Being Called of God

The Fifth Article of Faith:

5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints all members serve in some capacity. I myself have served in many auxiliaries throughout the years. Every calling we receive comes from God through revelation of our leaders or those who call us. Also, every release comes from God as well. Everything is done on the Lord’s time table. Knowing this helps us appreciate our call to serve and comforts us when our release is given.

I love what Neil L. Andersen said in the Dec 2009 Liahona - Spiritual Gifts Given the Stake President. When talking about receiving a calling as stake president he said,

“All are humbled and some are overwhelmed when they are called. Sometime, either before, during, or after the call, the Lord confirms to the man being called that his call is of God.”

I couldn’t agree more. In my own callings when I have wondered, “Is this calling really from God, and why?” shortly after I receive personal revelation and confirmation that this where God wants me to be and what He wants me to be doing. Whether I needed to learn something from that calling or I needed to help a specific individual, the Spirit reveals the greater purpose to me and I am always humbled.

Elder Andersen goes on to say;

“The Lord has always given keys to His chosen Apostles. Unto Peter He declared, “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” (Mathew 16:9) Some of these keys are then shared with local leaders.”

In Numbers 27:16 (15-20) the Lord reveals this same order to Moses when he says,

16. Let the Lord the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,

18. And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;

19. And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation, and give him a charge in their sight.

John 15:16

16. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Heb. 5:4

4. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

Just like during the time of Christ and past prophets, the restoration of the gospel has likewise restored the unifying practice of men being called of God, by prophecy. God chooses who He needs to fulfill His work and purposes. It makes a lot of sense if you think about it. God still loves His children and still provides a prophet to lead them. As a prophet, in order to be led by God, that man called must be worthy. If he was not, then he would not have the spirit with him, and the Lord could not lead him.

Missionaries, teachers and leaders of any type are all called by God through the laying on of hands by priesthood power and authority. That’s what is so marvelous about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. God speaks to His servants through His servants. Everything is done in His order and according to His will. And as members we can choose whether or not we want to accept a calling given to us. Nothing is forced and no one is reprehended or treated differently if they decline a calling. There will always be free agency, because that is what makes God, God.

I know that a man must truly be called of God in order to do His work. All men on the Earth who preach the gospel or live by its teachings will be blessed no matter what religion they are; and I know that God is pleased with the good that they do. The sacred ordinances and complete gospel in its fullness however cannot be administered by just anyone. They must be administered by those who have been called of God by those who have the restored keys.

In my own life I have been blessed countless times though being led by leaders who have been called of God. God has answered many of my prayers though them and has given me personal revelation and answers to many personal struggles through these divine leaders. There are amazing experiences that I wish I could share publicly but they are too personal and sacred. This has been a testimony to me that God does call righteous and worthy men and women whom He sees fit at the right times and the right places to do His work and bless all His children. I testify with all my heart that these things are true. I know that the first presidency of the church President Thomas S. Monson and counselors Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf have been called of God to lead the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and I sustain them with all my heart. They are faithful, dear, genuine and loving men.This I say in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

The First Principles and Ordinances - Why they are Essential

Continuing from last week, this week's post is on the 4th Article of Faith -

4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Elder Kevin W. Pearson of the Seventy said on the topic of faith, “This requires more than merely recognizing faith as a gospel principle. To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone. True faith must be centered in Jesus Christ. Faith is a principle of action and of power. It requires us to do, not merely to believe.”

Overcoming doubts, fears, and disbelief will help us strengthen our faith in the Savior. We can do this by “acting” on our beliefs. Live the commandments and teachings of the Savior in your daily life and you will feel his love for you. This love will build your faith in him. Remember, faith without works is dead.

Repentance

The atonement is there for us so we can use it. If we are not partaking of the atonement often, then the Lord’s pain and suffering would have been in vain. Do not take that for granted. Taking the sacrament each Sabbath allows us to be forgiven of our small sins of the prior week. They are wiped clean and we can start new for the next week. While partaking in this sacred ordinance we must remember to have a deep humility and reverence for our Savior and what he has done for us. We must make a conscious effort to forsake our sins and become a better person.

For more serious sins, we must confess them to our bishop or steak president so that we can receive the counsel we need to truly repent of them. Repentance is a necessary part of the plan. It helps us recognize our wrongs and correct them. By doing so we become more like the Savior and closer to our Father in Heaven.

Baptism by Immersion

We believe that by the age of 8 a person has the knowledge of distinguishing right from wrong and can now be held accountable for their sins. The Savior was baptized by immersion, meaning he was completely immersed from head to toe in water, in the Jordan River.

President James E. Faust said, “Baptism symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection, and can only be done by immersion. It also follows the pattern set by the Savior, who was baptized in the river Jordan, where there was much water. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The full benefit of forgiveness of sin through the Savior’s Atonement begins with repentance and baptism and then expands upon receiving the Holy Ghost.”

Gift of the Holy Ghost

In a recent General Conference an apostle had an addressed an issue in which some parents do not allow for their children to be baptized at the age of eight because they want them to make that decision when they are an adult. He made a very good point when he stated that by doing this your children are deprived of the precious gift of the Holy Ghost that will be a necessary companion to them in difficult times and trials in their youth. This companionship of the Spirit will build their testimony over time and help them have the strong testimony they will need to face adulthood. If a child does not have this, how can he/she be expected to have a testimony at all?

My cute young nephew who is eight years old has been able to use the gift of the Holy Ghost to not only bless himself but his family as well. Last week a situation arose in which a neighbor had lied to their family and was about to put them all in a jeopardizing situation. Kyler (my nephew) had the truth impressed on his mind by the power of the Holy Ghost and he warned his mom. Knowing he had no way of knowing this truth or verifying it, she recognized it as a prompting from the Spirit and she trusted it. The next day the truth was exposed and eight year old Kyler had been right. His worthiness of the companionship of the Holy Ghost saved his family from a spiritually dangerous situation.

Note in this article of faith it mentions “Laying on of hands”. By proper authority of the Melchizedek priesthood, hands must be laid upon the head of the receiver to obtain the gift of the Holy Ghost. We recognize this authority and these sacred priesthood keys in all ordnances in the church. The sacrament, baptism, and gift of the Holy Ghost all require the proper priesthood keys.

I know that through these ordinances we can become more than what we would ever be without them. They are for our benefit, growth, knowledge and allow of Father in Heaven to bless us, protect us and use as an instrument in His hands. I have felt the power of the Holy Ghost bless me many times in my life and know that I am where I am today because of this companionship. This I say in the name of Jesus Christ – amen.

God's Plan for Us through Salvation

In continuation of our 13 week topic, this week’s topic is on the third article of faith.

3. We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

This topic is what causes much friction among many religions. To think that there is more to the next life than just Heaven and Hell, boggles many people’s minds. As a Latter Day Saint I am blessed to know that all righteous people will be saved from Satan after this life. God loves us all equally no matter what religion we are. However those who accept the gospel of Jesus Christ have a certain obligation they are held to once they make those sacred covenants at baptism and in the temple. If they stay true to the covenants made their reward goes beyond heaven alone. This is what makes our religion so peculiar to the rest of the world.

Everything I wanted to say about this topic has been summed up perfectly in Elder Quentin L. Cook’s from the quorum of the twelve apostles, general conference talk from May 2009 – Our Father’s Plan – Big Enough for All His Children. I remember hearing this talk and beaming with joy at the television screen because I was thinking “Yes. This is what the world needs to hear! He has worded it so perfectly.” I am excited to quote my favorite parts of his talk on the topic of the plan of salvation which is what the third article of faith is all about. I hope you read it, feel the spirit testify truth to you, and ponder these words and topic deeply.

"For many of these people who are open to religious faith, one issue has been particularly troubling. They have had a difficult time reconciling the correct doctrine that we have a loving Father in Heaven and the incorrect doctrine that most of mankind would be doomed to eternal hell.

This was an issue with my great-great-grandfather Phineas Wolcott Cook. He was born in 1820 in Connecticut. In his diary he notes that he had made a covenant with the Lord to serve Him if he could find the right way. He attended many churches and at one was asked to “testify [and] join the church [and] be a Christian.” His response was he “could not tell which one to join, there were so many.” He continued to investigate several churches. One doctrine was of particular significance to him. He explained: “Sometimes they found fault with me because I wanted a more liberal salvation for the family of man. I could not believe the Lord had made a part to be saved and a great part to be damned to all eternity.”Because of this doctrine, he allowed his name to be taken off the records of one Protestant religion. When the LDS missionaries taught him the true doctrine of the plan of salvation in 1844, he was baptized.

Phineas’s faith in the loving mercy of the Lord and His plan of happiness has been shared by many honorable men and women, even when the teachings of their own churches were very bleak.

At the time Joseph Smith received revelations and organized the Church, the vast majority of churches taught that the Savior’s Atonement would not bring about the salvation of most of mankind. The common precept was that a few would be saved and the overwhelming majority would be doomed to endless tortures of the most awful and unspeakable intensity. The marvelous doctrine revealed to the Prophet Joseph unveiled to us a plan of salvation that is applicable to all mankind, including those who do not hear of Christ in this life, children who die before the age of accountability, and those who have no understanding.

At death, righteous spirits live in a temporary state called paradise. (This applies to people of all faiths who lived righteous lives) Alma the Younger teaches us “paradise [is] a state of rest, a state of peace, where [the righteous] shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.” The unrighteous spirits dwell in spirit prison, sometimes referred to as hell. It is described as an awful place, a dark place where those fearful of the “indignation of the wrath of God” shall remain until the resurrection. However, because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all spirits blessed by birth will ultimately be resurrected, spirit and body reunited, and inherit kingdoms of glory that are superior to our existence here on earth. The exceptions are confined to those who, like Satan and his angels, willfully rebel against God. At the resurrection, the spirit prison or hell will deliver up its captive spirits. Jesus came into the world “to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness.

The Savior said: “Let not your heart be troubled. … In my Father’s house are many mansions. … I go to prepare a place for you.” A succinct summary is provided in the book of Moses: “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”

After all the Savior has suffered for mankind, it is not surprising that in speaking of existing churches in the First Vision, He would instruct Joseph to “join none of them, for they were all wrong. The Savior subsequently ushered in the Restoration of His true doctrine with respect to the plan of salvation and other saving principles such as the doctrine of Christ.

But notwithstanding the significance of our doctrinal differences with other faiths, our attitude toward other churches has been to refrain from criticism. They do much good. They bless mankind. Many help their members learn of the Savior and His teachings.

A reporter for the Washington Post visited one of our Church meetings in Nigeria. The reporter interviewed one new member and told of his conversion. The reporter states:

“[He] said … he jumped off a city bus and walked into the [LDS Church building]. … He immediately liked what he heard inside [the chapel], especially that no one preached that people of other faiths were going to hell.”This echoes the feeling of numerous converts to the Church since its organization.

Our leaders have consistently counseled us “to live with respect and appreciation for those not of our faith. There is so great a need for civility and mutual respect among those of differing beliefs and philosophies.

Those early European converts that Dickens met on board the ship Amazon had overcome many stumbling blocks. They had a testimony that revelation comes from heaven and that prophets and apostles are again on the earth. They had faith in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

They had come to understand the sublime destination that was in store for them. They were not fearful of the arduous journey they were undertaking, and their ultimate destination was not really the Salt Lake Valley. Their true destination was paradise followed by exaltation in the celestial kingdom.

A loving Father has provided a comprehensive and compassionate plan for His children “that saves the living, redeems the dead, rescues the damned, and glorifies all who repent.”

Even though our journey may be fraught with tribulation, the destination is truly glorious.

I rejoice in the great plan of salvation that is big enough for all of our Father in Heaven’s children. I express gratitude beyond my ability to articulate for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I bear my witness of Him in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

Works - It's Worth Considering

This week I will cover the second article of faith. (See last week’s post) It opens up a very important topic that others may view as opening a can of worms. Not me.

The second article of faith states, “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam’s transgressions.”

This article is about accountability. When we are taught a truth or a commandment and we defile it, then the sin is upon our own head and we will have to answer for that unless we repent.

I know people of other faiths who believe that as long as a person believes in God or accepts Jesus as their savior then they are free of worry and sin. Thus meaning if they continue to sin it is okay because they have accepted Jesus and his atonement has taken care of their sins. The scripture below is the very scripture that these people quote to support this belief.

When the Apostle Paul was imprisoned at Philippi, he was asked by a distressed jailer, “What must I do to be saved?”

Without reference to obedience or repentance or good works that he himself so often spoke of, Paul simply answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:30-31

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ we believe very differently. We know that believing is the first step but there is more to it than that. What good does believing do if our actions go against what the Savior taught? Our actions must support our thoughts and beliefs. James explains this very clearly in James 2:17-26

17 -Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18 - Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy

works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

19 -Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

20 - But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

21 -Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon

the altar?

22 -Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

23 -And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed

unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

24 -Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

I jokingly tell those people that faith without works is the lazy man’s way. The lazy man’s way is Satan’s way. True followers of God are hard working people working hard to keep the commandments in their lives.

I have known many people in my life who believe that religion is evil and they seek after non-denominational churches or accept no churches period. Again I say, looking for the easy way in life is not God’s way. I know many people say that they “don’t believe” whether it be in God or religion because they don’t want to be held accountable for their sins. By “not believing” they feel they are off the hook. Believing means having to be accountable and take responsibility for our actions in this life.

It’s important that these people know that God is a God of order. There are laws that He is bound by. If there were no laws it would be chaos. The universe would be full of chaos and we would not have a perfectly functioning solar system or earth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is very much of order. Every Sunday all over the world in every Latter Day Saint church, members are being taught the exact same lessons in the exact same lesson books. A loving prophet guides us and we all follow the same instruction and rules. D&C 132:8 “Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion.” In a house of order there are rules. Just like our parents told us, “If you live in my house, you live by my rules.” If we want to live with God we need to accept his rules which are known as commandments.

As parents we set rules for our kids because we love them. God has done the same for us. This is the very purpose of why we are here, to have free agency and show God our desire to believe and follow him.

The secret of being free with our free agency is to choose righteousness. Often people mistake choosing righteousness as not being free. I have heard many times, “You are not free to drink, be loose with your morals, or “experience life” when you are a Mormon.” I laugh at that because I am actually making the choice not to do those things, no one is forcing me. By avoiding those things I am very happy and I have never felt more free.

There are many consequences in this life that we will experience when we sin. Adultry can lead to divorce, sexual disease and broken families. This means bondage by loneliness, bitterness, disease and hurt finances. Where is freedom in that? Alcohol leads to health problems, altered rationalizing which leads to committing other sins such as adultery, crime, drunk driving which we know comes with a lifetime of misery, consequences and jail time. What freedom is in that? By following a set of commandments (rules) which were created by someone who loves us and wants what is best for us, now that is where freedom lies. Our parents rewarded us when we did what they asked us to or when we made them proud. Our Heavenly Father blesses us when we make Him proud and keep His commandments. I have never felt more free and happy in my life and I know it is because I have chosen a life of righteousness. This I say in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.