67: FAITH IN THE LORD, JESUS CHRIST

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Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ;

teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart;

teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil,

with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Alma 37: 33

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Faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ...

VS. 

The Reliance on others and/or The Reliance on your own strength.

Last week my family and I watched the movie, 'Faith Like Potatoes'. I don't normally recommend movies or books to others unless I think they contain some value. I know some might have some criticisms of this movie, but I found it to be inspirational.   In our current fallen world, it is difficult to find people who have faith in God. The majority seem to boast in their own strength and/or rely on others for their salvation instead of Jesus Christ.

This is story of a broken, angry man who turns his life over to Christ and learns about the  importance of complete reliance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.

This movie is inspired by the true story of Angus Buchan, a Zambian farmer of Scottish heritage. I would recommend watching it with the English subtitles due to the strong accents (which is somewhat difficult to understand.) While the movie is somewhat a low-budget film and begins slow, it is a moving life journey of a man who, like his potatotoes, grows his faith in Jesus Christ, unseen until the harvest.

I also watched the special 55 minute featured interview on the DVD. I enjoyed listening to Angus Buchan tell his story in his own words. How this man lives with his wife and family shows one who is attempting to live with faith and closer to living in a Zion type society.

from DS blog:
"Zion will NOT be a intercontinental, multi-million member organization spread throughout the world. It will be small. It will be local. The Saints will be gathered from all the world into Zion. This is because once a messenger has delivered "the words which the Lord God hath commanded me," then we are responsible for how we react and whether or not we repent. If we repent, angels will gather us. If we do not, they will not gather us."

66: A GALA EVENT CELEBRATION

 

A gala event is planned for August to celebrate the 85th birthday of President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The masters of ceremonies duties for the celebration, called "Golden Days: A Celebration of Life," will be shared by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and Hall-of-Famer Steve Young and former network news anchor and author Jane Clayson Johnson. The event will feature Broadway and other musical selections performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra at Temple Square and notable guest artists, who have not yet been announced. Choir President Mac Christensen said, "I happen to know the songs being performed will delight President Monson."

The evening will also include a nostalgic look back at Pres. Monson's life, including his childhood, marriage, time in the Navy during World War II, and decades of service. He was called as a bishop of a congregation at age 22 and has served for nearly a half century as a general authority of the church.
A news release from Mormon Newsroom quotes Young as saying, "This celebration is a great way to let (Pres. Monson) know how much he is loved and appreciated. It's a privilege to play a small part in that recognition."

The event will be held at the Conference Center Friday, Aug. 17, at 8 p.m. .
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Sidenote:
The past 8 eight posts have been about the Prophet Abinadi. Doubtful he was every thrown a lavious Birthday Party. I hope to write up similar posts about another prophet by the name of Samuel. The following is from a blog post.  http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2012/03/importance-of-scriptures.html

"This example from the Book of Mormon is a clear warning intended for our day. Christ's admonition to "Search the prophets" is just as important an admonition now as it was then. So the challenge remains to keep ourselves ready, and listen to the words of the Prophets. It is our common misconception, however, that there will never be another Samuel the Lamanite who is an outsider and without credentials to be given a message for us by the Lord. We expect that if there is a message for our day it will come from the head of the church, not some obscure outsider, like Samuel. We imagine it is always safe to disregard such characters. It is curious, however, that the Book of Mormon, which is the "most correct book" includes this odd departure as an example. It is odd the Nephites never figured out our system. It is so much better than theirs was. We really are a royal generation, the most blessed of all who have ever lived! We never face such a test, because we imagine we have an authorized source of truth, an institutional charisma that can never fail, and through which we can never be led astray. The Lord has made it so much easier for us in our day. It somehow makes sense to us, but leaves me wondering if the Lord ought not apologize to the Nephites for making it so much harder for them. Then there is that unfortunate recent announcement by the church a few days ago about church leaders speaking "in the absence of revelation" which complicates these questions.

It makes me wonder if our eternal salvation depends on sorting out the truth from error. Or, alternatively, if it matters in the more immediate unfolding history preliminary to the Second Coming and the whole earth being cursed if we get it wrong."

65: THE PROPHET ABINADI: Part 4 (Conclusion)

This post concludes the series on King Noah and Abinadi written by a friend. I tried to include a different image that we normally don't see along with each post. Below is the last, but the most common depiction we are used to seeing, but I have made it abstact. Using shapes and colors we form a pictures in our mind....Sometimes we think we can see clearly, when we are actually blind. False assumptions and traditions handled down through the generations cause us err in truth. Hopefully after reading all eight parts has changed your paradigm on this very important story found in the Book of Mormon.

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The Prophet Abinadi, Part 4, Conclusion
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“Now the eyes of the people were blinded; therefore they hardened their hearts against the words of Abinadi, and they sought from that time forward to take him. And king Noah hardened his heart against the word of the Lord, and he did not repent of his evil doings”

Mosiah 11:29.

King Noah chose not to repent after hearing the Lord’s invitation. Though he may have almost been persuaded, it is more difficult to do what is right when supported by “friends in iniquity” (Mosiah 17:11; 29:22-23). To trample under-foot the commandments of God is a fearful thing to undertake in solitude, so the coward seeks to be upheld by a support group.

The king and his people had at least a couple of years to think about Abinadi’s initial message (Mosiah 12:1). Because they “hardened their hearts against my words,” the Lord commanded Abinadi to return again and prophesy to the people (ibid).

God calls king Noah and his people “this my people” two times (vv. 1, 4). We tend not to think about them this way when we read and tell the story. What does it mean that the Lord called them “this my people?” Does it mean that they were chosen? What about the people of the kingdom under Zeniff? Were they a chosen people? If chosen, and if the Lord’s people, what lessons can we learn from them? The Lord has also called the latter-day saints “my people” throughout our revelations (D&C 105:6; 119:3; 124:92, and many more). What does it mean to be the Lord’s people?

The things covered in a short four-part series on Noah and then on Abinadi only begin to investigate the text in an honest way. There is much more to the story we have left unexamined.

Chapters 12, 13, 14, and 15 are far more doctrinally rich than the few verses we’ve looked at in chapter 11. In chapter 12, Abinadi begins teaching them of Isaiah’s writings, and warns them about setting their hearts on riches. In 13 we see God’s messenger speak with “power and authority from God,” and how the hand of the Lord protects those who have a divine commission, or “keys,” to bring a message of repentance until they’ve done all that is asked of them. He teaches them of the Ten Commandments, because they need reminding on what it really means to live them. Chapters 14 and 15 are rich in Christological content.

On the whole, this story is a Godsend for us who inherit the book in the latter days. God desires “this my people” to understand how to come unto Christ and be saved. Christ warned us to “beware of false prophets,” and has given to us in the Book of Mormon tools by which we may discern true prophets (3 Ne. 14:15). They preach repentance, just as Christ invited all to repent and come unto him. Abinadi is a prototype prophet because he is a type of Christ. What is it that you can learn from him?

The people of king Noah’s kingdom had not applied their hearts to understanding, and therefore lacked wisdom (12:27). Shall we not apply our hearts to understanding the great message of the Book of Mormon?

64: THE PROPHET ABINADI: Part 3

The Prophet Abinadi, Part 3Continuing with Mosiah 11:21-25 .

Abinadi prophesies that Noah and his people will be destroyed. The Lord will “deliver them into the hands of their enemies,” and “they shall be brought into bondage,” and “I will suffer them that they be smitten by their enemies” (vv. 21-24). This was the prophecy given to him of the Lord to utter. It was easy to be understood by all who would hear. Whether or not they understood how it was to be accomplished, Abinadi’s prophecy made the king and his priests angry precisely because they clearly understood what the message was.
Prophecy is not always this clear or easy to interpret before the prophesied event actually occurs, but once the event has happened it is apparent that it had been foretold by prophecy. There is a reason for this. Despite a perfect knowledge of all that is, was, and ever will be, the Lord must preserve the agency of man, and not allow prophecy to control the event (D&C 130:7). “Therefore, having some difficulty in attaching specific meaning to the prophecy is exactly in keeping with prophecy's traditional way of communicating an event” (Snuffer).

When it comes to a message of repentance however, and in communicating the necessary consequences for rejecting such a message, the Lord, in mercy, will always be very clear.

The Lord has been clear with us in the last days, just as he has in the past. The Book of Mormon has provided us with clear prophecies for our own day. 3 Ne. 16 contains what Hugh Nibley called the “great warning” and “great prophecy” of the Book of Mormon. The scriptures to which he referred are rarely considered.

“But wo, saith the Father, unto the unbelieving of the Gentiles – for notwithstanding they have come forth upon the face of this land, and have scattered my people who are of the house of Israel; and my people who are of the house of Israel have been cast out from among them, and have been trodden under feet by them;

“And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fullness of my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations; and if they shall do all those things, and shall reject the fullness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fullness of my gospel from among them” (3 Ne 16:8, 10).

The Lord says that the Father commanded him to say these things. The prophets prophesy declaring “thus saith the Lord.” Here we have the Lord himself prophesying declaring thus “saith the Father.” The prophecy states that “when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel” (you can’t sin against the gospel unless you’ve got the gospel), “and shall reject the fullness of my gospel,” the “fullness” will be brought from among them. What does this mean? Has this prophecy uttered by Christ been fulfilled? If not, will it at some point be fulfilled? If not, why not? Is it because the Gentiles won’t be “filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy,” but with honesty, truth, and virtue? Take a look around.

The prophecy goes on to say:

“But if the Gentiles will repent and return unto me, saith the Father, behold they shall be numbered among my people, O house of Israel.

“And I will not suffer my people, who are of the house of Israel, to go through among them, and tread them down, saith the Father.

“But if they will not turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, I will suffer them, yea, I will suffer my people, O house of Israel, that they shall go through among them, and shall tread them down, and they shall be as salt that hath lost its savor, which is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of my people, O house of Israel” (vv. 13-15).

Whether or not this occurs is dependent upon the willingness of the Gentiles to “repent and return unto [Christ], saith the Father.” Though the word “if” appears, granting unto the Gentiles a choice in the matter, Christ goes on to say that it is only after the house of Israel (the seed of Lehi) has been given “this land for their inheritance” that the words of the Prophet Isaiah “shall be fulfilled” (vv. 16-17).

Now back to Abinadi. There were two major consequences the people would face if they rejected the message to repent. The first is what we’ve already covered: they would be brought into bondage and smitten by their enemies. The other consequence of their failure to repent is that “when they shall cry unto me I will be slow to hear their cries,” and “I will not hear their prayers.”

In another place the Lord uses slightly different words to clarify the same intended consequence of Israel failing to repent:

“And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear” (Isa. 1:15).

Many books have been written, and many talks have been given in an attempt to help us all make some revelatory breakthrough. Too many of us are wondering why we can’t seem to get an answer from heaven, and think that if we eat more peas and shave every day it will do the trick. Good ideas are helpful, especially if based upon formulas given by the Lord in scripture (you might find a basis for eating peas in D&C 89, for example. You’ll have a harder time backing up modern Mormon culture with the scriptures, however). But unless you are willing to consider the reality of “your minds” being “darkened,” good ideas get you nowhere (D&C 84:54). The heavens will remain as brass over your head.

Are the revelations given to Joseph Smith about "the children of Zion" being “under condemnation” true (D&C 84:54-58)? That sounds serious. Is it serious? President Benson believed that revelation applied to the saints in his day. Can you prevail upon God for answers if your mind is darkened, or if you are under condemnation? Or “when ye spread forth your hands” will he hide his eyes from you? How might we first prevail upon God to remove the condemnation? Have you ever asked God if you are really under condemnation? Where much is given much is required (D&C 82:3).

The Holy Ghost can teach us the truth of all things (Moro. 10:5). Even the light of Christ, which has been given to all men, will guide you into all truth. We should follow that light back to His presence.

63: THE PROPHET ABINADI: Part 2

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The Prophet Abinadi, Part 2

“And except they repent and turn to the Lord their God, behold, I will deliver them into the hands of their enemies; yea, and they shall be brought into bondage; and they shall be afflicted by the hand of their enemies.  And it shall come to pass that they shall know that I am the Lord their God, and am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of my people. And it shall come to pass that except this people repent and turn unto the Lord their God, they shall be brought into bondage; and none shall deliver them, except it be the Lord the Almighty God. Yea, and it shall come to pass that when they shall cry unto me I will be slow to hear their cries; yea, and I will suffer them that they be smitten by their enemies. And except they repent in sackcloth and ashes, and cry mightily to the Lord their God, I will not hear their prayers, neither will I deliver them out of their afflictions; and thus saith the Lord, and thus hath he commanded me”

Mosiah 11:21-25.

Because God loves his children and desires to save them, the message of repentance has been sent from God from the beginning. Adam and his family were taught the gospel of repentance by the Lord and angels sent by Him (Moses 5:58; 6:1, 23, 57). All other righteous patriarchs and prophets received and taught the gospel of repentance (Moses 7:10-12; 8:19-20; Ezek. 14:6; 1 Ne. 1:4; Alma 5:32-33, among many others). The opposite of a message of repentance would be the message of flattery delivered by king Noah and his priests. Flattery is not borne of love, but of lies. It is the anti-Christ that will use flattery as a tool (Jacob 7:2).

Helaman 12 is an excellent sermon on the “unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men” (Hel. 1:1). The sermon is true of men and women from the beginning of the earth until the end. Men tend to “forget the Lord their God…and this is because of their ease, and their exceeding great prosperity” (v. 2). Things haven’t changed. We remain the same. While in this telestial world there is a persistent need to combat the decaying force of entropy that is ever-present. Men not only lose hair and muscle with the advance of time, but are always losing “light and truth” (D&C 93:39).

Consistent with that truth therefore, is that the message men need to hear has never changed. The message required to bring men to the Son of God 6000 years ago, was the same message required to bring men to the Son of God 2000 years ago, and is the same today. In a revelation given to the Prophet in 1833 this is verified:

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“Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul

who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on me name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth me commandments, shall see my face and know that I am”

D&C 93:1.

In our day the Lord commanded Joseph Smith to share the message of repentance. Those who repent can be reconciled to Christ and “know that [He is]” while in the flesh.

In order to combat the constant decay of light and truth, prophets reveal and restore lost truths, and always preach repentance, pointing people to Christ. If the message “inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ” you may know “with a perfect knowledge it is of God” (Moro. 7:16).

Whether it is sooner or later, the Lord does visit “the iniquities of [His] people.” This he has spoken, and he excuses not himself. But before the house comes crashing down, the Lord always gives fair warning by the voice of “his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). This is why Abinadi was sent to the people. It seems only one man received the message. Though wolves in sheep’s clothing will flatter you, prophets warn of God’s judgment. Look to the scriptures for the pattern. It is unmistakable. The only message that will not be compromised in the unfolding of the Lord’s “strange” work is the message of repentance (D&C 101:95).

62: THE PROPHET ABINIDI: Part 1

The Prophet Abinadi, Part 1

“And it came to pass that there was a man among them whose name was Abinadi;

and he went forth among them, and began to prophesy, saying:

Behold, thus saith the Lord, and thus hath he commanded me, saying,

Go forth, and say unto this people, thus saith the Lord – Wo be unto this people, for I have seen their abominations, and their wickedness, and their whoredoms;

and except they repent I will visit them in mine anger”

Mosiah 11:20.

Implicit in the phrase “thus saith the Lord” is the idea that the words Abinadi gives the people in his message are not his own but the Lord’s. He had no need to form the message in his own mind, or to prepare his remarks, because the message was given to him. He was in fact “commanded” to say the things that he said. Notice in this verse that a part of the commandment that came from the Lord to Abinadi was that he use the phrase “thus saith the Lord. He commanded me, saying, Go forth, and say unto this people, thus saith the Lord…”

This is a pattern that we see most prolifically in the Old Testament. The phrase is used there over 400 times by prophet-writers. Many of our revelations as contained in the Doctrine and Covenants use this phrase.

The prophets are conscientious and deliberate when attesting to the truthfulness of their message by invoking the name of the Lord. To use this phrase without authority and without an authentic message from God would be to take the name of the Lord in vain. This kind of authoritative message, spoken by a messenger who received that message directly from God, is the type of message to which the Lord was referring when he closed his “Preface” to the Doctrine and Covenants:

“What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38).

“It is the same” because his sent servants neither add to, nor do they take from the message that was given to them from the Lord, but deliver it according to the will of the Lord. We've superfluously applied this verse to mean the Lord will stand by anything that is spoken "in general conference," for instance, or anything that is in the Ensign magazine, or anything the Bishop said, for "whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." This is wrong, and the Lord has never promised to stand by all such messages. The Lord "excuses not" himself. The philosophies of men, regardless of the calling or office of the man who utters them, and no matter how sincere he may be in his attempts to impart them, cannot save you and do not originate with the Lord. Any such message is not the same as His "own voice." God's voice is truth (D&C 88:66). The sent servant does not fear the consequences of delivering a message of truth because he knows the Lord, and is his friend. The servant understands that since the Lord excuses not himself, it is not his prerogative to excuse the Lord.

The Lord is very clear in his message to King Noah’s people that he has seen “their abominations, and their wickedness, and their whoredoms.” There is nothing that escapes his all-searching eye (Mosiah 27:31). Even the most secretive acts of men are not secret, and will all be revealed. You have a false sense of privacy that is only illusory. The day is soon coming when the secret acts of all men will be revealed (D&C 1:1-3).

In mercy, the Lord commissioned Abinadi to bring a message of repentance to the people. It was a message they were not accustomed to hearing. Noah’s people enjoyed hearing “flattering” words, because they were able to cloak themselves with a false security in their sinful lives. Because their minds and hearts were conditioned to believe that “vain and flattering words” were of God, they had a very difficult time recognizing the Lord’s messenger when he preached to them an authentic message. Because Abinadi preached repentance to them, telling them of their sins, the Spirit of the Lord struck their hearts with dread, being convicted under a consciousness of their guilt. To them, this feeling was not of God.

61: KING NOAH and HIS KINGDOM: Part 4

King Noah and His Kingdom, Part 4
(Conclusion to this chapter)

“For he put down all the priests that had been consecrated by his father, and consecrated new ones in their stead, such as were lifted up in the pride of their hearts.

“Yea, and thus they were supported in their laziness, and in their idolatry, and in their whoredoms, by the taxes which king Noah had put upon his people; thus did the people labor exceedingly to support iniquity.

“Yea, and they also because idolatrous, because they were deceived by the vain and flattering words of the king and priests; for they did speak flattering things unto them”

(Mosiah 11:5-7).

Noah called and ordained priests to replace those priests who had been ordained by his righteous father, Zeniff. You see, Noah had priesthood; at least he thought he did. We would say he “held priesthood.” These new priests were lifted up in pride, were lazy, practiced idolatry, and indulged in the same whoredoms as Noah. They were men after his heart. Alma, about whom we read later in the story, was among them.

The leaders of the people quickly became victims of inappropriate adoration (though they themselves victimized the people), and whether or not it was something they sought after, it appears that they became quite comfortable in their positions of high status and even fed on the envious and adoring lay mass. This happens swiftly when the king decides to let incessant, man-worship go unchecked. Only a meek man can combat the temptation of the praise of men, especially those who fancy the idea of claiming a following. The leader then takes delight in that attention, and indulges in priestcraft (2 Ne. 26:29).

King Noah set himself up as a light to the people, instead of pointing to Christ who is the only true light. He and his priests had their own distinct seats that were “above all the other seats.” They built a comfortable breastwork from which they could speak lying and vain words to their people (Mosiah 11:11).

What kind of a message is chocked full of lies and vanity that a body of religious people is willing to accept? There is only one – the people love to hear that they are good, and that all is well. “Yea, Zion prospereth. All is well.”

Something that we ought to ask ourselves and wonder about is this: Was Noah “worthy” to consecrate new priests? At what point does somebody’s character or behavior disqualify them from ordaining others to the priesthood? We’ve already established that Noah was unable to please heaven. He had already forfeited the “rights of the priesthood” (D&C 121:36). But does a man from whom “the heavens withdraw” and who has “grieved the Spirit of the Lord” have authority to pass priesthood to others? If yes, then what about the children of those “others?” Can it be passed, as would a family heirloom, from one generation to the next by men who take no delight in “persuasion,” “longsuffering,” or “gentleness and meekness?” Who have not charity and whose thoughts are filled with many things beside that which is virtuous (ibid, v. 41)? At what point does this break down?

Sadly, this class of priests was supported in their persistent idolatry, laziness, and whoredoms by the money of the people of the kingdom. And thus, the lay population supported these leaders in their iniquity, so much that they too became idolatrous. This has been Satan’s plan from the beginning – he buys things with money. His disciples believe they can have anything in this world for it. They really believe it!

The root cause of this shift is pride, but also trusting in the arm of flesh. The gradual descent downhill was so insidious that nobody from top to bottom was able to clearly perceive their own wretched state.

Noah’s subjects are a great reminder to us of how quickly we tend to forget the messages of the prophets. Because they forgot, they thrived on vain and flattering words that were given to them by their new leaders. Though the scriptures taught that flattery was of the devil, they nevertheless loved to be praised in their present course, and trod down the path of iniquity, and idolatry.

“It is the mark of a false message that it relies on flattery.
(See Alma 46:5; 61:4; Jacob 7:4; Mosiah 27:8; 2 Ne. 28:22)

“It is the mark of a true message that it calls for repentance. (D&C 6:9; 11:9; Mosiah 18:20; 25:22)

“Christ's message is always to "repent" and then to "come to Him." (Moroni 7:34)

“If you only need to listen to the voices of praise, and adulation which speak to you that "all is well in Zion" then you can never recognize an authentic call from the Lord to repent. Instead, like Laman and Lemuel, you will erroneously think any message that condemns your misbehavior is "sharp" or "angry" (2 Nephi 1: 26). Yet Nephi's only intention was to seek "the eternal welfare" of Laman and Lemuel. (2 Nephi 1: 25)

“When we will only listen to vanity and praise, we are not much different than those who only wanted "smooth things" anciently. (Isa. 30: 10)

“The cure for some illness requires a knife to be used first before healing can begin. The purpose is not to injure, but only to heal” (Denver Snuffer).

The people became idolatrous. They were placing their trust in the arm of flesh, and therefore put men between them and God. This is a status wholly unacceptable to the Lord. Those who trust in men are damned (D&C 76:98-101).

Next we will look at the message that God had for Noah and his kingdom. God sent them a message of repentance by the mouth of Abinadi, his messenger. Hearing Abinadi’s word was the same as hearing God’s own word, for “it is the same” (D&C 1:38). He was a servant who came in the name of the Lord to declare repentance. He preached to Noah and his people during the time of Pentecost. Tonight begins Pentecost, over 2160 years later.

60: KING NOAH and HIS KINGDOM: Part 3

King Noah and His Kingdom, Part 3

“And he laid a tax of one fifth part of all they possessed, a fifth part of their gold and of their silver, and a fifth part of their ziff, and of their copper, and of their brass and their iron; and a fifth part of their fatlings; and also a fifth part of all their grain.

And all this did he take to support himself, and his wives and his concubines; and also his priests, and their wives and their concubines; thus he had changed the affairs of the kingdom”

Mosiah 11:3-4.

Noah laid a heavy tax on his people of all they possessed, and did not use those moneys collected for a righteous purpose, but to support his own endeavors (vv. 3-4). With that money he built many “elegant and spacious buildings,” made of the very finest materials and crafted with the finest workmanship to beautify his kingdom, including the temple and the land “near” it (vv. 8-10, 12). King Noah loved money and things more than he loved God and people.

It was for this very reason that the early saints were unable to secure Zion. Lorenzo Snow said Latter-day Saints' early failure to secure Zion was "because of their love of money," and that "the Lord could have sustained the people against the encroachments of their enemies had they placed themselves in a condition where He would have been justified in doing so" (The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, p. 159). You cannot serve God and Mammon (Matt. 6:24). We are blind if we believe that we would do any better than the early saints at such a heavenly endeavor. The early saints at least made the attempt. We don't know where to begin in our competitive society.

Noah had not abandoned the temple as we might suppose of someone who is “abominable in the sight of the Lord” and full of “all manner of wickedness,” but he and his priests considered themselves worthy to continue worship within it. He even did occasional renovations of fine work “within the walls of the temple” to beautify it (v. 10). Mormon points out that the people supported the king and his priests in their iniquity (v. 6). Not because they sought iniquity, but because of their trust in the arm of flesh. They acted as enablers in a vain cause.

They only wanted to hear “smooth things” preached unto them. This was “a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits…Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant” (Isa. 30:9-13).

Noah and his kingdom sought not “the welfare of Zion,” but rather to further the cause of Babylon, that they “may get gain and praise of the world” (2 Ne. 26:29). Their practice of priestcraft was to them priesthood and authority. But it was to the Lord nothing more than men who sought to gratify their pride, and who exercised “control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men” (D&C 121:37).

Through his example, teachings, and policy, Noah changed the affairs of the kingdom. It’s actually much easier to do than we might suppose, and even one man can do it. Because he cared more about himself, and his “vain ambition,” Noah was unable to do any good thing with his kingdom because the heavens had withdrawn themselves (Ibid.). He was therefore left to kick against the pricks, and to “fight against God” (v. 38).

59: KING NOAH and HIS KINGDOM: Part 2

King Noah and His Kingdom, Part 2

“For behold, he did not keep the commandments of God, but he did walk after the desires of his own heart. And he had many wives and concubines. And he did cause his people to commit sin, and do that which was abominable in the sight of the Lord. Yea, and they did commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness”

Mosiah 11:2.

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Noah was a polygamist who walked after the desires of his own heart. There have been times when the practice of plural marriage has been authorized by revelation and commandment, and at other times received God’s censure (D&C 132:29, 34-35; Jacob 2:23-24). Noah and his priests weren’t the first, or the only people in history that sought to excuse themselves in committing whoredoms, because of the things which are written about ancient kings (ibid.). His example and teachings caused his people to commit sin, though neither he nor his people believed they were living in sin (Mosiah 12:13-14).

Like the Pharisees’ reaction to the Lord, Noah and his people were surprised “that we should be condemned of God or judged of this man (ibid.). They were surprised that somebody would challenge their righteousness. The wicked priestly class of Christ’s day was surprised at His message of admonition and repentance. In their view, they were the only people actually keeping all of the commandments. To them, even Christ and his disciples transgressed “the tradition of the elders” (Matt. 15:1-3). Christ taught them that it was precisely by way of their tradition that they “transgressed the commandment of God” (ibid.). Their pride had blinded them.

Remember, this story is being told to us in retrospect through the lens of a righteous prophet-writer. It is that prophet-writer who makes it clear to us that Noah and his people were wicked. Prophets have a very different view of history, and of the unfolding current events than do those who belong to or sympathize with Babylon. Because prophets commune with God, they are able to see things as God sees them.

If we were to read a history about Noah and his people written by their own hand it would, of course, be highly complimentary. Conspicuously absent from the record would be any details about human failure and weakness, especially of the king. Their record would tout their accomplishments. It would tell us about what great progress they made in the kingdom by way of building projects, for example. They certainly kept and preserved records. Otherwise, how would Mormon know so much about them.

Since the king and his priests spoke “flattering,” and “lying and vain words” unto the people we shouldn’t expect that their record would reflect a greater degree of honesty (Mosiah 11:7, 11). The ultra-religious always think they’re better than they really are, and they’re happy to talk about it.

The wickedness and abominations of Noah and his priests led them to pride. Their pride led them to boast in their own strength. They believed that it was not possible that they should be brought into captivity, or into bondage. They thought that because they had “prospered in the land,” they would always prosper (Mosiah 12:15). But it was not to be so.

58: KING NOAH and HIS KINGDOM: Part 1

Below is a depiction of King Noah, his priests and Abinadi painted by Minerva Teichert . It is a different image that we are normally see to illustrate this Book of Mormon account found in Mosiah. (It is missing the leopards etc). I post this different painting on purpose as a precursor for the next several posts on King Noah and Abinidi. I did not write them, but post them with the permission of my friend . It is my hope in this series, we will look at this account differently, and liken to our day.

King Noah and His Kingdom, Part 1

“And now it came to pass that Zeniff conferred the kingdom upon Noah, one of his sons; therefore Noah began to reign in his stead; and he did not walk in the ways of his father”
Mosiah 11:1
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The kings (and later the Chief Judges in a way) of the Book of Mormon received through  “conferral,”  or “consecration,” or “charge,” not only the rights to rule and reign over a kingdom, but also stewardship over plates of records, and other implements of kingship (Mosiah 1:15-16; 29:42; Alma 2:9). Their stewardship was most often intermingled with religion.

Compared to his son Noah, Zeniff was a good king. He held authority to minister temporally and spiritually in the affairs of his kingdom and he “conferred” that authority on his son Noah. His son Noah walked not “in the ways of his father” while he was king over the land. It’s hard to imagine Zeniff conferred the authority upon Noah to preside and rule over the kingdom, despite knowing his son to be an idolatrous, lazy man (Mosiah 11:6). Perhaps he couldn’t see it. Or, perhaps, Noah wasn’t always who we read about in our record; we know the unfortunate disposition of almost all men as soon as they are given a little authority, as they suppose (D&C 121:39-40).

It should go without saying, but is important to say - just because Noah’s father was a good man didn’t make Noah a good man. Just because Noah inherited the kingdom, or had the kingdom conferred upon him, didn’t mean that he faithfully thereafter discharged the obligations that had fallen upon him. Just because Noah received authority to govern temporally and spiritually in his kingdom, didn’t mean he was ever able to find favor with heaven. And just because Alma, on the other hand, was subject to a blind and darkened slumber while serving as Noah’s priest, didn’t mean he had no opportunity for repentance, growth, progression, and redemption.

It is easy to see from the record of Noah, his kingdom and people, why it is not “expedient” that we should have a king to rule over us. “For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction!” (Mosiah 29:17).

57: The new WORLD TRADE CENTER at City Creek.

It was announced today that the new high rise office tower at City Creek has now received a new name. The new name is World Trade Center at City Creek.  From the KSL article, “Renaming the tower "builds upon the established achievements of City Creek’s revitalization efforts in the heart of downtown," said Mark Gibbons, president of City Creek Reserve Inc.  click here

The City Creek Reserve is a for profit real estate company owned by the LDS church.

 

I wondering if naming a high rise building World Trade Center would be similar to renaming a new ocean liner cruise ship, the Titanic.  

56: ABIDE THE DAY.. or Hewn Down and cast into the fire.

In the last days there will be a division and separation into two groups. The two options are:

·         The Gathered and Secured… OR The Bundled and Burned.

·         Those who Abide the Day….. OR Those who are Hewn down and cast into the fire.

·         Those Know His voice and enter in… OR Those who Profess His name, but are departed out.

When does this separation happen? Are their signs happening now to point that the division is close? or possibly even happening now?

Both of the photos below are of the Terrestrial room in the Salt Lake Temple. (The photo on the left is from the 1993 March Issue of the Ensign entitled in “In His Holy House”. ) In this sacred room, there are TWO chandeliers that hang from the ceiling. Here, we make covenants that reinforce our faith and devotion to Jesus Christ, and promise to dedicate their lives to Him before we are invited to proceed further. We are symbolically like one of the virgins in the parable preparing to meet the Bridegroom and be invited into the marriage feast.

Last week, I received word from a friend who is a Temple Sealer at the Salt Lake Temple. He told me that one of these two chandeliers fell from the ceiling sometime during the night of May 16, 2012 and came crashing down . Fortunately, the damage and broken chandelier was quickly cleaned up early in the morning before the temple patrons arrived. While a possible cause of this chandelier falling could be the result of an old chord in need of replacement, I find this accident to be highly symbolic. It is symbolic of the two separate groups in the last days before the Bridegroom comes and being in His presence.  One chandelier shining with light, the other scattered to the ground. One still with power, the other with the power line cut.

A few scriptures of the symbolism of a separation: We read  in Joseph Smith Matthew 44-48:

Then shall be fulfilled that which is written, that in the last days,

Two shall be in the field, the one shall be taken, and the other left;

Two shall be grinding at the mill, the one shall be taken, and the other left;

And in  D&C 45: 56-57:

“And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.”

The Wise Virgins:

·         They RECEIVED the Truth.

·         They took the Holy Spirit for their guide.

·         They will Abide the day.

Foolish Virgins:

·         They were DECEIVED.

·         Trusted in the arm of flesh

·         They will be Hewn down and cast into the fire.

55: PENTECOST

This Sunday, May 27, 2012 is the day that many will be observing Pentecost.

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,

and it filled all the house where they were sitting."

Acts 2:1-3

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"And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove,

and it abode upon him."

John 1:32

The Day of Pentecost is historically and symbolicallly related to the Jewish harvest festival of Shavuot, which commemorates God giving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai fifty days after the exodus. It is 50 days after the Feast of the Passover.  It is also the day commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Christ after the Resurrection.

This day is also called the feast of the harvest and lasted for a single day, which was a day of holy convocation. Special sacrifices were made and freewill offerings.

In modern times in the Kirkland Temple we also learn about a Pentecost:

 Joseph wrote, “The Savior made his appearance to some, while angels ministered to others, and it was a Pentecost and an endowment indeed, long to be remembered, for the sound shall go forth from this place into all the world, and occurrences of this day shall be handed down upon the pages of sacred history, to all generations.” (History of the Church, 2:427–33.)
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 A friend of mine sent me the following in an email today..

"Pentecost is about "redemption" - the release of slaves and debt, a release from the sin that is Babylon....but also a renewal, a start over period for the sons and daughters of God in this dark world....a warning and last chance reminder. Christ is the great power behind this redemption - for all of us.
He provides liberty for the all the captives, here and in spirit prison (D&C 138)."

54: Answers to some questions from some of the comments.

1. Who painted the Aug. 8, 2011 paintings?
The artist name is Larry Christensen http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/farmersart.html

2. The question regarding the meaning of the "IN" in the sky on the background of your blog

First of all, I took the photo from a plane last year going on our family vacation.

Everything has multiple layers of meaning. That is the beauty of symbolism. On one level.. it is a statement or commission given. "In all things, bear record of me"  or in other words.. in everything I do, we do... testify of Christ.

3. For the person who asked about the solar eclipse photos...
Feel free to use them.

53: SOLAR ECLIPSE: May 20, 2012

Signs in the Heavens

Photos taken at the Parawon Gap, UT

This is the first solar eclipse that has been visible in the United States in 18 years. This is also an extremely rare galactic alignment happening- one that happens only every 26,000 years - a perfect alignment of the Sun, Moon, Earth and the central sun, Alcyone, at the center of the Galaxy. Also this year, the Earth is passing back through the plane of the Milky Way....

In a "documentary" on Nostrodamus -he foretold that the "end of the world" in his opinion (or maybe the end of this paradigm) would be foreshadowed by an alignment with the center of the galaxy, and three eclipses. The alignment and an eclipse was on the 20th, and then we have Venus crossing the sun on the 5th of June.  A total solar eclipse will take place on November 13-14, 2012.

52: THE MAASAW (Messiah) of the HOPI

A week ago I met a man who is a Pueblo Indian who was recently adopted into the Hopi tribe. He spoke to a few of my friends about the Hopi Indians and about their culture and sacred ceremonies. He shared with me this painting which depicts a bearded white man known by the Hopi as Maasaw.

Tradition says that Maasaw gave the Hopi instructions and warnings about a way of life He wanted them to follow. He said if they followed His way, they would live long and fruitful lives. Maasaw told the Hopi that He was the first and last. He wanted them to be humble and live like He did. He wanted them to take care of, and respect the land and live in harmony with it. The Hopi lived this way for centuries, and they thrived. They lived in communities and cared for each other. They planted their crops and sustained themselves. Sacred rituals were performed daily, and they never lost sight of what Maasaw had taught them. Then came the white man with their religion--a counterfeit way implemented by the Great Seducer. They trampled on the Hopi sacred way of life. Now many Hopi have lost their wonderful, sacred culture, and walk the material way of illusion with Christians who claim to follow Jesus.

The following are a few of my own personal observations of the above painting. The central figure is the Maasaw (Messiah). He is clothed in a golden priestly robe with a record in his hand, symbolic of truth. He is wearing a blue and white loincloth symbolic of the Power of the Priesthood. There is a group of humble Native Americans to His right (left side of painting) who are kneeling with outstretched and open arms.

There is another group of Native Americans standing somewhat proudly with brightly colored apparel around their shoulders which all appear to be looking at the red-eyed serpent. There is another priestly man with a purple crown and blue robe who appears to have some authority or higher rank and status.

In the distance, there is a multitude of people on the other side of the river who have yet to cross over. In the foreground, once the people cross over there seems to be a division. The right side of the painting is group of six who seem to worship a false idol along side a man with the blue cap. (it is important to note that they are on the left hand of Messiah). The other group of six is the humble group with some kneeling.

Sidenote:
According to this man who spoke to us, once a Hopi is baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they are “advised” to no longer participate in their Native American sacred dances and ceremonies. He went so far as to say that if they do continue to participate that they would be excommunicated.

On the otherhand, the LDS Church owns and operates what the Polynesian Cultural Center where other cultural tribal dances and ceremonies are performed from the Pacific Islands. Some of these dances derive from ritual and ceremonial war dances and some are sensual dances. It is not cheap to experience and watch. General Admission for the day is 49.95 with some packages as much as 228.95.

In addition, the LDS Church is constructing a huge development project near the Polynesian Cultural Center called Envision Laie. Envision Laie is a project guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that will, most significantly, create a new bunch of subdivisions collectively called Malaekahana. Part of this construction project is a multi-million dollar hotel is being built by the LDS Church. The new hotel will be in partner relationship with Marriott International Inc. to operate a new 220-room hotel. The development has been estimated to cost approximately $25 million to build, and will measure approximately 150,000 sqaure feet. The new Marriott is expected to open in September 2013, coinciding with the Polynesian Cultural Center’s 50th anniversary.

http://hawaiiindependent.net/story/220-room-laie-marriott-permit-to-be-discussed-at-public-hearing-in-kahuku

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705342390/Laie-Inn-closing-for-new-hotel.html

51: Re-Donating Donations?

LDS Church throws $4 million toward U.’s new law school
http://m.sltrib.com/sltrib/mobile/54096263-78/law-church-university-building.html.csp

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is donating $4 million toward the University of Utah law school building project. Officials from the S.J. Quinney College of Law announced Friday they received the gift. Groundbreaking on the 155,000-square-foot building is expected to start in the summer of 2013, and the project should be finished in time for the 2014-15 school year. Dean Hiram Chodosh says the school aims to build one of the most innovative law buildings in the country. Chodosh says the LDS Church and the law school share similar educational goals.

"The Church’s involvement with the University [of Utah] goes back to its founding," said a U. news release quoting LDS Presiding Bishop Gary E. Stevenson. "The new, state-of-the-art law school building and those who will graduate from there will benefit the university and the community."

http://www.abc4.com/content/news/top_stories/story/LDS-Church-gives-4M-to-University-of-Utah-law/KqtneeSkm06Pl5c06vRfQA.cspx

Where did the money come from? The only resource of income for the LDS Church is from it's members, since the donation is specifically from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and not from one of its for profit companies.  I wonder how tithing paying members feel about this who are BYU fans.

50: Symbolic Painting

This painting is very symbolic for me. I have waited to share this and write some thoughts for the 50th blogpost. I will will get back to this when the timing is right.

49: RANDOM ITEMS: A FIRE, A CITY CENTER AND A COMMITTEE

 Morning Fire at City Creek on May 9, 2012

Fire and Emergency Crews responded to a fire at the City Creek Center on Wednesday morning.  The Salt Lake City Fire Department was able to get the fire out by about 8 a.m. Firefighters said the fire started when a back-up generator malfunction on the roof of the flagship store Nordstroms.  West Temple was shut down during the incident. The water also caused a circuit breaker to pop and the store is without power.  The store is expected to remain closed at least through Wednesday while the repair is made.  The other stores in City Creek Center will be open for business as usual.  A similar fire happen a few weeks ago at the LDS Conference Center.

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More than just a shopping center… A  New City Center Marker?

The Center of the City for Salt Lake has always been the Temple. It is the permanent location for the origin of the Grid System and provides a point from which all other streets and legal addresses are calculated. The temple is not only a physical but spiritual center, it is the heart and the origin for Salt Lake’s City Center.

However, my friend noticed when he was in town this past weekend that there is advertisements for the new LDS development that the City Creek boasts that not only is it a shopping center, but also a City Center. Are we beginning to shift the location of our City Center from the Temple to a Shopping Mall?

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 Responses about the existence of the Strengthening Members Committee:

Many are aware that  recently The Strengthening the Members Committee leaked confidential information on the internet about some of members of the church. Here is an interesting interview by the BBC with Michael Purdy and Elder Holland.  Michael Purdy seems very hesitant to answer to the question.  Here is the link to make your own assessment.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/357579

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Sidenote: some random scriptures that I have been studying:

Alma 37: 25

I will  bring forth out of darkness unto light all their secret works and their abominations; and except they repent I will destroy them from off the face of the earth; and I will bring to light all their secrets and abominations.

Doctrine and Covenants 123: 13-14

Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—These should then be attended to with great earnestness.

2 Nephi 30:17

There is nothing which is secret save it shall be revealed; there is no work of darkness save it shall be made manifest in the light; and there is nothing which is sealed upon the earth save it shall be loosed

48: THE FINAL "BEAM" of DEFIANCE

APRIL 30, 2012: THE FINAL BEAM of DEFIANCE

Dedication verses Defiance

Dedication: The act of consecrating to a divine Being… The act of devoting or giving to another.

Defiance: The act of bold resistance to a Higher authority or power, despite warnings of destruction.

THEN and NOW:

April 30, 1789....

On the left is photo of the statue of George Washington kneeling in prayer at the St. Paul’s chapel in Lower Manhattan, New York City located at ground zero. 

April 30, 2012

On the right is the photo of the “final” beams being erected today on the Freedom Tower. This tower can now claim the title of New York City's tallest skyscraper as of today. More stories will continue to be built, but today marks the day the building exceeded the height of all other buildings in the U.S.

Some quick thoughts.. I would like to go into more detail, but wanted to post on this today.  

Dates are important. The two most important dates in our life is the day we are born and the day we get married. Our Birthday and our Wedding Day.  Both signify new life. When we get married we dedicate our life to someone else. We make a covenant. We dedicate and are sealed to one another. When we break sacred covenants, the results are tragic, painful  and sorrowful. If we humbling ask for forgiveness, we can receive mercy, but only if we choose to repent and turn back. However, if we don’t repent but actually become proud and defiant…  we seal our fate despite the many warnings of tragic outcome and that destruction will soon follow.

Many do not know that two promised lands in this world have been dedicated to God. Israel and the United States. This dedication is a marriage between the people living on the promised land with their God. The Lord God is the husband, and we as a people are His bride. If the people on the dedicated/promised land want the protection of God, they keep his commandments and honor Him.

Here are a few important things that I learned.

George Washington dedicated the United States of America to God on April 30, 1789. He dedicated this land both in his inaugural address at the Federal Hall and then in prayer, at St Paul's Chapel located on the corner of a place now known as “ground zero”. Washington stated in an address at Federal Hall that the nation would prosper and be protected as long as it remained committed to the will and purposes of God.  

King Solomon dedicated the Jewish Temple and the Mount in Jerusalem to God. When the Israelite people consistently departed from His decrees and laws, judgment would come by the Lord. God's first warning is to allow the national hedge of security to be broken and then if the people do not repent gradually more severe consequences are imposed.

There is a pattern:

Ancient Israel had wandered from God and were living according to their own ways, worshipping idols and doing as they pleased. God allowed their enemies to attack Jerusalem, the national capital. In arrogant defiance, the ancient Israelis refused to see the attack as a warning from God but boldly stated that they would rebuild.

9/11 was a warning to this nation but our leaders and our people did not take it or see it as a warning. We have bolding declared that we would rebuild. We are and today have rebuilt higher and taller than before.

Some of you might have read the book The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn. It goes into more detail these details and spefically about the ancient prophesy found in Isaiah 9:10-11.  I would suggest reading it since it contain more important facts and insight than I can write in this email.

Sidenote:

In defiance, our national leaders - not once but three times - quoted the words of an ancient prophecy from the capital of the nation. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle from the floor of the U.S. Senate the day after 9-11; Senator John Edwards from Washington D.C. on the anniversary of 9-11 in 2004 during his campaign for the Vice-Presidency and President Barack Obama in his first speech to Congress. All three spoke words from Isaiah 9:10 - "The bricks have fallen, but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place." Daschle and Edwards read the verse verbatim - word for word. Edwards entire speech was built around the scripture passage. Obama stated that "we will rebuild" in his speech.

How tragic to be defiant on the same day or anniversary of the day a covenant and dedication is made.

What would you call the bride who is unfaithful to her groom and breaks her marriage vow on the same day or anniversary as her wedding?

47: DRESS REHEARSALS OFJST MATTHEW 24

"Be not troubled, for all I have told you must come to pass."

Joseph Smith Matthew 1:23

All things are in commotion worldwide. If we repent as a people we get more time, however, time is accelerating and there is a great importance of not procrastinating the day of repentance... otherwise, the prophecies of calamities will become inevitable. There will come a day when the spirit will withdraw, and the earth will move into darkness. Destructions will happen. There will be a sharp contrast between the light gathering and the tares slipping into darkness. Most people don't realize that the signs of the last days will go unnoticed, since they will seem natural and normal. It is not going to be abrupt to happen over night. It will be gradual but definite.

 

I thought this video was interesting. It is long and I really didn't care for the background  music. No need to add to the eery feeling, just let the footage speak for itself. (BTW It is possible that some of the footnote has been alterated.. but even if 10% of what is shown it true, than it is indeed very interesting. ) 

You will see in the video that just in the first few days of 2012 the following happened.

• Birds falling dead on New Years Eve on the second year in row
• Earthquakes in Japan
• Earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand
• Thousands of dead fish washed ashore in Norway
• Devasting Fires in Chile, Australia.
• Mt. Etna erupting
• 90% of White tail deer population died in a 100 mile radius in Montana.