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Thursday, October 8, 2015

The Doctrine of Devils

This blog post is written for my family. . . may you read it, ponder it, and ask God if these are His words. I love you all . . .

This is the second time the Lord has awakened me in the early morning hours with thoughts about this blog post . The first night (Oct. 3, 2015) he gave me the title of the blog. This morning (Oct. 5, 2015) he gave me a dream.

I was lying down on the couch in the foyer of the church. My husband was on the ground sitting next to me so that we were facing opposite directions. I thought we were alone. We started kissing. Our display of affection was tender and would be appropriate in front of the children. It could be felt that we really were in love not merely living together and putting up with each other.

I then realized we were not alone. We were being watched. I turned and saw that the chapel doors were open. A woman was standing at a distance watching this exchange between John and me. I looked past the woman to see two other women who were also in the chapel. They were on cleaning duty.

The first woman approached us. She scolded us for kissing in the church. The other women seemed to support her opinion. I headed down the hall. As I walked away, I looked back and saw my husband quietly chuckling and shaking his head as he sat alone on the couch. He said nothing to the women.

The woman followed me down the hall. Her silent supporters followed behind. This woman was not content with my response to her scolding. She did not think I had taken her seriously. She threatened to tell the church leaders about our kissing in the foyer.

I could feel my heart beating as I composed myself to respond to this woman's absurd accusations. The dream ended, and I was awake. As I came out of the dream, I was still processing the exchange. I thought about why she lashed out at me the way she did: Maybe she doesn't love her husband the way I love mine. Have her children ever seen her passionately kiss her husband? What gives her the right to condemn an innocent display of affection?

I was awake in my bed thinking about the dream that had just been given me. What does my dream mean? The Lord said, “The exchange you had with your husband represents a loving, close, and intimate relationship a bride has with her bridegroom. You are the bride. I am the bridegroom. I desire a close relationship with you, just as you desire to be close to your husband whom you love. The women cleaning the chapel represent those who serve in the church but do not know me. They haven't experienced and don't understand true, pure, and virtuous intimacy. They think all intimacy is evil and wrong. They haven't experienced love and intimacy in their their relationship with me and think it is their busy-body duty to prevent others from experiencing intimacy with me. They try to keep my sheep from coming to me.”

The Lord then told me that this dream was given me to help me understand the doctrine of devils. I asked, “How does this dream relate to the doctrine of devils?” He told me to get out of bed and write the scriptures and thoughts that came to me.

Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. Luke 11:52

The Lord continued, “It is one thing to choose not to come to unto me; it becomes very grievous when someone tries to prevent others from developing intimacy with me. The doctrine of devils attempts to prevent loving intimacy between me and my people.”

4 And Jesus left them, and went upon the Mount of Olives. And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying: Tell us when shall these things be which thou hast said concerning the destruction of the temple, and the Jews; and what is the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world, or the destruction of the wicked, which is the end of the world?
5 And Jesus answered, and said unto them: Take heed that no man deceive you;
6 For many shall come in my name, saying—I am Christ—and shall deceive many; Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:4-6 

Jennifer, who is saying 'I am Christ'? These aren't just some weird lunatics running around claiming to be the reincarnated Jesus Christ. . . This is a group of people who claim to come in my name, and they have enough influence to deceive many. They use my name as a cloak. They use my name to deceive. They claim to be my servants. These false Christ's reasoning goes something like this, 'If you follow me, you're following Jesus. I follow Jesus, you follow me, see how it works? You're following Jesus because you follow me. You can't go straight to Jesus; you might be deceived. To get to Jesus you need to go through me.' ”

The Lord continued to explain, “To understand what I mean when I say, 'For many shall come in my name, saying—I am Christ—and shall deceive many', you need to understood that Christ is not a person, it is a title.”

What does “Christ” actually mean? What does it mean to speak of Jesus as the “Christ”?

This word is one of the most important, basic words in a Christian’s vocabulary. But it isn’t until you dig into the Bible’s ancient context that you that see its surprising imagery and some of its most important implications.

First of all, the word “Christ” comes from christos, a Greek word meaning “anointed.” It is the equivalent of the word mashiach, or Messiah, in Hebrew. So, to be the Christ, or Messiah, is to be “the anointed one of God.”

But what does that mean?

To be anointed, literally, is to have sacred oil poured on one’s head, because God has chosen the person for a special task. Priests and kings were anointed, and occasionally prophets. Kings were anointed during their coronation rather than receiving a crown.

Even though prophets and priests were anointed, the phrase “anointed one” or “the Lord’s anointed” was most often used to refer to a king. . .

The overriding biblical imagery of the word “Messiah” or “Christ” is that of a king chosen by God. Often in the Old Testament, God would tell a prophet to go anoint someone and proclaim him king. The act of anointing with sacred oil emphasized that it was God himself who had ordained a person and given him authority to act as his representative.”

Jennifer, who claims to come in name of the Lord? Who claims to be the Lord's anointed? Who claims to be chosen by God? Are they deceiving many? Can you tell the difference between a Christ (the Lord's anointed) and an impostor? Do you know how these false Christs teach and promote the doctrine of devils? Do you even know what I mean when I say 'the doctrine of devils'?”

Lord, I'm starting to understand, but keep going.”

Look up a few scriptures. I'll show you what this means.

22 Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;
 23 And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.
 24 And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell . . .
 27 And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first.
 28 And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him. Abraham 3:22-24, 27-28

Supplanting Jesus the Christ has been the desire of devils even before the world was.

1 And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.
 2 But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. Moses 4:1-2

In their attempt to self aggrandize themselves, devils rob God of His glory. If men remain shut out of the Lord's presence, all remain damned and there are none saved.

For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Moses 1:39

And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you.  Ether 3:13

Devils want to be worshiped. They attempt to come between God and his people.

11 But now mine own eyes have beheld God; but not my natural, but my spiritual eyes, for my natural eyes could not have beheld; for I should have withered and died in his presence; but his glory was upon me; and I beheld his face, for I was transfigured before him.
 12 And it came to pass that when Moses had said these words, behold, Satan came tempting him, saying: Moses, son of man, worship me.
 13 And it came to pass that Moses looked upon Satan and said: Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee?
 14 For behold, I could not look upon God, except his glory should come upon me, and I were transfigured before him. But I can look upon thee in the natural man. Is it not so, surely?
 15 Blessed be the name of my God, for his Spirit hath not altogether withdrawn from me, or else where is thy glory, for it is darkness unto me? And I can judge between thee and God; for God said unto me: Worship God, for him only shalt thou serve.
 16 Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not; for God said unto me: Thou art after the similitude of mine Only Begotten.
 17 And he also gave me commandments when he called unto me out of the burning bush, saying: Call upon God in the name of mine Only Begotten, and worship me.
 18 And again Moses said: I will not cease to call upon God, I have other things to inquire of him: for his glory has been upon me, wherefore I can judge between him and thee. Depart hence, Satan.
 19 And now, when Moses had said these words, Satan cried with a loud voice, and ranted upon the earth, and commanded, saying: I am the Only Begotten, worship me. Moses 1:11-19

The desire to be worshiped can be seen when men engage in priestcrafts. They participate in priestcrafts when they set themselves up for a light unto the world that they may get gain and praise of the world.

He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion. 2 Nephi 26:29

One reason we are warned against participating in priestcrafts is so that there is no idolatry practiced. Mortals are not to be worshiped. All are alike unto God. There should be no part-time or full-time paid clergy. The preacher is no better than the hearer, neither is the teacher any better than the learner.

Let the residue of the elders watch over the churches, and declare the word in the regions round about them; and let them labor with their own hands that there be no idolatry nor wickedness practiced. Doctrine and Covenants 52:39

And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength. Alma 1:26

It was the priestcrafts of the church authorities at the time of Jesus that were responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus. He allowed His church in Jerusalem to be led astray by false leaders and authorities. He did not prevent the apostasy of His church but instead submitted and was crucified.

But because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at Jerusalem will stiffen their necks against him, that he be crucified. 2 Nephi 10:5

And my vineyard has become corrupted every whit; and there is none which doeth good save it be a few; and they err in many instances because of priestcrafts, all having corrupt minds. Doctrine and Covenants 33:4

The Lord's vineyard has become corrupted, and even the few who do good have become corrupted because of priestcraft. Priestcraft has corrupted our minds.

Here are a few examples:

President Nelson said he can empathize with those brethren who will be called to the Twelve. “There is no way you can describe it,” he said. “It is the most sacred thing that can happen to a man in this life. It is life-changing, yes. But hopefully, he, in turn, will be able to change the lives of many other people toward the Lord. This is what we do. We are servants of the Lord. We are His agents, and that means salvation and exaltation for the people who come under the sphere of His influence.”

Really? Is the most sacred thing that can happen to a man in this life a position in the top hierarchy of a multi-billion dollar corporation? Where is Jesus the Christ in this equation? If this is the most sacred thing that can happen to a man in this life, what about all those who will never experience such a call? Does salvation and exaltation for the people come through these top paid officials of the LDS church or does it come through Jesus the anointed one? How can they claim to be servants and agents, or in other words, Christ's when they've never been anointed by God?

Here is another example of the doctrine of devils. This man isn't even subtle about where to focus your eyes. He uses God's name in vain to divert attention away from the Lord onto himself.

Recently, I spoke at the new mission presidents’ seminar and counseled these leaders:

Keep the eyes of the mission on the leaders of the Church. … We will not and … cannot lead [you] astray.

And as you teach your missionaries to focus their eyes on us, teach them to never follow those who think they know more about how to administer the affairs of the Church than …

Here is another example:

Sister Willis I urge you to do the ordinary things the Lord has prescribed for his children to do at this time, and leave the timing of other essential things to the Lord. When it is time to take extraordinary measures or to do different things to be “sanctified,” that word will come from the Lord, speaking through his servants.” Dallin Oaks

Here is another example:

I say to Israel, the Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray.” [Emphasis added] (“I say to Israel” is omitted in Official Declaration 1, but you can read the original text in Deseret Evening News, October 11, 1890, p. 2)

Have we forgotten the doctrine taught by Nephi?

 41 O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name. [emphasis added]
 42 And whoso knocketh, to him will he open; and the wise, and the learned, and they that are rich, who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom, and their riches—yea, they are they whom he despiseth; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them.
 43 But the things of the wise and the prudent shall be hid from them forever—yea, that happiness which is prepared for the saints.
 44 O, my beloved brethren, remember my words. Behold, I take off my garments, and I shake them before you; I pray the God of my salvation that he view me with his all-searching eye; wherefore, ye shall know at the last day, when all men shall be judged of their works, that the God of Israel did witness that I shook your iniquities from my soul, and that I stand with brightness before him, and am rid of your blood.
 45 O, my beloved brethren, turn away from your sins; shake off the chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto that God who is the rock of your salvation. 2 Nephi 9

Jesus is calling us to come to him and be close.

Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am; D&C 93:1

We are to the point in church history that seeking the Second Comforter is now derided and mocked by current LDS apostles.

Another claim is that the church is not teaching what is necessary for exaltation, for example, some say that only those who see the face of Jesus Christ in mortality will receive Celestial Glory.

Of course, all of the righteous desire to see the face of our Savior, but the suggestions that this must happen in mortality is a familiar tactic of the adversary. To identify a worthy goal, such as to achieve exaltation, and then to use the desirability of that goal and people’s enthusiasm for it to obscure the new means the adversary suggests to achieve it. The means are important, even vital. As the Lord said in another setting, ‘it must needs be done in mine own way.’ ”(Dallin Oaks page 13, audio

Since when is enthusiasm to seek the face of our Savior become a tactic of the adversary? It takes a lot of determination and dedication to ask, seek, knock, and find. It is not a quest for the faint of heart.

Here is another example of the kinds of teachings you'll need to sort through and determine if they come from God or a devil. . .

Another claim that we sometimes hear is that current apostles have no right to run the affairs of the church since they do not meet the New Testament standard of apostles because they do not testify of having seen Christ. (Turley)

The first answer to this claim is that modern apostles are called to be witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world, Doctrine and Covenants 107:23. This is not to witness of a personal manifestation. To witness of the name is to witness of the plan, the work, or mission such as the atonement and the authority or priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ, which an apostle who holds the keys is uniquely responsible to do.

Of course apostles are also witnesses of Christ just like all members of the Church who have the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Dallin Oaks page 14, audio)

When did the standard for apostles change? Why does this man call himself a special witness if his testimony is just like all members of the Church?

This is what the Prophet Joseph Smith taught:

"Answer to the question, Was the Priesthood of Melchizedek taken away when Moses died? All Priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion which brought Moses to speak with God face to face was taken away; but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the prophets had the Melchizedek Priesthood and were ordained by God himself." p.180 Teachings ofthe Prophet Joseph Smith

Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it. No man is a minister of Jesus Christ without being a Prophet. No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of prophecy. Whenever salvation has been administered, it has been by testimony. Men of the present time testify of heaven and hell, and have never seen either; and I will say that no man knows these things without this.” p.160 Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

. . . for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 19:10

Doctrine and Covenants 76:51-70 explains what it means to have a testimony of Jesus.

15 And the king said that a seer is greater than a prophet.
 16 And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God.
 17 But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known. Mosiah 8:15-17

Wherefore, we again say, search the revelations of God; study the prophecies, and rejoice that God grants unto the world Seers and Prophets. They are they who saw the mysteries of godliness; they saw the flood before it came; they saw angels ascending and descending upon a ladder that reached from earth to heaven; they saw the stone cut out of the mountain, which filled the whole earth; they saw the Son of God come from the regions of bliss and dwell with men on earth; they saw the deliverer come out of Zion, and turn away ungodliness from Jacob; they saw the glory of the Lord when he showed the transfiguration of the earth on the mount; they saw every mountain laid low and every valley exalted when the Lord was taking vengeance upon the wicked; they saw truth spring out of the earth, and righteousness look down from heaven in the last days, before the Lord came the second time to gather his elect; they saw the end of wickedness on earth, and the Sabbath of creation crowned with peace; they saw the end of the glorious thousand years, when Satan was loosed for a little season; they saw the day of judgment when all men received according to their works, and they saw the heaven and the earth flee away to make room for the city of God, when the righteous receive an inheritance in eternity. And, fellow sojourners upon earth, it is your privilege to purify yourselves and come up to the same glory, and see for yourselves, and know for yourselves. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” p. 12 Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

Doctrines of Resurrection and Election

The Doctrines of the Resurrection of the Dead and the Eternal Judgment are necessary to preach among the first principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Doctrine of Election. Peter exhorts us to make our calling and election sure. This is the sealing power spoken of by Paul in other places.

"13. In whom ye also trusted, that after ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,

"14. Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory, that we may be sealed up unto the day of redemption."--Ephesians, 1st chapter.

This principle ought (in its proper place) to be taught, for God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but what He will make known unto the Twelve, and even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them, for the day must come when no man need say to his neighbor, Know ye that Lord; for all shall know Him (who remain) from the least to the greatest. How is this to be done? It is to be done by this sealing power, and the other Comforter spoken of, which will be manifest by revelation.

The Two Comforters

There are two Comforters spoken of. One is the Holy Ghost, the same as given on the day of Pentecost, and that all Saints receive after faith, repentance, and baptism. This first Comforter or Holy Ghost has no other effect than pure intelligence. It is more powerful in expanding the mind, enlightening the understanding, and storing the intellect with present knowledge, of a man who is of the literal seed of Abraham, than one that is a Gentile, though it may not have half as much visible effect upon the body; for as the Holy Ghost falls upon one of the literal seed of Abraham, it is calm and serene; and his whole soul and body are only exercised by the pure spirit of intelligence; while the effect of the Holy Ghost upon a Gentile, is to purge out the old blood, and make him actually of the seed of Abraham. That man that has none of the blood of Abraham (naturally) must have a new creation by the Holy Ghost. In such a case, there may be more of a powerful effect upon the body, and visible to the eye, than upon an Israelite, while the Israelite at first might be far before the Gentile in pure intelligence.

The Second Comforter

The other Comforter spoken of is a subject of great interest, and perhaps understood by few of this generation. After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted.

When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the Saints, as is recorded in the testimony of St. John, in the 14th chapter, from the 12th to the 27th verses.

Note the 16, 17, 18, 21, 23 verses:

"16. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;

"17. Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

"18. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.* *

"21. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

"23. If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."

Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; and this is the sum and substance of the whole matter; that when any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even He will manifest the Father unto him, and they will take up their abode with him, and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will teach him face to face, and he may have a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God; and this is the state and place the ancient Saints arrived at when they had such glorious visions--Isaiah, Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of Patmos, St. Paul in the three heavens, and all the Saints who held communion with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn. Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith page 149-150

Although false Christs and prophets may deceive, God is still calling you. If you can start by just believing that this great blessing can be yours in this lifetime, you've begun to repent. Continue to believe and follow the voice of God, and you will behold his face.

God has asked me to write these words to you, my family. Please take these things seriously; pray about what has been said; search the scriptures; ponder these things out in your hearts and minds; take advantage of the opportunity being offered you today. He doesn't care where you've been or what you've done, he has absolute power to forgive and heal you. Turn and face him while it is called today. Cry out to him, and he will guide you.

I love you.

Your Daughter, Sister, and Aunt

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

LDS 1st Presidency Response to My Letter . . . Are you a prophet? Are you a seer?

During the fall of 2013, I wrote and sent a letter to all of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve (except Dallin Oaks). I did not mail the letters at the same time, but I sent the same letter to all of them. 

I received a letter dated January 6, 2014. It was from Brook P. Hales, secretary to the First Presidency.

Hello Elder _______________,

I am writing in response to Dieter F. Uchtdorf's general conference talk. I did not listen to conference, but a family member sent me a copy of his talk. Do you really want people like me in your church?

Here is a little background about me: I am happily married and enjoy being the mother of 11 children. Both my husband and I served full time missions for the LDS church. I have attended church regularly throughout my life, and for most of my adult life have attended the temple on a weekly basis. As a family we have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund church operations.

A little over two years ago things changed for me in regards to my relationship with the church. We were talking about prophets in relief society, and I asked a few questions. I wondered why we were required to follow the counsel of the first presidency and quorum of the twelve without receiving a confirming witness from God. I also wondered where is the precedence showing that the president of the church won't be allowed to lead us astray? If that is true, Caiaphas would never have been allowed to be the High Priest of the church.

These few questions caused enough of a stir that I was reported to the bishop, called in, chastised, threatened, punished, and silenced. I have been without a temple recommend since that day. I told the bishop that I sustain you in your calling, but the Lord has not yet confirmed to me that you are a prophet, seer, and revelator.

So, for the past two years I've stayed at home and enjoyed taking care of my little ones while I pray and study the scriptures. Even though my husband was also punished, he still takes some of our children to church. Just this last summer, I received word from some of the youth workers that the bishop directed all of the auxiliaries to shut down and silence the questions of the Willis children. I wonder what kind of adult is intimidated by the questions of a child.

So I ask, “Is President Uchtdorf talking to people like me or is his message directed toward some other type of member?”

In an attempt to find answers to my questions, I am asking the men who know the answers to my questions?

Are you a prophet of the Lord Jesus Christ as defined by Joseph Smith and the scriptures? Have you been sanctified, come into the presence of the Lord, and been ordained by God himself? Have you seen heaven and hell? Are you a member of the church of the firstborn? See quotes and scriptures below:

"Answer to the question, Was the Priesthood of Melchizedek taken away when Moses died? All Priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion which brought Moses to speak with God face to face was taken away; but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the prophets had the Melchizedek Priesthood and were ordained by God himself." p.180 Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it. No man is a minister of Jesus Christ without being a Prophet. No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of prophecy. Whenever salvation has been administered, it has been by testimony. Men of the present time testify of heaven and hell, and have never seen either; and I will say that no man knows these things without this.” p. 160 Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

“. . . for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 19:10

D&C 76:51-70 explains what it means to have a testimony of Jesus.

Are you a seer? Have the heavens been open to you? Have you seen the beginning from the end?

15 And the king said that a seer is greater than a prophet.

 16 And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God.

 17 But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known. Mosiah 8:15-17

“Wherefore, we again say, search the revelations of God; study the prophecies, and rejoice that God grants unto the world Seers and Prophets. They are they who saw the mysteries of godliness; they saw the flood before it came; they saw angels ascending and descending upon a ladder that reached from earth to heaven; they saw the stone cut out of the mountain, which filled the whole earth; they saw the Son of God come from the regions of bliss and dwell with men on earth; they saw the deliverer come out of Zion, and turn away ungodliness from Jacob; they saw the glory of the Lord when he showed the transfiguration of the earth on the mount; they saw every mountain laid low and every valley exalted when the Lord was taking vengeance upon the wicked; they saw truth spring out of the earth, and righteousness look down from heaven in the last days, before the Lord came the second time to gather his elect; they saw the end of wickedness on earth, and the Sabbath of creation crowned with peace; they saw the end of the glorious thousand years, when Satan was loosed for a little season; they saw the day of judgment when all men received according to their works, and they saw the heaven and the earth flee away to make room for the city of God, when the righteous receive an inheritance in eternity. And, fellow sojourners upon earth, it is your privilege to purify yourselves and come up to the same glory, and see for yourselves, and know for yourselves. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” p. 12 Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

I look forward to receiving your answers to my two questions: Are you a prophet? Are you a seer? If your answer is yes, I will take your written testimony to the Lord and ask Him for a witness. If your answer is no, you need to take the following question out of the priesthood and temple recommend worthiness interviews because it would not be wise to lead people to believe something that isn't true, neither would it be just to require people to have a testimony of something the Lord will not confirm.

Do you sustain the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator and as the only person on the earth who possesses and is authorized to exercise all priesthood keys? Do you sustain members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators? Do you sustain the other General Authorities and local authorities of the Church?

Do you really want people like me in your church? Can I come as I am with all my questions and thoughts? If so, let me know.

May God Bless You,

Jennifer Willis


Sunday, August 16, 2015

5 Keys of Discernment to Measure Every Messenger of God

A friend asked some important questions in a recent email. Here's part of the email:

“It is interesting, because in the scriptures you see examples of when the leaders of the church have gone apostate (in the time of Christ and other times). At these times you should follow the unknown person with a message from God. Then there are other times when you see a charismatic person that is probably very knowledgeable and leads people away (Zeezrom). Looking back on the situation it is easy to tell who you should follow, but I am sure at the time it was very difficult to know.”

I hear my friend asking . . . How can you tell the difference between a messenger from God and a charismatic influential false teacher today?

I am reminded of five keys of discernment to measure every teacher who claims to have a message from God.

Key #1 - Every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.
14 Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.
15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.
16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.
17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.
18 And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged.
19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ. Moroni 7

Key #2 True messengers come quoting scripture. The scriptures will be expounded, but not contradicted. “For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing?” Mormon 9:9

And now it came to pass that when Jesus had expounded all the scriptures in one, which they had written, he commanded them that they should teach the things which he had expounded unto them. 3 Nephi 23:14

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27 (Resurrected Christ on road to Emmaus)

And he also rehearsed unto them concerning the rebellions of Laman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael, yea, all their rebellions did he relate unto them; and he expounded unto them all the records and scriptures from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem down to the present time. Alma 18:38 (Ammon to King Lamoni)

Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, that the time has verily come that it is necessary and expedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures, according to that portion of Spirit and power which shall be given unto you, even as I will. Doctrine and Covenants 71:1

He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni . . . After telling me these things, he commenced quoting the prophecies of the Old Testament. He first quoted part of the third chapter of Malachi; and he quoted also the fourth or last chapter of the same prophecy, though with a little variation from the way it reads in our Bibles . . . In addition to these, he quoted the eleventh chapter of Isaiah . . . He quoted also the third chapter of Acts, twenty-second and twenty-third verses, precisely as they stand in our New Testament. . . He also quoted the second chapter of Joel, from the twenty-eighth verse to the last. He quoted many other passages of scripture, and offered many explanations which cannot be mentioned here. Joseph Smith—History 1:33-41

Key #3 False teachers use flattery to win the hearts of others. It makes their followers “feel good”, but they do not experience the Holy Ghost conveying truth, understanding, and knowledge. “Feeling good” is not necessarily experienced when an individual is called to repentance, corrected, or receiving further light and knowledge. People may react emotionally, but the Holy Ghost is informational and clear.

1 And now it came to pass after some years had passed away, there came a man among the people of Nephi, whose name was Sherem.
2 And it came to pass that he began to preach among the people, and to declare unto them that there should be no Christ. And he preached many things which were flattering unto the people; and this he did that he might overthrow the doctrine of Christ.
3 And he labored diligently that he might lead away the hearts of the people, insomuch that he did lead away many hearts; and he knowing that I, Jacob, had faith in Christ who should come, he sought much opportunity that he might come unto me.
4 And he was learned, that he had a perfect knowledge of the language of the people; wherefore, he could use much flattery, and much power of speech, according to the power of the devil. Jacob 7

Yea, and they also became idolatrous, because they were deceived by the vain and flattering words of the king and priests; for they did speak flattering things unto them. Mosiah 11:7 (King Noah and his people.

For it came to pass that they did deceive many with their flattering words, who were in the church, and did cause them to commit many sins; therefore it became expedient that those who committed sin, that were in the church, should be admonished by the church. Mosiah 26:6

But behold, it is better that thy soul should be lost than that thou shouldst be the means of bringing many souls down to destruction, by thy lying and by thy flattering words; therefore if thou shalt deny again, behold God shall smite thee, that thou shalt become dumb, that thou shalt never open thy mouth any more, that thou shalt not deceive this people any more. Alma 30:47 (Alma speaking to Korihor)

7 And there were many in the church who believed in the flattering words of Amalickiah, therefore they dissented even from the church; and thus were the affairs of the people of Nephi exceedingly precarious and dangerous, notwithstanding their great victory which they had had over the Lamanites, and their great rejoicings which they had had because of their deliverance by the hand of the Lord.
8 Thus we see how quick the children of men do forget the Lord their God, yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by the evil one.
9 Yea, and we also see the great wickedness one very wicked man can cause to take place among the children of men.
10 Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the righteous’ sake. Alma 46

But behold, Paanchi, and that part of the people that were desirous that he should be their governor, was exceedingly wroth; therefore, he was about to flatter away those people to rise up in rebellion against their brethren. Helaman 1:7

Therefore he did flatter them, and also Kishkumen, that if they would place him in the judgment-seat he would grant unto those who belonged to his band that they should be placed in power and authority among the people; therefore Kishkumen sought to destroy Helaman. Helaman 2:5

Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him. Helaman 13:28

And there was also a cause of much sorrow among the Lamanites; for behold, they had many children who did grow up and began to wax strong in years, that they became for themselves, and were led away by some who were Zoramites, by their lyings and their flattering words, to join those Gadianton robbers. 3 Nephi 1:29

And Jared rebelled against his father, and came and dwelt in the land of Heth. And it came to pass that he did flatter many people, because of his cunning words, until he had gained the half of the kingdom. Ether 8:2

Key #4 What are the teacher's motives? Do they point others to Christ or do they participate in priestcraft seeking for gain and setting themselves up for a light? Is there any $$$ or worldly benefits received by the teacher? Any bonuses, increases, tithings, or payoffs involved? These are all “red flags.” Why does the teacher teach? Is it self aggrandizement and a way to support himself? Or is the duty of teaching actually requested by God and becomes an acceptable and sincere sacrifice? Does the teacher hold a “regular job” and make a living like the hearers do or does he esteem himself higher than his hearers and fully expects donations from “the fold” to support him?

He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion. 2 Nephi 26:29

Nevertheless, this did not put an end to the spreading of priestcraft through the land; for there were many who loved the vain things of the world, and they went forth preaching false doctrines; and this they did for the sake of riches and honor. Alma 1:16

For the time speedily shall come that all churches which are built up to get gain, and all those who are built up to get power over the flesh, and those who are built up to become popular in the eyes of the world, and those who seek the lusts of the flesh and the things of the world, and to do all manner of iniquity; yea, in fine, all those who belong to the kingdom of the devil are they who need fear, and tremble, and quake; they are those who must be brought low in the dust; they are those who must be consumed as stubble; and this is according to the words of the prophet. 1 Nephi 22:23

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 1 Peter 5:2

And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength. Alma 1:26

32 Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be churches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins.
33 O ye wicked and perverse and stiffnecked people, why have ye built up churches unto yourselves to get gain? Why have ye transfigured the holy word of God, that ye might bring damnation upon your souls? Behold, look ye unto the revelations of God; for behold, the time cometh at that day when all these things must be fulfilled.
34 Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you.
35 Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.
36 And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.
37 For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.
38 O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies—because of the praise of the world?
39 Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not?
40 Yea, why do ye build up your secret abominations to get gain, and cause that widows should mourn before the Lord, and also orphans to mourn before the Lord, and also the blood of their fathers and their husbands to cry unto the Lord from the ground, for vengeance upon your heads?
41 Behold, the sword of vengeance hangeth over you; and the time soon cometh that he avengeth the blood of the saints upon you, for he will not suffer their cries any longer. Mormon 8

Key #5 “. . . ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things 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 10:4-5

Ask God any question you may have and you can receive His answer to you. Is the teacher fake or real? Does he know what he is talking about or is he merely a brilliant and clever deceiver? Is he making a sacrifice, calling people to repentance, and literally speaking the Word of God with power? Did the words of the teacher really come from God? Or does he speak flattering words, saying “all is well in Zion” and promotes the philosophies of men mingled with scripture according to his own agenda and benefit? Does God actually vouch for and vindicate the words spoken by the teacher? Or do they fall to the ground and fade away? Ask God; He is the best source available. Most assuredly, He knows what He is talking about, who His servants are, and what He has asked them to speak using His name.



Friday, July 31, 2015

The Followers of Christ Were Baptized Again (Part 3)

If, in the past, some level of apostasy has occurred over and over again, and God has repeatedly corrected and called repentance to His people, and He has consistently given to His servants the authority to baptize and He continually commanded His people to come unto Him and be baptized / re-baptized, could that pattern be repeating itself once again today? Could all this really be happening all over again? As it was with those in the past and as apostasy progressively increases today among ALL churches, would it seem reasonable that, in our time, we have need to repent and face God?

All are guilty of sin and error; All need repentance; And God requires all to receive an acceptable, authorized, and authoritative baptism in order to survive His return.

Would you be willing to read, hear, and learn about God's call of repentance to you? Would you be willing to partake of a rite designed by God to show that you have repented? Whether or not you have been previously baptized, would you be willing to consider receiving baptism / re-baptism today? Would it be valuable for you to have your name on record testifying that you recognize the Word of God, accept His current instructions, are receiving and applying them through repentance, and have been baptized as He advised? Would you be willing to acknowledge baptism as a required sign God has asked us to perform as a witness of our repentance?

The Lord gave us a serious warning: “I say, hearken unto my voice, lest death shall overtake you; in an hour when ye think not the summer shall be past, and the harvest ended, and your souls not saved.” (D&C 45:2.)

Whether you are Catholic, Mormon, Protestant, Methodist, Islam, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Atheist, or any other, would you be willing to learn, believe, and act according to the doctrine of Christ? Referring only to the doctrine of Christ, which He declared, would you consider becoming “one” with Christ and each other, independent of religion, and receiving the baptism now being offered? Would you be interested in reading and considering His Word, understanding more fully the doctrine of Christ, learning more about His offer and commandment of baptism, and being baptized by one, who has authority given him of Jesus Christ?

If you are interested, here is some information that may be helpful:

  • Doctrine of Christ
      3 Nephi 11:31-40
      2 Nephi 31:5 through 2 Nephi 32:6
      D&C 10:67-68
      Moses 6:50-68

  • Learn more about the baptism now being offered, for which the Lord vouches:
  • Receiving baptism by one, who has authority given him of Jesus Christ:

      Almost 41 years ago, I was baptized in the LDS church by my father and the words of the baptismal prayer were, “Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you ...”

      Recently, I was able to identify, recognize, and receive His Word delivered by a true messenger from the presence of God. A servant, for whom the Lord vouches, teaches the truth with power, knows what he is talking about, and clearly declares the message as Christ directs it, which is independent of churches, religious authorities, public opinions, and “politically correct” views.

      In our society, the Word of God is almost always unpopular, criticized, and rejected. When I was being taught about some of my abominations, iniquities, and misunderstandings, I was surprised when I learned what I needed to do to repent. After receiving communication from God and having a few “scales of darkness” fall from my eyes, I saw that I had things upside down and backwards. I could see why Nephi would say, “Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (2 Nephi 15:20)

      I was called to repentance and instructed to be re-baptized by one with authority.

      Recognizing that apostasy in the LDS church had reached a point, which was unacceptable to God, and acknowledging the fact that my baptism, from the Lord's point of view, was no longer considered sufficient, the necessity to be re-baptized became extremely clear to me. I sought out and found an individual, who had authority given him of Jesus Christ, to baptize me using the words that Jesus instructed in 3 Nephi 11:25. During the month of September of 2014, I was re-baptized. My friend, calling me by name (my first name, or the name by which I am best known by my closest friends, not including my middle or last name) and saying, “Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you ...”, immersed me in the water, and I came forth again out of the water. This is what I recorded after my baptism:

      For the last two days, Satan has worked hard on me. He did not want me to be re-baptized. I felt extremely “blah” and weak. He attempted to persuade me that my new baptism wouldn't count. I cast out evil entities and told Satan to depart, and his influence was not welcome. As time drew nearer, I felt terribly disturbed, frustrated, and agitated. I refused to succumb to the Satanic stupidity and moved forward anyway. Contrary to my experience, my family members all seemed very excited and at peace about going to be re-baptized. It was very difficult for me, even as I was entering the water, but I continued believing the truth, cast out falsehood, and trusted in God. When I came up out of the water, I felt extremely happy and pleased and at peace, especially so after feeling an evil presence the previous two days. I am very satisfied and feel that my baptism by water is complete. I came out of the water full of joy, smiling and looking to heaven. I saw with my eyes clouds and a beautiful overcast sky, but felt and said out loud, “God is here”. I am not a man of many words, but God was with me and completely reversed my inside feelings from extreme “blah”, sadness, hopelessness, and doubt to extreme happiness, peace, faith, gladness, and hope. From the time of entering the water to the time I came out of the water was like night and day. What a change!!