I’m
not going to say much this week [nor the next week], but come the
11th it would have been 11 years since millions died in
the terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. In tribute of this, here is a
video of a survivor who’s found hope from his pears and ultimately
in Christ.
http://youtu.be/mkWc_EKLs4E
[click
here
in case the video does not show up, or switch browsers with Adobe
Flash installed]
Even before
man’s dominion on the earth, God has always had an organization for His
Children.
Organization
in it’s purest and uncorrupted form prevents/corrects false doctrine,
protects/rewords individuals and allow the work to move forward.
Some have
wondered how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints function as a
church and growing organization.
So here the
main chain of command.
Chain of Command [Broad]
On the top is
God [if you can’t accept this, ask him yourself]
God talks to his mortal spokesman the Prophet
[who receives revelation on behalf of the church] and his counselors [who uphold him]. His
jurisdiction covers the world in general, so his commandments are general.
Next are the apostles who make up the body of twelve
individuals. They act as the Prophet’s assistance and support.
The apostles
oversee the quorums [or sets] of the Seventy [as the name suggest, each quorum
holds about seventy individuals]. The Seventy oversee several areas in the
world called “Stakes” [like a tent stake, only for the
church].
Each
individual “Stake” is under the jurisdiction of a Stake President. A size of a
stake can very depending on the number of wards and branches.
A ward is under the jurisdiction of a Bishop.
It contains the congregation in a given area and exist depending on the number
of active members and priesthood holders.
A branch
operates much like a ward, only it’s much smaller then it’s counterpart [it’s
under the Branch President’s jurisdiction].
The
Bishop/Branch President holds charge of the Aaronic Priesthood which helps the
physical needs of the saints in his area.
However, the
spiritual wellbeing is governed by the Stake President, who ordains [or sets
leadership over] members in the ward as priesthood and axillary leaders.
These Priesthood/Axillary
Leaders watch over their own quorums of members, ensuring they get their duties
done and that they are strengthened in their own callings.
Calling?
Admittedly
those who enter into the church are asked to sacrifice time.
However, the
genius of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is that ALL are
called of God to perform their callings to edify one another.
God gives his
confidence in those who are called, and will ALWAYS provide a way to accomplish them.
To end, here
is a word to those who are uncertain of organized religion for whatever reason:
It boils down to if the gospel is true. If it is, the same is true with the
following statement from the prophet Joseph Smith:
“We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets,
pastors,
teachers,
evangelists,
and so forth.”
Those who
uphold their callings find that they help bring their brothers and sisters to
Christ and even learn things better in their active participation.
Due to time, only a basic picture has been
painted. For additional information, see the following links:
Well, this is another week when I couldn't get any blogs up. BUT I have been working on some Mormon.org questions. For those interesting in learning about our church, this is a great place to find people who can explain the gospel in your language. For members, start your own accounts and be that person to answer questions only some people can.
Most
Christian groups are concerned about receiving more scripture.
The last
book of the bible [Revelations] says,
“…For
I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of
this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add
unto him the plagues that are written in this book”
From
this passage of scripture, mainstream Christians have a right to
assume that any scripture after the bible is a fraud. With simple
deductive reasoning, they’ve come to the conclusion that The Book
of Mormon is a fraud because it claims additional scripture.
The
bible is the word of God, right?
Controversy?
Take a
look back at the following scripture from the Old Testament,
“Ye
shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye
diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord
your God which I command you.”
Those
who criticize The Book of Mormon are correct that NO man has business
to tell God what to do. However, that doesn’t mean God won’t
speak to man any more.
Further
Consideration…
The
bible is not just a single book, but rather a collection of other
books. Note that in Revelation 22:18, it points directly to the book
of Revelations [Ex: “…For I
testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this
book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him
the plagues that are written in this
book” emphasis added]
John
[the same
who wrote revelations] also declared that,
“...there
are also many
other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be
written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could
not contain the books that should be written. Amen.”
“...other sheep I have, which
are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my
voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”
The Book
of Mormon is yet another book that testify of Christ’s divinity and
his other sheep which are of his fold. However, the only way to truly
know of this truth is to read the Book of Mormon firsthand.
For an
apostles light and knowledge concerning this matter, enjoy the
following video.
[clickhere
in case the video does not show up, or switch browsers with Adobe
Flash installed]
Originally, this would have been a post about scripture, but due to some technical difficulties this was not to be. Awkward. " / Fortunately, the page being added to this site [in conjunction with this post] will STILL be posted. It combines the old pages [The Book of Mormon and Bible] together as well as show other primary research used at Deus Ex Gospel in order to allow those who visit a chance to do their own research. Here's the link.
There
are many ways to serve in the community. One such way is to do family
history.
Not
everyone’s favorite topic, but with modern conveniences like
computers and the internet, and dozens of institutions
that can help, this way of service can benefit many people in many
ways.
Good for
Yourself
Consider
the following video:
[click
here
in case the video does not show up, or switch browsers with Adobe
Flash installed]
Knowing
family history can benefit YOU as a person. It gives a sense of
belonging, and helps give an idea of where you received your physical
and personality traits. Learning stories of the past can also bridge
the gap between generations, and make their lives more applicable to
yours.
Good for the
Community
By
doing family history, others can benefit. For instance, relative of
yours may like to contribute/look at their history; doing this can
help relatives realize their special heritage.
Good for THEM
Commandments
and covenants are required to ALL of humanity in order to become
reunited with God again
[regardless of living or dead].
As
insured in the Plan of Salvation, As our place in the eternities is
eternal, anyone who had not had a chance will get one in the
here-after.
In
the temple, ordinances such as baptism
are performed by proxy [meaning a member stands in place on the
deceased’s behalf] after their name is submitted*. The deceased
then can still choose to accept or reject the ordinance for them.
Overall,
family history work benefits many by showing who we are, their legacy
and allows work to be done for them in the temple.
*For
those who find temple work troubling, the church has addressed this
issue
[see link]
