Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:12, 28-30 "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?"
One body has many member that make up the whole, there is need for every member. So is there need for every member that makes up the body of the church. Some are given one gift and some another. Every gift is needful. So are the diversity of callings within the members. Not everyone can teach for who would be the student. If everyone spoke in tongues who would be the interpreter. The same with needing apostles, and prophets. There is order in the Lord's house and he calls and qualifies whom He will. I am so grateful for all the prophets and apostles and cannot wait to sit at their feet and learn this general conference weekend.
Today's Favorite Verse: Romans 1:11 "For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;"
I pondered on the times I have seen and listened to a prophet and apostle of God in person. How the spirit would testify of the truthfulness of their words. It would strengthen my faith and anchor it. I imagine for the saints being able to hear Paul would be the same. How blessed I am for the day I live in. With the internet I can hear their words right in my home. I don't have to wait for an apostle to come to my area. I know the great apostasy happened with the early saints, and now with the restoration of the gospel the church as a whole will never fall into apostasy again. I think being able to hear the words of the prophet and apostles so frequently is one of the ways that is possible. We are continually being nourished. It's up to us to feast on it.
Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 27:10, 22-23, 31, 34 "And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
Paul first warned them of the voyage they were to undertake. They didn't listen. Then he is visited by an angel to encourage and direct him. They then start to listen and finally everyone on the ship is saved. It made me ponder on listening to prophets and apostles. Not listening and following the counsel they are inspired with can put us in peril. We are also entitled to personal revelation for what we have stewardship over. .
Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 20:29-30 "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them."
Paul warns of a coming apostasy. That great apostasy did take place, and Satan tactics remain the same today. The only difference is there has been a restoration of Christ's Church again upon the earth and there will not be another great apostasy. The Church will remain with prophets and apostles and be here when Christ returns. That does not mean however, that individual apostasy cannot happen. It can and is happening now. We still have to watch for ravenous wolves among us and guard ourselves against individual apostasy.
"As he bade farewell to the Church leaders in Ephesus, Paul warned them that an apostasy was coming and that it would be the result of forces working both outside the Church (“grievous wolves”) and inside the Church (“of your own selves”). The Greek word apostasia, which was translated as “falling away” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, is closer in meaning to “rebellion” or “revolution.” Thus, Church members themselves contributed to the Great Apostasy by rebelling against Church leaders and doctrine. Priestcraft was an important element of this internal rebellion. Paul’s words in Acts 20:30 provide a definition of priestcraft. Elder James E. Talmage (1862–1933) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles affirmed Paul’s message: “Not only would outsiders ingratiate themselves with the saints for purposes of selfish gain—wolves entering in, and not sparing the flock,—but schisms and divisions were imminent; and these dissensions were to come through some then present—men who would aspire to leadership, and who would set up their own doctrines, thus drawing disciples away from the Church and unto themselves” (The Great Apostasy [1968], 28). Discussing the origins of the Great Apostasy, President Joseph Fielding Smith declared that some of it was the result of evil men who moved in and displaced the authority of the Apostles: “In time all ordinances of the gospel were changed, commandments were broken, and the simple principles of the gospel were mixed with pagan philosophy by the ‘grievous wolves’ and apostate disciples who displaced the prophets and apostles who had divine communion with the heavens. Spiritual darkness set in, and unrighteous men took command and closed the heavens against themselves. Visions and contact with the heavens ceased, and the gifts of the spirit came to an end. The blessings and presence of the Twelve Apostles ceased, and the cry went forth that they were no longer needed” (Answers to Gospel Questions, 5 vols. [1957–66], 5:177)." (New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 33: Acts 16-20")
Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 14:11-12, 14 "And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,"
The people believed having witnessed Paul healing a man with impotent feet since birth. The problem was they were idol worshippers and accredited it to their gods, and not Jesus Christ. They were ignorant and needed to be taught which Paul did. Then certain Jews persuaded the people to not believe and they stoned Paul and dragged his body out of the city. Thankfully he rose up again. I pondered on how witnessing miracles does not always convert. There must be a change of heart, and a true conversion to Jesus Christ. Repentance and receiving the Holy Ghost as our guide will keep us from being deceived by every wind of doctrine.
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" (Ephesians 4:11-14)
Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 1:24, 26 "And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."
Why did they draw lots over who the next apostle would be? That isn't how it works now. Then I reflected on how in verse 4 Jesus commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem until they received the promise of the Father. Which would be the Holy Ghost. The day of Pentecost had not happened yet. They could not be lead completely by the Holy Ghost in the matter. They were using the best tools they had available. They had prayer and they could ask to be shown which one was chosen.
"Here again is set forth a significant and unique feature established by the Lord in the governance of His church. The right to nominate rests with the superior officer or officers at whatever the level. But that nomination must be sustained—that is, accepted and confirmed—by the membership of the Church. The procedure is peculiar to the Lord’s church. There is no seeking for office, no jockeying for position, no campaigning to promote one’s virtues. Contrast the Lord’s way with the way of the world. The Lord’s way is quiet, it is a way of peace, it is without fanfare or monetary costs. It is without egotism or vanity or ambition. Under the Lord’s plan, those who have responsibility to select officers are governed by one overriding question: “Whom would the Lord have?” There is quiet and thoughtful deliberation. And there is much of prayer to receive the confirmation of the Holy Spirit that the choice is correct. We have sustained this afternoon a number of newly called officers. We welcome each with love and respect. Among these is Brother Robert D. Hales, to become a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. He fills a vacancy made by the passing of our beloved friend and associate, Elder Marvin J. Ashton. In filling that vacancy, each member of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve was at liberty to make suggestions. I am confident that in every case, there was solemn and earnest prayer. A choice was then made by the First Presidency, again after solemn and serious prayer. This choice was sustained by the Council of the Twelve. Today, the membership of the Church in conference assembled has sustained that choice. I give you my testimony, my brethren, that the impression to call Brother Hales to this high and sacred office came by the Holy Spirit, by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Brother Hales did not suggest his own name. His name was suggested by the Spirit." (Gordon B. Hinckley, “God Is at the Helm,” April 1994 General Conference)
Today's Favorite Verse: Amos 8:11-12 "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it."
I pondered on how it depends on where you stand if you are in the midst of a feast or famine in hearing the words of the Lord. I am so blessed to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is no famine in hearing the words of the Lord. There is continuous revelation and prophets and apostles speaking to us. Yet, with all this bounty a person could be starving if they chose not to sup.
Even in the world where prophets and apostles are not known there can be a feast if they open the bible and read it. Start where you are and feast on the words of the Lord that you have. Then when you want to have more come and see me.
Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 13:2-3, 6-7 "Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!" They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word. Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken? Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD."
I can say this boldly for the Holy Ghost has born witness to me this is true. The others are false prophets and will lead you astray. I can wait because with time truth stands. One way to know a false prophet is by what they prophesy and it does not happen. Oh, they will twist and say they meant something else, but a prophet of God never has to do that.
"Then the Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart." (Jeremiah 14:14)
"There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof." (Ezekiel 22:25)
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:15)
"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (Matthew 24:14)
"And liars and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they who are not apostles and prophets shall be known." (Doctrine and Covenants 64:39)
Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 11:5 "And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the LORD; Thus have ye said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them."
This is Holy Week in remembrance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, atonement and resurrection. It is also the week I prepare for General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is when for two days I will sit at the feet of the prophet and apostles and listen to His words. Prophets see around corners, they know our concerns and thoughts. What is ahead that I need to prepare for? For years I have experienced thoughts on various subjects, hoping they will be covered, and then found that was the direction general conference went. I've had some very interesting impressions this time. I wonder how things will be laid out?
Today's Favorite Verse: Ezekiel 3:18-19 "When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul."
As I read these verses it made me reflect on a spreadsheet I started at the beginning of the year. My plan was to note every talk and post made by the prophet and apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I didn't last very long keeping up with that list. I try to post what I find on Facebook, and am having a hard time keeping up with that. Watching the exponential growth of just these posts there is no doubt in my mind the Lord is hastening His work. His prophet and apostles are traveling and speaking to the whole world. They take serious the charge that if they do not sound the warning voice the blood of the wicked will be required at their hand. They are working at a profound pace to prepare the world for the second coming of Jesus Christ. In less than 10 days is General Conference. I cannot wait to sit at the feet of the prophet and apostles and listen to what I should know for the days ahead.
Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 118:1 "Verily, thus saith the Lord: Let a conference be held immediately; let the Twelve be organized; and let men be appointed to supply the place of those who are fallen."
I pondered on one of causes of the great apostasy with the primitive church. As the apostles were scattered and died the organization and authority eventually was lost. The apostles could not gather quick enough to replace those that were taken. We are blessed to know that Satan now cannot tear the organization of the church down faster then we can build it up.
"Four of the original members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles had been excommunicated or otherwise removed from office by July 1838 for transgression or apostasy: John F. Boynton, Luke Johnson, Lyman Johnson, and William E. McLellin. This caused great sorrow among Church members. On Sunday, July 8, 1838, during a leadership meeting, the Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 118 in response to the plea to “show unto us thy will O, Lord concerning the Twelve.” (See The Joseph Smith Papers, Documents, Volume 6: February 1838–August 1839, 176–78.) John Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, and Willard Richards were appointed to fill the vacancies in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles." (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, "Chapter 45: Doctrine and Covenants 115-120")
"Today I speak of keys other than those of metal. The keys I speak of never rust. These are the keys of life and salvation in the kingdom of God. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “I will give you a key that will never rust, if you will stay with the majority of the Twelve Apostles, and the records of the Church, you will never be led astray.” ...Prior to the martyrdom, no doubt with a sense of foreboding, the Prophet Joseph prepared for his death. President Joseph Fielding Smith states:“The Prophet declared that he knew not why, but the Lord commanded him to endow the Twelve with these keys and priesthood, and after it was done, he rejoiced very much, saying in substance, ‘Now, if they kill me, you have all the keys and all the ordinances and you can confer them upon others, and the powers of Satan will not be able to tear down the kingdom as fast as you will be able to build it up, and upon your shoulders will the responsibility of leading this people rest." (James E. Faust, "The Keys That Never Rust", Oct 1994 General Conference)
Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 20:38 " The duty of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members of the church of Christ—An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize;"
I love it while reading the scriptures that little things I had questions on will stand out. I had wondered why we called the twelve apostles Elders. Why didn't we call them Apostle Bednar or Apostle Soares? This was such a little question that I just never stopped to find out why. Here it is in the scriptures. An apostle is an Elder and that is why we say Elder Uchtdorf and not Apostle Uchtdorf.
"Years ago, President Boyd K. Packer observed that “the priesthood is greater than any of its offices. … The priesthood is not divisible. An elder holds as much priesthood as an Apostle. (See D&C 20:38 When a man [has the priesthood conferred upon him], he receives all of it. However, there are offices within the priesthood—divisions of authority and responsibility. … Sometimes one office is spoken of as being ‘higher than’ or ‘lower than’ another office. Rather than ‘higher’ or ‘lower,’ offices in the Melchizedek Priesthood represent different areas of service.” [Boyd K. Packer, “What Every Elder Should Know—and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government,” Ensign, Feb. 1993] Brethren, I devoutly hope that we will no longer speak in terms of being “advanced” to another office in the Melchizedek Priesthood. Elders will continue to be ordained high priests when they are called to a stake presidency, high council, or bishopric—or at other times as determined by the stake president through prayerful consideration and inspiration. When their terms of service in a stake presidency, high council, or bishopric are completed, high priests will rejoin the elders quorum in their ward." (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "The Elders Quorum", April 2018 General Conference)
Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 18:37-38 "And now, behold, I give unto you, Oliver Cowdery, and also unto David Whitmer, that you shall search out the Twelve, who shall have the desires of which I have spoken; And by their desires and their works you shall know them."
This revelation was received in June 1829. That was even before the church was organized. I had not placed that the searching out of the twelve apostles was given to Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer at such an early point. It wasn't until 1835 that the twelve were called.
"The twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling." (Doctrine and Covenants 107:23)
Doctrine and Covenants 18:37. “You shall search out the Twelve” At the time that the revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 18 was given, Martin Harris was not addressed in the Lord’s instructions. However, Martin later joined with Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer in selecting the Twelve Apostles. The Three Witnesses, who had received a special witness of the truthfulness of the Restoration, fulfilled their assignment to “search out the Twelve” (D&C 18:37), who were then ordained as Apostles. When the Apostles were called in February 1835, Oliver Cowdery stated that from the time this revelation was received in 1829, “our minds have been on a constant stretch to find who these Twelve were” (in The Joseph Smith Papers, Documents, Volume 1: July 1828–June 1831, 70). (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, Chapter 6: Doctrine and Covenants 7; 13; 18)
Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 2:6 "Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
To be "testifed in due time" made me think of all those that have sealed their testimony with their blood. The Savior paid the ransom, and martyrs including the early apostles and latter-day prophets, including Joseph and Hyrum Smith, sealed their testimonies of Jesus Christ with their blood.
"For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth." (Hebrews 9:16-17)
"When Joseph went to Carthage to deliver himself up to the pretended requirements of the law, two or three days previous to his assassination, he said: “I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer’s morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men. I SHALL DIE INNOCENT, AND IT SHALL YET BE SAID OF ME—HE WAS MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD.”—The same morning, after Hyrum had made ready to go—shall it be said to the slaughter? yes, for so it was—he read the following paragraph, near the close of the twelfth chapter of Ether, in the Book of Mormon, and turned down the leaf upon it: And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord that he would give unto the Gentiles grace, that they might have charity. And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: If they have not charity it mattereth not unto thee, thou hast been faithful; wherefore thy garments shall be made clean. And because thou hast seen thy weakness, thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father. And now I . . . bid farewell unto the Gentiles; yea, and also unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood. The testators are now dead, and their testament is in force" (Doctrine and Covenants 135:4-5)
Moroni further told us we would stand at the judgment bar of God and know of his witness.
"And I exhort you to remember these things; for the time speedily cometh that ye shall know that I lie not, for ye shall see me at the bar of God; and the Lord God will say unto you: Did I not declare my words unto you, which were written by this man, like as one crying from the dead, yea, even as one speaking out of the dust?" (Moroni 10:27)
Jesus Christ made himself a ransom for our sins, and no man will escape the truth of that fact. Every knee will bow and confess that Jesus is the Christ.
"I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." (Isaiah 45:23)
"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." (Romans 14:11)
"Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him. Yea, even at the last day, when all men shall stand to be judged of him, then shall they confess that he is God; then shall they confess, who live without God in the world, that the judgment of an everlasting punishment is just upon them; and they shall quake, and tremble, and shrink beneath the glance of his all-searching eye.' (Mosiah 27:31)
"And this shall be the sound of his trump, saying to all people, both in heaven and in earth, and that are under the earth—for every ear shall hear it, and every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess, while they hear the sound of the trump, saying: Fear God, and give glory to him who sitteth upon the throne, forever and ever; for the hour of his judgment is come." (Doctrine and Covenants 88:104)
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."
I just finished 3 days of RootsTech and these verses made me think of what amazing growth I have seen in thirteen years. How people all over the world are united in their love of family and telling their stories. This year RootsTech was broadcasted in 240 countries and territories, in 20 languages. No commercial company could have created such a united worldwide effort. It could only be possible through the efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, under the direction of apostles and prophets.
I reflected much over the past three days on the words of Malachi that Moroni quoted to Joseph Smith.
"He also quoted the next verse differently: And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming."
(Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith-History 1:39)
I thought about how it was only through the world-wide effort to gather family on both sides of the veil that peace will come to this earth. I heard no politics, I heard no racism, or conspiracy theories for these 3 glorious days. All I knew was that I was learning to love my brothers and sisters and value each and every one of them as they are. My heart has been touched, and I hope those not of my faith will carry the light they received within them. These are millennial people. This is a millennial work.
"And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus."
I pondered on how these verses show how to read the scriptures. That its important to read even if we don't understand. It is through the spirit we will be guided on what they mean. The spirit brought Philip to the eunuch so he could be taught.
"And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments."
(Mosiah 23:14)
Philip was an apostle. He had the authority to interpret the scriptures and teach them. Yes, the spirit can teach us and so can other faithful members. But, the importance here was making sure we understand true doctrine. Turn to the right resource to make sure your understanding is clear. There are many times I turn to the prophets and apostles words to understand what the scriptures are saying. We are so blessed to have so many resources at our fingertips to search what prophets and apostles have already said. One of my most favorite resources is the Scripture Citation Index. It is full of general conference talks, quotes from the Journal of Discourses and Scriptural Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I also love the Institute Manuals found on the church website, along with church magazines and other lesson books.
Another important element is to play attention to questions that come to mind. Questions that are not filled with doubt, but a desire to learn and know, are inspired by the spirit. It is these questions that we need to search the answers for. I learn so much but listening to what verse stands out to me and then I dig a little deeper to understand it.
"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,"
My question was why did the early saints still go to the temple if Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses? The temples were not controlled by the disciples of Christ, it was the temple of the Jews. I was happy to find this very thing discussed in the New Testament Student Manual.
"Though Jesus Christ had fulfilled the law of Moses—and this law continued to be practiced at the temple in Jerusalem—His followers continued to look to the Jerusalem temple as an important place of worship. References in Acts indicate that the Jewish Christians went often to the temple to pray, worship, teach, minister, and participate in religious celebrations. The Apostles often preached at the temple, perhaps because they knew they would find individuals interested in God there. When Paul visited Jerusalem, he too worshipped and preached at the temple. When Paul was arrested in Jerusalem in about A.D. 58, his captors took him out of the temple and shut the heavy temple doors behind him. Just 12 years later in A.D. 70, the Jews revolted against Rome, which resulted in the destruction of the temple by Roman armies."
"The temple and the synagogue had long been gathering places for public Jewish worship, but the followers of Christ also began to meet for worship in the homes of Church members. Some have called these meeting places “house-churches.” In the book of Acts and in Paul’s letters, we learn that when these early Saints gathered together for worship, they often dined together, partook of the sacrament, prayed, preached the gospel to one another, and sang hymns."
(New Testament Student Manual, "Chapter 29: Acts 1-2", Acts 2:46, Importance of the Temple to the Earliest Christians, Worship in Houses)
So the temple basically was a house of learning and a place to testify of Christ. Jesus taught there, and the apostles did the same.
"Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God; "
"But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops."
After calling the twelve apostles Jesus sent them to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. He proceeds to tell them how some will reject them. The very people that should have been waiting for Him. It made me ponder on the prophet and apostles today, and how they are preparing right now to speak to the members of the church in general conference. They will speak as they have been inspired. Sadly, there are some that also reject them. It is easier to accept the spectacular then the quiet things of Christ.
"And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:"
This is the Joseph Smith Translation.
"And an highway shall be there; for a way shall be cast up, and it shall be called the way of holiness. The unclean shall not pass over upon it; but it shall be cast up for those who are clean; and the wayfaring men, though they are accounted fools, shall not err therein.
No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:"
(JST Isaiah 35:8-9)
These are the verses that make me think that the highway cast up in the deep, through the rocks and ice for the ten tribes to cross over is all referring to the covenant path.
"And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence.
And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep."
(Doctrine and Covenants 133:26-27)
The unclean, those that do not make and keep sacred covenants are not allowed to walk on it. The prophet spoken of is the living prophet today. The covenant path and a prophet of God are our protection and guide through the midst of all the commotion the world will be in. It sure feels like a mighty changes has happened since President Russell M. Nelson become the prophet of God. The ice is melting and the prophet and apostles are no longer being held back. The gospel of Jesus Christ and our covenants are being made as clear as clear can be.
"And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?
But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:"
The footnote for "old men" is elders, and that made me think of the prophet and apostles, the Elders of the Church. King Rehoboam listened to those that gave him the counsel he wanted to hear, which came at his own peril. I see the same thing happening today.
