True Followers of Christ? Apostasy?

I've been thinking . . . There's so much talk about apostasy, and there's a lot of finger pointing. How is someone to identify a true follower of Christ? I've heard it said, “We can't go wrong! God has promised us that we can't be led astray!” That doesn't make sense. God gives everyone a choice.

There are a few people who did not choose to turn away from God. “And Enoch and all his people walked with God, and he dwelt in the midst of Zion; and it came to pass that Zion was not, for God received it up into his own bosom; and from thence went forth the saying, Zion is Fled.” Moses 7:69

Now, there's another group of people who chose God for a long time. We read about them in 4 Nephi, but eventually even these people chose to apostatize and turn away from God? 4 Nephi 1:20-49

What are the characteristics of these people when they were choosing God?

1. There were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another. 4 Nephi 1:2
2. They had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift. 4 Nephi 1:3
3. They did heal the sick, and raise the dead, and cause the lame to walk, and the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear; and all manner of miracles did they work among the children of men; and in nothing did they work miracles save it were in the name of Jesus. 4 Nephi 1:5
4. There were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God. 4 Nephi 1:16

This is what I would expect from any group who claims to be God's people. Anything less than this would be categorized as some form of apostasy.

Melchizedek found himself among a wicked people. Look at what he did . . .

Now this Melchizedek was a king over the land of Salem; and his people had waxed strong in iniquity and abomination; yea, they had all gone astray; they were full of all manner of wickedness; But Melchizedek having exercised mighty faith, and received the office of the high priesthood according to the holy order of God, did preach repentance unto his people. And behold, they did repent; and Melchizedek did establish peace in the land in his days; therefore he was called the prince of peace, for he was the king of Salem; and he did reign under his father.Alma 13:17-18

Finding myself among an apostate group where do I start? It would seem sensible to start with myself . . . then my marriage . . . then my family . . . and then my community. It's time for us to rise up and become the happiest people among all the people who have been created by the hand of God. 

Old Paradise Church – Corner Stones, Rocks, Bells, and Towers

On Friday, April 13, 2012 as we were transplanting bushes and trees, a man came to look at the cornerstones of the original building.  He told us that they plan to use one of the original cornerstones in the new building.  They plan to make a monument out of the other cornerstone. 

To get to the cornerstones, a large juniper bush was uprooted and overturned, and holes were dug.  

Original rock will become part of a stone façade and plans call for a modified steeple that doubles as a bell tower, housing the original bell from the 19th century church.

Corner stones, rocks, bells, and towers have symbolic meaning.

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. Helaman 5:12

Dark storms are coming. If they haven’t reached us yet, they are on their way. Upon what rock must we build our foundation?  This seems like a redundant question, but what doctrine do we believe and teach?  Do we build our foundation upon men? Institutions? Or do we build upon the rock of our Redeemer? Can we build our foundation upon men and upon Christ at the same time?

Do we trust in Jesus to deliver and redeem us?  Why do men seek to displace Christ?  What will happen to those who fall for this clever deception? Can a man save us? Protect us?

Who is our compass when the devil sends forth his mighty winds of confusion? Who stands guard as shafts in the whirlwind come from all directions seeking to destroy? Who is our covering when hail and mighty storms beat upon us? In whom do we place our trust? Who is the only one with power to save?

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matt 7:24-29 

What was the doctrine of the scribes? Why are the people astonished at Jesus’ doctrine? What is the difference between those that hear and doeth and those that hear and doeth not? What is Christ asking us to do? Are we doing it? Are we ready for the approaching storm?

And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.

And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.

And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.

And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.

And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.

Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.

But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.

And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.

What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.

And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:

This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way. Mark 12:1-12

Who are the husbandmen? What is the vineyard? What was the purpose of the tower? Why does the Lord let the husbandmen be in charge of His vineyard? What is he expecting from the husbandmen? What is the expected fruit? What do the husbandmen do to the Lord’s servants? What do the husbandmen do to God’s son? What will the Lord of the vineyard do to the husbandmen?  Who will the vineyard be given to? Who is the stone that is rejected?  What will the stone become? Are we building upon the stone? Have we become precious fruit  worth preserving?

Jesus can teach us so much using parables. He puts the mysteries of God on display for everyone with eyes to see. Are we ready for what Christ has to teach us? Heaven speaks in symbols. God has created parables for us. There are parables that happen right before our very eyes every day. You might even call them living parables. 

Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. Isaiah 28:16-17 

Who Should I Follow?

Who Should I Follow? In a world where there are so many that set themselves up as a light and example, the answer to this question can appear quite complicated. I’ve given the question serious consideration. I’ve prayed to God asking for his help in solving this question in my heart. When I talk to friends, neighbors, and relatives, I get conflicting views on this issue.

In any organization or corporation, there is a need for order. Employees don’t take over the responsibilities of the president of the company. Members of the Catholic Church don’t take over the responsibilities of the Pope. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints don’t take over the responsibilities of the Prophet. No one has the right to preside or conduct church activities other than the regularly constituted church authorities. It is their right.

When Hiram Page professed to be receiving revelations for the church, Joseph Smith received the following revelation. “But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses . . . And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church” Doctrine and Covenants 28:2, 28:6

When a man has a right to preside and conduct church activities, are faithful members of that church obligated to follow the man? What if the man is a true messenger of God? Should he be followed?

I’ve grown up with a mantra that says, “Follow the Prophet”. I’ve searched the scriptures looking for this mantra, but I can’t find it. On the other hand, I have found scriptures that oppose this viewpoint.

“Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.” 2 Nephi 28:31, 2 Nephi 4:34

Is the Lord saying that we can’t put our trust in any man? What if the man is really good? What if the man is a true messenger of God? Are we going to be cursed for putting our trust in that kind of man?

What does the Lord mean when he says, “save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost”? Are we obligated to get a confirmation from the Holy Ghost before accepting any precept taught by humans? Can’t we just follow them? Are we required to get a witness from God before accepting anything as being true? That’s a lot of work.

President Joseph Smith read the 14^th chapter of Ezekiel - - said the Lord had declared by the Prophet, that the people should each one stand for himself, and depend on no man or men in that state of corruption of the Jewish church - - that righteous persons could only deliver their own souls - - applied it to the present state of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - - said if the people departed from the Lord, they must fall - - that they were depending on the Prophet, hence were darkened in their minds, in consequence of neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves, envious towards the innocent, while they afflict the virtuous with their shafts of envy. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith pages 237-238

When a messenger sent from God visited John the Revelator, he tried to worship the messenger. The angel told John to worship God. “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10

The Lord doesn’t make any distinction between those who choose to follow men and the liars, sorcerers, adulterers, and whoremongers. D&C 76:99-103 That sounds like a pretty serious sin.

The Lord's position is higher than any head of any organization. “He ruleth high in the heavens, for it is his throne, and this earth is his footstool.” 1 Nephi 17:39 When the Lord sends a messenger, it would be wise to listen, pray for a witness from God, and then obey. Let’s look at some of the messengers He has chosen to send:

Amos was among the herdmen of Tekoa. Amos 1:1 In other words, he was a nobody. Yet, he saw a vision concerning Israel. He was called by the Lord to prophesy unto the people. Amos was shown the judgments of the Lord before they happened. He then tells the people “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7

Abinadi was a nobody. We don’t even know where he came from. King Noah and his priests, the recognized religious authorities of the area, questioned Abinadi’s right to judge them. This prophet of God was perceived as a troublemaker. “Now when king Noah had heard of the words which Abinadi had spoken unto the people, he was also wroth; and he said: Who is Abinadi, that I and my people should be judged of him, or who is the Lord, that shall bring upon my people such great affliction? I command you to bring Abinadi hither, that I may slay him, for he has said these things that he might stir up my people to anger one with another, and to raise contentions among my people; therefore I will slay him.” Mosiah 11:27-28

Even Jesus Christ was rejected. The leaders of His church “spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?” In their view, Jesus was not credible. He then used a parable to illustrate how his people would reject his prophets. They would even reject Him. See Luke 20:1-19

When the Lord sends prophets to deliver a message, there is no difference between their words and His words. The prophecies and promises given by the Lord’s servants will all be fulfilled. D&C 1:37-38

So, how will we know if a message comes from God?

“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would 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

It’s vital to receive a witness from the Holy Ghost. He will manifest the truth of all things unto you.

Who should I follow? Over and over again I hear Jesus say, “Come follow me.”

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. John 12:26 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23

No one can bring us back to the Father except for Jesus Christ. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10:27

And he gathereth his children from the four quarters of the earth; and he numbereth his sheep, and they know him; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd; and he shall feed his sheep, and in him they shall find pasture. 1 Nephi 22:25

We can only follow one shepherd. Who will it be?