Unwanted in Our Town

The world always mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that were sent of God they considered to be false prophets, and hence they killed, stoned, punished, and imprisoned the true prophets, and they had to hide themselves in deserts, and dens, and caves of the earth, and though the most honorable men of the earth, they banished them from their society as vagabonds, while they cherished, honored, and supported knaves, vagabonds, hypocrites, impostors, and the basest of men. - T&C 147:6

Cast Out Inconvenient Truth-Tellers

I came across this interesting article about scientists and researchers in the world who tell the truth about their findings and make them known to the public. It also tells about the reactions observed and the consequences manifested when honest and valuable research yields unpopular findings: Inconvenient Truth-Tellers

This article clearly shows that throughout history, scientists have been scorned, slandered, and ridiculed when their true and proven discoveries challenge authoritative views and contradict public opinions or social traditions. When truth becomes very inconvenient or offensive to the people, discomfort and unrest can incite anger and greater violence. The truth-tellers, who bring a true but unwanted message to the community, usually end up facing mockery, scoffing, and violence with little or no appreciation.

That got me thinking about other examples of these same types of reactions commonly found in individuals, communities, institutions, and religions. When God shares inconvenient truths through His servants, who come with the true but often unwanted message for mankind, would it be reasonable to think people in general would respond differently than history shows how people respond regarding scientists and their research that yields unpopular findings?

Alma, Amulek, Zeezrom, and the people 

(Alma 9:1-2 CE)

1) Alma saw that Amulek’s words silenced Zeezrom. Zeezrom realized Amulek caught him lying and misleading, attempting to destroy him. Because Zeezrom was trembling in fear from his guilt, Alma spoke directly to him, confirming Amulek’s words and elaborating and explaining the scriptures beyond what Amulek had covered. What Alma told Zeezrom was overheard by everyone who gathered around them. He said this: Now Zeezrom, your lies and misrepresentations have been exposed. But you haven’t just lied to these people, you’ve also lied to God. He knows all your thoughts and God has revealed your thoughts to us by His Spirit. You see we understand your plan. It was cunning, but follows Satan’s pattern, hoping to use a lie to deceive these people, so you could turn them against us. You expected them to scorn us and throw us out. Now this was your adversary’s plan, and you’ve surrendered, letting him control you. Remember that what I tell you, I tell to everyone. I warn all of you that this was a trap of the adversary he has used to control you. He hopes you follow him and get caught in his chains. He wants your everlasting destruction, which results from letting him control you.

2) When Alma had said this; Zeezrom began to tremble even more intensely, since he was convinced more and more of God’s power. He also realized Alma and Amulek had exposed him. And he was convinced they knew the thoughts and secret intentions of his heart. They knew this because of the spirit of prophecy. And Zeezrom began to ask them sincere questions, so he could learn more about God’s kingdom. He asked Alma: What do Amulek’s words about the resurrection of the dead mean? How will all rise from the dead, both the just and unjust, and be brought to stand before God to be judged according to their works?

In this case, when his thoughts and secret intentions of his heart were exposed before the people and God, Zeezrom took the less common path and repented. He changed his ways and corrected his thoughts, intentions, and actions. Some time passed and Zeezrom diligently sought for the truth-tellers, Alma and Amulek, and …

(Alma 10:14 CE)

14) Then Alma took his hand and asked him: Do you believe in Christ’s power to save? He answered: Yes, I believe all the words you’ve taught. And Alma said: If you believe in Christ’s redemption, you can be healed. And he said: Yes, I believe what you’ve taught. Then Alma asked the Lord: O Lord our God, have mercy on this man and heal him according to his faith in Christ. When Alma said these words, Zeezrom sprang to his feet and began to walk. This astonished all the people, and the news spread throughout the land of Sidom. Then Alma baptized Zeezrom in the name of the Lord, and from then on he began to preach to the people. Alma established a congregation in Sidom and ordained priests and teachers there, to baptize any who wished to be baptized in the name of the Lord.

Abinadi and the priests of king Noah

(Mosiah 7:8 thru 9:5 CE)

7:8) But a man who lived among them, named Abinadi, went out and began to prophesy, saying: This is the Lord’s message for me to give to you: Go and tell this people, this is what the Lord says: Woe to this people. I’ve seen their abominations, wickedness, and whoredoms! Unless they repent, I’ll punish them in My anger. Unless they repent and turn to the Lord who is God, I’ll let their enemies overpower them; indeed, they’ll be brought into slavery, and be punished by their enemies. They will know that I Am the Lord their God — a God who requires faithfulness, punishing My people for their iniquities. Unless these people repent and turn to the Lord who is God, they’ll be brought into slavery; no one will set them free except for the Lord the Almighty God. When they cry to Me, I’ll be slow to hear their cries. I’ll let them be killed by their enemies. Unless they repent in sincere humility and regret, and honestly ask the Lord their God in faith to forgive, I won’t hear their prayers or save them from their punishment. This is what the Lord says and this is what He’s commanded me to say.

7:9) Now when Abinadi had spoken these words to them, they were furious with him and tried to kill him; but the Lord rescued him. When king Noah had heard about the things Abinadi said to the people, he was also very angry and said: Who does Abinadi think he is, judging me and my people like this? Or who is the Lord that He should bring such great trouble on my people? I order you to bring Abinadi here so I can kill him. He’s said these things to stir up my people to be angry with each other and to cause conflict among my people; therefore I’ll kill him. Now the people were deceived; so they ignored Abinadi’s words and tried to arrest him from that time forward. And king Noah completely ignored the Lord’s word and didn’t change his evildoing.

7:10) Two years later, Abinadi returned in disguise, and they didn’t recognize him. He once more began to prophesy to them, saying: This is what the Lord has commanded me: Abinadi, go and prophesy to My people: Because you’ve ignored My words and haven’t repented of doing evil, therefore I’ll punish you in My anger, yes, I’ll punish you in My fierce anger for your iniquities and abominations. Woe to this generation! And the Lord told me: Stretch out your hand and prophesy: This is what the Lord says: Because of their iniquities, this generation will be enslaved, struck on the cheek, hunted by men, and killed. Vultures, dogs, and wild animals will devour their flesh. And continues - See Mosiah 7:11-18 CE

 

7:19) When the king had heard these words, he told his priests: Take this man away and kill him! Why are we wasting our time with him? - he’s crazy! And they stepped forward and tried to grab him, but he resisted, telling them: Don’t touch me! God will strike you if you lay your hands on me; I haven’t yet given the message the Lord sent me to give, and I haven’t answered your question yet. Therefore God won’t allow you to kill me at this time. But I must complete the commandments God has given me. And because I’ve told you the truth, you’re angry with me. Because I’ve spoken God’s word, you’ve concluded that I’m crazy.

7:20) After Abinadi had said this, king Noah’s people didn’t dare seize him, since the Spirit of the Lord was upon him. His face was shining brightly like Moses’ face did while he was on Mount Sinai speaking with the Lord. And he spoke with power and authority from God. Then he continued with his message, saying: You see that you don’t have power to kill me. So I’ll finish my message. I sense that it cuts you to your core because I’m telling you the truth about your iniquities. My words fill you with wonder, amazement, and anger. But I’ll finish my message, and then it doesn’t matter what happens next, or if I survive at all. But I tell you this much: What you do with me after this will be the same fate you will suffer. Now I’ll read to you the rest of God’s commandments, because I can tell they aren’t written in your hearts. It’s clear to me that you’ve devoted yourselves to and taught iniquity the majority of your lives … SEE Mosiah 7:21-8:15

9:1) When Abinadi had finished speaking, the king ordered the priests to take him and have him put to death. But there was one among them named Alma, a young man and a descendant of Nephi, who believed Abinadi’s words, since he could see the iniquity Abinadi had testified against them. Therefore he started to plead with the king not to be angry with Abinadi, but to let him leave in peace. But the king became even angrier and had Alma thrown out and sent servants to kill him. But he escaped and hid and they didn’t find him. While in hiding for many days, Alma wrote down everything Abinadi had said.

9:2) The king had his guards surround Abinadi and take him, tie him up, and throw him in prison. The king consulted with his priests and after three days, he had Abinadi brought back. Then he announced: Abinadi, we’ve found you guilty, and you deserve to be executed. You claim that God Himself would come down among mankind. And now for saying this, you’ll be put to death unless you retract everything you’ve falsely testified about me and my people.

9:3) And Abinadi said to him: I won’t retract anything I’ve said to you, because it’s all true. To prove I’m testifying of the truth, I’ve let you capture me. And I will let you execute me, but I won’t retract my words, and they’ll stand as a testimony condemning you. If you kill me, you will shed innocent blood, which will also condemn you on the last day.

9:4) Now king Noah was about to release him, because he was afraid of what he had been told, and worried God’s judgments would fall on him. But the priests cried out loudly in opposition, accusing and claiming: He’s insulted the king! So the king was provoked to anger against him, and he instead decided to have him executed.

9:5) They then took him, tied him up, set him atop firewood, and burned him to death. And when the flames began to burn him, he yelled to them, saying: Just as you’ve done to me, your descendants will also do to many others who will suffer the same pain that I suffer — painful death by fire — because they believe in the salvation of the Lord who is God. You’ll be infected by many diseases because of your iniquities. You’ll be attacked on all sides and driven and scattered, just like a wild flock driven by hungry predators. At that time you’ll be hunted and taken by your enemies. Then you will, like me, feel the pain of being executed by burning. This is how God repays those who destroy His people. O God, receive my spirit! Now when Abinadi had said this, he collapsed, dying in the fire, having been executed because he wouldn’t deny God’s commandments, having sealed the truth of his words through his death. 

Whenever a truth-teller appears with a message that goes contrary to social beliefs, push-back and resistance almost always flare up. When the truth condemns community behaviors with valid facts and is presented with authority, individuals with a guilty conscience usually want to quickly obscure the truth or get rid of it immediately. Ashamed transgressors and conscience-stricken offenders usually desire to somehow make truth disappear or represent it as irrelevant, a waste of time, or crazy.

If the truth presented ends up challenging traditions and confronting human error, sin, or crime with justified evidence, it becomes more threatening and increasingly uncomfortable for the guilty parties who hear their transgressions being shouted from the rooftops. Whenever truth is judged to be hurting the agenda of an individual, a group, or community, the people involved often try to shut it down, ridicule it, and reject it … even if they know it's true.

The truth is often offensive, cuts to the core, and requires significant internal change. It is a natural human tendency to hate and despise the truth-teller. In other words, I am very furious at you for declaring such foolishness and lies about me. Unless you retract everything you’ve said about me, I will come after you, damage your reputation, smear your name, sue you, imprison you, and make you beg and wish you had never been so obnoxious and mean to me. I will bring upon you awful events, horrible outcomes, the most serious results, and whatever other heinous consequences I can create just for you. The tendency to destroy the truth-teller, in some form or another, is a common way to harden hearts, blind eyes, stop ears, and loose light and truth. 

When God has something to say or a people to be fairly warned of impending consequences, the message gets to be delivered. The Lord sends a messenger to warn and/or prepare a people. Even if the people fail to recognize and comprehend the message, or ignore whatever message they did understand, the Lord has dealt justly by sending a message of warning. 

Here are some very significant words and revelations recently given to us from God in our day, by which we are to guide our lives and be judged at the last day:

New Scriptures: 

Covenant of Christ

Old Covenants

The New Covenants

New Testament

Book of Mormon

Teachings and Commandments 

The Ten Talks - Preserving the Restoration

Papers

The Testimony of John

Religion of the Fathers

Our Divine Parents 

Civilization 

The Holy Order 1 & 2

Other Papers

August 8, 2022 Revelation 

June 20, 2024 Revelation 

General Conferences 

Blog, Books, Podcasts, Downloads 

Ten Years Retrospective 

Restoration Archives (More Records) 

Beware of False Prophets Among Us

True prophets do not advance their own agenda or volunteer to deliver a message of their own. They don’t look at their own wisdom, intelligence, or bona-fide acceptance of man to prepare a conference or sabbath sermon. The words they speak and the message delivered are not determined by popular vote, surveys, or public opinion polls. They generally do not quote from other authorities nor include clever quotes and emotional spiritual stories that tend to “move people”, who think they are feeling the spirit, but are deceived through emotion.

False prophets, imitators and deceivers often use charismatic influence, religious rhetoric, calculated language, prestige, and wealth to gain favor and respect from the people. It is common that they preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion. (2 Nephi 26:29) In one form or another, they try to place themselves between you and God and profit from it. Priestcraft has gone viral and priesthood that is a Holy Order after the Order of the Son of God and includes an association with the Father is rare indeed.

Although they claim to speak the word of God with power and actually do throw in verbal phrases and words about Zion that sound good and pleasing to the majority, the delicious fruit they vaguely talk about or occasionally refer to is utterly void and non-existent in them. 

Unlike the cherished hypocrites and honored impostors with religious and worldly credentials, the true Prophets of God have been in and came from the Holy presence of God with an authorized message from God Himself. This being the case, true messengers receive a commission from God to call repentance, which is seldom a pleasing message to the hearers. The fruit of their work is to offer those who will listen a chance to be humble, repent, and return to God. Very rarely are these prophets popular or appreciated by the beholder, much less recognized, honored and received for who they actually are and what they have to offer.

These prophets that come from the presence of God do not take the Lord’s name in vain. They cannot take the Lord’s name in vain when they are speaking His word that He (God) told them to speak, nothing more and nothing less. They have been authorized to speak in the Lord’s name, and therefore their words are His. (D&C 1:38) He will vindicate the words of His servants because they do not speak an idle thing or in their own behalf. They speak with His authority and deliver His message as He commanded.

It's important to understand, as the Book of Mormon teaches and bears multiple witnesses, how prophets are called. They come into God’s presence alone and experience a one on one meeting of redemption with God Himself and receive individual instruction from Him. These individuals receive from Him an endowment of knowledge pertaining to the ways of God to sufficiently enable them to deliver a valid and authorized message of repentance.

That's probably why it is so important to be able to correctly identify His messengers with His message and why He warned saying, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits ..." (Matthew 7:15-16)

"And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (Matthew 24:11,24)

Like in every other dispensation, the test is precisely the same today, here and now! Each individual must correctly identify and give strict heed to the messages from God delivered through true prophets in order to gather further light and obtain knowledge. It is perhaps at least equally important to recognize and reject the false ones, even if they appear as "an angel of light" or in any other desired, above normal, or convincing manner. Based on history and prophecy, almost everyone is deceived and gets it wrong, therefore, very few indeed choose correctly.

Joseph Smith warned, “When a man goes about prophesying, and commands men to obey his teachings, he must either be a true or false prophet. False prophets always arise to oppose the true prophets and they will prophesy so very near the truth that they will deceive almost the very chosen ones”

He also taught: “The world always mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that were sent of God they considered to be false prophets; and hence they killed, stoned, punished and imprisoned the true prophets, and they had to hide themselves ‘in deserts and dens, and caves of the earth’; and although the most honorable men of the earth, they banished them from their society as vagabonds; whilst they cherished, honored, and supported knaves, vagabonds, hypocrites, impostors, and the basest of men”

Sooo … What do you choose today? Who speaks His word as an authorized servant of God? Have you chosen correctly? Are you sure? Upon what are you basing your judgments and decisions? For a common sojourner in this world of deception, chances are that you have chosen incorrectly. If you are certain that you have chosen correctly, then you are not likely concerned about it. On the other hand, if you are unsure, what are you going to do about a matter of such importance?

Taking the Lord's Name in Vain! #5

When the first chapter of Nephi opens, Lehi is among those who listened to "many prophets prophesying" about the coming judgments against Jerusalem. (1 Nephi 1:4) Their message was not Lehi's. Their message was apparently upsetting to him because he responded by praying on behalf of Jerusalem. (1 Nephi 1:5) His prayer is interesting. He offers it on behalf of what he regarded as "his people." (Id.)

The result of his compassionate prayer for others was a calling by God the Father, delivered by His Son, Jehovah. (1 Nephi 1:8-13) God takes note of those who have compassion for others and whose charity seeks the best interests of their fellow-man. Such people possess love, and it is "unfeigned." (D&C 121:41) It is precisely because of their love of their fellow man that they are called to render priestly service. (Id.)

Lehi was a man like Christ. Just like Christ, Lehi would intercede on behalf  of "his people" and did so "with all his heart." (1 Nephi 1:5)

In response to this, Lehi's vision endowed him with knowledge about the Lord's great plan of mercy. He knew that the Lord would overrule everything for the good. Even the suffering that would be inflicted on the inhabitants of Jerusalem would be merciful, and would be predicated on the "goodness" of God. (1 Nephi 1:14) Lehi understood. Because he had this knowledge, he was able to see how God's plans were always done for the benefit and ultimate salvation of man.

Before this encounter with God, Lehi was in the audience listening to the prophets cry repentance. After this encounter with God, he joined the prophets and also "began to prophesy and to declare" a message to Jerusalem. (1 Nephi 1:18) He could not "begin" to prophesy if he had been among the prophets previously. If that were the case, he would have "resumed" or "continued" to prophesy. He "began" only after encountering God. Therefore, we can know Lehi's ministry to call others to repent did not start before encountering God and receiving his commission from the Lord.

This is what true prophets do. They do not advance their own agenda. They do not volunteer. They do not deliver a message of their own. They don't look for witty quotes, or clever stories to retell. They receive a commission from God, and the result of their work is to offer those who will listen a chance to repent and return to God.

These individuals do not take the Lord's name in vain. They cannot. They have been authorized to speak in the Lord's name, and therefore their words are His. (D&C 1:38) He will vindicate the words of His servants because they do not speak an idle thing in their own behalf. They speak with His authority, and deliver His message.

So with the first chapter of the Book of Mormon we also get an example of how prophets are called: alone, in God's presence, with an endowment of knowledge of God's ways sufficient to enable them to deliver a message of repentance.

And this is only the first chapter! Imagine if we took the entire book to heart what we might find!

Source:  (DS 7-11-12)

Angels Among Us Today?

“And thus the works of darkness began to prevail among all the sons of men. And God cursed the earth with a sore curse, and was angry with the wicked, with all the sons of men whom he had made; For they would not hearken unto his voice, nor believe on his Only Begotten Son, even him whom he declared should come in the meridian of time, who was prepared from before the foundation of the world. And thus the Gospel began to be preached, from the beginning, being declared by holy angels sent forth from the presence of God, and by his own voice, and by the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Moses 5:55-58)

Are these conditions being manifested today?

Is darkness prevailing?

Is God angry with the wicked?

From God's point of view, who is referred to as the wicked?

Who is not hearkening unto His voice? Nor believing on his Only Begotten Son?

If this is actually happening today among us, would you suppose the gospel is at least beginning to be preached again? Is the gospel being declared by holy angels? By angels sent forth from the presence of God? And by his own voice? And by the gift of the Holy Ghost?

If so, where can an angel, either mortal or immortal, with these credentials be found today here on earth? Do you know of an angel, who resides among us? Anywhere?

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2) What does this mean to you?

Are truths being restored again? Is further light and knowledge coming forth? Is the true and living gospel being taught again? Is the restoration being preserved as it was in 1831? (D&C 1:30)

Restorations again? Revelations? Prophecies? Good news? Patterns?

Whenever apostasy and wickedness reaches a certain point, patterns of God seem to emerge, angels appear, repentance is called, and individuals get to choose for themselves. If God's pattern, at this “tipping point” of wickedness, is to send an angel/messenger from His presence with an authorized message, would you expect such an angel with God's message today? If so, where is an angel to be found?

Does an angel, who has literally come from the presence of God, has been instructed by God's own voice, and possesses an authorized message from God Himself, actually exist among us today? If so, would you expect such an angel to be popular, well known, or highly regarded and praised? From history, we learn that prophets like that, who deliver a message from God, are often persecuted, rejected, and cast out.

How many individuals in our society today do you suppose would acknowledge such an angel and accept the message of repentance he delivers? The majority? Some? A few? Would God vouch for the message delivered by the angel He sent? How would that affect the hearers and those to whom the message was directed?

Would the message fit in the category of “whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servant, it is the same”? Why or why not? If such an angel is indeed present and currently among us (And I believe there is), what would be required on your part? And what is the status or consequences associated with the one who fails to take notice of the ministry of such angels?

Moroni had something to say about this:

“Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved? Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain. For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made.” (Moroni 7:36-38)

If you have not recognized, acknowledged, or accepted such an angel today, what does that mean? When someone fails to recognize a true message or fail to entertain angels from God's presence, according to Moroni, what is the state and standing of that individual? If you have not identified such a messenger from God with His message, which is very likely a message of repentance, what does that have to say about your level of faith? Unbelief? False traditions? Salvation? Redemption?

Society today does not yet have the original religion that Adam received from God. We do not currently possess the “records of the fathers” which describes the gospel taught by God to Adam. I am not aware of any group, religion, institution, or people today that has preserved the entire original religion. 

 

Joseph Smith was called by God and authorized as His servant to call repentance, teach the gospel, and to begin the process to restore the original. Through Joseph, much truth was restored, apostasy was challenged, and we have obtained some important parts of the gospel which had been lost. Joseph was persecuted and killed, and God's message was rejected before the restoration was completed. What Joseph left was only a portion of the intended restoration. During the course of almost 184 years since the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the partial restoration they left has been morphed by men into an awful, ongoing, ever changing, and increasing disorder, which leaves people befuddled to understand it. What Joseph restored must now be recovered, preserved, and come to life as was the case on November 1, 1831, when the Lord referred to the church as “the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth” (D&C 1: 30)

If that description and status is to be recovered and restored again today, then most certainly His people, fellowships, gatherings, churches, or groups must be established by revelation, visitations from angels, and delegation of authority. His people must be “true and living” because the authority and gifts need to be present and unfolding. New scripture shall continually come forth and increase. Revelations will surely be ongoing and perpetually being received.

God has and does and will covenant with His people. His covenant people will continue to grow in knowledge, light, and truth as further ordinances and rites are restored. The humble, “true and living” followers of Christ are taught the doctrines which give the tools with which they can grow in light and knowledge until the perfect day. (D&C 50: 24.)

Therefore, what Joseph and Hyrum left restored in June 1844 must return in our day and, in addition, the original religion taught to Adam must be restored before we finally arrive back at the beginning. The original religion, which was lost long before Abraham, was restored to Abraham and lost later. Therefore it becomes very important for us today to connect with our fathers, who have connected with heaven. We must receive angels sent from the presence of God and obtain the restored original religion.

We must be actively engaged in His work to receive what God is offering today.

Follow Christ, Receive His Messengers

We should only "Follow" Christ. See, e.g., Matt. 4:19; 9:9; 16:24; 19:21; Mark 2:14; 8:34; 10:21; Luke 5:27; 18:22; John 12:26; 21:19.

Prophets are not to be followed; only "received" or, in other words, to be heard. See, e.g., Matt. 10:14; Mark 16:11; D&C 76:101. If sent by Him they testify of Him and not of themselves.

If you will not receive Christ's prophets and apostles, you will be condemned. See John 3:10-11.

But you are under the burden of determining whether a man is a true or false prophet, true or false apostle, because following a false one will condemn you. Christ will expose the false prophets and apostles. D&C 64:39. But that will be by-and-by, for they must be given their season to claim falsely to be prophets and apostles.

If you will not hear a prophet, you will be rejected. See D&C 1:14.

Those who claim you should "follow" them put themselves in the place of Christ. They are, in effect, a false Christ. We were promised they would come in the last days to deceive the "very elect" as false Messiahs. See, JS-Matt. 1:22.

The trial is underway. The world must choose correctly.” (DS 1-30-15)

“Measuring Stick” for Faith

I have been reading and reflecting upon the word of God as recorded in Moroni 7:29-39. As a result, a number of questions have come to mind and caused me to more seriously consider His message to me about belief, faith, works, action, repentance, baptism, hope, charity, miracles, angels, and redemption. I felt to share, at least in part, the following:

29 And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men.

Miracles? Angels? Do I see, acknowledge, or experience miracles? What are they? Do angels minister to me? What do angels talk to me about? What do they teach me? What do they claim or assert? What is the message they bring?

What is an angel anyway? Spirit being? Mortal individual with flesh and blood? Resurrected personage with flesh and bone? Translated being? Other? All of the above? Would it seem reasonable to consider the possibility of encountering diverse angels, who come with different characteristics and for various purposes and reasons? Good? Bad? Right? Wrong? Light? Darkness? Truth? Error? Enlightenment? Deception? From Heaven? From Hell? Angels of God with His message of truth? Angels of the Devil with his message of lies? How about the devil deceiving me and appearing to me as an angel of light, but lacking glory? How about the Lord appearing to me as an angel of light with glory?

What would be my experience to look upon Satan in the natural man? Would it be possible to be in the presence of Satan without having glory come upon me and being transfigured before him? Why or why not? On the other hand, what would be the result of looking upon God in the natural man? Would it be possible to look upon God, except his glory should come upon me, and I should be transfigured before Him? Is there a difference between God and Satan? If there is a difference, how is it discerned? How can I accurately distinguish between the two? (Moses 1:13-16)

Therefore, having these extremes placed before us in the scriptures, would it be likely that angels do indeed appear with varying degrees of light, glory, knowledge, authority, and power? If that is in fact true, would it be sensible to correctly identify angels and distinguish between verity and deception. Would it be wise to receive the angels of God, embrace the message, and live according to it? Therefore, should the angels of darkness be dismissed and the attendant lies discarded? 

“And thus the Gospel began to be preached, from the beginning, being declared by holy angels sent forth from the presence of God, and by his own voice, and by the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Moses 5:58) I think I would be very interested and anxious to hear from an angel like that. If one came along, I think I would want to listen and give heed to His word. Are there any angels available today that fit this description? Where can one be found in these latter days? What does God require of an individual to be such and receive the assignment to be an angel of God sent from his presence? 

30 For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness.

Angels of God are subject to whom? Angels of God minister according to the word of whose command? To whom do angels of God show themselves? If angels of God appear unto those of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness, what can I do to recognize and receive an angel? If angels, in fact, minister according to the word of His command, do angels of God freelance according to their own agenda? Would they ever teach for doctrines the commandments of men? Do they have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof? Do they get paid to preach? Are they receiving $$$ in any amount, form, or fashion? Or do angels of God have different motives for teaching the word of God?

Who are the angels of God today? Could a mortal angel of God come in the form of a prophet, seer, revelator, and translator with an authorized message from heaven? Whose message is delivered by angels that come from the presence of God? Does God vouch for His messages sent through His angels? Knowing the message comes from God, should I take the message more seriously? Therefore, would it be highly important for me to find and identify a true messenger sent from the presence of God? Would it be essential for me to heed the message delivered by God's authorized angel? What would be the consequences of giving heed to the message? What if I do not give heed to the message of God delivered through His angel? Does it matter?

31 And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfil and to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him.

What does it mean that the chosen vessels of the Lord may bear testimony of Him? What is the ministry of an angel? Who ministers according to the word of Christ at His command? What do angels do? What do they say? What do they declare? Do they give praise and approval and say smooth things that are pleasing to men? Or do they call repentance with clarity, accuracy, and power? Are they more interested in the salvation of my soul than becoming popular among men? Is an angel sent from the presence of God the same thing as a prophet sent from the presence of God?

Do we find angels, who are true messengers of God, well liked, praised, honored, found on corporate boards, occupying high seats in religious leaderships, or given special treatment and accommodations in our society? Or does the world mistake the true prophets as the false prophets because the guilty “taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center”? And in turn, does society erroneously view the false prophets as the true prophets because they preach that which is pleasing to the carnal man? 

Although true prophets may be among the most honorable men of the earth, do the children of men almost always cast out true messengers as apostates, while they cherish, honor, and support hypocrites, impostors, and the basest of men? Do men generally enjoy being called to repentance? Why or why not? Do men even see a need to repent? Or do they choose to firmly believe that all is well in Zion and therefore, no change is needed? When an angel preaches repentance with authority, what is the common reaction of the children of men? Do they like it? Or do they firmly conclude that the angel is a stupid idiot? Mad? Unbalanced and crazy? Deluded and deceived? Apostate? A wild man? What is the outcome of failing to recognize an angel from God and giving heed to the message? On the other hand, some few may actually turn and face God, hear the word of Christ with a soft and open heart, recognize the truth, acknowledge personal error, and repent. What would be the result of that?

32 And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men.

For what is the Lord preparing the way when He sends an angel with an authoritative message? What is made available? Repentance? Baptism? Receiving the Holy Ghost? Windows of opportunities? In order for the children of men to obtain faith in Christ, is it necessary for a messenger to be sent forth with a true message? Why or why not? Is the Lord preparing the way for covenants to be fulfilled? What else?

33 And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.

If I have faith in Christ, shall I have power to do whatsoever thing that is expedient in Christ? Anything? All things expedient? What things are expedient in Him? What does it look like to have faith in Christ? Is faith something beyond just believing He exists? Does exercising faith in Christ require something more than being slightly familiar with His teachings? Would faith without works be acceptable? What works would be necessary to be accomplished on my part? What actions would be required to show faith in Christ? What efforts must be put forth? Mental? Physical? Other?

34 And he hath said: Repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved.

Would it be expedient in Christ that I be saved? Does this verse become a personal commandment from God to me? Is this His invitation to me? If it is, would it seem reasonable for me to repent, come unto Christ, be baptized in His name, and have faith in Him? What does it mean to repent? Could repentance mean to abandon false and vain and foolish traditions of men and turn and face God? Could it mean that any beliefs, traditions, or ways of living found in me, which are contrary to God, must be discarded? Based on my current view and present understanding, what if my beliefs seem to be true but are false? What if I think I am right, but in actuality, I am blinded by the traditions of men and fail to recognize that my practices are done in vain? What if I am unwilling to consider the foolishness of my position? Consequences? Would I be willing to ask God about my paradigms and His perspective and seek to reconcile the two? How about asking for help to correct my misunderstanding and to make the necessary changes in my paradigm to match His?

What if I were told by an angel that baptism, whether Catholic, Protestant, or LDS is not valid and is not accepted by Christ, and therefore, authoritative re-baptism is necessary? If I were clearly instructed by an angel and understood what Jesus really means by saying that “you must be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved”, what would be my reaction? How does this new information match up with my current beliefs, traditions, and religious practices? Does it matter to me? To God? What shall I do about it?

If the word of God and His instructions delivered by an angel were in obvious and distinct contradiction to my current religious beliefs and traditions, how would I feel? How would I act? What would I do? Would I tend to blow it off? Ignore it? Think about it? Pray about it? Seek and obtain an authorized baptism? Would agitation or anger set in? If so, at whom or what would I be angry? The messenger? The church? God? Myself? Would I demonize the angel, the church, or God? Would I be tempted to cast out the messenger? Stone the prophet? Slander the church? Reject and curse God? What would I actually do? How would I deal with truth that contradicts my current paradigms and ways of life?

If the word of God proves to run contrary to society, religious instruction, and traditions, what should I do? Consider it? Reject it? Which would I reject, and which would I accept? If the word of God, coming through His angel, fails to reconcile with “church doctrine” and does not match or support the teachings of church leadership, what shall I do? Trust God, consider the new paradigm, and act accordingly? Or “sweep it under the rug” and pretend it doesn't exist? Which would be best? Why?

If an angel provided instructions and I obtained assurance by the power of the holy ghost that an authoritative re-baptism is necessary for me to be saved, what should I do? If this commandment of God to me concerning re-baptism contradicts the LDS narrative, which it does, should I still be baptized again? I wonder if those in “my world” would approve of that? How about my family? Friends? Peers? What if I asked questions to my family, peers, and church leaders? Would they entertain my sincere questions about this and other issues, which seem to contradict the teachings I hear at church? I wonder if my religion would approve of that? 

Would my bishop, priest, president or clergyman accept me as I am and consider my sincere questions? Why or why not? Would my religious leaders address my questions by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned? Or would I be persecuted and cast out in one form or another? Really, how would I deal with the contradictions I find between the word of God and the many institutions, religions, professors, priests, and leaders that “draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”? (JSH 1:19)

Would it be of value for me to correctly identify true messengers, verify the truthfulness of the messages delivered, obtain the word of God, and apply those truths in my life?

35 And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased?

Great Question !!

36 Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved?

More key questions worth considering !!

37 Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.

Have miracles ceased in my life? Have angels ceased to appear to me? Or have I ever seen, recognized, or entertained an angel? If I have not witnessed miracles or if miracles have not been wrought as a result of my faith or if angels have not appeared or ministered to me by faith or if angels have not been noticed, recognized, or received by me or if angels have not ministered to me, then what's up? If these things have ceased or haven't even begun, what is the reason? What are the consequences? “Wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.” What would that mean regarding me and my state and standing with God? What is unbelief? And how can I discard it?

38 For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made.

This appears very serious to me! If these things have ceased or do not exist in my life, what does that mean concerning my salvation? What does it mean according to the words of Christ? If these things have ceased or do not appear in my life, and therefore, faith has ceased also and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made, what is my current state and standing with God? Is it awful? Would it be wise for me to remain in an unredeemed state, as though there had been no redemption made? Is this a way to reject Christ's redemptive offering to me? What do you think?

39 But behold, my beloved brethren, I judge better things of you, for I judge that ye have faith in Christ because of your meekness; for if ye have not faith in him then ye are not fit to be numbered among the people of his church.

What is a determining characteristic of those who have faith in Christ? What is meekness? What are some examples of those who possess meekness? Christ? Enoch? Moses? Others? What does meekness look like?

What could make you unfit to be numbered among the people of His church? What is His church anyway? (D&C 10:67-68)

In these few verses, much truth has been revealed about belief vs. unbelief, faith, works, action, repentance, baptism, hope, charity, miracles, the ministry of angels, and our redemption through Christ. We are given a “measuring stick” to measure our faith. Having faith in Christ, we can expect miracles, the appearance of angels, the word of God delivered through true messengers, and to be redeemed from the fall as did the brother of Jared, Nephi, Moroni, and many others as manifested and recorded in the Book of Mormon.

If Christ didn't mean what He said, why did Christ teach and make the promises recorded here in these few verses? On the other hand, if He does indeed mean what He says, vouches for His words with power and authority, and keeps His promises, would it make sense to pay close attention to His words, understand His message, and act upon it with faith? Would it be worth it to precisely obey His directions and thereby claim what He promises?