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CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST RESTORED 1830 |
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By Nolan W. Glauner Alvin Toffler in his book, FUTURE SHOCK, uses the term over-choice to describe the fact that instead of living in a world of conformity and diminishing choices, it is just the opposite. We are confronted more and more with not to few choices but too many. He provides as an example the many choices a modern super market will offer with a comparison of the traditional Mom and Pop corner market. He also illustrates the many different choices we are confronted with when we shop for an automobile. We have to decide what make and model along with specific features within a particular model. Toffler indicates that this type of complexity has become typical of our modern way of life with its ever expanding choices. The difficulty in making these choices that are available to us can create a lot of conflict. What he is proposing, if I understand him correctly, is that as the world gets more and more complex, we feel compelled to simplify our lives by choosing a particular [canned type] life-style model that will make our decisions easier based upon the pattern of the cultural group that we choose to identify with. This process makes it simpler by allowing us to narrow our choices in conformity with the standards we accept of a particular sub-culture. Don’t let the term sub-culture or sub-cult throw you. Cult is a term used to differentiate a particular cultural group and is not supposed to carry a negative connotation. Examples of sub-cults, are the hippie, the motorcycle gang member, the executive corps, etc. He points out that each of these sub-cults have certain ways of dressing and acting that go with their particular group. Toffler indicates that our expanding knowledge and experience allows more life-styles or sub-cults. He says once we espouse a particular sub-cult, we build our life style around it. It effects our choice of the neighborhood we live in, the way we dress, the automobile we drive and the group or groups we associate with etc. How does all this square with that person that accepts a life-style that is formed, or should I say is transformed, by the teachings and the covenant of Christ? Truth is, it does not square at all! The Apostle Paul said, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus;” Philippians 2:5 When Jesus was confronted by those who accused him of casting out devils through Beelzebub he said unto them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided cannot stand, but falleth.” Luke 11:18 Do you remember the old saying that is used in military tactics, “Divide and conquer”? If we who are followers of the Christ “life-style” make the total decision to conform to this life-style, we cannot be torn by the many choices that are amply available to the world. God has warned us when he talked about Babylon the great, the harlot, saying, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelations 18:4 The name Babylon stands for confusion and was the place of the confusion of languages. The God of perfection has shown us the perfect way to obtain a part in his kingdom and become sanctified humans and immortal sons and daughters of the most high King. He has instructed us in the way of righteousness through donning the armor of his commandments and taught us that no alternative life-style can substitute for his truth. Those who become caught up in worldly life-styles are prone to take part in these unending and unfulfilling choices causing them to experience the confusion that exists in Babylon the Great.. “Repent, therefore, and enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be who go in thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:22-23 When we become a part of the worldly sub-cultures we often do it with the reservation that if we find something that we do not like, we can shift to another sub-culture. If we accept the man-made values of the various sub-cults, we will continually be disillusioned. “Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.” 2 Nephi 12:39 Once we accept the Christ-like life-style we put our shoulder to the plow and cannot nor dare we go back to the former life-styles. Lifestyles which the world offers whose ways are destruction, we must remain separate from the ways of a world that shall soon be changed into the Kingdom of our God and his Anointed. “Thus saith the Lord, concerning all those who know my power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves, through the power of the Devil, to be overcome, and to deny the truth, and defy my power; they are they who are the sons of perdition, of whom I say it had been better for them never to have been born; for they are vessels of wrath, doomed to suffer the wrath of God, with the Devil and his angels, in eternity, concerning whom I have said there is no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come; having denied the Holy Spirit, after having received it, and having denied the only begotten Son of the Father; having crucified him unto themselves, and put him to an open shame:” D&C 76:4a-4d Lip service to our Father who is in Heaven will not suffice. It is what we do that is ultimately important for all shall be judged from the least to the greatest according to the works we perform. “Verily I say unto you, it is not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, that shall enter unto the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:30, Ultimately there is only one life style that is acceptable to our Lord and that is the life that is patterned after the life that he, through his love and compassion, laid down for us. For truly he is our example and it is his kingdom that we should seek to establish in power and righteousness, that righteousness might dwell in the earth. Then those on earth can be brought to understand and live by the Celestial law of the kingdom, that God’s will be performed here. This life style does not diminish our lives by any means, but rather fulfills them. We are commanded to utilize all the beautiful gifts and talents that were given us in the cause and for the purposes of Zion. Then the whole world shall benefit from Gods eternal plan for mankind. q
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By Nolan W. Glauner While driving through Alabama and Georgia on our way to Florida in February, my wife and I had the opportunity to enter into various conversations with people along the way. Often the conversation would center upon religion. What a wonderful belief in Christ many of them expressed One such encounter was at a motel in Columbus, Mississippi where we met and talked with a very gracious black lady (motel manager) who had a very good comprehension of the scriptures and was married to a deacon, whom I assumed was of the Baptist faith. I had to marvel at her ability and understanding of the scriptures. Another young woman was pulled into our discussion, (who was originally from Seoul Korea) who also had a very comprehensive grasp of scripture and able to quote quite accurately from the Bible. One thing I noticed in our conversation, however was that the woman from Korea quoted the text a little differently from what I was used to reading in our Inspired Version of the Bible. The changes in wording sometimes gave quite a different meaning from what I was familiar with. This caused me to question in my own mind how and why had these differences occurred in translation. My grandson, who is a priest in the church, has been spending quite a lot of time studying the scripture these days. He was reading in the new Three In One volume of scripture he received when he was ordained and he came across something that was very interesting to me. He mentioned that in the introduction to the Book of Mormon that the wording and punctuation of the newer version was changed to make the book more readable. If I remember my history correctly, when Joseph was translating the Book of Mormon he did so by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. History related that he would bury his face in a hat that, I assume was one of those high top hats of his time, and would look into the hat where it was dark. The sentences that were to be translated would appear printed in light in the bottom of the hat. He would read them to his scribe and his scribe would record his words. The scribe would then read the words back to Joseph, and if they were correct, new words would appear, and if they were written down incorrectly, then they would remain until written correctly. To my understanding this would render the most perfect translation attainable through the mind and will of God. My question is how could the MIND OR WILL OF MAN improve upon this translation? One of the arguments of the two ladies I met on my trip was that we couldn’t really understand the meaning of all that was written in the Bible. I attempted to explain my understanding of this problem and said that I believed that our God fully understood our limitations of understanding when he gave the scriptures to our prophets and apostles and that I believe that he meant for us to understand every word and every phrase that he caused to be written for our benefit. My logic would ask the question, why else were they written? Our God is all wise and all knowing and we are told, is no respecter of persons so I cannot believe that he caused the scriptures to be written for just a few of the most learned of our society. I was able to witness and hand out copies of the previous two additions of the Green Olive Branch for their consideration. What impressed me most about our trip were the many churches that we passed and the obvious religious nature of the citizens of the Deep South. The night before my conversation with the two ladies I was watching the television news and a man had been indicted on numerable charges of fraud for bilking several churches out of their tithes and offerings. He had promised these black pastors that if they would show good faith by donating a token of six or seven thousand dollars to his organization which was backed by a group of philanthropist, they would soon receive a check for up to two million dollars to build new churches and expand their ministry. This person was some kind of super salesman preacher and con man that had a charismatic personality and was very successful in getting many pastors to donate the token amount. As it turned out before he was caught at fraud, he received something in the order of nine millions of dollars and gave out to churches only a little over one million. He made a big public announcement with cameras running showing him paying out the one million and publicized it greatly which caused more and more to try to get in on some of the promised funds. It all came to an end at a meeting in Orlando Florida, after he had promised to give them all their checks. It so happened that he finally admitted in Orlando that he could not pay them the promised two million or so promised to each congregation. That’s when they took out a warrant against him. My point is, that these people were good people trying with their best understanding to serve Christ but had been taken in by a super salesman. The Korean lady, when I attempted to explain that the scriptures state that the things of God can only be discerned and understood by the Spirit of God, she again opted out of understanding of just what that meant. My point is also that why could those churches that wanted the financial help not discern by the Spirit of God that this was a con? Why did not the Spirit of God protect them and their funds? Could it be that the hands of authority had not been laid upon their pastors for the receiving of the Holy Ghost? The Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830 must teach the gospel truths to all who will hear, but first we must teach our members those precious truths that were given us for us to be a part in the restoration of the Kingdom of God upon earth so that our members will not fall into error. The Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830 is growing. It has major growth in Africa and the new members are being taught the church curriculum so that they will know who God is and what they can expect from him and what he expects of them. It is a large task, but in the past when we were in the heritage church, this was not done and many drifted away and were lost to the restoration. Just as the church is growing in a healthy manner, so can the good Christ loving peoples of the south come to an understanding of the restoration and overcome the prejudice that has been spawned by bilking pastors and traveling enemies of the original church which was founded and restored by our lord. Many professional pastors, we are told, are in the “church business” to line their own pockets and build their own material future, but there is no future for the wicked. We are interested in bringing all nations to Christ and that without cost. We do not sell the Gospel of Christ, for it is free. Those who love Christ and his creations serve without pay and receive their reward in our Lord’s loving kindness to us and to our families. q
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By High Priest Solomon Adesina The church and growth rate thereof, does not overcome the sure progress according to the promise of the lord for the Church of Christ Restored. The early Christian missionaries from many nation around the world that came to Africa to shine the light of the gospel of Christ faced a lot of challenges. The reason why they brought the light is that the light and the darkness cannot abide together, but now all thanks to the lord, the gospel of the Lord Jesus is now in every nation in Africa and the kingdom of God is expanding daily through the grace of God upon his people. We have to give thanks for the life of Brother Nolan Glauner, the missionary of our church that came to Africa to shine the light of the Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830, who through the grace that God gave to him, opened the eyes of many to the church that God wanted. And we send thanks to Brother Albert who invited him to Nigeria. Continue in the work and the lord will strengthen you more. The church here will continue through the revelations from the Lord. As we moved to start the church at Bonua in the year 2007, the Lord helped us and the pictures you see say much about the church.. The two pictures are of the church in Bonua. The four men standing are the students from the School of the Prophets in Bonua. They will finish their course of study by May during the annual conference of the church that will take place here in Abidjan. You will be informed more about the conference later. l have one man from Liberia now in training with-in the school. The picture of the children are the children of the kingdom in Abidjan. Christanah (Ivory Coast program director) sends a big thanks to all that contribute for this program.
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Presiding Bishop Forrest Alderman
Lehi’s Vision of the Tree of Life
Before reading this article, read from the Book of Mormon, 1st Nephi 2:41-89 and 1st Nephi 3:68-256.
Now as a tender parent, I write to you my brothers and sisters for you and your families and those around and about you, for we need in this day and time to understand the vision of Lehi and Nephi, so that we may learn from those who have gone before, that we might more fully understand and live the life to which we are each called. I know that there are many who are wandering aimlessly, searching for something to satisfy their spiritual needs and to end their state of confusion and emptiness. I would like to introduce you to a few thoughts by relating to the remarkable vision that came to the ancient prophet by the name of Lehi, approximately 600 years before Christ. During his spiritual vision, a heavenly messenger led the prophet Lehi through a dark and dreary waste [land] to a tree laden with delicious fruit that was satisfying to his soul. He beheld a river of water running nearby along which there was a straight and narrow path leading to the tree. Between the river bank and the path was a Rod of Iron, presumably to safeguard the travelers from falling off the narrow path and into the river. Next he saw large groups of people crowding forward to gain access to the spacious field where the tree with fruit was located. As they pressed forward along the path, a great mist of darkness arose, so dense that many who started lost their way and wandered off and were drowned in the murky water or were lost from view as they wandered into strange paths. Others however, also in danger of being lost because of the blinding mist, caught hold of the iron rod and by holding their course they too could partake of the delicacies, which had beckoned them to come, despite the hazardous journey. Across, on the opposite side of the river, were multitudes of people pointing fingers of scorn at those who made the journey safely. Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life contains the message to hold onto the Rod of Iron (Word of God) so we can find salvation and sanctification. This is only an introduction to Lehi’s vision, and is by no means an exhaustive study. To get the full benefit of these experiences, you must read the materials listed above. This vision is truly central to the purpose of your life as a Saint. It is a study of salvation, justification, and sanctification, and those who are able to hold onto the Rod of Iron (Word of God) can find salvation and sanctification. For you to get the full benefit of this vision, there has to be a burning in your soul and a true desire to know the hidden things of God, as it was written by Nephi after he requested to see this vision. These things can be taught to you and will be confirmed by the Holy Spirit. Having insight is helpful, knowing how to read the Scriptures is helpful, understanding basic Biblical teachings is helpful, and so on. If you sincerely wish to use these gospel principles, they demand your prayers and study with the insight provided by the Holy Spirit. The Book of Mormon speaks in plain and simple language. But as you study, ponder and pray about the book, and as you read what others have learned, you’ll find dimensions that were not obvious at first. The sincere seeker of God’s eternal truth accepts all the truth that He is willing to give you at this moment, and prepares you for further insight. If you are seeking to expand your spirit, you must free your mind, and conform yourself to the spirit of God. The Book of Mormon prophet Lehi goes into the wilderness and sees a vision, The Tree of Life. Nephi, after hearing his father’s description of the vision, prays to God that he too, may see this vision. He is granted his request and also sees the same vision. So we know that this Vision of the Tree of Life had great significance. For it is written “in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” We learn the vision was very personal to Lehi, because it also involved his immediate family. It gave him joy (in Nephi and Sam) and intense sorrow (for Laman and Lemuel). I suspect that Lehi told his family about this vision for the sake of Laman and Lemuel, in the hopes that by doing so they would see their life’s direction, which is heading towards destruction, and turn to the Lord. I think most of us can understand this. As parents we always want the best for our children. What does this “dark and dreary waste” Lehi describes suggest to you? Could it be that it represents life without the fruit of the tree or the love of God? The dark and dreary wilderness represents the world. Lehi next sees a messenger in white. The symbolism in the Book of Mormon matches the Western usage of pure, clean, and in the case of a vision, divine, thus this would be a heavenly messenger from God, who is sent to lead Lehi on the journey. The scene shifts from dark and dreary waste to spacious field. The vision begins in a symbolic state of disorder, and moves to an ordered state. The ordered state is seen as more desirable, and therefore "higher" in order and importance. Lehi moves from the current world to a higher plane when he enters this phase of the vision, but not before he had prayed for hours. “And it came to pass that I beheld a tree”, the fruit is white, which carries over the theme of divinity first encountered in the white clothing of the angelic companion. To partake of the fruit requires action on Lehi's part. The existence of the fruit is not sufficient to provide happiness or divine joy. It is required that one partake of the fruit. Eating is symbolic of accepting that for which the fruit stands. The fruit of the tree of life is described in these scriptures with eight different phrases. Sweet above all White to exceed all whiteness Desirable above all other fruit Beauty . . . far beyond . . . exceeding of all beauty Precious above all Most joyous to the soul Pure above all that is pure Greatest of all the gifts of god The tree represents the love of God. This tree is the embodiment of the “love of God.” This tree had to do with the coming down of Christ to the world and His providing the atonement for you and me. The fruit is a symbol for the gospel, in that the seed is without life in and of itself until it is planted, yet when these seeds are planted in our lives, they contain that which leads to new life - the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - that leads to eternal life! …To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 Ingesting this fruit ingests this symbolic new life, kind of like being baptized. Being baptized doesn’t save you; it washes away all existing sin. But, it is the entering into a covenant relationship with your Heavenly Father and what you do with your life after you are baptized - that makes the difference. Just as a package of seeds on a store shelf doesn’t grow fruit, the seed of the Gospel doesn’t help us until we plant it within our lives and let it grow. And as the Gospel grows within us we become a different person. Just as a new plant pushes through the soil to reach for sunlight to make it grow, when we allow the Gospel to grow within us, we too must push through the dirt and filth in our lives, and reach for the Son’s light for our spiritual growth. The fruit of this particular tree refreshes Lehi’s soul as it moves into the realm of spiritual life. It is in this realm that Lehi's fruit is able to fill him with "exceedingly great joy." After Lehi tasted the fruit, he sought the added joy of sharing it with his family members. Lehi calls Sam and Nephi, and his wife Sariah and they heard Lehi. They believe what he told them and acted upon it. This simple act is symbolic of our Savior’s call to us, and our ability to hear and recognize His voice to come unto Him. Remember that Lehi is sharing this for his family’s sake, so Lehi also looks for his sons, Laman and Lemuel. Lehi sees and calls to them, but they would not come. How many of this world’s population are failing to heed their Master’s call to them? Once we have partaken of the fruit, what is our natural response? To share it, and to invite others to partake of it also. The Lord teaches us that it is a father’s responsibility to invite his family members to partake (priesthood member and fathers take note) of the fruit of the tree of Life. At this point, Lehi's dream continues with the river of water and the tree. The river of water runs near the tree. It has long puzzled Book of Mormon readers, why the river running from the Tree of Life in Lehi’s vision is pure, yet in Nephi’s vision these waters are recognized as the “filthiness” of the world. How could this be? Were there two rivers? No! Just one. Why are these living waters, later or farther down the river filthy? Because the waters become dirty as they travel through this world. As man defiles the world with sin, they also pollute the very blessings (including the waters) that God pours out to them. The blessings of God become the “depths of hell.” The river of water is a representation of that awful condition. Nephi describes how the filthy water works as an “awful gulf” between the wicked and the righteous. He tells us that the “justice of God will also divide the wicked from the righteous.” Jesus illustrated this point in the story of Lazarus, the beggar, and the rich man. After the rich man’s death he wanted Lazarus to place water on his tongue and he was told “…Besides all this, between us and you, there is a great gulf fixed; so that they who would pass from hence to you, cannot; neither can they pass to us that would come from thence.” Luke 16:31. Man is left to drown in his own sin. When men’s eyes can see that their families and friends are consumed, and drowned in the filthy waters of sin, when we can see the world this way, we can be saved. I once read a story that was reported in the news that put the river of filthy water in a straightforward perspective for me. A man who had only recently begun to work for a farming operation in a north western state, went to round up some stray cattle and didn't realize the ice he was walking on was a thin sheet of ice on top of a deep manure pit. As you might have guessed, the ice broke and he fell into the pit. Once he had fallen in, it was like quicksand, and he was unable to free himself from its clutches. When the other farmhands noticed he was missing, they called the sheriff and fire departments. They followed his footprints in the snow to the edge of the pit. When the sheriff and fire personnel arrived, they had to use probes and ropes, but all they were able to do was to find and pull his body from the mess. The river in Nephi's vision was filled with filth and once you got into it, it was nearly impossible to get out. To me, this filthy water must have been like the manure pit. What does Lehi see next? The Rod of Iron. What are the sources of the word of God? The Scriptures, prophets, the Holy Spirit. Three of the things the Rod of Iron can do for us are: Because “it extended along the bank of the river,” it serves as a protection to keep us out of the river of filthy water. “It led to the tree.” It directs us toward the love of God. “I beheld a strait and narrow path which came along by the Rod of Iron.” The Rod of Iron in the vision interpreted was the Word of God, or the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it is the rod that keeps us on the straight and narrow path while we journey toward the tree. Notice that the straight and narrow path is very close to the river of filthy water. Have you ever noticed how short the distance is from a spiritual experience to an evil one? Yea, we see that whosoever will lay hold upon the Word of God which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning, and the snares, and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a straight and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked, and land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God, in the kingdom of heaven... Helaman 2:26 If someone chooses to leave the rod and the path, what other roads does the dream indicate that they might then walk? The depiction of a road is clear and worldwide. Roads are for journeying, for changing both location and status. In Lehi's dream, the road not only leads by the fountain, but the “large and spacious field.” The road is symbolic of the journey through this earthly life, on the way to that which comes after. “Forbidden” 1 Nephi 2:76 “Strange” 1 Nephi 2:80-81 “Broad” 1 Nephi 3:125 Lehi sees “the mists of darkness” which is the tool Satan uses to effectively cause the children of men to be blinded so we become lost and are unable to see the straight and narrow path. The tree. Satan does not want us to see the tree and the fruit. When this happens it causes us to be blinded to the love of God. The Rod of Iron. Satan does not want us to see the Rod of Iron because when we cannot see the tree, then we must use the Rod of Iron to make certain we are still moving toward it. Today, Satan continues to use the mists of darkness to cause people to ignore the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit, or to follow the writings of the prophets as they are found in the Scriptures. The River of Filthy Water. Satan does not want us to see the river of filthy water so he can blind us to the consequences of our letting go of the Rod of Iron. He wants us to leave the straight and narrow path and join in the filth the world offers us today. This is how he is able to get us to ignore the obvious consequences of straying from the path and breaking the Lord’s commandments. Compare the words that describe those who hold to the Rod of Iron and those who let go. Those who let go of the Rod of Iron “wandered”, they also went forward “feeling their way.” Those who held to the Rod of Iron pressed forward. We are taught that we must catch hold and move forward “clinging” to the Rod of Iron. Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. John 12:35
The Gospel of Jesus Christ (the Rod of Iron) gives us direction and something firm to hold on to. We don’t have to look far to see the evidence that there are many in this world wandering aimlessly in their lives without anything firm to hold on to. And I said unto them, that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish. 1st Nephi 4:39. If the tree, the rod, and the river are obscured, what are people left to seek in the vision? They see a great and spacious building. The mists clings to the ground, so this is the reason for the building being “in the air, high above the earth.” Those who cannot see horizontally through the mists can always see the building. Perhaps the following verse offers some additional understanding about the building being “in the air.” Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience; among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Ephesians 2:2-3. Note that the attraction of the building is so strong that it even draws some of those who have already tasted the fruit of the tree, which is the “most desirable above all things.” What counsel does Lehi give to help us avoid the great attraction of the building? Observe the word heed does not mean to obey, but rather to regard with care, to pay attention to, or to observe. What does this great and spacious building represent that makes it so attractive even to some who have partaken of the love of God? I have a feeling that the great and spacious building shines in its most resplendent form in places like the Strip in Las Vegas or the gambling casinos. How many have succumbed to the brightness of Lucifer’s lures and been reeled in and placed in the adversary’s creel. I used to think that the attraction of the great and spacious building was that if you went there, people would stop making fun of you. That's part of it, but as I think of the beautiful whiteness of fruit of the tree of life, I believe that the building must have had some of its own - though counterfeit - charisma such as we see in many of the mega churches of today. Lehi’s counsel for those of us who want to experience the Love of God with our families and fellow men is that we must accept the ordinances of baptism and confirmation, and commence to travel the path, and to do this we must catch hold of the Rod of Iron. If we begin on the path but neglect the safety of our scriptures and the words of true prophets living today, the mists of darkness will certainly conceal our destination and confuse our efforts. But catching hold of the Rod of Iron does not suffice. Those, as seen in Lehi’s vision, who were across the river pointing fingers of scorn represented the multitudes of the earth who are gathered together to fight against the apostles of the Lamb of God. The scorners, so the Lord revealed, represented the so-called wisdom of the world, and the building itself in which they were gathered was the “pride of the world.” We must cling to the Rod of Iron - the Fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - the true Word of God. q
Presiding Patriarch Robert L. MacDonald
the second coming of JESUS CHRIST
“I am the beginning and the end; the almighty God. By mine Only Begotten I created these things. Yea, in the beginning I created Heaven and the earth upon which thou standest.” Genesis 1:2,3 (IV) “He which testifieth these things saith, surely I come quickly; Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20 “These words begin and end the bible.” They also indicate the beginning and the ending of all visible existence, for creation was undertaken that the Lord Jesus might come into it. His coming is inherent in the order of the world. His first coming was to his own, and his return shall likewise be to that which is his. “The meaning of this lies in his advent.” He is not only one possible meaning among many others, but the only meaning which includes and ends all others. For he is the power whereby we glimpse an invincible surmise which he promises to mankind, that which is inferred in the scriptures; see D&C28:6c,d “For all old things shall pass away, and all things shall become new, even the Heaven and the earth, and all the fullness thereof, both men and beasts, the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea.” “And behold all things have their likeness and all things are created and made to bear record of me; both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath, all things bear record of me. Genesis 6:66 (IV) At this very hour upon the earth, “everything seems to be in commotion,’ fear, mistrust, the waning of the spirit within the lives of God’s created children. Let us petition God through His Son, Jesus Christ, to hear our plea, when almost we are led to ask, “How long O Lord must we endure.” Consider Isaiah 64:1-5 Reader read it all. Oh that thou wouldst rend the heavens, that thou wouldst come again on this earth. In Isaiah 64:5 we read. “In righteousness there is continuance, and such shall be saved. In Isaiah 65:1 we read “I am found of them who seek after me, I give unto all them that ask after me; I am not found of them that sought me not, or that inquireth not after me.” Hundreds of millions who dwell upon this earth have not been baptized by the new and everlasting covenant in the similitude as was Christ by John who God brought forth by his means When Christ came to that hour, making preparation for the ministry which he would deliver to those who would listen may I pose this question. Why did God prepare for the birth of John the Baptist to officiate at the baptism of Jesus Christ? All the scriptural versions I have at my disposal answer that question. My answer may be to some who will respond-- At least in thought I have unequivocally concluded—There was not a single man living on earth at the baptism of Jesus who held a priesthood office with authority to perform the rite. The father of John the Baptist, an adherent of the Law of Moses, burned incense in the temple, and as well --believed not the words of the angel of God that a son would be born to he and his wife in their old age. Zacharias was of the levitical priesthood of the Law of Moses. In Hebrews we read – Hebrews 7”11-28 (IV & KJ)—I request all who read this carefully read the noted scriptures. Thus Zacharias had no authority to baptize Jesus Christ. Those who choose to usurp this authority for whatever reasons will bring upon themselves misery and woes. God will not tolerate the wresting of his eternal truths given through his servants, to a priesthood of his calling not one jot or title will escape his all searching eye. If man chooses to perpetuate his word when estranged from its truth, that person who commits such an act will quench whatever portion of God’s Spirit may have been enjoined upon his person. Such a willful act will lead to apostasy. Willing servants of God whom he has called to the various offices within the Church of Jesus Christ Restored 1830 are bound to use restraint in the manner in which God entrusts his witnessing power to them to follow the path which Jesus trod--- the straight and narrow path which leads God’s children homeward to his Kingdom which he authorized and requires them to set in order. Those whom he calls must treat the pathway with care turning neither to the left or right by any persuading influence from whatever source. It is written—“His course is one eternal round.” D&C 2:1c “Seek ye first to build up the Kingdom of God and to establish his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt. 6:38 q
kibbutz in the jezreel valley, israel As many Jews out of Europe began to gather and settle in Palestine after the Balfor Declaration in the early 20th century, they were confronted with the problem of establishing settlements and communities that would serve their needs. They established many communal settlements called Kibbutzim. They were not commanded to gather by a revelation from God, but claimed an ancient mandate rather than a new revelation. Similarly, there have been those of the latter day restoration in America who in heeding the revelations received by Joseph Smith Jr., had a similar desire to return to the place referred to as Zion here in the American city of Independence, Missouri. Some of these restorationists settled in specific areas in and around Independence and also started communal movements while building homes and churches and attempted an experiment in Zionic living. Did they accomplish Zionic conditions? Not in the full sense of entering into the rest of the Lord. Could it be that the pattern given of the Lord was not followed in these attempts to establish these communities? I believe if these communities were founded by revelation and organized according to God’s pattern they would have been a part of the kingdom of God. Jesus, when speaking to his disciples said, “Seek ye first the kingdom and to establish it’s righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” If he told us to seek, I believe that we not only can, but must find! The Doctrine and Covenants gives us the pattern for the Zionic unit of the Kingdom. The D&C refers to this unit as a Stake of Zion. A Stake of Zion is a small unit of the kingdom and is equipped to minister to the temporal and the spiritual needs of it’s members, not in a self serving way, but in a way that shall prepare it’s members to unselfishly serve their fellow man. It seems logical to believe that if a Stake is to be a part of the kingdom of God, [and nothing unclean can come into the kingdom], that a Stake of Zion must sit on consecrated land and be peopled with a righteous people. Those who would enter into the kingdom must enter in through the gate which is the holy ordinances of baptisms of water and the Holy Ghost. The keeper of that gate is Jesus Christ. q
ONCE MORE I say unto you, many in their zeal have run before me and their impatience has caused them to error. If I appoint anything unto my church it shall be through those whom I have appointed, and have upheld as the presidency, acting as I direct them, until full order is accomplished in my church. Until full order is perfected, my Seventies are to conduct the efforts of my church. While the work goes forward slowly it is being built upon that sure foundation that I have provided. There is no other foundation to build upon and all who attempt to set my church in order without my command shall fail and be in danger of the judgment. Received by N.W.G 20 April 2007 2 December 2007 No. 169 Seventy Nolan W. Glauner
1. How beautiful upon the mountains is he who bringeth peace unto my soul. I shall praise and glorify my Lord all the days of my life.
2. Hearken all ye, his people, seek the Lord early and prepare your lives as a living sacrifice in service to him. 3. You who hunger and thirst after righteousness cease to strive for that which does not satisfy your souls. 4. I am the bread of life, and whosoever eateth of this bread shall never perish, but have everlasting life. 5. Many are walking today in the dark at noon day. 6. Cease to trust in the enticements of the world and turn unto me, for I have prepared the way for you if you will enter in through that door that I have provided. 7. Many of my children wander about in confusion of mind not taking heed of my words. 8. My words will give meaning to your lives if you will embrace them. 9. My words warn you to escape from the wrath that is to come by entering into my new and everlasting covenant. 10. I shall protect all who shall humble themselves and obey the way I have prepared for their salvation. 11. Do not hesitate, for you do not know how much time you are given to prepare and enter in. 12. The time is soon coming and is near at hand that peace shall be taken from the earth then every heart shall be in fear because of the destruction around them, but my righteous saints I will preserve by my mighty hand. 13. Those who have cried peace will find no peace, for the world does not know the way of peace. 14. The time shall come and is close at hand that the only people who will not be in conflict one with another will be those who have chosen my covenant, for I will protect mine own. 15. Hear me, you who are called by my name, but have not listened to my voice. 16. Come out of Babylon the Great, separate you from the corruptions of the world or you shall be judged with her and her abominations. 17. I have cried unto you all the day long and some of you have responded, but the many continue to reject those I send to them that they might be saved. 18. Turn unto me ye who have invested your lives and substances in the world and have disregarded the suffering of my little ones. 19. Forsake your worldly ways and repent of breaking my laws and I will forgive you and give you a place with my saints. 20. Do not continue to grieve my Spirit, saith the Lord, for many have perverted my ways and have relied upon the counsels of men to interpret my laws. 21. Come unto me, you who are seeking truth, and I will confirm my truth upon you by my Holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of Truth. 22. All who would have peace and who would share in the kingdom that is prepared, turn unto me and I will shelter you from the destruction that I have proclaimed for the ungodly. Amen
14. If you who have covenanted with me, to follow me and keep my commandments desire an inheritance in my kingdom, you must devote your lives to the cause of bringing forth my Zion. 15. You cannot stand idly by and receive the wages of the faithful worker. 16. Turn your ears away from those who say unto you that you cannot return my church from the falling away. 17. They are blind leaders of the blind. Open your eyes and observe what I have given you in my law. 18. I have provided the authority to re-establish my church upon my priesthood and those laws that have been given to you in my scriptures. 19. Cease to listen to the nay Sayers and declare yea, yea, we shall labor for Zion. 20. I the Lord shall bless Zion, but the residue, that refuses my blessing, shall be cursed. 21. I the Lord hath spoken, and so it shall be. Amen
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