8 and 13]; comp. also Midr. Wayosha' and Agadat ha-Mashiaḥ in Jellinek, "B. H." i. 55 et seq., iii. 141 et seq.). When and how this Messiah-conception originated is a question that has not yet been answered satisfactorily. It is not possible to consider Messiah b. Joseph the Messiah of the Ten Tribes. He is nowhere represented as such; though twice it is mentioned that a part of the Ten Tribes will be found among those who will gather about his standard.” *Messiah ben David reference is according to our belief the second coming of Christ.” The above was written by Jews and no doubt their opinions were influenced by their ridged teachings. These teachings also caused them to miss the significance of the first coming of their Messiah. the mission of Joseph Smith: Lehi’s dying prophecy over his son Joseph “. . .Joseph [of Egypt] truly saw our day. And he obtained a promise of the Lord, that out of the fruit of his loins, the Lord God would raise up a righteous branch unto the house of Israel; Not the Messiah, but a branch which was to be broken off; nevertheless, to be remembered in the covenants of the Lord, That the Messiah should be made manifest unto them in the latter days, in the spirit of power, unto the bringing of them out of darkness unto light; yea, out of hidden darkness and out of captivity unto freedom. For Joseph truly testified, saying: A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins. Yea, Joseph truly said, Thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins . . . And unto him will I give commandment, that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers. . . And he shall be great like unto Moses, whom I have said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of Israel. And Moses will I raise up, to deliver thy people out of the land of Egypt. But a seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and unto him will I give power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy loins. . .And his name shall be called [Joseph] after me; and it shall be after the name of his father. And he shall be like unto me; for the thing which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation;” 2 Nephi 2: 6- 30
6 April 1830 “Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou [Joseph] shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ, Being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most holy faith; which church was organized and established, in the year of your Lord eighteen hundred and thirty, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month, which is called April.” D&C 19: 1a- 1c “Listen to the voice of him who speaketh, to the word of the Lord your God, and hearken to the calling wherewith you are called, even to be a high priest in my church, and a counselor unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Jr., unto whom I have given the keys of the kingdom, which belongeth always unto the Presidency of the high priesthood;” D&C 80:1b, c “And again, verily I say unto you, my friends, A commandment I give unto you, that ye shall commence a work of laying out and preparing a beginning and foundation of the city of the stake of Zion, here in the land of Kirtland, beginning at my house; [house of the Lord] and, behold, it must be done according to the pattern which I have given unto you.” D&C 91:1a “And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them that they may minister unto me in the priest's office. And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, This shall be a holy anointing oil unto me throughout your generations. ” Exodus 30:30, 31 “. . .and the sons of Moses and of Aaron shall be filled with the glory of the Lord upon Mount Zion in the Lord's house, whose sons are ye; and also many whom I have called and sent forth to build up my church;” D&C 83:6b
Jesus was anointed with holy oil “. . .therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” Hebrews 1:8, 9 Consecrated oil represents the Spirit of God. All of our priesthood should, when ordained as Aaron was ordained, be anointed [consecrated] with Holy Oil! §§
Isn’t the church of Christ supposed to be socialist in its nature? What about Christ’s message to give all you have to the poor and follow him? What about the message in the Doctrine and Covenants that says that we should have equality in all material things? Sounds kind of like socialism to me! “. . . A certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While it remained [as thy possession], was it not thine own; and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power [to retain the proceeds?]; why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God? And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost; and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.” Acts 5:1- 9 The fatal sin that Ananias and Sapphira committed was not the sin of not giving, but of lying and conspiring to lie about the transaction. They were not required to give the proceeds of the sale of their property to the church. Evidently they had made a pledge to give the total proceeds of the sale and then withheld a part attempting to swindle the church out of what they had pledged. They did not realize that they were lying to God not man. While they thought they could get away with it God judged them and took their lives. The following was given as a commandment of God for; . . . the inhabitants of Zion The Zionic law of total consecration “. . . as they receive more than is needful for their necessities and their wants, it shall be given into my storehouse, and the benefits shall be consecrated unto the inhabitants of Zion and unto their generations, inasmuch as they become heirs according to the laws of the kingdom. Behold, this is what the Lord requires of every man in his stewardship, even as I, the Lord, have appointed, or shall hereafter appoint unto any man. And behold, none are exempt from this law who belong to the church of the living God; yea, neither the bishop, neither the agent, who keepeth the Lord's storehouse; neither he who is appointed in a stewardship over temporal things; he who is appointed to administer spiritual things, the same is worthy of his hire, even as those who are appointed to a stewardship, to administer in temporal things; yea, even more abundantly, which abundance is multiplied unto them through the manifestations of the Spirit; nevertheless, in your temporal things you shall be equal, and this not grudgingly, otherwise the abundance of the manifestations of the Spirit shall be withheld.” D&C 70:2b- 3d BUT WAIT A MINUTE! If we give everything we have to the poor we will become poor also, who will take care of us in our poverty? And who is to determine what constitutes the poor- Is it the church, the bishop, the Zionic stake - Is it the individual? Just as all legislation within the church is accepted by common consent, so we also have to agree to what we give to the church whither it conforms to a celestial law or a lesser law. The key to understanding this seemingly contradiction is, ‘inasmuch as they become heirs according to the laws of the kingdom’. When we inter into the kingdom environment, we must conform to a Celestial law, not a terrestrial one. “For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom, cannot abide a celestial glory; and he who cannot abide the law of a terrestrial kingdom, cannot abide a terrestrial glory; he who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom, cannot abide a telestial glory: therefore, he is not meet for a kingdom of glory.” D&C 85:5b Actually seeking riches is not sinful if they are sought by righteous people and for a good purpose. “But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ, ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them, for the intent to do good; to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick, and the afflicted.” BoM Jacob 2:23, 24 It appears that God does not condemn the righteous rich if the riches are obtained by honest means and are used for good purposes. The Doctrine and Covenants clarifies that there is a different law for those who are in the kingdom [the church triumphant] and those who are still living in the world [the church militant] environment. Now we can ask, what is this about two separate laws and two different categories of members and priesthood within the overall church? Yes there must be two designations that describe the two different functions of the general church as the church militant and the church triumphant. The church militant is the calling of the general church and priesthood who fight against error and corruption until the church is victorious and the kingdom organization can take place. Until we are able to enter into the kingdom environment we remain in the world and it is our duty to witness to our neighbors of the fullness of the gospel and the kingdom. Those entering into the kingdom enter into the covenant of a celestial law and to live their lives in harmony with this higher law. So far we have fallen short of the celestial glory of God. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23 We should also be aware that Presidents, Apostles, High Counselors, Seventies and Bishops wear two hats. One of these hats they wear in the church militant. They go out into the world and mix with worldly people in order to draw them to repentance and the covenant so that they might be saved with the house of our God, the house of Israel. The other hat is worn by those holding like offices in the church triumphant. This is the church gathered and organized into the holy sanctuaries, stakes and eventually into the Holy City New Jerusalem. Each hat carries a great amount of responsibility for those wearing them. The church militant rounds up the new converts and cause them to gather into the church triumphant where they can become polished jewels in the kingdom of our Lord. “Behold, I say unto you, Were it not for the transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the church and not individuals, they might have been redeemed even now; but, behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I require at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their substance, as becometh Saints, to the poor and afflicted among them, and are not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom; and Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom, otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself;” D&C 102:2a- c “Therefore, it [the earth] must needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial glory; for after it hath filled the measure of its creation, it shall be crowned with glory, even with the presence of God the Father; that bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it for ever and ever; for, for this intent was it made and created; and for this intent are they sanctified.” D&C 85:4c, d “For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom, cannot abide a celestial glory; and he who cannot abide the law of a terrestrial kingdom, cannot abide a terrestrial glory; he who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom, cannot abide a telestial glory: therefore, he is not meet for a kingdom of glory.” D&C 85:5b Our probationary period upon this earth is a critical time for us to realize that we are conforming to a higher or lesser law of God. We are also informed that if we quickened [made alive] by even a portion of the celestial law, we will then receive a fullness. It is by that law that we are quickened by that will determine our glory: “Ye who are quickened by a portion of the celestial glory, shall then receive of the same, even a fullness; and they who are quickened by a portion of the terrestrial glory, shall then receive of the same, even a fullness: and also they who are quickened by a portion of the telestial glory, shall then receive of the same, even a fullness:” D&C 85:6d- f “Verily I say unto you, that it is my will that an house should be built unto me in the land of Zion, like unto the pattern which I have given you; yea, let it be built speedily by the tithing of my people: behold, this is the tithing and the sacrifice which I, the Lord, require at their hands, that there may be an house built unto me for the salvation of Zion; for a place of thanksgiving, for all Saints, and for a place of instruction for all those who are called to the work of the ministry, in all their several callings, and offices; that they may be perfected in the understanding of their ministry; in theory; in principle and in doctrine; in all things pertaining to the kingdom of God on the earth, the keys of which kingdom have been conferred upon you. And inasmuch as my people build an house unto me, in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it;” D&C 94:3a- 4a “And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them; and Enoch continued his preaching in righteousness unto the people of God.” D&C 36:2h, I The promise still stands for those who overcome! “Fear not, little flock, the kingdom is yours until I come. Behold, I come quickly, even so. Amen.” D&C 34:6d §§
How do we face that complex future into which each one of us is inevitably being propelled? I am often at loss to know what can be done for a broken and dysfunctional world. Oh I know that many are completely satisfied with their lives and the way the world is functioning now, but can they be sure that they have not just been conditioned to accept the path of least resistance while ignoring the terrible crimes, wars, and lack of virtue that has become accepted in our failing society? Even if we recognize the dysfunctional aspects around us is there really anything we can do about it? Are we so helpless now that everything seems to go well if we just walk the maze while not bumping into any walls, in other words just not going against anything that is called popularity or the modern trend? Do you think the solution to this dysfunction is to pray, go to church, say hello to our neighbor when we see them in their yard? Should this be sufficient to fulfill our requirements for the gifts and talents our gracious God has given to us? I served twenty years in the U.S. Air Force and in my later career years I would often have some young airman come to me all dejected and discouraged. He would sometime use some pretty bad language to describe his thoughts about the Air Force. I would remind him that if the Air Force was so terrible so was he as he was the Air Force. Of course I did this to attempt to get him to realize that it is the individual that makes up the organization and I would contend that this is true, whither Air Force, Church, or the Kingdom of God. My title “The New Jerusalem; When” should make each of us think. Do we have any personal responsibility for its coming forth? God gave mankind dominion over all the earth along with all things on it so that kind of makes what is done on earth our responsibility does it not? I am convinced that God wants us to exercise that dominion and up until now we have been doing a pretty bad job of it. Could it be that the answer to our failed society is not just more and fuller churches, but the full implementation of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ? Our society has failed in our efforts to bring peace and brotherly love to our people and in turn be an example to the world. I believe the only answer to our failed society is for us to create a true, and successful society. This cannot be accomplished solely by relying on the imagination and efforts of man of what this society shall consist. The society I am talking about is that society that God has identified to us as ‘His people and His priesthood’, and who were given the laws and keys to accomplish a society of virtue and righteousness as father Enoch was able to do in his day. What do I mean when writing about a full implementation? Joseph Smith was given the law at Kirtland, Ohio, and this law is contained in the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants. He was also given, along with the presidency of the church the keys of the kingdom. These keys were the power from on high to bring into existence a totally new society, a society which was to be built upon the laws and pattern given to us in the Doctrine and Covenants. The beginning nucleus of this society is described as the individual stake with its full complement of priesthood and members building and living on land that is dedicated to Holiness, being sanctified by the Lord. These stakes, [Holy Sanctuaries] of the Lord were meant to expand in number until they someday fill the whole earth. Since stakes are Holy Sanctuaries, only those seeking sanctification through the blood of Christ are allowed to enter and live. Sanctification [to make God’s people holy] was a primary effort and goals since the church was restored by Joseph Smith. The process was amplified after the Kirtland Temple was dedicated. From the book “The Teachings of Joseph Smith” Page: 178-179 Prayer,
Dedication Prayer for the Lord's House in Kirtland Ohio March 27, 1836. By Joseph Smith, Jr., President of the Church of the Latter Day Saints. “O Jehovah, have mercy upon this people, and as all men sin, forgive the transgressions of thy people, and let them be blotted out forever. Let the anointing of thy ministers be sealed upon them with power from on high: let it be fulfilled upon them as upon those on the day of Pentecost: let the gift of tongues be poured out upon thy people, even cloven tongues as of fire, and the interpretation thereof. And let thy house be filled, as with a rushing mighty wind, with thy glory. Put upon thy servants the testimony of the covenant that where they go out and proclaim thy word, they may seal up the law, and prepare the hearts of thy saints for all those judgments thou art about to send, in thy wrath, upon the inhabitants of the earth because of their transgressions, that thy people may not faint in the day of trouble. And whatever city thy servants shall enter, and the people of that city receive their testimony let thy peace and thy salvation be upon that city, that they may gather out from that city the righteous, that they may come forth to Zion, or to her stakes, the places of thine appointment, with songs of everlasting joy, and until this be accomplished let not thy judgments fall upon that city.” Color coding and underline; By the editor. Joseph was desirous to sanctify the priesthood and saints at Kirtland. He and the various quorums of priesthood performed washings and anointing’s in the Kirtland Temple. This practice was criticized by the R.L.D.S. Church. Introduction to the R.L.D.S. Doctrine and Covenants Section107: “ . . . It will be noted that several paragraphs are devoted to references to such practices as "washings," "anointing’s," and "memorials for your sacrifices" and matters which "have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world" (paragraphs 10, 11, 12, 13). Concerning such esoteric practices the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints declared as early as April 9, 1886, that "we know of no temple building, except as edifices wherein to worship God, and no endowment except the endowment of the Holy Spirit of the kind experienced by the early saints on Pentecost Day." In New Testament times there were purification [sanctification] rites for someone who should prepare to enter the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The Apostle Paul adhered to these requirements before entering into the Sanctuary. “Then Paul took the [4] men, and the next day purifying [sanctifying] himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.” Acts 21:26 [SANCTIFY: Strong's number: 6942- Hebrew: qadash Pronunciation: kaw-dash' a primitive root; to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally): --appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy (-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify (-ied one, self)] We were provided with salvation through baptisms and made holy [sanctified] by the blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit of God. Only when a person has entered into the covenant are they allowed to partake of the bread and wine that represents the body and blood of the Christ. Likewise the covenant people of God who choose to enter into a Holy Sanctuary, the Temple of God or a stake of Zion, need to make personal preparations for entering. The grounds upon which the stake will be dedicated, consecrated, and blessed for the dwelling place for the Saints of the Most High; “. . . Jesus said unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head.” Luke 9: 58 Jesus proclaimed that there was not a place on earth that he could call his own where he could lay his head, for there was not a place that remained sanctified for the Son of God. We know that God or His Spirit cannot dwell in unholy temples and each citizen of Zion represents as the Apostle Paul stated, a temple of God. There have been many attempts of well-meaning priesthood members and Saints who tried to start Zionic communities, but failed to get the results they desired. “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Psalms 127: 1 The stakes of Zion [designated by the presidency of the church] must be built on the pattern given of the Lord or they will fail. The RLDS Church failed to see the importance of this fact. Joseph Smith III, as president of the high priesthood at Lamoni, Iowa [even though they called Lamoni a stake] when the saints at Lamoni wanted to organize into a stake, said that the saints should not attempt to gather into stake organizations, but instead should loosely gather in the areas round about. This effectually stopped the progress and ability to build up the kingdom of Christ within the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Utah Church followed God’s pattern to an extent, but when Brigham took a faction of the church to the Great Basin all that went with him were church members and when they established towns and stakes all were Mormons. But when the secular populations moved into Utah the church did not segregate out the stakes from the towns or cities. I believe both factions, the RLDS and the LDS failed to accomplish what God wanted and commanded under Joseph Smith Jr. Jesus commanded us; “. . . Seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:38 Have we done this? I think not! But let me emphasize, The Kingdom, Zion and her stakes in some degree and form will be built prior to the return of our Lord. Inspired Holy Scriptures and God’s words through his latter day prophet Joseph Smith Jr., furnishes us with a sequence of these end time events. “. . . righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out my own elect from the four quarters of the earth unto a place which I shall prepare; a holy city, that my people may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the time of my coming; for there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem.” D&C 36:12f- g “. . . I have decreed that your brethren, which have been scattered, shall return to the land of their inheritances and build up the waste places of Zion; for after much tribulation, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, cometh the blessing. Behold, this is the blessing which I have promised after your tribulations, and the tribulations of your brethren; your redemption, and the redemption of your brethren; even their restoration to the land of Zion, to be established, no more to be thrown down; nevertheless, if they pollute their inheritances, they shall be thrown down; for I will not spare them if they pollute their inheritances. Behold, I say unto you, The redemption of Zion must needs come by power; therefore I will raise up unto my people a man, who shall lead them like as Moses led the children of Israel, for ye are the children of Israel, and of the seed of Abraham; and ye must needs be led out of bondage by power, and with a stretched out arm; and as your fathers were led at the first, even so shall the redemption of Zion be. Therefore, let not your hearts faint, for I say not unto you as I said unto your fathers, Mine angel shall go up before you, but not my presence; but I say unto you, Mine angels shall go before you, and also my presence, and in time ye shall possess the goodly land.” D&C 100:3a-3f I’m not sure just what it will take for the saints to begin to respond to the many promises and warnings they have received. The lesson may have to be learned by the things which they suffer. “But, behold, I say unto you, that before this great day shall come [coming of the Lord], the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall be turned into blood, and the stars shall fall from heaven; and there shall be greater signs in heaven above, and in the earth beneath; and there shall be weeping and wailing among the hosts of men; and there shall be a great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of the earth;” D&C 28:4a, b It is hard to imagine the chaos throughout the world as the result of such a great hailstorm and note that it says that it shall destroy the crops of the earth, meaning that it will come when our crops are in the field but not gathered. Our grocery store shelves will swiftly become bare [in two or three days] and without any food to replace it. When people get hungry they will go to any extremes to find food. Roving bands of city dwellers will roam the countryside pillaging food from private homes and any remaining resources. Farm animals will not be spared. Sequence of events: 1. Truth will come forth from out of the earth [Book of Mormon] and this truth [containing the fullness of the gospel] will sweep the earth as a flood. 2. This truth will gather Gods elect family [House of Jacob] from the four quarters of the earth. 3. They will be gathered to a place that God shall prepare a holy city. 4. The holy city shall be called the New Jerusalem, Zion. 5. From this holy city the elect family will gird up their loins [prepare] and look forward to the coming of the Lord. 6. That the city of Enoch will come down out of Heaven to join Zion in a great reunion. 7. The earth shall rest for a thousand years with Satan being bound and not able to tempt mankind. The Restoration must come together in some capacity of agreement upon the essentials that God has given. We must bring about those resources and conditions necessary to build up stakes and this holy city unto the Lord that we may look forward and be prepared for his coming. It seem to follow that If Muslims and Muslim Leaders including Louis Farrakhan have a right to organize “The Nation of Islam” within the boundaries and borders of the United States of America, then we as latter day saints with equal rights under the same laws have the right to organize “The Nation of Zion” when that time comes and be within our lawful rights! From the Diary of the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr., Page 181 “We ask thee to appoint unto Zion other stakes besides this one, which thou hast appointed, that the gathering of thy people may roll on in great power and majesty, that thy work may be cut short in righteousness.” From the Times and Seasons, Vol.2, Page 424 “One thing, however, is certain, that Zion shall be established, her foundations shall be laid, her beauty shall astonish the world, and she become the glory of the whole earth. These things are decreed by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and he hath declared, that Heaven and earth may pass away, but not one jot or tittle of his word shall fall to the ground. Knowing then, that the work of the Lord is propelled by Almighty power, the saints can rest satisfied, under all circumstances, that it will roll froth with power and energy, that shall comport with the purposes of Jehovah.” The New Jerusalem will only be built when enough of God’s people are willing to leave worldly pursuits and have the desire to enter into the New Covenant focusing upon the most important project given us by our God, to build up the kingdom of Jesus Christ and establish his righteousness. And when they do, stakes shall radiate out from the Center Place into all the land and peace shall overflow and resources will be forthcoming for the building up of the Holy City, The New Jerusalem. We know that these events shall happen for God has declared it so therefore . . . “Pray unto the Lord; call upon his holy name; make known his wonderful works among the people, call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth; that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth; wherefore, may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come, that thou, O God, may be glorified in heaven, so on earth, that thy enemies may be subdued; for thine is the honor, power, and glory, for ever and ever. Amen.” D&C 65:1d- f N.W.G. §§
Buckner Missouri Received By Seventy Nolan W. Glauner 23 November Number 304
2. My treasures are in my hand to bestow upon all who love me and seek my face. 3. My treasures are beyond silver and gold. 4.That which I desire to give you is an inheritance in eternity, a gift that only I can give and one that shall never be diminished. 5. Gold, silver and other precious objects shall slip through your hands but none can rob you of your eternal inheritance if you are one who hears my voice and opens unto me. 6. You have longed for riches secretly, for you know that I have called upon you for greater purposes than to accumulate riches. 7. Seek not those riches that proceedeth out of the ground, but seek that which cometh from above. 8. That which is of the earth is earthly and that which is Heavenly cometh from the realms of glory. 9. Seek the treasures of my Celestial law, for in it my holy ones dwell and bask in my glory. 10. Ask of me, saith your Creator, and I shall give you the bright and morning star. 11. All things are mine to give, for they have been created by my hand. 12. Ask of me and I will guide you to treasures of righteousness and they shall school you in eternal principles. 13. Seek me and I shall convert your souls and place upon you a cloak of immortality, a robe of light, which shall contain the righteous power of your God. 14. I long to give you robes of light and empower you with my Spirit, for all who covenant with me according to the commandment which has gone forth are my Sons and Daughters, and are children of light. 15. Open the door and accept your inheritance. 16. I will teach you all things necessary for the conversion of your souls. 17. Open the door and I will teach you the highest law of Heaven. 18. Though your riches are not lasting that are taken from the earth, even so I have brought out of Heaven righteousness and offered it unto you and I have brought my truth which was buried from in the earth for a special purpose in me and to fulfill prophecy. 19. Embrace my truth and take my Spirit for your guide into all truth and I shall reward the righteous with great and eternal joy and glory. 20. Open unto me, my children for I long to bless you as only a loving Father can bless. 21. Keep my commandments until I come and Lo, I come quickly. Amen
Received 7 December, 2012 Number 305
1. I have emboldened you to make a stand for that which is right. 2. The easy path is a path that contends not and which receives no reward. 3. I would admonish you to choose that which is right even though it may be much more difficult to walk and may bring you pain. 4. My Beloved Son did not vary from the path he walked for he knew that I would crown him with glory for the great work he performed for the world. 5. I have admonished my children to store up good works worthy of my acceptation, for in good works you show forth and express your gratitude for the gifts and talents that I have given unto you. 6. Labor to bring forth your gifts, for in the expression of your gifts you store up treasures in Heaven. 7. My children, I desire that which is good for you, that which will assist your journey through life. 8. Look upon your life as my greatest gift unto you and the gift of eternal life as a fullness of joy. 9. In this life I have allotted you, you will have tribulations, but they will be limited to that which you can bear if you come to me for strength and guidance. 10. I have given you my law to guide your life in an acceptable way and I give you my counsel to gird up your strength in the way my law requires. 11. Keep my law and heed my counsel. 12. I bring my children along a path that shall lead them into my Kingdom. 13. Along that path my children will at times need to seek my guidance therefore I have counseled to ask, knock, and seek. 14. I will heed the call of my faithful children who are struggling to follow me and my commandments. 15. Part of your requirements on this path is to overcome those temptations that shall confront you. 16. Draw close to me and call upon me in your times of temptation and I will empower you to reject those enticements that you be not overtaken in sin. 17. I call upon each of my children to face the challenge to embrace righteousness and refuse to fall into temptation along the pathway I have laid out before you. 18. A father delights in his children when they learn to walk, when they learn to talk, when they grow strong and healthy. 19. I, as your Father delight in you when you overcome and walk in a straight and upright manner. Amen
Received 10, January, 2013 Number 307
1. I approached my Lord and asked him, what will it take Jacob to awaken him? 2. How shall the Holy City be built? 3. Where are the laborers and where are the means? 4. My Lord called upon me and said, Jacob is behaving like a small child and would sleep on, but I am not pleased with his ignoring those things that are going on around him. 5. I shall awaken him to full attention with a shout, for his time to slumber is past and the full time for him to take up his manhood is upon him. 6. I have called upon my son Jacob when I surnamed him Israel, to be my special family, a family that is different from all other families I have brought forth. 7. My son can no longer play the role of a child, but must start forth, not only as a man but as a mighty man. 8. The sons of Jacob shall build my Holy City and the Holy One of Israel King over all. 9. Hear me, O sons of Jacob, that multitude that I have brought forth as my special family. 10. I have been a Father to you and as a Father I shall instruct and chastise you. 11. If you reject my instruction or my chastisement I shall cast you out of my family and you shall become a beggar upon the earth. 12. I have called you to greater things. 14. Rally my people that a generation may rise up that will value my city, my kingdom, and the King of Kings. 15. Teach my people that a sanctified generation will build my city and none else. 16. My holy generation shall not covet that which I provide, but will willingly share and give of their substance for the building of my kingdom. 17. A people with great desire shall build up my city and kingdom. 18. When my children desire my city and kingdom, over and more than their comfort, and the things of this world they shall be ready. 19. All things that I have proclaimed shall come to pass, but it is up to my children to decide when they shall value me, my city and my kingdom more that the enticements of the world. 20. Your spiritual condition my, sons and daughters, will determine when Zion shall come. Amen †
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prophecy
have elevated Joseph Smith Jr., to a level equal to that of our
Savior, Jesus Christ. I want to make myself perfectly clear that I
do not believe this and I do not know of anyone in the restoration
who does. I think that any true Christian would agree that no human
could possibly claim that perfection of our Lord and Savior. Having
said that, I would like to address the subject of the ‘
1.
I stand at the door waiting, will you open unto me?
S