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Temples

Throughout the Bible, whenever the tabernacle or a temple was destroyed, it never meant God was done with temples. It always meant the people had fallen into apostasy and needed to repent. When repentance was proven, the temple was restored. After the Tabernacle was lost, God gave Israel Solomon’s Temple. After Solomon’s Temple was destroyed, God commanded the people to rebuild the Second Temple. Every time a temple fell, it was followed by restoration—not the end of temples. Because of this pattern, it doesn’t make sense to say that when the temple was destroyed in Jesus’ day, it meant temples were finished. If that were true, then the loss of the Tabernacle or the First Temple should have meant the same thing. But no one believes that. The Bible also talks about a temple in heaven and future temples in prophecy, which shows God still uses and values sacred space. So the destruction of the temple ~40 years after Christ’s death fits the old pattern: it signaled apostasy and the need fo...
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Becoming a Begotten Son

The sons of Adam and the sons of Noah were not called “sons” merely because of biology, but because of what they proved by their faith. They became—or were begotten—sons born into God’s family  for one reason: they listened to the voice of God and obeyed. Eve said, “I have gotten a man from the Lord; wherefore he may not reject His words.” (Genesis 3:6) Of Noah and his sons, it is written, “And Noah and his sons listened unto the Lord and gave heed, and they were called the sons of God.” (Genesis 5:5) It's one of those absolute standards that you cannot become a son of God if you refuse to hearken to His voice.  Using Melchizedek as a clear example, here are the keys the scripture gives us: " Now Melchizedek was a man of faith who wrought righteousness. And when a child, he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire. And thus, having been approved of God, he was ordained a high priest after the Order of the covenant which God made with Enoch...
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Patience

We yearn for peace through cooperation but will always wrestle with war to achieve it.  This is daunting.  Yet, a part of salvation consists of being a light in the (constant) darkness - fighting in that war.  A part of salvation is eternally dealing with the war and dealing with other people’s problems for their benefit.  We’re not ready to do it forever. Coming here teaches us that.  In the mean time we focus on just one step, one problem, at a time.  
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Joseph and Hyrum’s death

Today marks another anniversary of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.  Joseph in particular brought a wealth of information down from Heaven to us. This light still echoes truth in the heart of the reader today. But it’s often not the sermons or speeches that change us. It’s someone’s life. The way they show up, the way they forgive, the way they serve, give, or remain optimistic through a trial. Its their consistent goodness that has a way of getting past our defenses. When someone lives what they believe with humility and love, it bypasses our intellect and goes straight to the heart. It makes us want to be better—not out of guilt, but gratitude and understanding of the One they’re modeling their own life after. It makes us think, “I want to live more like that.” And often, without them even knowing it, they become a turning point in our story. This is how I feel about those two brothers. Their example more than anything is worth noting.
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June 20th

It's been one year today when the Lord accepted the Covenant of Christ . On June 20th, Denver Snuffer and a group of believers presented a new, modern-English version of the Book of Mormon to the Lord. It was offered to Him as a gift for the benefit of others —something that could have been either accepted or rejected. But the Lord  accepted it. He received the work. He put His name to it. And now, it’s a gift from God to the whole world. And we are the first ones to receive it. This gift is meant to help prepare us for His return. But as the Lord taught: “What does it profit a man if a gift is given, and he receives not the gift?” It’s not enough to know about the book and tell people the Heavens are open. We must receive it. Live it. So on this one-year anniversary, and the Summer Solstice, here are some simple questions to ask yourself: - Have I read every word of the Covenant of Christ? - Do I understand the message it teaches? - Can I share or quote anything from it? - Has i...
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Process over Events

“ And how can we know the way? Jesus says unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes unto the Father but by me. If you had known me, you should have known my Father also, and from henceforth you know him and have seen him. Philip says unto him, Lord, show us the Father and it suffices us. Jesus says unto him, Have I been so long time with you and yet you have not known me, Philip? He that has seen me has seen the Father. And how can you then say, Show us the Father? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me?  The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself, but the Father that dwells in me. He does the works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me, or else believe me for the very works’ sake….” (John 9:7 RE)  Jesus was showing Philip a great revelation about himself. Like so many today, Philip evidently cared more about the event (seeing the Father) than the process behind it (walking the path to becoming like Him...
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When you’re in the service of your fellow man

  "I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought my God, but my God eluded me. I sought my brother, and I found all three."  —William Blake
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