When The World Shook [9/11 tribute from the Admin]

I’m not going to say much this week [nor the next week], but come the 11^th 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]

God of Order, Order of Saints

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].

Here’s a simple* recap of the main organization:

God

↓

Prophet and Counselors

↓

Apostles

↓

Quorum of Seventies

↓

Stake Presidents

↓

Bishop or Branch President

Chain of Command [In sub-units]

So what of these Wards and Branches?

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.”

Article of Faith 1:6

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:

Scriptures concerning Church Organization http://www.lds.org/scriptures/tg/church-organization?lang=eng
Chain of command http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/leadership-and-organization/
Lay Ministry http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormon-lay-ministry

Besides Fishing [Admin]....

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.

Click Here to check it out.

Gone Fishing [figuratively speaking]

Due to busy week, no new post today.

Will resume next week.

Any suggestions for future post, feel free to send in suggestions.

Thanks for your patience " )

The Open “Canon” Still Fires [Doctrine Concern]

The Concern…

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”

Revelation 22:18

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.”

Deuteronomy 4:2

How can this be so controversial? Is the bible STILL the word of God?

YES! Another scripture from the bible resounds this truth,

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”

2 Timothy 3:16

The bible is the word of God.

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.”

John 21:25

Christ himself told his apostles,

“...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.

[click here in case the video does not show up, or switch browsers with Adobe Flash installed]

Resources [New Page]

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.

Saving your Past and Securing Their Future

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]

Onward! A Salute to Pioneers Everywhere

For many of life’s great accomplishments, there is a person who overcame their fears and took a chance as they walked off into the unknown.

Such people overcome their fears and disappointments and discover new horizons for others to cross.

Although there are many examples, there is none like that from the pioneers in the mid 1800’s that trekked westward to look for Zion in the deserts of the United states.

Indeed, their stories of trials and triumphs serve as an inspiration everywhere.

But they are not the only ones.

This weeks gift will be that of the voice of a latter-day apostle who, as we all should, give reverence to those who will do the impossible to bring “Zion” into our homes, lives and our eternal family.

[click here in case the video does not show up, or switch browsers with Adobe Flash installed]

Bonus: A movie about the Willie Handcart Company 

Two Lovers, Two Mirrors, One Eternal Family

Marriage between a man and a woman has always existed. It is the way mankind has been able to set up families founded on order and good principle.

For those who work with it, it is a beautiful thing.

In a normal civil marriage, the word’s “Till’ death do you part.” Often throws a monkey wrench in what is hoped to be a long-lasting relationship.

Fortunately, this does not have to be the case.

Fundamental Beliefs on Families

The entire human race is part of one family; God is the head of that family.

His work and glory to bring about eternal life with Him.

If He finds joy in raising His own family [the human race in this instance], why wouldn’t he want man to experience that same joy?

Marriage, the sacred bond between a man and a woman is very important in the eyes of God.

Man are to be responsible and worthy husbands, and woman responsible wives, and both are in complete and full alliance in responsibility and fidelity to each-other. They are to lead their children in example, word and action so they too can enjoy the full blessings of happiness of the family.

These are the words of modern prophets, and apply very much today as they did ten-so years ago.

This is not to say every family is perfect, but when everyone strives on these principles happiness [though not always immediate] DOES COME.

How Can Marriage be Eternal?

Eternal Marriage CANNOT be done by man’s authority.

It is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that man can be given the priesthood [or authority] to do so.

God has commanded men to erect temples to keep such ceremonies sacred and done in His eyes.

[click here in case the video does not show up, or switch browsers with Adobe Flash installed]

The effects are far reaching, and the sacrifices are worth every mile. The family as a whole can enjoy the blessings as each commitment is held on man’s part.

Special Testimony

To finish this post, here is a simple video to reaffirms gospel truth, light and assurance that we CAN be happy with our families in both the good and hard times if our goals are set high.

[click here in case the video does not show up, or switch browsers with Adobe Flash installed]

A Light on a Hill

Temple.

For different cultures, the title has different meanings. It could mean ancient, majestic, Steadfast, sacred, close, special or gateway to God.

To members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, it is the pinnacle of the faith.

It is everything above and more.

Temples Vs. Chaples

Some people are confused on the difference of Mormon Temples as opposed to chapels or meeting houses.

Here’s the difference:

A chapel is a place where both members and non-members can learn about the gospel, take the sacrament, and socialize. It is open to the general public.

A temple is is a place where worthy members come to make greater covenants with God and involves rituals that increase learning. It is not open to the general public.

While the restriction sounds secretive and even snobbish, the temple is a dedicated house of the Lord; it is a place set apart from all the troubles and filthiness of the world.

If it were not, NO ONE would be able to enjoy the full and real peace the temple has to offer as the spirit would be refrained to do so.

However its standards, however, all are invited to become worthy enough to come into such dedicated building.

History

Temples are not a new concept. For instance, the Garden of Eden could have been considered a temple in the idea that man talked to God face to face.

When Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden, one of the first things they did [as far as modern revelation gives] was that they built a alter to God. From that, they first learned of the Atonement of Christ who would come to save all of mankind.

Through out the scriptures are references made to prophets building alters on high mountains including those by Abraham, Jacob, and Moses.

As far as the scriptures show, the first man-made temple dedicated to God was constructed right after the Israelites left Egypt. It was called the Tabernacle.

The Tabernacle [as it was called] was a large tent, and was built with an outer courtyard, and two rooms. Each area had several artifacts that pointed toward the atonement of Christ, and each section represented a “step”/kingdom that led to God’s presence.

Temples from that point onward followed the same general layout as reflected, including the temple of Solomon, Zerubbabel [made after Israel could return home to Jerusalem] and Herod.

Christ Himself gave some of the most valuable lessons in the temple throughout his life. On two separate occasions He even cleansed the temple of money changers for desecrating the Lord’s sacred edifice.

Although the same temple that Christ had taught in is now long gone, our need for a sacred refuge has not.

Temples take many forms, but the Lord has always asked that man build Him a house on earth.

Function

Here are some of the things done in the temple:

Baptism for the dead: This does not mean we grave rob and dunk the bodies [that’s just nasty]. Mormons believe that baptism is essential, and as it is worthy kids around 12 and up can stand in the place of a deceased person and get baptized. Like other ordinances, baptism for the dead can be done solely proxy{ {meaning “someone else taking the place of another”]

Endowment: The endowment is a ritual that teaches about the creation, the fall, and the eternal effects of the atonement. Like the temple of Old, it takes place in stages to “rise” and teach the participants to prepare to met God in a celestial sphere for increased learning and understanding.

Sealing: God never intended families to be together “till’ death do you part”. The sealing is an ordinance an marital binding to bring families together even far beyond death and into the eternities.

It takes place after the endowment and is perhaps the most sacred of all the ordinances performed in the temple.

Unfortunately, this is all that can be said concerning these rituals.

Keeping such rituals sacred protect those who are not yet ready and those who are held accountable to the covenants they make.

Perhaps, one day will many, many more of God’s children be ready to know more of God’s love even more then they do now, both the living and the dead.

A Year Out: A Missionary Memorium [Admin]

It has been a year since I've been out in Montana [on this day exactly], while serving a two year term mission.
I've been a member all my life, but I was converted [or began to understand God's word] back in 2005, when I had gone to a camp that emphasized missionary work and had taken reading the Book of Mormon more seriously.
I went into high school shortly after been home schooled from the first grade until that point. I did well in terms of grades, but my biggest trial was my apprehensiveness of interacting with peers that didn't share the exact same values that I had. Because of this, I learned that people within and without the church can be both good or bad [depending on attitude], and that members of our church have spacious array of verbiage vocabulary [We used words either not common or not defined the same as the rest of the world does].
Two years later, I entered into my third year of high school and my first year in college. After another two years, I nearly completed my associates in Graphics, and two classes away from completion when I turn in my papers.

Matter in the MTC
I’ve heard thousands of stories relating to the MTC [missionary Training Center] in Provo, Utah. While I did experience some discomfort [I have claustrophobia, and they keep us in classes for two three hour increments a day], I didn’t think it was as bad as people said; My companion was great, my roommates were [and still are] great, and even after a minor dysfunction our entire district became awesome! Yes, even the orange juice provided those with constipation with good help.
All and All, I was getting rock-happy, and was glad when a small airplane took us away across the great Wyoming sky….

Moving Forth in Missoula
After staying in Billings, Montana for a day, I was shipped out via Gray Hound  northward to Missoula. The trip gave me a pretty good idea where I would end up during the next few months after, and gave me a taste of both craziness and goodness that people have.
After being dropped in Missoula, my trainer showed me the ropes around. Missoula was alive in the work, and not just because of the missionaries alone: the member’s proved to be the real power in bring those we taught unto Christ.
I remember feeling at a loss when I was not sure what kind of missionary I should be. I soon learned that I needed to be ME, not some other missionary everyone looked up to-ME. However, I also realized that everyone with deep appreciation for the Gospel came about it the same equation: they studied, prayed, and received answers in some way or another. It was here when I learned what kind of missionary I needed to be.
I was confident I'd stay and my trainer would leave, but I ended up getting the call to go down to Livingston....

Living in Livingston
Everyone told me Livingston was “the windy city”.
I saw some truth at that at times, but it was here where I spent a fall and winter season at once.
The people themselves were great people with heart's of gold and were down to earth.
My companion was great. He was [like everyone else] taller then me, and built like a barrel [he'd lost a lot of weight while being out], and had been through some interesting times. He's was like an adapted brother in a way.
However, spending several holidays reemphasized what I missed back home; Halloween was just like another day [only we could go home earlier], and Christmas Eve was also another day.
It was a letter from an old friend [who passed away just recently] who helped me pull through this time.
All and all, most everyone in Livingston was like an extended family.
Time passed, and I ended up changing companions with one from Maryland [also tall]. I spent a productive transfer [six weeks] with him tracting and setting up Big Timber for missionary work before the Lord called me away to Helena....

Holding out in Helena
Helena, so far, has been yet another great place as well as a refiner's fire. Closing into my year mark, I’ve struggled with missing family back at home, as well as my other brother serving a mission in Wisconsin.
But the service here with my companion has been a good one. We are always kept busy at Food Share, moving people, and simply helping people all around who are both in and outside our faith.
I ended up being there for 3 months, and thought I was going to see my year mark there.
However, the Lord had other plans, as I was sent up to Columbia Falls.

Conclusion…
On the way to my new area, I went to Missoula for a pick up. It was strange just how full circle my year had been as I found myself helping the driver navigate through these once frustrating roads.
After Missoula was the long, six hour drive to Great falls and then to Kalispell where I’d met my new companion.
I’m now stationed in Columbia Falls at my “halfway” mark with yet another year to go. Along with that, our old mission president is leaving and a new one will soon be taking over.
I still have a lot to learn, and with great changes happening in the mission, more great things are yet to come.

God bless those and their loved ones who sacrifice their lives/time for their country, family, and God.

"By What Authrority?"

A homeless man attempts brain surgery on a street curb.
A street racer pulls over another citizen on the road and writes him a ticket for speeding.
A crazy old man decides he should run government, and tries to kick the current power out of office with his cane.
Does not make much sense, does it?
Even in the human world, a person must be given a certain authority to fulfill their stewardship.
Some people may feel threatened or discussed at the idea of organized religion [and for most of the time, with good reason].
But if God is a god of order, would he not have an organization [and proper authority] even as far in mortal affairs?

A Biblical Example with Authority…
In Acts 19, Paul [a recent convert and ordained apostle] found some disciples, and inquired if they had received the Holy Ghost. The disciples replied that they had no idea who this being was.
So then Paul asked a question: “Unto what then were ye baptized?”
They told him of John the Baptist mode of baptism.
Paul corrected these people, telling them that they had not fully received the full blessings.
Upon correcting them, the converts were re-babtized AND THEN given the rest of the ordinance by the power of the Holy Ghost.
The scriptures [not just the bible] are FULL of men with authority making corrections and helping God’s children.
However, the scriptures also contain some people doing whatever.

A Biblical Example withOUT Authority…

In the irony of Paul’s authority, in the same chapter in acts some exorcist tried to do the same things that Christ apostles attempted.
These supposed exorcist walked into this home with a man possessed with a devil, and in the name of Jesus Christ [who Paul spoke of] tried to cast him out.
The ironic twist was that the devil replied, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?”
The possessed man then lashed  upon the exorcised and forced them out both wounded and naked.
However funny as the account is, it contains a serious lesson:
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO BACK YOU UP!

What Qualifies for that Authority?
The priesthood is given to men* beginning at the age of 12 up.
There are 3 main qualifications are as follows: 

-One must be in compliance to the covenants [or promises] that they made [such as those made in baptism and keeping the commandments as disciples of Christ]

-One must receive it from someone with the authority to do so

Once a male qualifies, like Paul and others after Christ they will have the authority passed to them in a unbroken line directly back to the savior [this is done with laying on of hands]

In now way is secular education important, nor is deep knowledge of doctrine either [it helps, but you don’t need it]
Like any organization, this priesthood holds different offices that allow the holder to perform a certain task [although some responsibilities are intertwined, anything outside these bounds usually leads to disaster; remember the exorcist?]
The priesthood is NOT a passive power, but only works on the principles of righteousness and righteous works, NEITHER is it handled by unrighteous dominion.

*HOLD THE PHONE!

Why would only men be given the priesthood? How is this fair to women?

An article in the 1980 Ensign [A magazine from the church] brings about some perspective. While this post will not go too deep into detail, it will list of some key points:

-Women hold responsibilities different from the man.

-The blessings of the Priesthood are NOT exclusive to man alone.

-Both Priesthood holder and his wife both compliment each other: ONE IS NOT WHOLE WITHOUT THE OTHER.

In Conclusion…

How great is this authority that God has given to men, for without  neither it or its blessings, no one could bring themselves into the glory of God’s presence.

Tribute: The Head and his Body

Just weeks ago, Deus Ex Gospel celebrated good mothers everywhere.

This week's post will celebrate our fathers.

What kind's of things do they do?

Fathers are the ones who stand, usually in quiet reserve, behind us.

They encourage us, teach us, and usually enforces law in the home.

Good fathers are the ones who presided as Patriarch [or male leader] of the home, respects judgment of his spouse, and is willing to ensure the success of his family.

Scriptures with Stalwart Fathers

In biblical times [and even in some cases today] linage was traced through the fathers. There are many great fatherly figures who forged great men [and woman] who forever changed history.

Here's a few:

Adam: The first man on earth, and with his wife Eve started the human race.

Abraham: The Great patriarch and Father of MILLIONS around the world. Showed trust in God in tough situations and was blessed and blessed his grand prosperity.

Jacob/Israel: Another Patriarch who had 12 sons, who would later develop into a great covenanted nation.

Joseph of Nazareth: The mortal “step-father” of Jesus Christ, and accepted the call as such despite social pressures and preserved his family in times of danger.

The 2000 stripling warrior's Fathers: Although the mothers are credited for the bulk of these young men's success, the fathers gave them supplies and aid to allow them to continue their success.

When the father of a family sets his home up in Gospel principles, he [along with his kids and wife] will find respect, honor, and great men rising from his own home.

Conclusion [to this post]

To conclude this post [there's not much to it], here's a clip that most families [and fathers] can relate with. It is a message that both inspires us all to overcome adversity, and to fathers to not give up, as there are good things to come.

[click here in case the video does not show up, or switch browsers with Adobe Flash installed]

Move Along...

Due to both delays and the upcoming Memorial Day [in the U.S. at least], The post planned this week will not be up. However, as memorial day is upcoming, I urge all to read the following account of a Book of Mormon Hero, who stood before his people with this creed that all should stand by:

“In memory of our God,

our religion,

and freedom,

and our peace,

our wives,

and our children”

Moroni

Receiving 9 fold

Barter. Gold. Silver. Currency. Cash. Credit Cards.

Money is not a new concept. It is material with “worth” that gives people power to use services and goods.

With such a powerful, man-made concept that controls our lives, God has asked man to sacrifice some of their income, not for the sake of growing man’s empire, but to grow His to further aid his children to come unto him.

It is a principle known as “tithing”

Some out there may find this commandment difficult for a multitude of reasons: they may be struggling financially, not like the idea of just giving away their money, or perhaps there is not enough understanding as to what tithing is.

The aim of this week’s post is to help anyone who may be skeptical of this gospel doctrine.

What’s Tithing?

Tithing means “tenth”.

It is a commandment to pay a tenth of one’s increase to the lord through the church.

Tithing pays for some of the following:

-Building Churches and Temples

-Sustaining missionary work

-Church services

Over all, to build the kingdom of God on earth.

For anyone who’s concerned about losing money to someone’s salary, this is doctrine:

Tithing does NOT pay any clergy of any kind. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is strictly a lay ministry and voluntary church; not even the full time bishops, apostles and prophets are paid.

Historically, Tithing was Paid

For anyone familiar with the bible, they would know that tithing is not a new idea.

Take the following*:

Abraham gave tithes of all he possessed to Melchizedek, Gen. 14:18–20 (Heb. 7:1–2, 9; Alma 13:15).
All the tithe is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord, Lev. 27:30–34
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase, Deut. 14:22, 28
The tithe of all things brought they in abundantly, 2 Chr. 31:5
Will a man rob God? Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings, Mal. 3:8–11 (3 Ne. 24:8–11).

*Not original Deus Ex Gospel Material, see this link for cited source.

Tithing was also paid in goods when money was lacking. It is an increase of what we gain [for most of the modern world, increase usually means money].

How do I pay Tithing?

Tithing in the Latter-Day saint church is paid anonymously [unlike the usual pan passing], and filled out in a form like that below:

Though self explanatory, here are some things to note.

In these forms, there are two main offerings in bold letters: Tithing and Fast Offerings**

The subsequent listed items are what tithing pays for, and gives a good idea where you're money will or can be going toward.

Just in case, here are each of the subheads and brief description of each:

-Ward Missionary: Help fund a local member to pay for his/her mission

-General Missionary: Help fund missionaries around the world

-Book of Mormon: Help fund the production of copies of the Book of Mormon

-Humanitarian Aid: Help fund relief efforts from the church

-Temple Construction: Help fund the construction of a Temple

-Perpetual Education: Help fund educational programs the Church has

-Other(specify): This subhead allows the tithing payer some liberty to pay for a direct objective or another objective not seen on the slip [ex; Genealogy research]

What a Minute, Isn't Money Evil?

Money does has an ugly head. One can argue that the worst sins contribute because of money. There are also some bible readers may question, “why would God want or use something evil? Doesn’t it say in 1 Timothy 6:10 that money is evil?”

Good to note, good to respond.

To have wealth is NOT wrong. In the lines of that very scripture, Paul warns that “…the love of money is the root of all evil….”

The Book of Mormon further clarifies, when Mormon [the second to last prophet in the book] chastises his people, telling them, “…ye do love money, and your substance… more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.”

In this life, money has become a necessary item to service.

The Lord understands this, and has asked us to sacrifice part of our gain

Personal Testimony

The Lord has asked us to give some of our substance, but he will not do it without giving blessings. In Malachi 3:10/3^rd Nephi 24:10, God proclaims:

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house; and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

Everyone I've talked to, who pays their tithing honestly, has never been without the bare necessities of life.

I've seen blessings in my own life, and I know it can bless others.
For when we give the Lord 10%, he gives us 9 fold back....

*Not original Deus Ex Gospel Material, see this link for cited source

**Fast Offerings are separate from tithing, and it will be covered in a future post