Sunday, March 31, 2013
The Lord’s Day … What Is It?
Sermon Topic Resurrection Sunday 3/31/13 The Lord’s Day … What Is It? Elder Dennis Trudgen
Hymns: #417, Thanksgiving Prayer; #56, Up From The Grave He Arose
Some have commented: Every day is the Lord’s day!
Why do we meet on Sunday to worship? … some denominations consider
worshiping on the pagan day of the Sun (1st day of the week) to be the
mark of the beast mentioned in Revelation 13:16-17. There is no direct
Scriptural command to the New Testament Church to worship on a
particular day of the week.
Romans 14:4-6, 10 … One man holds a
particular day of the week as holy, another man regards every day the
same … each one should be fully persuaded in his own mind. If one
regards a certain day of the week as holy, let him do that unto God; and
if another regards all days of the week the same, let him do that unto
God. We must not judge another person, because everyone stands before
God to be judged. We also should not cause a brother or sister to
stumble in their walk with the Lord.
The Jews the early New
Testament Church met on the 7th day, as was customary and commanded by
God (Exodus 31:13-17, the Shabbat [Sabbath] on the 7th day of the week
is a sign between God and Israel FOREVER msl), and the Church also met
on the Lord’s day.
Revelation 1:10 … I was in the Spirit on the
Lord’s Day … the Apostle John, in exile on the island of Patmos,
introducing the narrative of the vision he was given
In most
old-world pagan cultures, the days of the week were named for their idol
gods. In the Spanish language, though, the 7th and 1st days are called
“Sabado” (Shabbat) and “Domingo” (the Lord’s Day)
The Resurrection
and the coming of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost) both occurred on the 1st
day of the week … in fact, all events on God’s calendar take place on
specific holy days; like the giving of the plates to Joseph Smith on
Rosh HaShanah.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 … discussing the Corinthian
Church taking up a collection for the Church in Jerusalem … Paul states
as a matter of fact that the Church was coming together on the first day
of the week.
From the early Church writers … Didache, circa 100 AD, mentioned the Lord’s Day
Ignatius, 2nd century AD, stated that the Church was no longer observing the Shabbat
Justin Martyr, circa 160 AD, praised the Lord’s Day as both the 1st day of Creation and as the day Jesus rose from the dead
The early Church disagreed on specific points of observance, but always
PEACEABLY … for example, Polycarp (a disciple of the Apostle John) and
Anicetus had a disagreement between them about the days of the week but
were united as brothers in the faith. If anger is allowed in, that’s
where demons also enter in, and you are no longer with Christ.
Theophilus, circa 180 AD … the Eastern Church kept the Passover on the
14th day from the new moon, while the Western Church kept the Sunday
after the Jew’s Passover for their celebration of the Resurrection
(today is 5 days after the Passover )
Tertullian and Commodius, early 200’s AD … still observing the celebration in the first month
Dionysius, circa 260 AD … mentioned that there was a debate in the
Church about when the fasting and mourning ended and the celebration and
feast began … his advice was, when you start your celebration, start it
with JOY.
Anatolia, circa 270 AD … the celebration should be on Sunday … on that day, stop mourning and start rejoicing.
Malchius … mentions Paschal (Hebrew “Pesach”, the Passover) festival, and tells us to sing praises.
Apostles’ Constitution, 390 AD (after Constantine’s conversion) The celebration is to be observed exactly, on Sunday.
Ether 3:11 … Jared and his whole party, on the sea during that long voyage, never ceased to sing praises to the Creator.
This is a day to praise our God!
The service continued with specials, including a song by Brother Chris
Moran with his guitar, and a lovely rendition of “Jesus Loves Me” by the
little ones of the Bradley Local, with piano accompaniment, and closed
with the Hymn Great And Marvelous
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Keeping Ourselves from Anger and Bitterness
Skype Bible Study, Tuesday 3/26/13 Elder Dennis Trudgen Keeping Ourselves from Anger and Bitterness
Question: “How can we keep from becoming angry and bitter when someone
offends us, or sins against us, and there is no reconciliation due to
differences of opinion?”
In an attempt to answer this question, I
would like to take the opportunity to first lay the groundwork, for the
group, on the seriousness of one “becoming angry and bitter.” Some
believe that anger is allowed if he/she is defending God’s principals,
the gospel or the church. They call this “righteous anger”. Secondly,
let us consider scriptures that guide us on “how to keep from becoming
angry and bitter when someone offends us, or sins against us,”
Anger- Strong's H3707 - ka`ac 1) to be angry, be vexed, be indignant, be wroth, be grieved, provoke to anger and wrath
Anger- Strong's G3709 - orgē 2) movement or agitation of the soul,
impulse, desire, any violent emotion, but esp. anger 3) anger, wrath,
indignation , AV — wrath 31, anger 3, vengeance 1, indignation 1
Anger- Strong's G3710 – orgizō 1) to provoke, to arouse to anger 2) to be provoked to anger, be angry, be wroth
Wrath Strong's G2372 - thymos 1) passion, angry, heat, anger forthwith boiling up and soon subsiding again
Abhor- Strong's H8581 - ta`ab1) to loathe, abhor, regard as an
abomination Abhor- Strong's G655 - apostygeō1) to dislike, abhor, have a
horror of The human person is made up of many emotions. Some of these
such as envy, spite, jealousy, anger, wrath, and pride, also referred to
as vices, are out of harmony with the type of person who God wants to
live with. We are commanded to suppress, deny and put down these selfish
emotions. God wants to develop within us a concern and a love for
others. To control these unwanted self-serving emotions, first and
foremost we must understand that people DO NOT MAKE US ENVIOUS, JEALOUS,
ANGRY OR BITTER. Yes they can and do provoke us, but we are the masters
over these extremely damaging emotions! We choose how and whether to
yield to provocation.
II Nephi 3 : 45 43 And why should I yield to
sin, because of my flesh? 44 Yea, why should I give way to temptations,
that the evil one have place in my heart, to destroy my peace and
afflict my soul? 45 Why am I angry because of mine enemy? 46 Awake, my
soul! No longer droop in sin. 47 Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no
more for the enemy of my soul. 48 Do not anger again, because of mine
enemies.
Psalms 37 : 7-9 7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for
him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because
of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 8 Cease from anger, and
forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 9 For evildoers
shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit
the earth. Both in church or not, does it make a difference?
Proverbs 15 : 18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
III Nephi 5 : 70 But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his
brother, shall be in danger of his judgment. And whosoever shall say to
his brother, a Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever
shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire;
Alma 12 : 202
For behold he hath repented of his sins; but if thou shouldst fall at
this time, in thine anger, thy soul could not be saved.
II Nephi 12 :
23-24 For the kingdom of the devil must shake, and they which belong to
it must needs be stirred up unto repentance, or the devil will grasp
them with his everlasting chains, and they be stirred up to anger and
perish: For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the
children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good;
III Nephi 5 : 30-31 For verily, verily I say unto you, He that hath the
spirit of contention, is not of me, but is of the devil, which is the
father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend
with anger one with another; Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up
the hearts of men with anger one against another; but this is my
doctrine, that such things should be done away.
Colossians 3 : 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Gal 5:20 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry,
witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath 2372,
strife, seditions, heresies,
Ephesians 4 : 31 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down
upon your wrath:…31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger 3709, and
clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Anger is excited when a horse kicks us; when a serpent hisses; when we
dash our foot against a stone - and so when a man raises his hand to
strike us. The "object or final cause" of implanting this passion in the
mind of man is, to rouse him to an immediate defense of himself when
suddenly attacked, and before his reason would, have time to suggest the
proper means of defense. It prompts at once to self-protection; and
when that is done its proper office
ceases. If persevered in; it becomes sinful malignity or revenge - always wrong.
People's New Testament
4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not. Quoted from Ps 4:4, Septuagint Version.
Do not sin through anger is the thought. If circumstance arouse your
indignation, do not be led astray.
“Let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Let there be no long continuance of your wrathful mind.
(In the Jewish frame of reference, the old day ended and the new day
began at sunset. This would indicate that we are not to carry
anger/wrath from one day into the next day msl)
Septuagint Psalms 4 : 4Be ye angry, and sin not; feel compunction upon your beds for what ye say in your hearts.
KJV Psalms 4 : 4 3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is
godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. 4 Stand in
awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be
still. Selah. 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your
trust in the LORD.
Dennis inserted a picture at this point, of
muslim demonstrators holding up posters calling for beheading and murder
of those who slight islam, and asked "Would they say that they have
displeasure with their opponents, abhor their opponents or are that they
full of Righteous anger?"
II Nephi 6 : 98 Behold, my soul abhorreth
sin, and my heart delighteth in righteousness; and I will praise the
holy name of my God.
Deuteronomy 7 : 26 Neither shalt thou bring an
abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but
thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is
a cursed thing.
Alma 17 : 62 And ye shall teach them to abhor such
wickedness, and abominations, and murders; and ye shall also teach
them, that these people were destroyed on account of their wickedness,
and abominations, and their murders.
Alma 10 : 4 Now they, after
being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white,
being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin, save it
were with abhorrence;
Psalms 119 : 163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
Romans 2 : 22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost
thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit
sacrilege?
Romans 12 : 9 Let love be without dissimulation. abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
How to Keep from Becoming Angry/ Bitter when someone offends us
Jude 1 : 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the
common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort
you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once
delivered unto the saints…9. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending
with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring
against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
III Nephi 5 : 30 For verily, verily I say unto you, He that hath the
spirit of contention, is not of me, but is of the devil, which is the
father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to CONTEND
WITH ANGER one with another;
Alma 1 : 10-13,32-34 10 And it came to
pass as he was going to preach to those who believed on his word, he met
a man which belonged to the church of God, yea, even one of their
teachers; 11 And he began to contend with him sharply, that he might
lead away the people of the church; but the man withstood him,
admonishing him with the words of God. 12 Now the name of the man was
Gideon; and it was him that was an instrument in the hands of God, in
delivering the people of Limhi out of bondage. 13 Now because Gideon
withstood him with the words of God, he was wroth with Gideon, and drew
his sword and began to smite him. …
32 Nevertheless, there were many
among them who began to be proud, and began to contend warmly with
their adversaries, even unto blows; yea, they would smite one another
with their fists. 33 Now this was in the second year of the reign of
Alma, and it was a cause of much affliction to the church; yea, it was
the cause of much trial with the church; 34 For the hearts of many were
hardened, and their names were blotted out, that they were remembered no
more among the people of God. 35 And also many withdrew themselves from
among them. Mosiah 6 : 53-55 53 And thus they have taught their
children, that they should hate them, and that they should murder them,
and that they should rob and plunder them, and do all they could to
destroy them; therefore, they have an eternal hatred towards the
children of Nephi.
54 For this very cause hath King Laman, by his
cunning and lying craftiness, and his fair promises, deceived me, that I
have brought this, my people, up into this land, that they may destroy
them; yea, and we have suffered this many years in the land. And now I,
Zeniff, after having told all these things unto my people concerning the
Lamanites, I did stimulate them to go to battle with their might,
putting their trust in the Lord; therefore, we did contend with
them, face to face.
Alma 20 : 52 And again, the Lord hath said that ye shall defend your
families, even unto bloodshed; therefore for this cause were the
Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their
families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their
religion.
Book of Mormon 1 : 80 And when they had sworn by all that
had been forbidden them, by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that they
would go up unto their enemies to battle, and avenge themselves of the
blood of their brethren, behold, the voice of the Lord came unto me,
saying, vengeance is mine, and I will repay; and because this people
repented not after that I had delivered them, behold, they shall be cut
off from the face of the earth.
Matthew 22 : 39 36 Master, which is
the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And
the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Matthew 5 : 38-48 38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an
eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not
evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him
the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take
away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. 41 And whosoever shall
compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh
thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43 Ye
have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and
hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them
that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which
despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children
of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the
evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even
the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do
ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore
perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Moroni 7
: 51-53 51 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not,
and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked,
thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the
truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things,
endureth all things; wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not
charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. 52 Wherefore, cleave
unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail;
but charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth for ever; and
whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with
them. 53 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all
the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love which he hath
bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son Jesus Christ, that
ye may become the sons of God, that when he shall appear, we shall be
like him; for we shall see him as he is, that we may have this hope,
that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Fulfilling His Covenant
Sermon Topic Sunday 3/24/13, Elder Adam Porter
Fulfilling His Covenant
Why is Israel special? Why are we concerned for them, when there are so many other peoples? Why do we stick by them?
We need to pray for our leaders that they continue to stand by Israel
There are many things that the Bible reveals about Israel TODAY … there
are many things that the Restoration and the Book of Mormon reveal to
us about Israel’s importance.
The people on THIS LAND would have a part in God’s work today … those who don’t believe are BLIND to this.
Genesis 12:1-7 … the promise to Abram
The seed of Abraham quarrel even today … the older seeks to destroy the younger … just as in the Book of Mormon.
“Get thee out of thy country….” Could Abraham have realized the
far-reaching consequences of his communion with God? He would PRESERVED
… though there would be those against them. Abraham was called the
FRIEND OF GOD.
Genesis 15:1-7 … God confirmed His Covenant with
Abraham, and promised him numberless descendants, and that those
descendants would inherit the land Abraham walked. The Sovereign
Creator of the universe NEVER breaks His covenants!! … WE have made a
covenant with God, at our baptism … it is binding.
Genesis 13:12-18 … to thee I give this land FOREVER … (15:5 … can you count the stars? so shall your seed be)
Abraham dwelt in Mamre of Hebron … possibly the origin of “Hebrew”
James 2:20-23 Abraham was God’s FRIEND … his faith in God was shown by his works
Israelites went into the promised land and inherited it (having
received the law along the way) … today Israel is being called upon to
give up land (Joel 3:2 …for my heritage Israel, whom they have
scattered among the nations, and PARTED MY LAND) Israel will inherit the
land promised by God, in God’s time and in God’s way.
Latter-day
fulfillment … through the seed of Abraham came Yeshua Messiah (through
Judah) by whom all nations of the earth are blessed. His lineages
through both Joseph and Mary are given in Matthew and Luke,
respectively. Why are genealogies so important to the Jews? Because of
the Promise!
3 Nephi 9:46-51, 57-73 … the people on this side of
the planet were, and are, His Covenant Chosen TOO … and will fulfill the
Covenant. This land, the Americas, is the inheritance of the children
of Joseph. And if the Gentiles do not repent … they will not be a part
of the fulfilling of the Covenant …
I will establish my people unto
the fulfilling of the coven ant with Jacob… I AM the prophet foretold
by Moses … all the prophets testified of Me … all the NATIONS would be
blessed.
You (children of Joseph) are the children of the Covenant …
the Gentiles would be a scourge to unbelieving children of Joseph, but
they would not always have power … Ether 1:35, the Gentiles must serve
the God of this land, who is Jesus Christ.
I (God) will gather them
(Israel) in Mine own due time, and give unto them the land I have
promised (Isaiah 11:16, And there shall be a highway for the remnant of
His people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel
in the day the he came up out of the land of Egypt) … they must REPENT
first.
God will give Jerusalem to the Jews … that is His promise.
No believer in the book of Mormon would have been surprised in 1948 or
1967. Israel will be circumcised and cleansed … that will be in the
HEART in the last days. Jerusalem will be cleansed by God.
The Jews in Israel and Jerusalem are still following the Law of Moses … there is work to be done.
2 Nephi 12:42-44, 57-74 … The Lord SPEAKS to His children … He is not
done speaking … His covenants to the children of men … His word to
Nephi’s and Lehi’s descendants. They are for a standard to His people.
So many today refuse His salvation … His word shall come forth to the
children of men. One of the internally stated purposes of the Book of
Mormon is given here … it provides the testimony of two witnesses (a
Mosaic Law requirement to establish the truth of a matter, Deuteronomy
19:15) that God is unchanging, and that He speaks His word to whom He
will and causes them to write it, and that He remembers His covenants
(See also 2 Peter 1:20 … holy men of God spoke [and wrote msl] as they
were moved by the Holy Spirit). My Word shall be gathered in one, and
the world will know that I covenanted with Abraham that I would remember
his seed FOREVER. Events are on God’s time clock, but we have our part.
3 Nephi 13:54-56 … He shall see fit in His wisdom that the Book of
Mormon would come to the Gentiles. Another internally stated purpose of
the Book of Mormon … to serve as a sign to the children of Joseph on
this land, that when they see the Book in the hands of the Gentiles,
they would know that the Lord is fulfilling his Word to them and would
keep all His covenants.
3 Nephi 10:1-6 … if the Gentiles will
repent, God will also establish His Covenant among them … the Gentiles
will ASSIST the children of Abraham (see also Isaiah 49:22-23 msl) God
has not abandoned His plans … and neither should we. Thru Abraham’s
descendant, the world has been touched and blessed. Israel has, and is,
the Lor’s prophetic time clock and weather map today. We’re seeing
fulfillments … take a look!
Pray for the work of the Kingdom, and for the souls of Humankind.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Summary of the situation of the Church of Christ in India
Sermon Topic Sunday 3/17/13
Elder Dennis Trudgen and his wife Betsy traveled from Lakeland FL. to
our home in Port St. Lucie FL, to conduct a sacrament service for us,
which was much appreciated. Randy and i, Jeff and Bev Butts and their
children Danielle and Clinton, and George and Loretta Greig were
present.
Dennis gave us a summary of the situation of the Church of
Christ in India. An interesting thing occurring there is that many
pastors of independent churches there, being hungry to learn, come to
hear our preachers. They are not affiliated with a national or
worldwide denomination, and most of them lean to a
charismatic/pentecostal style of worship.
The number-one hindrance
to the spread of the Gospel in India is that these pastors expect to get
paid for pastoring their churches. They have been preaching for years,
and paid by their congregations, and don’t know how else they could
earn an income. The problem with this is that these preachers have to
preach what their congregations want to hear.
In the Phillippines,
we have over 4000 members, and growing. Membership has stabilized in
Kenya, and is growing in Tanzania, where a new elder has been ordained.
And on that note … Alma 1 … Nehor comes among the Nephites, preaching
that priests and teachers were to be supported by the people instead of
working for their own living. He wound up killing a man, so he was
brought before Alma to be judged. Alma sentenced him to death for the
murder, but also reprimanded him for priestcraft. V. 8 … many had
believed and gave him money. He was preaching a perverted gospel … just
like today, preaching for gain CHANGES the word … the preacher has to
stay in his congregation’s good graces.
2 Nephi 11:106 … He (the
LORD, v. 104) commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for,
behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a
light unto the world, that they may get gain, and praise of the world;
but they seek not the welfare of Zion. Those who do this DO NOT HAVE
CHARITY.
If they labor for money, will they perish eternally? GOD is the judge of that.
1 Peter 5:2 … Dennis read from Holman’s Christian Standard Bible 2
shepherd God's flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but
freely, according to God's [will]; not for the money but eagerly….
The King James uses the words “filthy lucre”. The Greed word behind
this expression is Strong’s G 147 “aischrokerdos” from G 150 “aischros”
shameful, filthy and “kerdos” gain.
Dennis touched on a message he gave us last year when he traveled from Lakeland to our area, on the trial of our faith.
1 Peter 4:12-13 Don’t think it strange when fiery trials come, but rejoice
Romans 5:3 We glory in tribulations, knowing that they work patience in us
James 1:2-3 Count it all joy when we fall into temptations (trials), because the trying of our faith works patience in us.
How many people fall away because they are not prepared to carry on?
Matthew 13:3-9 … the parable of the sower and the seeds. The seeds represent four groups of people on Earth.
The seeds that fell by the wayside, that were immediately eaten by
birds, are those who hear the Word and dismiss it out of hand … they are
not interested at all in the Kingdom, and the enemy immediately takes
it away from them. (v. 19)
The seed that fell in stony places are
those who hear and receive the word eagerly, but do not nurture that
word and strengthen it (see Alma 16:164-165), so that it becomes deeply
rooted; so when trials or persecutions come, those persons are offended
and the shallow-rooted Word withers away in them. (v. 21)
The seed
that fell among the thorns, or weeds, are those who receive the word and
it grows within them, but then the cares and stresses of everyday life
crowd out the Word and prevent it from having any effect in their lives
(v. 22)
The seed that fell on good ground, are those who hear the
Word, joyfully receive it, and seek to understand, and nurture and
strengthen it in their lives, and become fruitful believers in the
Kingdom (v. 23)
Matthew 7:15-20 The tree is known by its fruit … a
good tree gives good fruit; an evil tree gives evil fruit (a fruit tree
can be identified by its leaves, but let’s face it, if it’s not
producing fruits, or only makes nasty little sour/bitter fruits, it
will be cut down and disposed of [v. 19] msl).
Galatians 5:19-23 …
the works of the flesh, contrasted with the fruit of the Spirit (notice
the word “fruit” is singular here msl) … Growth in the Spirit is a
process; we are molded by life and our trials and problems. Those who
do the works of the flesh , DO NOT inherit the Kingdom (v.21)
Philippians 2:12-13 Work out your own salvation … it’s a process, to the
end of our life on Earth. We have to work, and praise God, He also
works in us!
Alma 16:147-150 … Alma speaking to the outcasts of the
Zoramites. It’s not just believing … it’s HOPING and DESIRING (James
2:19, the demons believe in God, and TREMBLE … they fear Him, but they
have no hope or desire to be part of His Kingdom) (see also Hebrews 11 …
these people believed God, and worked out their faith in their lives).
Alma 16:163 … you have trusted Him enough to plant the seed; is your
knowledge perfect? NO. Refer back to Matthew 13 … the seed that fell on
the stony ground, and the seed that fell among the thorns, sprouted and
grew … but did not endure to produce fruit (Moroni 8:3, endure in your
faith to the end)
Alma 16:170-171 … How do we nourish that seed, to
make it deeply-rooted and strong in our lives? By faith with great
diligence, and with patience WITH THE WORD … and BY AND BY the fruit
comes. It’s a period of time. (2 Timothy 2:15, STUDY; and 1 Peter 3:15,
be ready to give an answer ….) If we read and study the Word, it will
be nourished within us and bear fruit in our lives. This is the faith
part … we must also KEEP the desire and hope! V. 171 … how wonderful is
that fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)
2 Nephi 13:24-31 … the WAY by which
we enter the Kingdom. V. 24, the gate by which we enter is repentance
and water baptism; then comes the remission of our sins by fire, and by
the Holy Ghost; then we follow the Rod of Iron on that narrow path. Is
all done then? NO … v.28, we have come thus far by faith in Christ, and
v.29 we must continue to press forward with steadfastness in Christ,
with hope and love. That is our responsibility; then the baptism of the
Holy Spirit, and His wisdom and guidance, are God’s. Is all done yet?
NO … we must continue to press forward, holding the Rod of Iron,
enduring in our faith and in the brightness of hope, to the end of our
time here. (Ephesians 4:11-14 … the purpose of the church is to build
one another up [the meaning of the Greek word translated “edifying”]
msl)
Moroni 8:29 … Salvation, in one verse. The FIRST-FRUITS of
repentance is baptism, then onward and upward! (Hebrews 6 … lay the
foundation, then build on it)
John 15:1-10
He is the True Vine, we are the branches—how are we nourished? By
abiding in the Vine … a branch cut off gets no nourishment from the Vine
and withers away. God the Father is the husbandman (Strong’s G1091
“georgos”, from “geo” earth, and “ergon”, to work). An interesting
concept here … every unfruitful branch is cut off and discarded, and
every fruitful branch is “purged” or pruned to make it more fruitful.
You might say, we’re pruned if we do, and pruned if we don’t….
Testing ourselves: Scripture tells us what the fruit of the Holy
Spirit, and of life in Christ … do we have joy, or not? –charity, or
envy, strife, contention? --peace/contentment, or discontent/fear? –are
we patient, or quick to anger? –proud, boastful, or humble/meek? Do we
seek the LORD with tears? Do we seek His Word, or our own
pleasure/entertainment?
Moroni 8:52-53 CLEAVE (stick like glue msl)
unto charity, the pure love of Christ. Pray unto the Father … when He
appears, we shall be like Him.
Before serving the Sacrament, Dennis read from Moroni 6, as well as 4 and 5 … Moroni 6:6
The church met together to fast, pray, and to ENCOURAGE (build up) one
another, as well as to partake of bread and wine in remembrance of the
Lord Jesus.
Moroni 4:4 and 5:3 … the elder asks God to BLESS and
SANCTIFY the bread and wine to the souls of those who partake. The
Sacrament has a blessing for us! We in turn are WITNESSING that we have
taken His Spirit; and are PROMISING that we will keep His commandments,
to have His Spirit.
We truly enjoyed the visit with our brothers
and sisters in the Lord, and Dennis’s inspiring message … and we are
thankful to the Lord for the lovely home He has provided for us here. I
was not able to tune into the Bradley Local … if anyone has thoughts
and notes on Adam’s message, they are welcome here!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Are we to Command God’s Spirit?
Tuesday night study, 3/12/13 Presented by Elder Dennis Trudgen
Are we to Command God’s Spirit?
"We sometimes see on TV, so called “Faith Healers” that appear to be
trying to control or COMMAND the Holy Spirit as if it were their own
personal gift to control. By their actions, are they not saying that God
has given them a gift in which they can exercise as they see fit? I.E.
Healings, tongues, casting out devils, etc." The evidence that you have
received the fullness of the Spirit is the gift of angelic tongues. If
we want to accentuate the positive (the higher self or inner wheel
within the outer wheel) we must learn to speak in tongues as the great
Apostle Paul.”
http://www.kenkleinproductions.net/Tongues_of_Men_and_Angels_s/70.htm
“I need help with speaking in tongues. My friends said you learn to
speak in tongues by practicing every day. But deep in my heart I know is
the Holy Spirit that makes you speak in tongues.”
Mark 16 : 17-18
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they
cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take
up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;
they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
I
Corinthians 12 : 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same
Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same
Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God
which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given
to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the
word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another
the gifts of healing
by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another
prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of
tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these
worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man
severally as he will. 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members,
and all the
members of that one body, being many, are one body: so
also is Christ… 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need
of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you….27 Now
ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath
set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly
teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps,
governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all
prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the
gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31 But
covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent
way.
Matthew 7 : 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the
way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware
of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly
they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men
gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?... 22 Many will say to me
in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy
name have cast out devils? and in thy name done
many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Acts 2 : 4-8 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began
to speak with other tongues, as t he Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And
there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation
under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came
together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak
in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying
one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And
how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Acts
19 : 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came
on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
II Nephi 14 :
2-4 But behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts? Do ye not
remember that I said unto you, that after ye had received the Holy
Ghost, ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye
speak with the tongue of angels, save it were by the Holy Ghost? Angels
speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of
Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, Feast upon the words of Christ; for
behold the
words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.
I Corinthians 14 : 1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts,
but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 For he that speaketh in an unknown
tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth
him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries….So likewise ye,
except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it
be known what is
spoken? for ye shall speak into the air…. 22
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them
that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not,
but for them which believe. 23 If therefore the whole church be come
together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in
those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are
mad? 26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of
you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation,
hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27 If any
man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by
two, or at the most by
three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no
interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to
himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the
other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by,
let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one,
that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the
prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of
confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Rare Examples where some are Given Power To Use as They See Fit
Matthew 18 : 17-18 1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus,
saying …17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the
church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an
heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall
bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose
on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two
of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask,
it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where
two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst
of them.
Helaman 3 : 120 117 And now because thou hast done this
with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee for ever; and I will
make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even
that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou
shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will. 118 Behold, thou art
Nephi, and I am God. 119 Behold, I declare it unto thee in the presence
of mine angels, that ye shall have power over this people, and shall
smite the earth with famine, and with pestilence, and destruction,
according to the wickedness of this people. 120 Behold, I give unto you
power, that whatsoever ye shall seal on
earth, shall be sealed in
heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in
heaven; and thus shall ye have power among this people…121 And thus, if
ye shall say unto this temple, It shall be rent in twain, it shall be
done.122 And if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou cast down and
become smooth, it shall be done. 123 And behold, if ye shall say that
God shall smite this people, it shall come to pass. 124 And now behold, I
command you that ye shall go and declare unto this people that, Thus
saith the Lord God, who is the Almighty, except ye repent, ye shall be
smitten, even unto destruction…. 4 And it came to pass that in
this
year, Nephi did cry unto the Lord, saying, O Lord, do not suffer that
this people shall be destroyed by the sword; but O Lord, rather let
there be a famine in the land, to stir them up in remembrance of the
Lord their God, and perhaps they will repent and turn unto thee; 5 And
so it was done, according to the words of Nephi. And there was a great
famine upon the land among all the people of Nephi…. 8 For the earth was
smitten, that it was dry, and did not yield forth grain in the season
of grain; and the whole earth was smitten, even among the Lamanites as
well as among the Nephites, so that they were smitten that they did
perish by thousands, in the more wicked parts of the land. 9 And it came
to pass that the people saw that they were about to perish by famine,
and they began to remember the Lord their God; and they began to
remember the words of Nephi…. 12 And it came to pass that when Nephi saw
that the people had repented, and did humble themselves in sackcloth,
he cried again unto the Lord, saying, O Lord, behold this people
repenteth;...14 Now, O Lord, because of this their humility, wilt thou
turn away thine anger, and let thine anger be appeased in the
destruction of those wicked men whom thou hast already destroyed? 15 O
Lord, wilt thou turn away thine anger, yea, thy fierce anger, and cause
that this famine may cease in this land? 16 O Lord, wilt thou hearken
unto me, and cause that it may be done according to my words, and send
forth rain upon the face of the earth, that she may bring forth her
fruit and her grain, in the season of grain?... 19 And now, O Lord, wilt
thou turn away thine anger, and try again if they will serve thee? And
if so, O Lord, thou canst bless them according to thy words which thou
hast said. 20 And it came to pass that in the seventy and sixth year,
the Lord did turn away his anger from the people, and caused that rain
should fall upon the earth Luke 8 : 28-29 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried
out, and fell down before him, and with a loud
voice said, What
have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech
thee, torment me not. 29 (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to
come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept
bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven
of the devil into the wilderness.)
Acts 3 : 6, 4:7, 10 then Peter
said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In
the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk… 7 And when they
had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name,
have ye done this? …10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people
of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye
crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man
stand here before you whole.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
In the
name - Compare Acts 4:10. In Mark 16:17-18, it is said, "These signs
shall follow them that the sick, and they shall recover." The expression
means "by his authority," or "in virtue of power derived from him."
..The apostles never attempted to perform a miracle by their own power.
It was only in the name of Jesus; and this circumstance alone shows that
there was a radical difference between Christ and all other prophets
and teachers.
Acts 16 : 18 16 And it came to pass, as we went to
prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us,
which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed
Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most
high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many
days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command
thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out
the same hour.
Clear Examples were Paul’s Did Not Command or Control God’s Spirit
II Corinthians 12 : 7-9 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure
through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn
in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be
exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that
it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient
for thee: for 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.
II Timothy 4 : 19- 20 19 Salute Prisca and
Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus abode at Corinth: but
Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
Moses had no power to command the Spirit himself but was told what to do
Exodus 4 : 28 And Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him.
Numbers 20 : 7-11 7 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 8 Take the
rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother,
and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth
his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so
thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. 9 And Moses
took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. 10 And Moses and
Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said
unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; out of this must we fetch you water
rock? 11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the
rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation
drank, and their beasts also. 12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and
Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the
children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into
the land which I have given them.
In the attitude of humility, we
are to ask, plead, beg, petition our Father through the avenue of
fervent, reverent PRAYER, in the name of Christ. We are Not to demand
anything as some unthankful child.
II Chronicles 7 : 14 If my
people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray,
and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from
heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Acts
20 : 19 Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many tears,
and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
Alma 10 : 28 But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and
call on his holy name and watch and pray continually that ye may not be
tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy
Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all
long suffering; having faith on the Lord;
Alma 16 : 219 Yea, humble
yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him; cry unto him when ye are
in your fields; yea, over all your flocks; cry unto him in your houses,
yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening; yea,
cry unto him against the power of your enemies; yea, cry unto him
against the devil, which is an enemy to all righteousness.
James 5 :
13-16 13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let
him sing psalms. 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders
of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the
name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and
the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall
be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for
another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a
righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions
as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it
rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18
And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought
forth her fruit.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
The Next Generation
Sermon Topic, Sunday March 10, 2013
The Next Generation
Society today is on a course of ENTROPY (from http://www.universetoday.com/51887/define-entropy/#ixzz2NRW60GNp
What is entropy? The most way to explain it is to say that it
describes the natural tendency of the universe to fall apart into
disorder. A well known illustration is the messy room concept. You know
that you need to constantly work at keeping your room clean and well
arranged. However, you know that if you don’t keep up with the routine
the room will gradually return to its messy state. See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Introduction_to_entropy)
There have been great promises and blessings extended to this generation – salvation, the power of God
There have been great events within the last few years, particularly surrounding Israel
There will be prophecies fulfilled in the next generation – new avenues
to deliver the Gospel around the world – the church growing rapidly in
areas around the world
Pray for ministry to be called, and pray for those that are called
We need to be concerned for and involved with the next generation – we
looked up to the former “Pillars of the Church” – will the next
generation regard us as such?
We have WITNESSED the miracles of God in our lives and times; now we need to testify of them.
Deuteronomy 11:1-6 The children of that day did not see the miracles
performed upon Egypt; and the former generation were not permitted to
cross the Jordan into the promised land (except Joshua and Caleb).
Moses (who also was forbidden to enter the promised land) told the older
generation “You saw these miracles; therefore serve the LORD and keep
His commandments.” (see also Deuteronomy 6:20-25 msl)
The Nile River watered Egypt; it’s the LORD Himself who gives rain on the promised land, so be faithful to Him.
We are His PECULIAR (1 Peter 2:9) people (peculiar: Strong’s G1519
eis; an intensifier; and G4047 peripoiesis; acquisition, PURCHASE,
possession) and we have been blessed above all others … not materially
so much … but can any of us buy a miracle?
If the Spirit of the LORD is not on us, how will our children learn of Him?
Mosiah 7:114 … Abinadi quoting God’s commandments, from Deuteronomy 5 …
for He is a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of the fathers on
following generations, and also passing the blessings of the fathers to
following generations
Enos 1-10 Each of us needs to define and live
out OUR OWN faith (as some say, God does not have grandchildren msl).
Enos was thankful for the way his Godly father raised him, but he had to
WRESTLE over his own soul, and CHOOSE to have faith himself.
Society is “evolving”, and so is the acceptance of change by Christians.
We need to remember, our LORD does NOT change (Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews
13:8) (There are those who say that the Church must change to be
“relevant” to the times … there’s a great old Greek word for that –
“hogwash” msl)
We need to preserve, teach, and stand firmly upon the
beliefs of the Restoration … the Principles of the Gospel (Hebrews
6:1-2); the Book of Mormon; non-paid called Ministry; Scriptural
doctrine; the reality of the LORD’s Zion; the New Jerusalem (3 Nephi
10); continuing revelation and fulfillment
Remember the Covenants of
the LORD … teach the children of our rich heritage … we need to be
willing servants, fit for the Master’s use
3 Nephi 9:89-94 He will
show forth His power unto the Gentiles on this land, who would then
bring these things unto the House of Israel on this land – the TRUE
POINTS of His doctrine.
1 John 4:7-8 … verses on love … knowing the
facts is not enough … we must love as He loves, and teach our children
of His love, as well as His doctrine
1 Timothy 4:12 … Paul reminds Timothy to be an example to the church, and to not let anyone despise him for his younger age
3 Nephi 8:52 Pray in your families, that your wives and children may be
blessed … this is a Jewish tradition that is still practiced in Jewish
families msl
Pray that your family members come to the LORD in faith … let Him have sway over you, directing your affairs
Moroni 10:24-26 His Word shall go from generation to generation
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Who are the Angels?
Tuesday night study, 3/5/13, Presented by Dennis Trudgen
Who are the Angels?
Who are Michael and Gabriel? What are their duties and the duties of
the other Angels? Do they have duties and offices such as our earthly
priesthood?
The Different Orders, Duties and Responsibilities of Angels
Angel: Strong's H4397 - mal'ak 1) messenger, representative a)
messenger b) angel c) the theophanic angel; AV — angel 111, messenger
98, ambassadors 4, variant 1
Angel: Strong's G32 – aggelos a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God AV — angel 179, messenger 7
Hebrews 1 : 13-14 13 But to which of the angels said he at any time,
Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are
they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who
shall be heirs of salvation?
Revelation 12 : 7-8 And there was war
in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the
dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their
place found any more in heaven.
Isaiah 37:16 O LORD of hosts, God of
Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even
thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and
earth.
Ps 18:10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
Cherub: Strong's H3742 - kĕruwb 1) cherub, cherubim (pl)a) an angelic
being 1) as guardians of Eden 2) as flanking God's throne 3) as an image
form hovering over the Ark of the Covenant 4) as the chariot of Jehovah
(fig.)
Ex 25:20 And the cherubim shall stretch forth their wings on
high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall
look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the
cherubim be.
Gen 3: 23 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the
east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned
every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Ez 10:14-16 And
every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and
the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion,
and the fourth the face of an eagle. And the cherubims were lifted up.
This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar. And when
the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims
lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also
turned not from beside them.
http://ichthys.com/Jewish_tabernacle.htm by Dr. Robert D. Luginbill
Isaiah 6:2-4 1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the LORD
sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the
temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain
he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain
he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is
the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts
of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was
filled with smoke…6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a
live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the
altar: 7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched
thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
Seraphims Strong's H8314 - saraph 2) seraph, seraphim a) majestic beings
with 6 wings, human hands or voices in attendance upon God.
Guardian Angels
Matt 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I
say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of
my Father which is in heaven.
Acts 12:14-15 14 And when she knew
Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and
told how Peter stood before the gate. 15 And they said unto her, Thou
art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said
they, It is his angel.
Ps 91:10, 11, 12 There shall no evil befall
thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give
his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall
bear thee
up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
God’s Messengers
Matt 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of
the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of
David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is
conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
Moroni 7 : 24 Wherefore, by
the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceedeth forth out
of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by
faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until
the coming of Christ.
Hel 2:73 And he hath power given unto him from
the Father, to redeem them from their sins, because of repentance;
therefore he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the
conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer,
unto the salvation of their souls.
Genesis 4 : 26 And to Seth, to
him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began
men to call upon the name of the LORD.
Alma 10 : 19 Yea, and the
voice of the Lord, by the mouth of angels, doth declare it, unto all
nations: yea, doth declare it, that they may have glad tidings of great
joy;
Archangels
Archangel Strong's G743 1) archangel, or chief
of the angels “The Jews, after the exile, distinguished several orders
of angels; some reckoned four angels (according to the four sides of
God's throne) of the highest rank; but the majority reckoned seven”
(Enoch 9:1 Then Michael and Gabriel, Raphael, Suryal, and Uriel, looked
down from heaven, and saw the quantity of blood which was shed on earth,
and all the iniquity which was done upon it, and said one to another,
It is the voice of their cries;) Tobit 12:15 I am Raphael, one of the
seven angels who stand in the glorious presence of the Lord, ready to
serve him.
Revelation 6: 2 And I saw the seven angels which stood
before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. (Seven is used in the
scripture for Spiritual perfectness, completeness-DLT)
I
Thessalonians 4 : 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with
a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:
and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Michael
Strong's H4317 -
Miyka'el Michael = "who is like God" 1) one of, the chief, or the first
archangel who is described as the one who stands in time of conflict
for the children of Israel
Daniel 10 : 12 -11:2 12 Then said he unto
me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine
heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words
were heard, and I am come for thy words.13 But the prince of the kingdom
of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of
the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings
of Persia. 14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall
thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. 20
Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I
return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo,
the prince of Grecia shall come. 21 But I will shew thee that which is
noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me
in these things, but Michael your prince… 2 And now will I shew thee the
truth. Behold, there shall
stand up yet three kings in Persia; and
the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength
through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.
Daniel 12 : 1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince
which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a
time of trouble, such as never was since there was
a nation even to
that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every
one that shall be found written in the book.
Jude 1 : 9 Yet Michael
the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body
of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said,
The Lord rebuke thee.
Gabriel
Strong's H1403 - Gabriy'el Gabriel
= "warrior of God" or "man of God" 1) an archangel; the angel God used
to send messages of great importance to man; sent to Daniel, to
Zacharias,
and to Mary
Daniel 8 : 16 And I heard a man's voice
between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this
man to understand the vision.
Daniel 9 : 21 Yea, whiles I was
speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision
at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time
of the
evening oblation.
Luke 1 : 18-31 18 And Zacharias said
unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my
wife well stricken in years. 19 And the angel answering said unto him, I
am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak
unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings... 26 And in the sixth
month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named
Nazareth, …31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring
forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
The Devils power and structure
Ephesians 6 : 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.
Ephesians 2 : 2 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:
They Speak the Words of Christ
2 Nephi 14:2, 3 But behold, why do ye ponder these things in your
hearts? Do ye not remember that I said unto you, that after ye had
received the Holy Ghost, ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And
now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels, save it were by the
Holy Ghost? Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they
speak the words of Christ.
They are Single
Matt 22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
There are Good and Bad Angels as They have the Freedom of Choice Just as we do
Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left
their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under
darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
They have Great Numbers
Rev 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about
the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was
ten thousand times ten thousand, and
thousands of thousands;
Individual Angels have Charge over different elements such as water, fire, wind
Revelation 14 : 18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had
power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp
sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of
the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
Revelation 16 :
4-5 4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and
fountains of waters; and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel of
the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and
shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.
Revelation 7 : 1-2 1 And
after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the
earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not
blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 2 And I saw another
angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he
cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to
hurt the earth and the sea,
They are neither Omniscient nor Omnipresent (See also Daniel 9:21-23 &, 10:10-14 above)
I Peter 1 : 10-12 10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and
searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto
you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ
which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the
sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was
revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the
things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the
gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things
the angels desire to look into.
Moroni 7 : 32, 41-42 32 And the
office of their ministry is, to call men unto repentance, and to fulfill
and to do the work of the covenants of the Father which he hath made
unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men,
by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord,
that they may bear testimony of him; … 41 Behold I say unto you, Nay,
for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that
Angels
appear and minister unto men; 33 And by so doing, the Lord
God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ,
that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the
according to the power thereof....
The Jewish Tabernacle and its Symbolism.
ichthys.com
The Jewish Tabernacle and its Symbolis
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