O Have Mercy, And Apply The Atoning Blood Of Christ—Pt 3
This is Part 3 in a series of articles on repentance. They are based on my experiences. I am writing with the hope that others who are seeking the Lord will find something meaningful to aid them in their journey towards obtaining a remission of their sins.
Click here to access the series of articles.
One of the greatest obstacles I had with repentance is feeling “unworthy” because of backsliding. With some sins I was able to repent and wasn’t troubled thereafter, with other sins I struggled. At times I felt the Lord must have been worn out with me. He knew how many times I had tried and failed in my efforts to keep some of His commandments. It went something like this: I would knee before the Lord and say, “I am going to repent of (fill in the blank)”. I would then exercise my will power; I would do well for a period of time, only to end up backsliding. After doing this numerous times I realized repentance wasn’t always easy. I was embarrassed, and thought for sure the Lord considered me a loser.
This kind of thinking led to two kinds of behavior:
O Have Mercy, And Apply The Atoning Blood Of Christ—Pt 2
This is Part 2 in a series of articles on repentance. They are based on my experiences. I am writing with the hope that others who are seeking the Lord will find something meaningful to aid them in their journey towards obtaining a remission of their sins.
Click here to access the series of articles.
The first example came from a man named Smith, Sergeant Smith. He was about 10 years my senior, married with a small family. His objective in life was to increase in military rank. To accomplish his goal he let the men in our unit know that he would make sure we had a good time, if we helped him get promoted in rank. We soon found out that he had an ample supply of liquor at his home. On the weekends those who did his bidding were invited to his place to party. There was good food, a well stocked liquor cabinet, and a fridge full of beer. I was worried that my commitment to repent would be side tracked. However, after going to a few Sergeant Smith’s parties I observed some things that redoubled my determination to change (repent). It soon became apparent that he didn’t care very deeply about anyone at the party—including his wife and children. The positive impression he initially made was lost when I saw the smallness of character he actually possessed by the way he treated his wife.
Testimony—Three Kinds: Hoping, Believing, Knowing
The mystery of Godliness, how great it is (D&C 19:10). This verse of scripture infers that the rational mind of man cannot find God in the usual ways. By the power of the rational mind man has conquered the air, sea, and space, but not the mystery of Godliness. This mystery can only be discovered by God revealing Himself—by revelation.
...no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God. Jacob 4:8
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 2:11
Revelations come in many ways. On occasion, mortals are dramatically exposed to God’s revelations. In the time it takes to draw a few breaths of life giving air, a man or woman’s view of life and eternity can be forever altered when God reveals Himself. Whether our revelation(s) are grand or unimposing, they are an invitation from God, an invitation to follow Him for more.
O Have Mercy, And Apply The Atoning Blood of Christ-Pt 1
This is Part 1 in a series of articles on repentance. They are based on my experiences. I am writing with the hope that others who are seeking the Lord will find something meaningful to aid them in their journey towards obtaining a remission of their sins.
Click here to access the series of articles.
I haven’t always been a serious follower of Christ. As a boy, holidays recognizing the Savior were just another holiday, like Halloween or Presidents day. The joy of being out of school, receiving gifts, and eating all the goodies at Christmas and Easter were at the top of my list. The significance of the holiday didn’t matter; a fun time with a lot of goodies was the important thing.
Later, as a worldly teenager, I still enjoyed holidays because of the “goodies”—however my definition of goodies had changed from food and candy to “partying”.
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.
Friday Quiz: The Purpose of the Atonement
Please answer the following, one question quiz, before reading the rest of the post.
Please go to Friday Quiz: The Purpose of the Atonement to view the quiz
Let me illustrate what I mean: If the Lord, at this moment, forgave you of all your sins---you would be guiltless. The scriptures refer to this as a remission of sins.
Friday Quiz: It Is By Grace That We Are Saved, After All We Can Do
This quiz has three question with answers you may agree or disagree with. The questions and answers to this quiz were adapted from a book, "The Continuous Atonement", by Brad Wilcox.
After viewing the quiz please leave a comment with your ideas on this subject.
Please go to Friday Quiz: It Is By Grace That We Are Saved, After All We Can Do to view the quiz