The Savior Could There Do No Mighty Work…He Marvelled at Their Unbelief
The Savior while in mortality drew many people after Him because of the mighty works he did. However, in his home town of Nazareth the scriptures teach something different occurred there:
And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
Our Proclivity for Sin and Error
The scriptures testify, abundantly so, of the propensity of men to sin. This is even true for those who have been given significant Spiritual experiences. One would suppose that those who have been so blessed would never sin again, but the scriptures and church history provide a different prospective. Prophets and church leaders are subject to sin and error just like the rest of us.
For example, Nephi, the son of Lehi appears to be a near perfect man. He does everything his prophet father asks of him, even with the intolerable burden of two older brothers working against his every effort. Nephi’s propensity for goodness is matched by his older brother’s propensity for wickedness. However, the impression of Nephi perfection is diminished when he reveals the turmoil going on in his heart when he says, “notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me. 2 Nephi 4:17-18
Actually, I’m relieved that Nephi revealed this part of his mortal experience. It helps me relate to him and gives me hope. I think Nephi made many errors in the way he dealt with his brothers. If he would have been more kind to them things might have turned out a little better.
Keeping the Commandments without Making Covenants has no Power to Sanctify
For those who have made covenants to follow Christ there is a simple plan that needs to be obeyed in order to realize the promised blessings. The following scripture clearly describes the plan and promise:
Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. 3 Nephi 27:20
In forty words the Savior succinctly explains the gospel plan. Receiving the Holy Ghost is the focal point of the gospel plan. In other words, the purpose of repentance and baptism is to receive the Holy Ghost. Without the Holy Ghost, repentance and baptism have no power to sanctify. And without becoming sanctified we cannot stand spotless before the Lord.
As Latter-day Saints we have many responsibilities. Following is a brief list of some of the things expected of us. There is no particular order to this list:
Eugene England’s “Reconversion” to the Book of Mormon
Eugene England wrote a book titled, Converted to Christ Through the Book of Mormon. Following is part of the introduction he wrote for the book. He makes several important observation about the power of the Book of Mormon:
1. To reconvert life-long church members by bringing them to Christ.
2. "What can we do about our sins?"
Heavenly Father Provides Us with Mountains to Climb, But Oft Times We Choose Hills Instead
Acquiring and growing a testimony is like climbing a mountain. As we ascend we can turn and view the vista behind us, and feel a sense of accomplishment at how far we've come. As we continue to climb we arrive at the top and feel a rush of accomplishment and growth. However, as we look into the distance we soon become aware that there are towering peaks before us that need to be climbed. We know if we leave theses unclimbed we'll be missing out on experience, experience that we need and should not put off.
Not all who climb continue to climb, it is difficult and many chose to ignore the invitation of the inviting peaks. It is easy to plateau in our journey, especially when everything is going well where we're at.
This is when we begin to forget the Lord and take side paths that we can mistake for climbing towards the peaks. These side paths have many destination but none of them offer the rewards of climbing towards the peaks.
The Savior Teaches a Unique Doctrine Regarding Forgiveness Over Dinner
It is early Christmas morning and I am reflecting on the Savior-Jesus Christ. For whatever reason there might be for the Savior to know and love a person like me is beyond my grasp to understand. I testify that He has been my friend when there is no reason I know of for His friendship. My life is unremarkable, except for the fact that He has been there so often, and led me along giving me knowledge and experiences such that I am constrained to say that He and His Father are the greatest realities of my life.
As I contemplate on these things this morning I feel a kinship with an unnamed sinner the Savior befriended and forgave.
The scripture teach that the Savior spent time with those who were considered "unworthy" because they were not every good at keeping the commandments. He had great compassion for them and blessed, encouraged, and forgave them. On one occasion, the Savior visited the home of a Pharisee named Simeon. As an invited guest the Savior arrives and befriends a known sinner--a women and enters with her. The scripture says:
And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Luke 7:37 - 38
Begging for a Remission of Your Sins
Have you begged the Lord for a remission of your sins?
First, a definition of the word "beg" may be helpful to set aside any emotional response we may have to the word. Some among us may feel offended by this word thinking that God would never require His sons and daughters, the elect; those holding the priesthood, those who have made sacred covenants in the temples, to beg.
Beg: To ask earnestly; to beseech; to entreat or supplicate with humility. From American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828
The title of this post, Begging for a Remission of Your Sins, is taken from the account of King Benjamin teaching his people the message delivered to him by an angel from God (This would be a great way to start a talk, using an angel for source material).
An Angel or a God, What’s it Going to Be Bro?
The prophet Joseph Smith taught:
In the resurrection, some are raised to be angels, others are raised to become Gods. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 312).
The difference between an angel and a God is explained, in part, in this verse of scripture:
An Invitation to Bloggernaclist to Participate in a Miracle
As I've cruised the Bloggernacle over the last eight months, I've been impressed by those who write and comment in the various blogs. Most are faithful, testimony bearing Latter Day Saints, who have done much to build up the Kingdom.
Nearly all Bloggernaclist have had their faith challenged to one degree or another by an array of historical/doctrinal problems that have come to light. A few have left the church, yet still exhibit a love for the gospel, but most are settled in their faith and are waiting for further light and knowledge. However, their view of the church and church leaders has experienced a "paradigm shift".
A Repentance Primer for the Average Sinner
Forgiveness of your sins is possible because of the atonement of Jesus Christ. The scripture teach that in order to obtain this gift of the atonement you must make changes in your life. Whatever it is that you’re doing or have done that constitutes sin needs to be addressed. Some sins are easily dealt with, while others are more difficult. If, for example, you stole something of small value 2 years ago and realize that it was wrong, and that you are guilty of breaking the Lords commandment, you can repent by asking in prayer to be forgiven. On the other hand, if you are guilty of sin that is additive, like internet pornography, then you will probably need to seek out the help of your Bishop and maybe a qualified professional.
There are many ways to sin and the process of repentance is the same—there are many ways. But I think the most important part of repentance is to understand that the Savior is the ultimate source of forgiveness. The church and church leaders are there to help you, but the Savior is where your focus should be riveted.