A Bloggernacle Favorite: Debating Certainty
Bloggernaclist post and comment frequently on the subject of “certainty”. It’s a polarizing subject. One camp is adamant that knowing, which is certainty, isn’t possible. The other camp says they know, and wonder why someone wants to challenge their use of words.
I’ve attempted to break out a few of the main arguments contained in these posts. This post is but a brief exploration of the topic.
I’ve also included comments under each heading that have been made by posters and commentators.
1. Growing up “knowing”
Friday Quiz: What Caused the Nephite Church to be Broken Up?
The Lord's church can dwindle, even be "broken up" because of the iniquity of its members, according to the Book of Mormon. The first indication of the church dwindling occurs when the members begin to disbelieve in the gifts of the Spirit (Helaman 4:23). Then there arises those who "profess" to be members of the church but in reality they are enemies of church. Because of their prosperity they have opportunities for learning, and turn to persecuting their humble brethren (3 Nephi 6:12, Helaman 3:33-34).
The following quiz can be helpful in zeroing in on the one quality that is the most damaging. It gives satan power in the lives of church members who invite it into their lives.
After taking the quiz, click here to learn more about this quality of character, from a modern day prophet, that brought down the Nephi church.
Favored of the Lord
The Book of Mormon uses the phrase “favored of the Lord” to communicate the idea that a follower of Christ can arrive at a point where they are “supplied with advantages”. In other words, they are “regarded with kindness; as a favored friend” by the Lord (the preceding words in quotes are taken from the1828 Webster’s Dictionary, under the heading: “favored”).
The Righteous are Favored
Behold, the Lord esteemeth all flesh in one; he that is righteous is favored of God. 1 Nephi 17:35
This scripture from the Book of Mormon is to the point: The Lord esteemeth all flesh in one; that is, highly valued or prized on account of worth. Everyone is a valued son or daughter of God; however, the righteous have a favored status in His eyes.
Exercising Faith When Dealing With Health Problems—My Ten Year Journey
For over fifty years I enjoyed excellent health. Then things started to go wrong. I’m not referring to the kind of health problems that put you in the hospital, or the kind where the doctors find a serious condition or disease.
I’m referring to the class of health problems that are like having a heavy ball and chain attached to you. It makes the daily journey much more difficult. No longer do you spring out of bed and attack the day with a “full speed ahead” attitude. Now you’re required to manage your energy, both physical and mental.
People begin to notice a change in your appearance. Initially, they tease you about it, but then they see that the “bad day” they thought you were having, has become a daily event.
With that brief background, I’d like to share with those who may be interested, what I did to deal with the spiritual side of my difficulty. I found going from robust, to compromised health in a matter of weeks, a humbling and challenging experience.