Family Values with Christ

This talk was presented for sacrament meeting and I was inspired to share it here.

I hope I can share a few words that will inspire you to do - "more good". I would like to thank the Bishopric for giving me this opportunity to give this talk that I have prepared for you about "family values". What does family values mean? It means "values held to be traditionally learned or reinforced within a family, such as those of high morals standards and discipline."

I think it's interesting that I was given this topic because I have been thinking about this a whole lot lately. I often wonder if I am doing what I am supposed to do for my family. Things like: spending quality time, teaching them the fundamentals of life, truth virtue, love etc.

M. Russell Ballard once said: "As your leaders, we call upon members of the Church everywhere to put family first and identify specific ways to strengthen their individual families."

The key word was identify. How do we "identify" specific ways to strengthen our families? Have you ever wondered - "What can I do to strengthen my family?" I know I have.

Family and friends, this is a very important principle. We need to teach our children from the beginning. Where does it begin? It begins in our homes. Today! Right now. Forget about yesterday - it's in the past. Today prepares us for the future. I know sometimes we get so busy with work, school, church and other things that we often forget what is more important and that is our families. Don't get me wrong - we all have to work, go to school, attend to church every Sunday, along with magnifying our callings, but please don't forget what matters most. I don't think God intended for us to be too busy to keep us away from our families.

The family is central to God's plan. Family values and your family are needed. Being in a family gives you character, it builds you to become a better person and to learn from mistakes. You also learn from their mistakes. Your family not only instills values, but also provides very important and much needed tools for your success in life.

Maybe we are one of the lucky ones who was raised in a happy and secure family with two loving parents. Maybe we weren't, and growing up was tough without the love and support we longed for. Likely, as an adult you want a happy home for your family. Living peacefully in a family isn't always easy, but in God's restored Church, marriage and families are the most important social unit now and in eternity.

People who have lived through a disaster never say, "All I could think about during the earthquake was my bank account." If you did - something is wrong with you! Seek help!! What they almost say, "All I could think about was my wife and children." It shouldn't require a disaster for us to know this truth, but too often, we let earning money, chasing pleasure, or even the need of people outside our families divert our attention. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints families come first.

In "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declare that "successful marriage and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."

Parents are responsible for teaching their children the gospel of Jesus Christ. "Inasmuch as parents have children... that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost... the sin be upon the heads of the parents... And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord" (D&C 68:25,28).

An environment of love is necessary for rearing children. The spirit of a righteous home is love. The Lord said, "Thou shalt live together in love" (D&C 42:45) - love of heavenly parents, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost; of husband and wife; and of parents for children, children for parents, and siblings for each other.

One day, a year ago or so, there was  parent who screamed at his son during a activity. He used profane language and even threatened to smack him. I was surprised he did that and I was quick to judge him without realizing that, in the past, I have done the same. I went home and felt the need to change the way I speak to my children. If you think about it - parents should be examples to their children, realizing that their children are also their spirit brothers and sisters.

One of the best ways parents can teach their children is by example. Husbands and wives should show love and respect for each other and for their children by both actions and words. It is important to remember that each member of the family is a child of God. Parents should treat their children with love and respect, being firm but kind to them.

Parents should understand that sometimes children will make wrong choices even after they have been taught the truth. When this happens, parents should not give up. They should continue to teach their children, to express love for them, to be good examples to them, and to fast and pray for them.

The Book of Mormon tells us how the prayers of a father helped rebellious son return to the ways of the Lord. Alma the Younger had fallen away from the teachings of his righteous father, Alma, and had gone about seeking to destroy the Church. The father prayed with faith for his son. Alma the Younger was visited by an angel and repented of his evil way of living. He became a great leader of the Church. (see Mosiah 27:8-32.)

Parents can provide an atmosphere of reverence and respect in the home if they teach and guide their children with love. Parents should also provide happy experiences for their children. Making one's hope a place of peace and joy takes effort. The effort that goes into making a peaceful home requires consistent planning, prayer and cooperation. The Church encourages families to hold weekly family home evenings, in which all members of the family study eternal gospel principles and ordinances and to do things together that bring them joy.

Harold B. Lee once stated: "The most important of the Lord's work you will ever do will be the work you do within the walls of your own homes."

I testify that a loving and happy family does not happen by accident. Each person in the family must do his or her part. The Lord has given responsibilities to both parents and children. The scriptures teach that we must be thoughtful, cheerful, and considerate of others. When we speak, pray, sing, or work together, we can enjoy the blessings of harmony in our families.

And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Click here if video doesn't work: Moments That Matter Most

Allegory of Jaredites by Eleazar, December 2006

Jaredites are named after Jared in the same way the Nephites are named after Nephi. Appropriately, Jaredites and Nephites are said to no longer exist on this land and that the people who remain are remnants of the Lamanites. This is a metaphor. Who are we? Allegorically, we are the Lamanites. Yet at the same time, we are also the Jaredites and the Nephites. Passing away is a symbol for our spiritual death. These symbols convey our state as a spiritually dead people. At the same time, there is a promise which is recorded in the preface to the Book of Mormon, message written unto the Lamanites (us). The message is that we can emerge from our state of spiritual corruption by remembering who we are.

It might be noticed that Jared came forth from the tower (of Babel) and supposedly traveled to a promised land. Did it really happen? No, it didn't happen for the same reason that Nephites didn't get to the promised land. Some of the nuances in those last sentences are intended. Allegorically speaking, Jared and his families never made it; it didn't happen. We might say that the Jaredites (and Nephites) are us. We are those who don't understand. 

The allegory about leaving the Tower embodies the same meaning with the allegory of Lehi leaving his worldly riches behind in corrupt Jerusalem. These metaphors are personally relevant to us in the present time and place. The Jaredites represent us in our failure to see (understand) what it's about. Rather than give up our carnal and worldly being, we mistakenly believe that the story of Jared applies to someone else. We fail to see ourselves in the world that is about us. 

When Jared became afraid that their language would be confounded, he went to his brother, a man, to ask God on his behalf to not confound their language. That's and interesting scenario, isn't it? Speaking through an intermediary, and intercessory or go between, almost always results in confusion, does it? We, as devout Mormons, do the same as Jared because we are not only Mormons, but Jaredites as well as Lehites, Nephites, Lamanites, and Israelites. We revere our brother as our intercessory to God. Joseph Smith, Gordon B. Hinckley, or Moses, it doesn't matter who it is. To lessen confusion in our minds, we Jaredites might call of them by single name: "Brother of Jared".

MISSING THE BOAT

There is an important theme that emerges in the allegory-parable of Jaredites that might be worth mentioning, so we will do it here. The Jaredites build barges and travel upon their way to the (supposed) promised land where they set up camp (Ether 2:6). They mistakenly think they have arrived at the promised land (Ether 2:13), evidenced by their failure to continually call upon God (v. 14). What are they to do? They are to build more barges and cross another sea (v. 16). But, then after they arrive at the new place, what do they (Jaredites) do? They stay there and die there. The question that remains is if there are another sea for the Jaredites to cross.

Interestingly, Mormon, who is writing this narrative, proclaims that the Lord would not suffer that the Jaredites should stop beyond the sea in the wilderness (Ether 2:7). We might notice that stopping beyond the sea is exactly what the Jaredites did (cf. Ether 2:13). That is what we do, for this is about us. Stopped beyond the sea is where we are now, living in the (allegorical) wilderness. Metaphorically speaking, we have not yet arrived at the promised land we yearn for, yet never seem to find. These parables tell why it's so. We have been searching for the wrong things in the wrong places and trying to be perfectly obedient to laws that we don't comprehend. 

This narrative has, at best, only provide a briefest of glimpses into allegories of the Jaredites. But now you may be able to go back and look at these Book of Mormon stories again with newer perspectives.

Eventually, we will learn how re-examining the scriptures is missing another boat, so to speak. To find what is meant, we must go beyond the symbol which means going beyond the scriptures to find what it is that they represent. 

End.

This is a really brief video with just a handful of Jaredite names used today. The information comes from a larger scholarly writing from AAF called "118 Jaredite names used today". Between this and the last few short videos (see Unpopular LDS Evidence) the word "coincidence" is just not going to cut it when comparing the Jaredites to the Olmec (pure speculation/not proven). What's also not going to cut it when talking about Joseph Smith and "lucky guesses". How many lucky guesses and coincidences does it take to rule out lucky guesses and coincidences??

Click here if video doesn't work: Jaredite Names

The Purpose of Man's Existence upon the Earth

Have you ever wondered why you were put here on earth? The purpose of man's life on earth is a question which many have pondered about for thousands of years. We do not ask this question anymore because people seem to have given up on the possibility that an answer can ever be found. People have also relied on science to give the answer but with its one sided way of looking at things it does not look promising that an answer can ever be found in this way. 

The purpose of life according to our prevailing belief is to just live the best we can and accumulate material wealth, get married, have children and if possible have as many earthly honours as possible and if we are successful in these then our purpose has been achieved. We are then regarded as actualized human beings, successful human beings and so on. Some even believe in theories like Darwinism and the Big Bang.

DARWINISM

Darwinism is the theory of evolution. Meaning we declined from apes. Charles Darwin was the first person to submit that theory and therefore it is called Darwinism. This basically means there is no God. We all came from apes and the universe is a cosmic accident. This theory is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Suddenly, I'm craving for a banana. I wonder why.

"For by the power of my Spirit created I all things; yea, all things both spiritual and temporal - First spiritual, secondly temporal, which is the beginning of my work; and again, first temporal, and secondly spiritual, which is the last of my work - Speaking unto you that you may naturally understand; but unto myself my works have no end, neither beginning; but it is given unto you that ye may understand, because ye have asked it of me and are agreed" (D&C 29:31-33.)

BIG BANG THEORY

If God himself declares that his works have no end, neither beginning, what does that say about the "big bang" theory that declares that the universe started at a given moment of time? The scientists who propose this theory have impaled themselves on the horns of a dilemma. They state that matter can be neither created nor destroyed. It is accepted that matter can be converted to energy and vice versa, but the laws of conservation are not violated. Then what about the moment before the "big bang"? That question is not addressed by science.

Personally, I reject any theory that teaches there is no God. Why? Because it's just not good enough for me! Can you imagine if that is all there is of our existence? You might as well say we are born to die and that's all there is to it. What the heck is that? Are you kidding me? No! There has to be an answer to all these questions. Some say there is no answer. Excuse me? First of all - there is no such thing of a question without an answer.

So lets go back to the original topic - What is "the purpose of man's existence upon the earth"? 

The purpose of life is happiness. The plan of salvation breaks the purpose of life down into four main missions in mortality: receiving a physical body, obtaining personal perfection, acquiring prerequisite knowledge, and forming eternal family units. Mankind has struggled for millennia with uncertainty over the purpose of life. People have long sought to understand why they're here on earth and the destiny of their own souls. Some people have suggested that there is in fact no overall purpose to our existence and that God simply flipped humanity upon the earth, there to remain in sorrow and suffering.

The purpose of man's existence here upon the earth may be summed up as follows:

1. To be proved by God "to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them." (Abraham 3:25.)

2. To receive a body of flesh and bones, for the body and spirit when separated "cannot receive a fulness of joy." (D&C 93:33-34.)

3. To prove that they can keep their second estate, even as they have kept their first estate, that they may have "glory added upon their heads for ever and ever." (Abraham 3:26.)

4. To develop the gifts and talents to which they are born heirs, that they may be able to give proper accounting of their stewardship so that the Lord may be able to say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." (Matthew 25:21.)

5. To meet the requirements to become heirs of celestial glory, by becoming "priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek." (D&C 76:57.)

6. To be sealed to a companion for time and all eternity by one having authority of the Lord, through the Holy Priesthood, for "neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 11:11.) Without such sealing ordinance of marriage, one cannot obtain the highest degree of celestial glory (D&C 131:1-4), "which glory shall be a fulness and continuation of the seeds for ever and ever" (D&C 132:190).

7. To have children, for "lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward... Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them." (Psalm 127:3,5.)

"Again, we are indebted to the revelations of the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the restoration of the gospel, in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times, to make plain the purpose of man's existence here upon this earth." (LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder)

The purpose of life is to learn and grow and become better. Surely, heaven will be filled not with those who never made mistakes but with those who recognized they were straying and made corrections to get back on course. And we have opportunities to do that throughout life. Amen

Click here if video doesn't work: The Purpose of Life

God Loves Women Too

Something recently happened on Facebook where I thought it was very inappropriate and degrading to women. I did what I can to do what was right, but at the same time you can't teach an old dog new tricks. It is impossible, or almost impossible, to change people's habits, traits or mindset.

There are many who think that women are inferior to men and to top things off - they also think God feels the same way. What saddens me the most is that men (not all men, but some) are not the only ones who feel this way. There is a few women who think that God plays favoritism among men. James E. Faust made it clear by saying: "Nowhere does the doctrine of this church declare that men are superior to women. Paul said to the Corinthians, "Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord" (1 Cor. 11:11). Each brings his or her own separate and unique strengths to the family and the Church. Women are not just cooks, steward of our homes, or servants. They are much more. They are the enrichment of humanity." (The Highest Place of Honor, Ensign, May 1988, 36.)

God made men and women to be different, but equal, nonetheless. God created male and female to be co-equal, partners. Through women, God brought forth prophets, kings, leaders, and even the Son of God. The scriptures say that God made both of the same flesh. Both male and female reflect His image. Without either sex, we could not fully understand the nature of God.

"So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he him. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth (Genesis 1:27-28.)

When we examine Genesis 2:21-22, the Lord said that He created Eve from a rib taken from Adam. Before I was converted to Mormonism, I truly didn't understand why God created Eve from a rib.

Elder Russell M. Nelson stated:

"When Eve was created - when her body was made by God - Adam exclaimed, "Bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of man" (Moses 3:23).

"From the rib of Adam, Eve was formed... The rib signifies neither dominion nor subservience, but a lateral relationship as partners, to work and to live, side by side" (Elder Russel M. Nelson, Lessons from Eve, Ensign Nov. 1987).

God, in no way views women as being inferior. Instead, God will reward men and women based on how they served the Lord while here on earth. I promise you that God Is No Respecter of Persons.

Have you ever read D&C 25 as if the blessings was for you personally? This revelation was given through the Prophet Joseph Smith. This revelation manifests the will of the Lord, to Emma Smith, the Prophet's wife, but this certainly applies to you as well. Let's walk through a few verses.

1. "Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, (put your own name here), my daughter; for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters of my kingdom." (Heavenly Father knows all of us by name. He knows us.)

2. "A revelation I give unto you concerning my will; and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion." (His will is to preserve our lives and to give us our inheritance. What is our inheritance? Life with Him in the Celestial Kingdom - with our families. All He asks is that we walk in paths of virtue.)

3."Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady whom I have called." (The blessings of having your sins forgiven is possible for each one of you, no matter where you stand today. If you have been baptized, you are called up, chosen, to be with the Lord. If you are not yet baptized, He is waiting for you to choose Him, for He has already chosen you.)

4. "Murmur not because of the things which thou has not seen, for they are withheld from thee and from the world, which is wisdom in me in time to come." (This is where things start to get ugly. We must stop murmuring when the world urges us to. We are here to prove our faith in Jesus Christ, in His timeframe, in His wisdom.)

7. "And thou shalt be ordained under his hand to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit." (Women have been ordained membership in the Relief Society. As the Relief Society of His church, the Lord is depending upon you to teach, train, and rescue all of His children.)

10. "And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better." (This is what we all struggle with. We must look to God's ways. His will is the path we should follow. Happiness is found at the Tree of Life.)

13. "Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made."

15. "Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am you cannot come. 

Gordon B. Hinkley once stated:

"Emma was called "an elect lady". That is, to use another line of scripture, she was a "chosen vessel of the Lord." (See Moroni 7:31) Each of you is an elect lady. You have come out of the world as partakers of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. You have made your election, and if you are living worthy of it, the Lord will honor in it and magnify you."

Satan is the reason why women have been victims for so long. He wants you to feel weak, unwanted, and helpless. This is why the family is in his radar. Women are the KEY to every family. In the temple you are reminded that you are queens and priestesses. You have a crown of righteousness waiting for you. Satan would mock your belief in this, but you must testify to its truthfulness. When we make mistakes, we are to repent and start all over. Don't ever doubt the power of the Atonement.

I testify to you, that your worth is great in the sight of the Lord. You are His daughters. You belong in His kingdom. He needs you, He has chosen you, and He yearns for your return.

God loves YOU too!

And I say these things in His name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Click here if video doesn't work: Women

If A Man Die, Shall He Live Again?

But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre.

And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus Standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? who seekest thou? She, supposing him to be gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; For I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascended unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:11-17)

"Woman, why weepest thou?" Our Savior was speaking not just to the sorrowing Mary. He was also speaking to all of mankind ever born or yet to be born. There's peace I've come to know - because Jesus Christ is Risen, I too, will Rise! So - "why weepest thou?"

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified at the time of the Passover. Three days later He rose from the dead and was resurrected which we celebrate on Easter.

From the Bible Dictionary we learn where the word Easter comes from:

"The word Easter is from Eastre, a Norse Goddess whose pagan festival was observed at the spring equinox. The association of this pagan goddess with the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ was only by adaptation and synthesis. There is no real connection - it thus became a springtime anniversary, and has come to be called Easter in the Christian world."

Latter-day Saints celebrate Easter Sunday by worshiping Jesus Christ through attending church where they partake of the sacrament, sing hymns of praise and pray together. Church services often focuses on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, including talks and lessons. Sometimes a ward may hold a special Easter program during sacrament meeting which might include a narrative, special music numbers, and talks about Easter and Jesus Christ.

Easter is a celebration not only of the resurrection of Christ but also of the universal resurrection. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all people will be resurrected. Their bodies and spirits will be reunited, never to be separated again. Latter-day Saints know the truth of Paul's statement. "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept... For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (Cor. 15:20; cf. Alma 11:42-45)

Latter-day Saints conduct Easter Sunday services but do not follow the religious observances of Ash Wednesday, Lent, or Holy Week. LDS Easter services traditionally review New Testament and Book of Mormon accounts of Christ's crucifixion, his resurrection, and surrounding events. The focus of the holiday is religious. For Latter-day Saints, Easter is a celebration of the promise of eternal life through Christ. They share the conviction of Job, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God" (Job 19:25-26).

Latter-day Saints affirm and testify that Jesus Christ was resurrected and lives today with glorified and perfected body of flesh and bone. Following his resurrection, Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene and then to other disciples. Some were not convinced of his resurrection, believing that his appearances were those of an unembodied spirit. Jesus assured them, "Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have" (Luke 24:39). He then ate fish and honey in their presence, further dispelling their doubt.

A Resurrected Body of Flesh and Bones

The Savior's appearance to His disciples described in Luke 24:36-42 provides some of the clearest information in the Gospels about what a resurrected body is like (see also Alma 11:44; 40:23). President Joseph Fielding Smith commented on these verses and further described characteristics of resurrected body:

"After Jesus Christ had laid down his life and had taken it again on the third day, he presented himself to his disciples and told them to handle him and see, for a spirit had not a body of flesh and bones as they saw that he had. And so they came, and they handled him.

"Further to convince them, he partook of the fish and honeycomb. He ate in their presence and convinced them by a practical demonstration that it was he himself, that the uneducated may read and understand; and yet the wise men in all their learning, close their eyes against these truths...

"After the resurrection from the dead our bodies will be spiritual bodies, but they will be bodies that are tangible, bodies that have been purified, but they will nevertheless be bodies of flesh and bones... They will no longer be quickened by blood but quickened by the spirit which is eternal, and they shall become immortal and shall never die [see Luke 24:39; 1 Cor. 15:44; D&C 88:15-32]" (Doctrines of Salvation, ed. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954-56], 2:268-69,285).

Because of Him - there is no death - no permanent parting. The resurrection is a reality. Death is not the end. The resurrection brings joy to sorrow, and hope to fear. Abinadi, a prophet from the Book of Mormon said:

"And now if Christ had not come into the world, there could have been no redemption. And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection. But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ" (Mosiah 16:6-8.) 

I testify that Jesus Lives and He is the only way back to our heavenly home. He is my Lord and Savior who died and rose again. The empty tomb that first Easter morning was the answer to Job's question, "If a man die, shall he live again?" (Job 14:14)

In Jesus name, Amen

Click here if video doesn't work: Because of Him

God Is No Respecter of Persons

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34)

When I first read this scripture I wasn't too sure what was meant by Peter, "God is no respecter of persons"? I went online on Collins English Dictionary and it defines it as, "a person whose attitude and behaviour is influenced by consideration of another's rank, power, wealth, etc." I wasn't satisfied with that answer so I continued to look around for more understanding. The reason why I was confused is - isn't "respecter" a positive word, meaning "a person who respects someone or something"? Lets continue to read verse 35, "But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."

Now we're cookin'! It means that Heavenly Father does not depend on our race, tribe, culture, or economic status. Everyone can receive blessings from our Father by obeying His commandments. To receive further light and knowledge, I will write down a series of Q&A's from "The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles". 

Question

Why does Peter say that God is no respecter of persons? 

Isn't respect for a person a positive trait?

Answer

Yes, respect is a positive trait. The problem is that
the language has changed in meaning since the
days of the King James Version. The word person
was derived from the Latin persona, which meant
"mask", and referred to the masks worn by the
actors in a drama. Thus, the original connotation of
person was the outward appearance or
circumstances of the individual, including such
things as status, wealth, position, dress, or physical
appearance. The Greek phrase Luke used means
 literally "accepter of the face".

Question

So it really means that God is impartial?

Answer

Right. God is not like most men. He does not favor

one man or group of men over another on the basis

of social rank, ancestry, or other such surface
qualities. 

Question

But is God really totally impartial? Doesn't he bless
some of His children more than others?

Answer

God's impartiality refers to his basic treatment of
his children. Whenever someone is obedient to his
laws, he is blessed. Nephi  taught that the land of
Palestine was taken from its possessors by the

Israelites because of this principle. He explained:

Read 1 Nephi 17:32-38.

Some men receive more blessings from God
because they are more obedient to him. The
 impartiality exists because the laws form the basis

for blessings and not some outward, meaningless
 criteria.

Question

That doesn't seem very clear. What would be
meaningless criteria?

Answer

Suppose God said, "Well, you've been obedient but

you are a slave; so I can't give you the blessings."

That was one mistake of the Jews in the time of 

Christ. They felt that ancestry gave them some

inherent advantage with God. John the Baptist spoke

against that notion when he suggested that God

could raise up children of Abraham from the stones

(Matthew 3:9). Joseph Smith said this was a

figurative expression meaning the gentiles. (See

Teachings, p. 319.)

Question

But don't some people have an inherent advantage

by virtue of their birth, their wealth, or their talents?

It seems that a person born today in a land of

freedom and in a family active in the Church has a 

tremendous advantage over someone born in less

favorable circumstances. Doesn't that affect one's

ability to be obedient to God?

Answer

The time, place, and circumstances in which a 

person is born certainly influence his behavior in

profound ways. If that placement at birth was

simply a factor of chance, then it could be said that

God is partial. But we know that placement in

mortality is based on more than chance.

Question

Then what determines where and when you are
born?

Answer

We don't know in detail all the factors that influence

the circumstances into which we are born, but the

prophets have clearly taught that the basic rule of

obedience to law as the prerequisite for blessings

holds true in this matter as well.

Question

Meaning that the kind of life we lived in the

premortal existence influenced where we are now?

Answer

Yes. In this connection, President Lee made the
 following statement:

"You are all the sons and daughters of God. Your 

spirits were created and lived as organized

intelligences before the world was. You have been

blessed to have a physical body because of your

obedience to certain commandments in that

premortal state. You are now born into a family to

which you have come, into the nations through

which you have come, as a reward to the kind of

lives you lived before you came here." (In CR, Oct.

1973, p. 7.)

Question

But it seems as if some who are born into very

favorable circumstances are not very obedient.

Answer

True, but each person has his agency. If he does not

continue to be faithful and obedient, he will lose the

Lord's favor and blessings. Again note what

President Lee said about this:

"... there are many who were foreordained before the

world was, to a greater state than they have

prepared themselves for here. Even though they

might have been among the noble and great, from

among whom the Father declared he would make

his chosen leaders, they may fail of that calling here

in mortality." (In CR, Oct. 1973, p. 7.)

So the law is still the same. God blesses the faithful

regardless of their status, race, ancestry, or any

other outward qualities. He is no respecter of

persons.

Question

What are the implications of this for my own

behavior?

Answer

There are two important lessons to be learned. First,

if we wish to be godlike in our lives, we cannot base

our acceptance of a person on invalid criteria.

Question

Give me an example of invalid criteria.

Answer

It would mean not choosing friends on the basis of

wordly affluence. It would mean that all men would

be judged on the same basis, that girls would not

date on the basis of the boy's car, that dress and

fashions would never be the only basis for rejection.

If we really wished to emulate this quality of

godliness, it would revolutionize our interactions

with our fellowmen.

Question

I can see that. What is the second implication?

Answer

It has to do with our attitudes about ourselves.

A girl who was quite unattractive by the standards

of the culture in which she lived once asked, "Why

did God do this to me? Why couldn't my spirit have

been sent to a more attractive body?" If she

understood God's love and his impartiality, she

would know that outward appearance is irrelevant to

him. Furthermore, she would see that if her eternal

progression were really prevented by the physical

appearances she was given, a loving Father would

never have allowed that to happen. If she keeps his

laws, she will receive every blessing the Lord has to

give.

Question

So really, our position or specific situation in life is

 not as critical as what we do with it?

Answer

Exactly right. The leper who believed in Christ was

better off than the Pharisee who rejected him; the

repentant harlot who followed him was more

favored than the apostle, who betrayed him. Men

may challenge than ugliness. Life is sufficiently complex

to test and try every man. It matters little whether

the test is met in gilded halls of the palace or

the sweltering mud hut in the desert. God is no

respecter of persons. What a person is rather than

who he is will be the determining factor in the

judgement. President Lee explains further: "The 

Gospel of Jesus Christ was not intended just for a

continent or a segment of the earth. The gospel is

intended for every soul that walks the earth, they

are all the children of God..."

"Our responsibility is to bring to the world the

message of truth to show the world that within the

teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ are to be 

found the solutions to every problem that afflicts

mankind..."

"No matter where they live, whether they are rich or

poor, no matter what their station in life, their color

or their background, they are loved by us and we

desire to help to help them to achieve their highest

expectations..." (Church News, 15 July 1972, p. 4)

"For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified." (Moses 6:60) How beautiful is that? This promise is given unto all of God's children, for God is no respecter of persons. To add further witness, 2 Nephi 26:33 reads: "...he (the Lord) inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile."

I testify that God lives and wants to bless us all if only we will repent and keep his commandments. I encourage you to read the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. There is no other book that will get you closer to God. None! In Jesus name, Amen.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16)

Click here if video doesn't work: Peter's Revelation to Take the Gospel to the Gentiles

Mormon Health Code

The Lord has revealed which foods are good for us to eat and which substances are not good for the human body. He also promised health, protection, knowledge, and wisdom to those who obey the health-code. To help keep our bodies and our minds healthy and strong, God gave a law of health to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 27, 1833. This law is known as the Word of Wisdom (see D&C 89). We are commanded not to partake certain things into our bodies:

• Avoid strong drinks, meaning alcoholic beverages.
• Avoid the use of tobacco.
• Hot drinks, defined as coffee and tea.
• Avoid illegal drugs.

Oh no!! You mean we're not aloud to have a few drinks? Personally, I am grateful for this health-code because it has helped me overcome a 22 year alcohol and drug addiction. 

We are also taught that certain things are good for our bodies:

• Eat "all wholesome herbs" in their season.
• Eat "every fruit in the season thereof".
• Be sparing in the consumption of meats.
• Eat grains, especially wheat, for they are the staff of life.

Mormons believe that our bodies are sacred and our bodies are temples of God and should not be defiled (1 Cor. 3:16-17.) It's God's creation - so don't ruin it!

The Lord said: Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created. (D&C 29:34)

The strong will keep this commandment without the least temptation to do otherwise. Those who can't live the Word of Wisdom don't deserve to be called saints. You can call them Mormons, but they are not saints. Even the weakest of saints can keep the Word of Wisdom for they have been adapted to the capacity of the weak (D&C 89:3).

Elder LeGrand Richards once stated: "I presided over two missions. We had many saints who had used tobacco and tea and coffee, and some of them liquor, all of their lives, and it was hard for some of them to quit. I remember being in one meeting with a stalwart man sitting right down in front of me, and as I read these words, "Adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints who are or can be called saints," I said: "If there are any Latter-day Saints in this mission weaker than that we will not ask them to keep the Word of Wisdom." At the close of the meeting that big fellow came up and said, "President Richards, I am not that weak." I said, "I didn't think you were. I just wanted to let you know what the Lord had to say about this principle."

What about the health benefits of green tea? I wonder why it is that some people seek for every excuse to violate the Word of Wisdom. It probably took some investigation to discover that green tea contains some of the antioxidants. Let's suppose that green tea were the only source of the antioxidant vitamins, and the Lord has warned us by revelation not to drink tea, would you feel justified in going against the word of the Lord in order to get some supposed health benefits? The Lord has warned us to put off the natural man because he is the enemy to God.

"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." (Mosiah 3:19)


So what does this mean for Mormons and Coke?

Let me begin with Ricky Ricardo's famous line: "Ay yi yi yi yi". It's been a long heated debate among members on whether or not caffeine is against the Word of Wisdom. President Hinkley once said that Mormons avoid caffeine, apostle Bruce R. McConkie wrote that it violated the spirit of the Word of Wisdom, and even BYU campuses don't sell it - which I was totally bummed out when I went to BYU Educational Week in 2011.

On Aug 29, 2012 LDS church posted a statement on its website saying that "the church does not prohibit the use of caffeine" and that the faith's health-code reference to "hot drinks" does not go beyond (tea and coffee). So why all the confusion? Uuum - I don't know. Personally, I think it's a choice!

I think we need to be wise in our choices of food and drinks. To obey the health-code we can't use tobacco, drink coffee or tea, or use drugs, but we must individually decide for everything else. We know what the scriptures say, what the Church's counsel is, and we must choose. If we feel we wouldn't be obeying the Word of Wisdom by drinking cola drinks, then don't drink them, if we feel that we shouldn't eat a chocolate bar or other dessert every day then don't do it and you will be blessed. If we become addicted to a substance we are being controlled by the substance and are not obeying the Word of Wisdom.

I believe drinking a cola drink now and then just as eating a chocolate bar every once in awhile is fine. Drinking a cola drink or eating a chocolate bar every day would not be healthy and in my opinion if I did this I would not be obeying the Word of Wisdom, but that would be my opinion and my choice, that would affect me and no one else. I choose to not drink diet coke (my preference) during the week, but I do have one or two during the weekend - all I'm saying is to "choose wisely"!

And I say these things in His sacred name, Even Jesus Christ, Amen.

Click here if video doesn't work: Mormons Speak about the Word of Wisdom or Code of Health

Things Can Change If You Want Them To

It all began when I was walking home from a hard day's work. I started thinking about where was my life heading. Then I began to feel much sorrow, realizing I had nothing good to say about myself. It seemed as if I was completely blind to my whole entire life. I said to myself: "What am I doing? Is this it? Is this what life is all about?"

I was an alcoholic, but that wasn't the worst of it. Prior to that; I was selling and using methamphetamines. Also known as speed/crank. I call it the "devil's drug". I was going in and out of jail - something I am not too proud of.

Going back to the day I was walking home, I felt the need to pray to God. At this moment of time, I was in a desperate need for help. It's funny how that works - people remember God when they need something, but when things seem to be going okay, God is forgotten.

I can still remember it as if it were yesterday. I said: "God, I am tired of living this way. What do I need to do to change my life?" I was astonished how quickly He answered my prayer. He said: "You need to leave." My first thought was: "Leave? Why would He tell me that?" At this point, I was confused because I couldn't understand why He wanted me to leave my family. I couldn't bear to think to leave my two little girls behind, but without thinking any further, I made the decision, and left. Yes, this was very painful - especially because there were kids involved. My relationship with my girlfriend was very bad and this wasn't healthy for the children. Violence in a home is never good. You're probably thinking, why would God say that? Why couldn't He ask you to change, Marco? Well, I can only think of a few things. First, I was not the only one violent. Perhaps I could have changed, but my companion probably wouldn't have. Second, we were living in sin. 1 Corinthians 6:18-19 reads as follows: "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"

Elder Boyd K. Packer once said: "... if you now live with another without marriage, leave! Withdraw from it! Do not continue it!..." (Ensign, May 1981, 13).


Where did I go, you may ask? I moved back to my mother's house. Considering, I wasn't a very good son; she was still willing to welcome me back home with open arms. I noticed a big change in my mom. I was wondering why she was so different, so forgiving. She also seemed so happy. I knew she was going to church, but I didn't know much about it. As a matter of fact, I had never heard of the church before. The name of the church was The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka The Mormon Church).

The following Sunday, I decided to give it a try and see for myself what this church was all about. I was truly amazed how organized it was. I had never seen anything like it. I felt as if I was back in school, once again, but this time, I was learning. For once in my life, I felt free. I felt joy. I felt complete peace. The teachings were wonderful. There were many questions I always wondered about like, "Why am I here? What's going to happen when I die?" Amazingly, a lot of my questions were answered there. Everything taught there made sense to me. For the first time in my life, I felt the love of God. Therefore, this church began "to be delicious to me".

"Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves - it must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me." (Alma 32:28)

"O then, is this real? I say unto you, Yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, therefore ye must know that it is good, and now behold, after ye have tasted this light is your knowledge perfect? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must lay aside your faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed was good." (Alma 32:35-36)

The Prophet Joseph Smith Jr., on one occasion said of a doctrine and teaching, "This is good doctrine. It tastes good. I can taste the principles of eternal life, and so can you... You say honey is sweet, and so do I. I can also taste the spirit of eternal life. I know it is good; and when I tell you of these things which were given to me by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, you are bound to receive them as sweet, and rejoice more and more." (Deposition of a Disciple, p. 65) Alma and Joseph preached the same thing as a result of their trying successfully the experiment of the gospel's goodness. Therefore, I was inspired to do the same.

I decided to receive lessons from the missionaries. Our first lesson was The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It teaches about an apostasy that has occurred in the world. This apostasy resulted in the formation of many churches with confliction teachings. During this time, many men and women sought the truth, but they were unable to find it. Many good people believed in God and Jesus Christ and tried to understand and teach truth, but they did not have the full gospel or priesthood authority. As a result, each generation inherited a state of apostasy as people were influenced by what previous generations passed on, including changes to Christ's gospel.

As I continued the lessons - the Spirit was revealing to me that this was good fruit. The only problem I had was if I was being deceived. How will I know if Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God? Paul warned us against those who "lie in wait to deceive ... by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness" (Eph. 4:14) The Savior said that there would be imposters who would attempt to pass themselves off as his authorized representatives. He warned of false prophets who would come in sheep's clothing but who would have their own selfish motives to fulfill. He said:

"Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruits; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7:15-20)

I strongly believe - for me to be strong and to withstand all the forces pulling me in the wrong direction - I must have my own testimony. I would have to read the Book of Mormon and find out for myself, if Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. President Monson promises, having a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon builds testimony in other areas of the gospel. For example, When we know the Book of Mormon is true, then it follows that Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet and that he saw God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

A Prophet by the name of Moroni promised, if we pray in faith we will receive a confirmation that the Book of Mormon is true.

"Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts."

"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye should ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost."

"And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:3-5)

I am pleased to tell you - I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. I know that the Book of Mormon is what it claims to be. The more I tried to find mistakes, the more I was aware of truth. This is a self-testing book. Don't take my word for it. Read it, ask God in faith and He will tell you by the power of the Holy Ghost what you need to know. Bless you in your search.

I say these things in His sacred name, our Lord, and Savior, Even Jesus Christ, Amen

Click here if video doesn't work: Testimony of the Book of Mormon