Posted on 10/02/2010 12:05:50 PM PDT by greyfoxx39
When SOME OF THE LEADERS SPEAK, the thinking has been done...and then again......Through the miracle of modern technology, a conference talk focused on the importance of free agency turned into a conference talk focused on the importance of obedience and the fabric of time itself was altered such that the original conference talk turned out to have not ever existed and anyone who thought they had heard something else must have been listening to the influence of evil spirits.
The Gospel and the Church
By Ronald E. Poelman
The First Quorum of the Seventy
General Conference October, 1984
Two different version of this talk were distributed. The first was given over the pulpit at general conference, the second was published in the Ensign and on the official conference videotape. Differences between the two talks are highlighted in red. Deletions from the original talk are set off by strikethrough Font, while additions in the Ensign version are Underlined.
Conference Version | Version Published in the Ensign and on Video Tape |
Both the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Church of Jesus Christ are true and divine. | Both the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Church of Jesus Christ are true and divine, |
and there is an essential relationship between them that is significant and very important. | |
Understanding the proper relationship between the gospel and the Church will prevent confusion, misplaced priorities, and failed expectations and will lead to the realization of gospel goals through happy, fulfilling participation in the Church. Such understanding will avoid possible disaffection and will result in great personal blessings. | |
As I attempt to describe and comment upon |
As I attempt to describe and comment upon the essential relationship between the gospel and the Church it is my prayer that a perspective may be developed which will enhance the influence of both the gospel and the Church in our lives. |
The gospel of Jesus Christ is a divine and perfect plan. It is composed of eternal, unchanging principles and laws which are universally applicable to every individual regardless of time, place, or circumstance. | The gospel of Jesus Christ is a divine and perfect plan. It is composed of eternal, unchanging principles, laws, and ordinances which are universally applicable to every individual regardless of time, place, or circumstance. |
The principles |
Gospel principles never change. |
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is |
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on Earth administered by the priesthood of God. |
The Church has authority to teach correctly the principles and doctrines of the gospel and to administer its essential ordinances. | The Church has the authority to teach correctly the principles and doctrines of the gospel and to administer its essential ordinances. |
The gospel is the substance of the divine plan for personal, individual salvation and exaltation. The Church is |
The gospel is the divine plan for personal, individual salvation and exaltation. The Church is divinely commissioned to provide the means and resources that implement this plan in each individual's life. |
Procedures programs and policies are developed within the Church to help us realize gospel blessings according to our individual capacity and circumstances. Under divine direction, these policies, programs, and procedures |
Procedures programs and policies are developed within the Church to help us realize gospel blessings according to our individual capacity and circumstances. Under divine direction, these policies, programs, and procedures may be changed from time to time as necessary to fulfill gospel purposes. |
Underlying every aspect of Church administration and activity are the revealed eternal principles as contained in the scriptures. . | Underlying every aspect of Church administration and activity are the revealed eternal principles as contained in the scriptures. |
As individually and collectively we increase our knowledge, acceptance, and application of gospel principles, we |
As individually and collectively we increase our knowledge, acceptance, and application of gospel principles, we can more effectively utilize the Church to make our lives more gospel centered. |
|
The eternal principles of the gospel implemented through the divinely inspired Church apply to a wide variety of individuals in diverse cultures. |
The conformity we require should be according to God's standards. | Therefore, as we live the gospel and participate in the Church, the conformity we require of ourselves and of others should be according to God's standards. |
The orthodoxy upon which we insist must be founded in fundamental principles and eternal law, |
The orthodoxy upon which we insist must be founded in fundamental principles, eternal law, and direction given by those authorized in the Church. |
A necessary perspective is gained by studying and pondering the scriptures. |
|
Reading the scriptures, we learn the gospel as it is taught by various |
Reading the scriptures, we learn the gospel as it is taught by various prophets in a variety of circumstances, times, and places. |
We see the consequences as |
We see the consequences as the gospel is accepted or rejected by individuals and as its principles are applied or not. |
In the scriptures we discover that varying institutional forms, procedures and regulations and ceremonies |
In the scriptures we discover that varying institutional forms, procedures and regulations and ceremonies were utilized, all divinely designed to implement eternal principles. The practices and procedures change; the principles do not. |
As we liken the scriptures unto ourselves we can better utilize the institutional resources of the modern restored Church to learn, live and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. | As we liken the scriptures unto ourselves we can better utilize the institutional resources of the modern restored Church to learn, live and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. |
A favorite scriptural source for is the Old Testament Book of Leviticus. | A favorite scriptural source for is the Old Testament Book of Leviticus. |
It is basically a handbook for Hebrew priests and contains many rules, regulations, rituals and ceremonies which seem strange and inapplicable to us. | It is basically a handbook for Hebrew priests and contains many rules, regulations, rituals and ceremonies which seem strange and inapplicable to us. |
It also contains eternal principles of the gospel which are familiar and very much applicable to everyone. | It also contains eternal principles of the gospel which are familiar and very much applicable to everyone. |
It is interesting and enlightening to read the 19th chapter of Leviticus, noting both the principles and the rules and practices. | It is interesting and enlightening to read the 19th chapter of Leviticus, noting both the principles and the rules and practices. |
In the first two verses we read, "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel....." (Leviticus 19: 1-2) | In the first two verses we read, "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel....." (Leviticus 19: 1-2) |
Here is the principle of revelation. | Here is the principle of revelation. |
God speaks to his children through prophets. | God speaks to his children through prophets. |
He does so today. | He does so today. |
Continuing, the Lord says to Moses, "....say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy." (Leviticus 19:2) | Continuing, the Lord says to Moses, "....say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy." (Leviticus 19:2) |
Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Matthew 5:48) Here is an eternal gospel principle. | Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Matthew 5:48) Here is an eternal gospel principle. |
There follow other eternal principles, some form the Ten Commandments. | There follow other eternal principles, some form the Ten Commandments. |
Also included are rules and programs intended to implement these principles among the ancient Hebrews in their particular circumstances. | Also included are rules and programs intended to implement these principles among the ancient Hebrews in their particular circumstances. |
For example, the divinely directed responsibility to care for the poor is taught. A program is presented, vis. providing food for the poor by leaving the gleanings of the crops and not reaping the corners of the fields. (Leviticus 19:9-10) Current programs to care for the poor are much different. The divine law is the same. Yet another principle underlies both programs, ancient and modern, i.e. those being assisted are given opportunity to participate in helping themselves to the extent of their capacity. | For example, the divinely directed responsibility to care for the poor is taught. A program is presented, vis. providing food for the poor by leaving the gleanings of the crops and not reaping the corners of the fields. (Leviticus 19:9-10) Current programs to care for the poor are much different. The divine law is the same. Yet another principle underlies both programs, ancient and modern, i.e. those being assisted are given opportunity to participate in helping themselves to the extent of their capacity. |
In verse 13 the principle of honesty is taught accompanied by a rule requiring employers to pay employees for their work at the end of each day. | In verse 13 the principle of honesty is taught accompanied by a rule requiring employers to pay employees for their work at the end of each day. |
Generally, today that rule is not necessary. | Generally, today that rule is not necessary. |
The eternal principle of honesty is implemented by other rules and practices. | The eternal principle of honesty is implemented by other rules and practices. |
Verse 27 contains a rule about personal grooming, it is clearly not applicable to us. | Verse 27 contains a rule about personal grooming, it is clearly not applicable to us. |
However, we also have standards of dress and grooming. | However, we also have standards of dress and grooming. |
Neither is an eternal principle; both are intended to help us implement and share gospel principles. | Neither is an eternal principle; both are intended to help us implement and share gospel principles. |
The principle of forgiveness is set forth in the same chapter of Leviticus, verse 18, concluding with the second great commandment, "....thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself." with the added divine imprimatur, "...I am the Lord." | The principle of forgiveness is set forth in the same chapter of Leviticus, verse 18, concluding with the second great commandment, "....thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself." with the added divine imprimatur, "...I am the Lord." |
Every church member has |
Every church member has the opportunity, right, and privilege to receive a personal witness regarding gospel principles and Church practices. |
Without such assurance, one may feel confused and perhaps even burdened by what may appear to be simply institutional requirements of the Church. | Without such a witness, one may feel confused and perhaps even burdened by what may appear to be simply institutional requirements of the Church. |
We should obey the commandments and counsel of Church leaders; | |
but also through study, through prayer, and by the influence of the Holy Spirit, we should seek and obtain an individual, personal witness that the principle or counsel is correct and divinely inspired. | |
Then we can give enlightened, enthusiastic obedience, utilizing the Church through which to give allegiance, time, talent and other resources without reluctance or resentment. | Then we can give enlightened, enthusiastic obedience, utilizing the Church through which to give allegiance, time, talent and other resources without reluctance or resentment. |
Happy, fulfilling participation in the Church results when we relate institutional goals, programs and policies to gospel principles and to personal eternal goals. | Happy, fulfilling participation in the Church results when we relate Church goals, programs and policies to gospel principles and to personal eternal goals. |
When we |
When we see the harmony between the gospel and the Church in our daily lives, we are much more likely to do the right things for the right reasons. |
We will exercise self discipline and righteous initiative guided by Church leaders and a sense of divine accountability. | |
The Church aids us in our effort to use our free agency creatively, not to invent our own values and principles, but to |
The Church aids us in our effort to use our free agency creatively, not to invent our own values and principles, and interpretations but to learn and live the eternal truths of the gospel. |
Gospel living is a process of continuous individual renewal and improvement until the person is prepared and qualified to enter comfortably and with confidence into the presence of God. | Gospel living is a process of continuous individual renewal and improvement until the person is prepared and qualified to enter comfortably and with confidence into the presence of God. |
My brothers and sisters, by inclination, training and experience, most of my life I have sought understanding by the accumulation of facts and the application of reason. | My brothers and sisters, by inclination, training and experience, most of my life I have sought understanding by the accumulation of facts and the application of reason. |
I continue to do so. | I continue to do so. |
However, that which I know most surely and which has most significantly and positively affected my life I do not know by facts and reason alone, but rather by the comforting, confirming witness of the Holy Spirit. | However, that which I know most surely and which has most significantly and positively affected my life I do not know by facts and reason alone, but rather by the comforting, confirming witness of the Holy Spirit. |
By that same Spirit I testify that God is our Father, the Jesus of Nazareth is the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh and that he is the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind and each of us. | By that same Spirit I testify that God is our Father, the Jesus of Nazareth is the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh and that he is the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind and each of us. |
Through his atoning sacrifice, redemption and exaltation are offered as a free gift to all who will accept by faith, repentance and sacred covenants. | Through his atoning sacrifice, redemption and exaltation are offered as a free gift to all who will accept by faith, repentance and sacred covenants. |
May each of us continue to learn and apply the eternal principles of the gospel, utilizing fully and appropriately the resources of the divine restore Church. | May each of us continue to learn and apply the eternal principles of the gospel, utilizing fully and appropriately the resources of the divine restore Church. |
In the words of the Nephite leader Pahoran, "... may we rejoice in the great privilege of our church and in the cause of our Redeemer and our God." (Alma 61:14) In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. | In the words of the Nephite leader Pahoran, "... may we rejoice in the great privilege of our church and in the cause of our Redeemer and our God." (Alma 61:14) In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. |
I dont recall the earlier discussion of this topic
***
http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2600407/replies?c=6
There is also other threads before this one was posted someone is either senile or likes to recycle!
October 02, 2010
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2600407/posts
December 09, 2009
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2403785/posts
July 28, 2009
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2302870/posts
There is one more out there!
Two issues with the other links. First, I said that I didn't remember the discussion and you'll note that I didn't respond on either of the earlier threads. I may have read them but I don't remember them. Even if you find that I commented on the other thread you say is out there, I'm still honestly stating that I don't remember it. Second, those comments constitute an answer! Boy, you really set the bar low for your Mormon friends.
We KNEW this; but VERIFICATION is nice, too.
What say you Mormon defenders? Youre always quick to accuse the Anti-Mormons of distortion. Can I expect posts of outrage?
[Stourme makes sense]
Huh? Why would we make posts of outrage? There's nothing to see here.
This talk was given in 1984, that's before PCs were on every desktop. He probably even wrote it down by hand. It's the principal that's being taught that's important. Before it went into the Ensign he decided to simplify it some.
What's next, are you going to start deriding the New testament because there are 3 different accounts of Saul on the road to Damascus?
Oh, sure.
This talk was given in 1984, that's before PCs were on every desktop. He probably even wrote it down by hand. It's the principal that's being taught that's important. Before it went into the Ensign he decided to simplify it some.
Before video recording equipment? Before audio recording equipment? Before transcripts? Give me a break. My point actually had to do with the selective outrage of the Mormon apologists. Even if the principle was the same, if a Mormon critic made such modifications, the Mormon apologists would scream bloody murder.
the church teaches a doctrine of lies. if some one told a mormon elvis was still alive - they believe it without question; and would defend it even when evidence points other wise. Joseph smith is a false prophet; a person who preched lies. however, great business man. the morons are a multi billion dollar industry.
******************************************
What a coincidence!
Saying that something has already been posted means nothing. If you are unable to defend your faith then say so, remember there are new people all the time on FR.
If you don’t have a problem that lds leaders change their minds on basic teachings say that.
I don’t need to defend my faith when Jesus Christ is at the head!
Of course we know what answered means coming from LDS apologist...
What is the capital of Norway?
Belgium!
Are you sure, is that your final answer?
Yes, it is correct, I have answered your question, do not keep asking me, it is already answered!
But is is wrong, the capital is Oslo!
That is your opinion, and your are distorting my response to your own ends...
Um, ok...
“From now on, I’m only going to post links to mormon sites and pretend I gave answers!”
“Um, ok... Do you have any facts?”
“No, just links to mormon sites.”
Um, ok... Do you have any evidence to support mormonism’s wild claims?”
“No, just links to mormon sites.”
Um can you make a coherent and logical argument why any reasonable person should believe anything about mormonism?”
“No, I do have these links to mormon sites.”
“Um, so all you have is your feelings and some links?”
“They’re very good links. They will tell you why you are all wrong and why you should become a mormon and wear magic underwear like me and become a god like I will someday.”
“Ah! So you think people can become gods?”
“That’s so false! It’s an old accusation, [yawn] and it’s been answered at these links to mormon sites!”
“But you just said...! Um... nevermind.”
“You anti-mormons are always bringing up regurgitated falsehoods!”
“But do you believe what you just said about becoming a god?”
“I have these links you can see.”
But those links are the “truth” and If I accuse of not reading them despite the fact you have told me you have over and over and use them effectively in your own postings exposing the false doctrine of the LDS, which is truth BTW, those in our target market of marks such as those with short attentions spans, issues with rational thought but have lots of money and the spiritually weak, (oh and I left of those with gold fillings), will think how brilliant we are and how bad you look for not investigating the LDS which of course we all know you have because you know exactly how messed up our doctrine and dogma is as you demonstrate with you “lies”(wink wink), because according to our training our doctrine is sound no matter what side of an issue we are on at the time.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called Mormons, believe that families are eternal, and that the purpose of such eternal union is to create spirit children of their own, prepare worlds for those children to live upon, then guide them through the same mortal experiences and testing they themselves passed through in order to help them learn, grow, and become themselves one day worthy to receive the awesome powers attendent to beings who do such things at present, i.e. Gods.
Latter-day Saints do not believe they will be given God like powers over non-believers in the next life. In fact, faithful Latter-day Saints, as they pass into the next life, will continue to teach others who had no opportunity to hear their message while alive on this earth in order to help them attain the same level of joy and happiness they themselves expect to receive.
The fact that Latter-day Saints accept the existence of other, "Gods", in no way contradicts the accepted Christian belief in one Eternal Father (God), anymore than the existence of other mortal fathers here on earth, denies the fact that people have but one biological father.
www.lds.org .
Which Jesus? The created jesus or the Eternal Jesus?
Which Jesus? The created jesus or the Eternal Jesus?
***
I am sure you would not know Him!
He is the one who said “If ye love me keep my commandments” and to “Love One Antoher”.
That does not answer the question. Is it the created jesus or the Eternal Jesus?
It does not seem to matter sense you are unable to recieve a witness!
The truth of the matter is that the Mormon Church teaches that God created everyone and everything. That means he created Jesus (one of the few areas where Mormon understanding of Jesus differs from that of traditional Christianity), and yes, it also means he created Satan, and also created you and me.
Please notice that Mitt does not capitalize He when referring to God. (The underlining is mine)
The truth of the matter is that the Mormon Church teaches that God created everyone and everything. That means he created Jesus (one of the few areas where Mormon understanding of Jesus differs from that of traditional Christianity), and yes, it also means he created Satan, and also created you and me.
Please notice that Mitt does not capitalize He when referring to God. (The underlining is mine)
***
The an old saying A little knowledge can be dangereous thing.
A small amount of knowledge can mislead people into thinking that they are more expert than they really are.
first of all Jesus is the ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF HEAVENLY FATHER!
Jesus was co Creator with His Father of what is on and in the earth!
Man was created with the elements of the earth as in Adam and Eve.
Jesus was the ONLY begotten by the Heavenly Father and enter earth through His mother Mary!
The human race came through Adam and Eve.
Satan was not created he never receive a temporal body of flesh and blood because he rebled against God the Father therefore he did not keep his first estate so he could never receive the second estate of a body of flesh and blood.
Like all of us Satan had a choice and he chose to rebel instead honoring the Creator.
Lucifer aka Satan fell from grace
Isa 14
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
Rev 8
10 And the third angel sounded, and there afell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;
11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.
D&C 76
25 And this we saw also, and bear record, that an angel of God who was in authority in the presence of God, who rebelled against the Only Begotten Son whom the Father loved and who was in the bosom of the Father, was thrust down from the presence of God and the Son,
26 And was called Perdition, for the heavens wept over himhe was Lucifer, a son of the morning.
27 And we beheld, and lo, he is fallen! is fallen, even a son of the morning!
28 And while we were yet in the Spirit, the Lord commanded us that we should write the vision; for we beheld Satan, that old serpent, even the devil, who rebelled against God, and sought to take the kingdom of our God and his Christ
29 Wherefore, he maketh war with the saints of God, and encompasseth them round about.
30 And we saw a vision of the sufferings of those with whom he made war and overcame, for thus came the voice of the Lord unto us:
31 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
32 They are they who are the sons of perdition, of whom I say that it had been better for them never to have been born;
33 For they are vessels of wrath, doomed to suffer the wrath of God, with the devil and his angels in eternity;
34 Concerning whom I have said there is no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come
35 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.
36 These are they who shall go away into the lake of fire and brimstone, with the devil and his angels
37 And the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power;
38 Yea, verily, the only ones who shall not be redeemed in the due time of the Lord, after the sufferings of his wrath
____
35 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.
....are they also the same ones who trash The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?
Eph 6
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Those who are the Lord come with the gospel of PEACE!
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
John 14
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
So your post disagrees with Mitt, wow!
I don’t know I have not been to his web site
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.