Monday, January 26, 2009
Oregn - Place of Ingathering
Oregon is the place of in-gathering for the Saints until the time has come to establish Zion in all its splendour; for out of all the earth I chose thee, and set thou apart, and consecrated thee, thou choicest of lands, as a place for the rest and nourishment of my people. And to all who have heard the call and journeyed from afar off to make an habitation in this land, and to all who are yet to hear this call and join with them, thus sayest the Lord unto you: Blessed are you, my children, and may you find prosperity and peace for yet a little season.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Message 4
A message concerning revelation, received on Monday, April 16, 2007.
1. All prophets have made errors, even in doctrine, for all thing are not revealed at once. A prophet will freely admit to this, and will confess such an error once the truth has been revealed.
2. My prophet Joseph admitted to many mistakes. He also erred in ways unknown to him, such as concerning the identity of Esaias, which was not made known to him in his mortal life.
3. The apostle Paul also erred, concerning women in the church, and can you say this is not so? Paul would confess it this day.
4. Yea, eagerly, in the pursuit of truth, all will admit to error, except for their followers. But to you I say, follow me, and follow truth.
5. The great things of my kingdom have been poured out to many, but only a few will make record of them; The rest of those who have received fear man more than they fear their God, and their traditions deny the possibility.
6. If you don't write that which you receive (all those things which are proper to be written), you may not receive much more, for I shall not continue to give that which you do not esteem to be of value.
7. Wherefore, write that which you receive, for if it continues not to be written, you may stop receiving revelation altogether, and can one repent of this?
8. But if you write that which you receive, you will begin to receive more abundantly.
1. All prophets have made errors, even in doctrine, for all thing are not revealed at once. A prophet will freely admit to this, and will confess such an error once the truth has been revealed.
2. My prophet Joseph admitted to many mistakes. He also erred in ways unknown to him, such as concerning the identity of Esaias, which was not made known to him in his mortal life.
3. The apostle Paul also erred, concerning women in the church, and can you say this is not so? Paul would confess it this day.
4. Yea, eagerly, in the pursuit of truth, all will admit to error, except for their followers. But to you I say, follow me, and follow truth.
5. The great things of my kingdom have been poured out to many, but only a few will make record of them; The rest of those who have received fear man more than they fear their God, and their traditions deny the possibility.
6. If you don't write that which you receive (all those things which are proper to be written), you may not receive much more, for I shall not continue to give that which you do not esteem to be of value.
7. Wherefore, write that which you receive, for if it continues not to be written, you may stop receiving revelation altogether, and can one repent of this?
8. But if you write that which you receive, you will begin to receive more abundantly.
Message 3
A message concerning the consumption of animal foods, received in portions from Sunday, April 8, 2007 to Monday, April 16, 2007.
1. The consumption of animal foods is a matter for individual discernment, and each type of animal food is different.
2. If you desire confirmation, pray using this guideline:
3. If, with circumstance permitting, you would obtain the animal food yourself, and your spirit permits you to carry through with it, and God does not impress upon you that this is wrong; and if it is edible, then you may continue to partake, otherwise it is not for you, but this must be individually discerned.
4. Even if it is permitted, remember also: All things that are good for you, for eating, should be used in moderation and in wisdom.
5. Do not ask again concerning this type of animal food, unless it is after much time has passed and there is indication that the circumstances have changed.
6. In the past, many who have asked for confirmation in this manner have mistaken their personal answer concerning this thing for a law binding upon all:
7. It is not, so far as the use of animal foods is concerned.
1. The consumption of animal foods is a matter for individual discernment, and each type of animal food is different.
2. If you desire confirmation, pray using this guideline:
3. If, with circumstance permitting, you would obtain the animal food yourself, and your spirit permits you to carry through with it, and God does not impress upon you that this is wrong; and if it is edible, then you may continue to partake, otherwise it is not for you, but this must be individually discerned.
4. Even if it is permitted, remember also: All things that are good for you, for eating, should be used in moderation and in wisdom.
5. Do not ask again concerning this type of animal food, unless it is after much time has passed and there is indication that the circumstances have changed.
6. In the past, many who have asked for confirmation in this manner have mistaken their personal answer concerning this thing for a law binding upon all:
7. It is not, so far as the use of animal foods is concerned.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
The Forgery of 1 John 5:7
1 John 5:7, known as the Comma Johanneum, is a forgery.
The correct rendering is:
The correct rendering is:
For there are three that bear record: the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
The tamperings of men.
See this study of 2 Timothy 3:16.
This verse has often been translated by overzealous men who have accounted the written Bible to be greater than the pure revelations of God. As they attempt to hail its perfection they actually disprove this very same thing by the works of their own hands. As in all such errors, if they worked from a prior translation then the fault rests on the one who corrupted it, but if they worked from the original language then they know that they have done it, and are guilty of producing false testimony and deliberately corrupting the word of God.
The American Standard Version has translated this verse to have the original meaning:
This verse has often been translated by overzealous men who have accounted the written Bible to be greater than the pure revelations of God. As they attempt to hail its perfection they actually disprove this very same thing by the works of their own hands. As in all such errors, if they worked from a prior translation then the fault rests on the one who corrupted it, but if they worked from the original language then they know that they have done it, and are guilty of producing false testimony and deliberately corrupting the word of God.
The American Standard Version has translated this verse to have the original meaning:
2 Timothy 3:15-16 And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Inner Harmony
Our Mind and Heart must agree to live with inner Harmony.
While we can never expect to have perfect satisfaction in our knowledge, faith, or feeling, a spiritual belief and practice that is agreeable to our whole being is the only way to lead a healthy spiritual life.
While asking your heart to be checked at the door of the chapel may satisfy your mind for a time, you won't be able to enjoy the experience as God intends unless your heart is also fully engaged. The same is true for your mind: Suspending disbelief is no way to cultivate faith. Being honest to ourselves will allow us to grow and develop our spiritual lives in peace and harmony.
This type of disharmony varies individually. It could be manifest in terms of belief such as Evolution vs. Creationism, in our comprehension of the Character and Attributes of Deity, in the type of Music used to uplift the soul, in the Liturgy or atmosphere of a place of worship, etc.
Religion should uplift our spirits relative to the amount of energy we put into it. If the formula is running the opposite way, a change should be made to correct the error and avoid staying on a damning course of unhappiness.
While we can never expect to have perfect satisfaction in our knowledge, faith, or feeling, a spiritual belief and practice that is agreeable to our whole being is the only way to lead a healthy spiritual life.
While asking your heart to be checked at the door of the chapel may satisfy your mind for a time, you won't be able to enjoy the experience as God intends unless your heart is also fully engaged. The same is true for your mind: Suspending disbelief is no way to cultivate faith. Being honest to ourselves will allow us to grow and develop our spiritual lives in peace and harmony.
This type of disharmony varies individually. It could be manifest in terms of belief such as Evolution vs. Creationism, in our comprehension of the Character and Attributes of Deity, in the type of Music used to uplift the soul, in the Liturgy or atmosphere of a place of worship, etc.
Religion should uplift our spirits relative to the amount of energy we put into it. If the formula is running the opposite way, a change should be made to correct the error and avoid staying on a damning course of unhappiness.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Message 2
A message concerning authority, received Tuesday, January 9, 2007.
1. The laws of nature possess authority to rule over all elements, and the elements cannot rebel, neither would they, because nature is not an interpretor of the law but the law itself, standing in simplicity, purity and perfection.
2. All things which have been created, whether man or woman, creeping thing, fowl, fish, tree or herb, yea, the waters of the sea, the earth, the sun, moon and the stars, are subject to the law;
3. Even I, God, the greatest of all, am subject to the law, and all of these abide it perfectly, for it is as it is, and any living thing, being made of these elements can say I AM, for this is the testimony of perfect existence.
4. Unto all of these also it is given to choose between good and evil. It has been said that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. My people are a people of rejoicing, for they stand together in my authority, which is in righteousness.
5. I have given to priests, bishops, presidents, evangelists, seventies, apostles, prophets, high priests and kings a stewardship which is theirs to uphold and to keep. Their duty is to keep the people which I have given them, and to lead them in the ways of truth and righteousness, but to all men I am giving a personal stewardship to stand in righteousness. It is more needful that ye should stand in righteousness than to follow one of my stewards who has erred in judgment, but it is more desirable still that ye should bring back the one who has erred, to stand in righteousness with you.
6. My authority can neither be exercised nor taken away in unrighteousness. It is not to be tossed to and fro by the philosophies and moral sense of man, but tempered by the application of a pure reflection of that order and beauty, the eternal law which abideth in all things. Amen.
1. The laws of nature possess authority to rule over all elements, and the elements cannot rebel, neither would they, because nature is not an interpretor of the law but the law itself, standing in simplicity, purity and perfection.
2. All things which have been created, whether man or woman, creeping thing, fowl, fish, tree or herb, yea, the waters of the sea, the earth, the sun, moon and the stars, are subject to the law;
3. Even I, God, the greatest of all, am subject to the law, and all of these abide it perfectly, for it is as it is, and any living thing, being made of these elements can say I AM, for this is the testimony of perfect existence.
4. Unto all of these also it is given to choose between good and evil. It has been said that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. My people are a people of rejoicing, for they stand together in my authority, which is in righteousness.
5. I have given to priests, bishops, presidents, evangelists, seventies, apostles, prophets, high priests and kings a stewardship which is theirs to uphold and to keep. Their duty is to keep the people which I have given them, and to lead them in the ways of truth and righteousness, but to all men I am giving a personal stewardship to stand in righteousness. It is more needful that ye should stand in righteousness than to follow one of my stewards who has erred in judgment, but it is more desirable still that ye should bring back the one who has erred, to stand in righteousness with you.
6. My authority can neither be exercised nor taken away in unrighteousness. It is not to be tossed to and fro by the philosophies and moral sense of man, but tempered by the application of a pure reflection of that order and beauty, the eternal law which abideth in all things. Amen.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Three Kings - Epiphany - 6th of January
January 6th is the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas. It has been traditionally deemed Epiphany or Three Kings day. Read more about its history here. One idea for Celebration, in continuing with the Feast of Adam & Eve would be to recite the York Pageant of Herod & the Magi, or to sing "We Three Kings."
We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
Refrain
O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
Refrain
Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshipping God on high.
Refrain
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone cold tomb.
Refrain
Glorious now behold Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Sounds through the earth and skies.
Refrain
We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
Refrain
O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
Refrain
Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshipping God on high.
Refrain
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone cold tomb.
Refrain
Glorious now behold Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Sounds through the earth and skies.
Refrain
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas!
The Magi from the East now begin their journey. If you haven't started yet, you can join them.
Friday, December 22, 2006
The Feast of Adam and Eve
The following is from astronomical.org:
I would like to invite all people to celebrate this important feast day that has been neglected for so long, return the tree to its original meaning, and make December 24th a Holiday to celebrate Family and the blessing that our First Parents gave us by making it possible to live on this earth.
Another website states "This early Paradise tree had a lot of value to the Germans. By having the tree in their home they were able to teach their children the story of Adam and Eve. They taught this story through symbols. The evergreen tree symbolized immortality because it stays green all year. The apples on the Paradise tree symbolized Adam's sin. Round wafers and cookies were also added as decorations. They represented the fruits of redemption."
Some ideas would be:
Most of our traditions come from the early Romans. In the 3rd century, Emperor Aurelian established December 25th as the birthday of the "Invincible Sun." The Christian church in 273 AD selected that day as the birthday of Jesus. In 336 AD the celebration of the "Invincible Sun" became Christianized as the Birth of Jesus.The feast of Adam and Eve on December 24th was the likely origin of what we now call the "Christmas Tree." It was originally called the Paradise Tree.
The tradition of decorating with evergreens comes from a combination of ancient cultures. Egyptians used green palm branches to symbolize life’s triumph over death on the shortest day of the year. The early Romans used evergreens to honor their god of agriculture during their winter festival of Saturnalia. The Druids decorated oak trees with golden apples. A custom of the Middle Ages was to decorate a tree with red apples to symbolize the feast of Adam and Eve on December 24th. Roman temples were decorated with evergreens to symbolize life’s continuity.
I would like to invite all people to celebrate this important feast day that has been neglected for so long, return the tree to its original meaning, and make December 24th a Holiday to celebrate Family and the blessing that our First Parents gave us by making it possible to live on this earth.
Another website states "This early Paradise tree had a lot of value to the Germans. By having the tree in their home they were able to teach their children the story of Adam and Eve. They taught this story through symbols. The evergreen tree symbolized immortality because it stays green all year. The apples on the Paradise tree symbolized Adam's sin. Round wafers and cookies were also added as decorations. They represented the fruits of redemption."
Some ideas would be:
- Hanging Apples and Wafers on the Tree.
- Reciting the Creation Story on the Evening leading into December 24.
- Reciting the Garden of Eden Story on December 24.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Message 1
The following was received by John while in contemplation upon the reconciliation of Faith and Scientific evidence.
1. Whosoever hath faith or knowledge but receiveth not light when it is given him, the same holds a faith that is vain, and a knowledge which falleth short.
2. It is incumbent upon any man to whom more light is given to receive of it readily, and this never ceasing, that he may acquire further light and knowledge, even a sure knowledge of all things.
3. Yea, blessed is he who can set aside faith, even on a true principle, in order to receive light from me, which I have given him—for he will certainly take up his old faith again when more light is received, and it will be renewed and perfected.
4. But cursed are those who refuse to progress, who hold tradition for their foundation, yea, those who can look upon the sun at noonday and call it darkness, and call also that which is darkness light, and because of this thing hath offended even one honest seeker of truth.
5. Faith that is poorly founded when stretched doth break, and true knowledge that is compromised even a little becomes as a poison.
6. Whosoever drinks thereof must overcome, lest that which is tainted become manifest in time and all which was received, the good and the bad, be vomitted out together.
7. Therefore let your faith and your knowledge be pure, to the mutual benefit of all who receive it.
1. Whosoever hath faith or knowledge but receiveth not light when it is given him, the same holds a faith that is vain, and a knowledge which falleth short.
2. It is incumbent upon any man to whom more light is given to receive of it readily, and this never ceasing, that he may acquire further light and knowledge, even a sure knowledge of all things.
3. Yea, blessed is he who can set aside faith, even on a true principle, in order to receive light from me, which I have given him—for he will certainly take up his old faith again when more light is received, and it will be renewed and perfected.
4. But cursed are those who refuse to progress, who hold tradition for their foundation, yea, those who can look upon the sun at noonday and call it darkness, and call also that which is darkness light, and because of this thing hath offended even one honest seeker of truth.
5. Faith that is poorly founded when stretched doth break, and true knowledge that is compromised even a little becomes as a poison.
6. Whosoever drinks thereof must overcome, lest that which is tainted become manifest in time and all which was received, the good and the bad, be vomitted out together.
7. Therefore let your faith and your knowledge be pure, to the mutual benefit of all who receive it.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
The Power of Truth
1. I went up to the light of truth as if into a chariot:
2. And the Truth took me and led me: and carried me across pits and gulleys; and from the rocks and the waves it preserved me:
3. And it became to me a haven of Salvation: and set me on the arms of immortal life:
4. And it went with me and made me rest, and suffered me not to wander, because it was the Truth;
5. And I ran no risk, because I walked with Him;
6. And I did not make an error in anything because I obeyed the Truth.
7. For Error flees away from it, and meets it not: but the Truth proceeds in the right path, and
8. Whatever I did not know, it made clear to me, all the poisons of error, and the plagues of death which they think to be sweetness:
9. And I saw the destroyer of destruction, when the bride who is corrupted is adorned: and the bridegroom who corrupts and is corrupted;
10. And I asked the Truth, 'Who are these?'; and He said to me, 'This is the deceiver and the error:
11. And they are alike in the beloved and in his bride: and they lead astray and corrupt the whole world.
12. And they invite many to the banquet,
13. And give them to drink of the wine of their intoxication, and remove their wisdom and knowledge, and so they make them without intelligence.
14. And then they leave them; and then these go about like madmen corrupting: seeing that they are without heart, nor do they seek for it.'
15. And I was made wise so as not to fall into the hands of the deceiver; and I congratulated myself because the Truth went with me,
16. And I established and lived and was redeemed,
17. And my foundations were laid on the hand of the Lord: because He established me.
18. For He set the root and watered it and fixed it and blessed it; and its fruits are for ever.
19. It struck deep and sprung up and spread out, and was full and enlarged;
20. And the Lord alone was glorified in His planting and in His husbandry: by His care and by the blessing of His lips,
21. By the beautiful planting of His right hand: and by the discovery of His planting, and by the thought of His mind. Hallelujah.
(Ode 38. The Odes of Solomon. The Forgotten Books of Eden; Probably written by a newly baptized Christian in the first century C.E.)
2. And the Truth took me and led me: and carried me across pits and gulleys; and from the rocks and the waves it preserved me:
3. And it became to me a haven of Salvation: and set me on the arms of immortal life:
4. And it went with me and made me rest, and suffered me not to wander, because it was the Truth;
5. And I ran no risk, because I walked with Him;
6. And I did not make an error in anything because I obeyed the Truth.
7. For Error flees away from it, and meets it not: but the Truth proceeds in the right path, and
8. Whatever I did not know, it made clear to me, all the poisons of error, and the plagues of death which they think to be sweetness:
9. And I saw the destroyer of destruction, when the bride who is corrupted is adorned: and the bridegroom who corrupts and is corrupted;
10. And I asked the Truth, 'Who are these?'; and He said to me, 'This is the deceiver and the error:
11. And they are alike in the beloved and in his bride: and they lead astray and corrupt the whole world.
12. And they invite many to the banquet,
13. And give them to drink of the wine of their intoxication, and remove their wisdom and knowledge, and so they make them without intelligence.
14. And then they leave them; and then these go about like madmen corrupting: seeing that they are without heart, nor do they seek for it.'
15. And I was made wise so as not to fall into the hands of the deceiver; and I congratulated myself because the Truth went with me,
16. And I established and lived and was redeemed,
17. And my foundations were laid on the hand of the Lord: because He established me.
18. For He set the root and watered it and fixed it and blessed it; and its fruits are for ever.
19. It struck deep and sprung up and spread out, and was full and enlarged;
20. And the Lord alone was glorified in His planting and in His husbandry: by His care and by the blessing of His lips,
21. By the beautiful planting of His right hand: and by the discovery of His planting, and by the thought of His mind. Hallelujah.
(Ode 38. The Odes of Solomon. The Forgotten Books of Eden; Probably written by a newly baptized Christian in the first century C.E.)
Monday, November 27, 2006
The Coming of the LORD
Zechariah 14:4
Most Christians assume that this scripture is referring to the second coming of Jesus Christ. I would like to encourage a re-evaluation of these chapters of Zechariah and some others. A careful reading of Zechariah 13 will reveal that there are many prophets who shall be accused of speaking lies in the name of the LORD, and that one among them shall respond: I am no prophet, I am an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth. After which, they notice the wounds in his hands. The LORD (Jehovah), the Father, is thus indicated as a clear and distinct personage from the Son (the one with the wounds). This makes chapter 14 interesting in that it depicts the arrival of Jehovah himself upon the mount of Olives. If we also look at 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 5:2 we find another example of this same confusion:
I'd like to draw particular attention to the phrase "them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him" from verse 14. It is the Lord himself (verse 16 -- yes, Jehovah) that will be meeting the saints in the air.
This is not to say that there is no second coming of Jesus Christ. There certainly is, as it is referred to numerous times throughout scripture, but there is also an appearance of the Father to be looked forward to.
And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
Most Christians assume that this scripture is referring to the second coming of Jesus Christ. I would like to encourage a re-evaluation of these chapters of Zechariah and some others. A careful reading of Zechariah 13 will reveal that there are many prophets who shall be accused of speaking lies in the name of the LORD, and that one among them shall respond: I am no prophet, I am an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth. After which, they notice the wounds in his hands. The LORD (Jehovah), the Father, is thus indicated as a clear and distinct personage from the Son (the one with the wounds). This makes chapter 14 interesting in that it depicts the arrival of Jehovah himself upon the mount of Olives. If we also look at 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 5:2 we find another example of this same confusion:
13. ¶ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Chapter 5
1. ¶ But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
I'd like to draw particular attention to the phrase "them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him" from verse 14. It is the Lord himself (verse 16 -- yes, Jehovah) that will be meeting the saints in the air.
This is not to say that there is no second coming of Jesus Christ. There certainly is, as it is referred to numerous times throughout scripture, but there is also an appearance of the Father to be looked forward to.
The Book of Mormon
Over at ChurchOfEnoch.org Library, there is a special translation of The Book of Mormon called the Key of Joseph Translation. Here is what the Library has to say about it:
I would encourage everyone to take a look at this book, and compare it to the original and other editions. In addition to being "smooth reading" by having an added level of clarity to the text, the changes are clearly marked and this combined with the scripture reference notes scattered throughout the text are bound to provide a valuable resource for study and inquiry.
This is a revision of The Book of Mormon intended to faithfully complete the unfinished work of revision that Joseph Smith Jr. commenced in 1836 and continued to perform through 1842, at which point he apparently became occupied with other important matters concerning the completion of the Temple, the Anointed Quorum, city affairs of Nauvoo, and his campaign to run for President of the United States. His assassination/martyrdom in 1844 ultimately prevented him from finishing this work and others such as his Inspired Translation of the Holy Bible.
I would encourage everyone to take a look at this book, and compare it to the original and other editions. In addition to being "smooth reading" by having an added level of clarity to the text, the changes are clearly marked and this combined with the scripture reference notes scattered throughout the text are bound to provide a valuable resource for study and inquiry.
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