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Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?
LDS.org ^ | 10/07 | Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Posted on 02/10/2008 11:25:15 AM PST by Reaganesque

This is a joyful religion, one of hope, strength, and deliverance.

Elder Dieter F. UchtdorfI still rejoice in the wonderful spirit we felt as we sang together this morning:

Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation.
No longer as strangers on earth need we roam.

Good tidings are sounding to us and each nation.
(“Now Let Us Rejoice,Hymns, no. 3)

These words by Brother William W. Phelps are quite a contrast to the world’s tendency to focus on bad news. It is true, we live in a time foretold in the scriptures as a day of “wars, rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places” (Mormon 8:30), when “the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them” (D&C 45:26).

But how does this affect us as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Are we living with apprehension, fear, and worry? Or have we, amidst all of our challenges, not reason to rejoice?

We all go through different life experiences. Some are filled with joy, and others with sorrow and uncertainty.

I remember a time when things didn’t look good for our family when I was a child. It was in the winter of 1944, one of the coldest during World War II. The war front was approaching our town, and my mother had to take us four children, leave all our possessions behind, and join the millions of fleeing refugees in a desperate search for a place to survive. Our father was still in the military, but he and Mother had agreed that if they were ever separated during the war, they would try to reunite at the hometown of my grandparents. They felt this place offered the greatest hope for shelter and safety.

With bombing raids during the night and air attacks during the day, it took us many days to reach my grandparents. My memories of those days are of darkness and coldness.

My father returned to us unharmed, but our future looked extremely bleak. We were living in the rubble of postwar Germany with a devastating feeling of hopelessness and darkness about our future.

In the middle of this despair, my family learned about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the healing message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. This message made all the difference; it lifted us above our daily misery. Life was still thorny and the circumstances still horrible, but the gospel brought light, hope, and joy into our lives. The plain and simple truths of the gospel warmed our hearts and enlightened our minds. They helped us look at ourselves and the world around us with different eyes and from an elevated viewpoint.

My dear brothers and sisters, aren’t the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and our membership in His Church great reasons to rejoice?

Wherever you live on this earth and whatever your life’s situation may be, I testify to you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the divine power to lift you to great heights from what appears at times to be an unbearable burden or weakness. The Lord knows your circumstances and your challenges. He said to Paul and to all of us, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” And like Paul we can answer: “My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ, we may claim the blessings promised in the covenants and the ordinances we received when we accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What Is the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

The gospel of Jesus Christ is good news, glad tidings, and much more. It is the message of salvation as repeatedly announced by Jesus Christ and His apostles and prophets. It is my firm belief that all truth and light originating with God is embraced in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

God, our loving Father in Heaven, has said that it is His work and glory “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). God the Father is the author of the gospel; it is a key part of God’s plan of salvation, or plan of redemption. It is called the gospel of Jesus Christ because it is the Atonement of Jesus Christ that makes redemption and salvation possible. Through the Atonement all men, women, and children are unconditionally redeemed from physical death, and all will be redeemed from their own sins on the condition of accepting and obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ (see D&C 20:17–25; 76:40–42, 50–53; Moses 6:62).

Christ’s gospel is the only true gospel, and “there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ” (Mosiah 3:17; see also Acts 4:12).

The core elements of the gospel message are found in all the holy scriptures but are most clearly given to us in the Book of Mormon and in the revelations to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Here Jesus Himself plainly declares His doctrine and His gospel, with which God’s children must comply to “have eternal life” (D&C 14:7; see also 3 Nephi 11:31–39; 27:13–21; D&C 33:11–12).

The gospel is clear and plain. It answers the most complex questions in life, yet even a young child can comprehend and apply it. As Nephi said: “My soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding” (2 Nephi 31:3).

The Prophet Joseph Smith followed the same pattern of clarity and plainness when he explained to the world in a very concise way “the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel” (Articles of Faith 1:4), which we must accept to receive the eternal blessings of the gospel:

First, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—believing in the Redeemer, the Son of God, “with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save” and then “[pressing] forward with a steadfastness in Christ, . . . feasting upon the word of Christ” (2 Nephi 31:19–20).

Second, repentance, which includes a change of mind, offering up “a sacrifice . . . [of] a broken heart and a contrite spirit”; giving up sin and becoming meek and humble “as a little child” (3 Nephi 9:20, 22).

Third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins and as a covenant to keep the commandments of God and take upon us the name of Christ.

Fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, also known as baptism by fire, which sanctifies us and makes us “new creatures,” born of God (Mosiah 27:26; see also 1 Peter 1:23).

The gift of the Holy Ghost, given to us by our Heavenly Father and administered by one having authority, includes the merciful promise: “If ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:5). Through the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, every member of the Church can receive “the words of Christ” directly (2 Nephi 32:3), at any time or place. This personal divine guidance helps us to remain valiant in the testimony of Jesus Christ and endure to the end of our days. Isn’t this wonderful!

Have we not reason to rejoice?

What Does It Mean to Endure to the End?

The scriptures teach us that once we have received the ordinances of baptism and confirmation, our task then is to “endure to the end” (2 Nephi 31:20).

When I was a young boy, “endure to the end” meant to me mainly that I had to try harder to stay awake until the end of our Church meetings. Later as a teenager I progressed only slightly in my understanding of this scriptural phrase. I linked it with youthful empathy to the efforts of our dear elderly members to hang in there until the end of their lives.

Enduring to the end, or remaining faithful to the laws and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout our life, is a fundamental requirement for salvation in the kingdom of God. This belief distinguishes Latter-day Saints from many other Christian denominations that teach that salvation is given to all who simply believe and confess that Jesus is the Christ. The Lord clearly declared, “If you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God” (D&C 14:7).

Therefore, enduring to the end is not just a matter of passively tolerating life’s difficult circumstances or “hanging in there.” Ours is an active religion, helping God’s children along the strait and narrow path to develop their full potential during this life and return to Him one day. Viewed from this perspective, enduring to the end is exalting and glorious, not grim and gloomy. This is a joyful religion, one of hope, strength, and deliverance. “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25).

Enduring to the end is a process filling every minute of our life, every hour, every day, from sunrise to sunrise. It is accomplished through personal discipline following the commandments of God.

The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is a way of life. It is not for Sunday only. It is not something we can do only as a habit or a tradition if we expect to harvest all of its promised blessings. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

Enduring to the end implies “patient continuance in well doing” (Romans 2:7), striving to keep the commandments (see 2 Nephi 31:10), and doing the works of righteousness (see D&C 59:23). It requires sacrifice and hard work. To endure to the end, we need to trust our Father in Heaven and make wise choices, including paying our tithes and offerings, honoring our temple covenants, and serving the Lord and one another willingly and faithfully in our Church callings and responsibilities. It means strength of character, selflessness, and humility; it means integrity and honesty to the Lord and our fellowmen. It means making our homes strong places of defense and a refuge against worldly evils; it means loving and honoring our spouses and children.

By doing our best to endure to the end, a beautiful refinement will come into our lives. We will learn to “do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us]” (Matthew 5:44). The blessings that come to us from enduring to the end in this life are real and very significant, and for the life to come they are beyond our comprehension.

Jesus Christ Wants You to Succeed

My dear brothers and sisters, there will be days and nights when you feel overwhelmed, when your hearts are heavy and your heads hang down. Then, please remember, Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, is the Head of this Church. It is His gospel. He wants you to succeed. He gave His life for just this purpose. He is the Son of the living God. He has promised:

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

“For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee” (3 Nephi 22:10). “I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer” (3 Nephi 22:8).

My dear friends, the Savior heals the broken heart and binds up your wounds (see Psalm 147:3). Whatever your challenges may be, wherever you live on this earth, your faithful membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the divine powers of the gospel of Jesus Christ will bless you to endure joyfully to the end.

Of this I bear witness with all my heart and mind in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.


TOPICS: Current Events; Other Christian; Religion & Politics; Theology
KEYWORDS: conference; gospel; lds; uchdorf
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To: Religion Moderator

>You are quite right. The post at #17 is confrontational, not devotional. The devotional label has been removed and the thread is now open for rebuttal.

Let me get this right. Your style of moderation is that if a post is viewed as confrontational on a thread, that the entire nature of that thread must shift to reflect that post?

Is that really your view?

I would appreciate if you would define for me how YOU view religious bigotry so that I can better understand what is allowed on this forum (seeing as how the forum rules prohibit religious bigotry). A private reply would be wonderful. Just help me understand.


61 posted on 02/12/2008 9:12:02 AM PST by tortdog
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To: tortdog
Dear tortdog,

“People who argue that a person’s religion disqualifies him from running for the presidency is a religious bigot.”

I might take issue with that. But for now, I won’t. I'm not sure that I'd vote for president a devout, faithful Shi'a Muslim, or a devout, faithful wahabbi Sunni Muslim.

Does that make me a religious bigot?

“It’s not my definition. It’s the dictionary’s.”

Please show me the dictionary entry that says:

“religious bigot: One who opposes another’s run for the Presidency of the United States on the grounds of the candidate’s religion.”

Good luck with that.

But that’s not the point, tortdog.

This was a devotional thread.

Calling folks “bigots,” EVEN IF TRUE, is bomb-throwing. You MAY NOT THROW BOMBS AT PEOPLE UNDER THE COVER OF A DEVOTIONAL THREAD.

You should have saved it for another thread.


sitetest

62 posted on 02/12/2008 9:13:45 AM PST by sitetest (If Roe is not overturned, no unborn child will ever be protected in law.)
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To: tortdog; sitetest
As sitetest noted, you changed the nature of the thread by making it confrontational, i.e. a town square.

Bigotry is hate mongering which is NOT allowed anywhere on this forum. For instance, no posts are allowed from Jack Chick, Jesus-is-Lord.com, KKK, Aryan Nations, Christian Identity, National Alliance, VDare. Likewise, the false Jesuit Oath aka Knights of Columbus Oath is not allowed.

bigot (Merriam Webster)

a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance


63 posted on 02/12/2008 9:36:22 AM PST by Religion Moderator
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To: Religion Moderator; Reganesque; sitetest
Sitetest did not post this thread. Reganesque did. May I suggest simply pulling the post in question and return this thread to the original intent. Hijacking these threads is not appreciated, no matter where it comes from.

Thanks,

Sevenbak

64 posted on 02/12/2008 9:49:22 AM PST by sevenbak (Righteousness exalteth a nation... Proverbs 14:34)
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To: sevenbak; Reaganesque
The thread would look like swiss cheese if I removed the hijacking post and all the replies resulting from it.

If Reaganesque would care to repost the devotion - as a devotion - I will lock this thread.

65 posted on 02/12/2008 9:54:07 AM PST by Religion Moderator
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To: tortdog
People who argue that a person’s religion disqualifies him from running for the presidency is a religious bigot.

Pursuant to the constitution, a man's religion does not disqualify him from "running for the presidency". No one on this forum has argued that Romney's status as a High Priest in the LDS Church disqualifies him from "running for the presidency." Many, however, feel that because of the secrecy involved in Mormon rituals, and other peculiar beliefs and practices of the Mormon Church, that it may cause people to be extremely hesitant in whether or not they are going to support a Mormon in his bid to become the president.

I actually cast my vote for Mitt Romney. Yet that has not stopped you from numbering me among the "bigots". Even though I cast my vote for Romney, under no circumstances would I cast my vote for a Hindu or a Moslem or a Bhuddist, or a Jehovah's Witness, or a Unitarian or a Scientologist, or a "Purpose Driven" evangelical or a homosexual Episcopalian Priest.

Your definition of "bigot" is so wide as to make you a bigot too. The fact is that you would most likely claim that a Baptist should be disqualified from running for the Presidency of the LDS Church. By your definition that would make you a bigot.

Maybe you should try narrowing your definition of "bigot" down a bit and then maybe you wouldn't create such hostility on these threads.

Or maybe you should just stop using the pejorative altogether.

66 posted on 02/12/2008 10:17:09 AM PST by P-Marlowe (LPFOKETT GAHCOEEP-w/o*)
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To: sevenbak

>Sitetest did not post this thread. Reganesque did. May I suggest simply pulling the post in question and return this thread to the original intent. Hijacking these threads is not appreciated, no matter where it comes from.

I completely agree with that. If I changed the tenor of the thread, then remove my post. Not convert the thread to something else.

Certainly wasn’t my intent.


67 posted on 02/12/2008 10:43:59 AM PST by tortdog
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To: P-Marlowe
>Pursuant to the constitution, a man's religion does not disqualify him from "running for the presidency". No one on this forum has argued that Romney's status as a High Priest in the LDS Church disqualifies him from "running for the presidency."

Look. The statement that was made regarding "bigotry" was this:

>There are a lot of folks, especially here on Free Republic, who count themselves members of the Religious Right. And many of these folks are more than willing to enter into disputes with LDS over a variety of topics, including, as an example, whether Mr. Romney’s membership in the LDS is disqualifying for the presidency. And I responded to THAT statement. >Yet that has not stopped you from numbering me among the "bigots". Where have I claimed that you are a bigot? You err. >Even though I cast my vote for Romney, under no circumstances would I cast my vote for a Hindu or a Moslem or a Bhuddist, or a Jehovah's Witness, or a Unitarian or a Scientologist, or a "Purpose Driven" evangelical or a homosexual Episcopalian Priest. Then you may be bigoted towards those religions. How do we know? Would you make claims such as, "All Muslims are stupid." I've seen that here, vis-a-vis Mormons. And I've seen the moderators ignore it, even when it was brought to their attention. >The fact is that you would most likely claim that a Baptist should be disqualified from running for the Presidency of the LDS Church. By your definition that would make you a bigot. No. There is a difference between discrimination and bigotry. >Or maybe you should just stop using the pejorative altogether. Or maybe you could discuss with me what I really believe on the use of the term. There is that too.

68 posted on 02/12/2008 10:52:51 AM PST by tortdog
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To: P-Marlowe; All
Many, however, feel that because of the secrecy involved in Mormon rituals, and other peculiar beliefs and practices of the Mormon Church, that it may cause people to be extremely hesitant in whether or not they are going to support a Mormon in his bid to become the president.

For the record, Romney's Mormonism had nothing to do with my decision to not support him. The FACT that he's a FLIP-FLOPPER was enough for me. And should've been enough for anyone who remembered how FLIP FLOPPING LOST THE RACE FOR JOHN KERRY! The Romney supporters want to blame "religious bigotry" for his loss? Ha! I didn't support him for the reasons above. And ultimately, Romney ended up loosing because McCain and Huckabee doubleteamed him.

Is there relgious bigotry on FR? You bet! But that had nothing to do with his loss. I'm glad he lost for the reasons I gave above. Everyone else should be too; unless you were looking forward to being a mirror image of every Kerry supporter in 2004.

69 posted on 02/12/2008 10:53:51 AM PST by FourtySeven (47)
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To: Religion Moderator
As I see it, removing the related posts will make this thread about 30 or so. I see no problem there, unless it’s a big deal for you to do.

It would stop the bickering instantly and life as we know it can continue. ;-)

70 posted on 02/12/2008 11:29:04 AM PST by sevenbak (Righteousness exalteth a nation... Proverbs 14:34)
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Comment #71 Removed by Moderator

Comment #72 Removed by Moderator

To: tortdog; Religion Moderator
(seeing as how the forum rules prohibit religious bigotry)

There are no rules prohibiting "religious bigotry" on Free Republic. I don't know where you got that.

The rules are posted right below the posting button. The rules are simple: "Please: NO profanity, NO personal attacks, NO racism or violence in posts."

It might be said that being a religious bigot is not prohibited and posting what some might consider as "bigoted" opinions on the religious traditions of others is not prohibited, but accusing fellow posters of being "religious bigots" is prohibited.

73 posted on 02/12/2008 3:28:24 PM PST by P-Marlowe (LPFOKETT GAHCOEEP-w/o*)
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To: tortdog; MHGinTN; colorcountry; greyfoxx39; Colofornian
PM: Even though I cast my vote for Romney, under no circumstances would I cast my vote for a Hindu or a Moslem or a Bhuddist, or a Jehovah's Witness, or a Unitarian or a Scientologist, or a "Purpose Driven" evangelical or a homosexual Episcopalian Priest.

tortdog: Then you may be bigoted towards those religions.

I call it discernment.

It's a gift.

74 posted on 02/12/2008 3:42:11 PM PST by P-Marlowe (LPFOKETT GAHCOEEP-w/o*)
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To: P-Marlowe; Religion Moderator

You clearly err by claiming religious bigotry is permitted on the forum:

>Please enjoy our forum, but also please remember to use common courtesy when posting and refrain from posting personal attacks, profanity, vulgarity, threats, racial or religious bigotry, or any other materials offensive or otherwise inappropriate for a conservative family audience.

Why are you copying the Religion Moderator and other people almost any time you post. Do you seek support for your views?


75 posted on 02/12/2008 4:01:21 PM PST by tortdog
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To: tortdog; Religion Moderator; Otherpeople
Why are you copying the Religion Moderator and other people almost any time you post. Do you seek support for your views?

Yeah, I'm insecure like that.

What's your excuse?

76 posted on 02/12/2008 4:06:44 PM PST by P-Marlowe (LPFOKETT GAHCOEEP-w/o*)
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To: P-Marlowe; colorcountry; Utah Binger; Colofornian
PM, you gotta remember, all those years of venerating the "persecution" of the mormons, singing praises to "martyred" prophets, re-enacting hand-cart treks, huge 24th of July celebrations, pageants, etc.....being "bigoted" against is a large portion of mormon psyche, an automatic reflex....along with the "How dare they criticize the people that are entrusted with the 'lost' priesthood-don't they know that we're 'speshul'".

And, ONLY those souls that have been baptized into the "true" church are going to the celestial kingdom. HOW can you question that?

How COULD any denial of their truth be anything but bigotry? Youve been there, seen it.

Mitt is the restored glory, lost in those dark days at Carthage, the continuation of the dream. That's been delayed now, all because of the bigotry.

77 posted on 02/12/2008 4:07:52 PM PST by greyfoxx39 (Bill Richardson: Billions for boondoggles; Not one red cent for Jenny Craig.)
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To: greyfoxx39
How COULD any denial of their truth be anything but bigotry? You've been there, seen it.

I've been trying to suppress those memories.

Where is my zoloft?

78 posted on 02/12/2008 4:21:00 PM PST by P-Marlowe (LPFOKETT GAHCOEEP-w/o*)
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To: Religion Moderator

Recreate the thread? To what end? I posted a devotional about something that I thought was non-controversial; a thread about being of good cheer. And yet, someone comes along and demands that the devotional label be dropped without my knowledge, participation or permission, gets it dropped, again without my knowledge or permission, and the wolves pounce. What was a wonderful, friendly, ecumenical post is now an angry flame war. What’s to keep this proposed recreated thread from the same fate? The first was clearly labeled and yet here we are. Sorry, I will not play that game. The thread will remain as is.


79 posted on 02/12/2008 5:05:37 PM PST by Reaganesque (What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. --Oscar Wilde)
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To: sitetest; Religion Moderator
ST,

After careful and ...PRAYERFUL... consideration, I finally agreed with the RM regarding my thread of October 21 and "The Rock" controversy. Besides, that particular thread became one of the most posted to and best learning experiences I have had with any of my Sunday School threads. So, Thank the Lord for His providence.

Regarding this thread, It may have started as a true devotional, but the RM is correct in saying it became confrontational.

I don't "monitor" these threads so that I can be confrontational. I "study" these threads so that I can prepare myself to better be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in me. Thanks again...

In Christ...Alone!

80 posted on 02/12/2008 5:07:55 PM PST by WileyPink ("...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6b)
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