Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Adieu

I promised I would leave my blog “up” until I was shown the error of my ways. 

Well, today I got “schooled”.

A friend of mine (he would prefer to remain unheralded) drove down this morning from Bakersfield (a round-trip of about 480 miles!) to spend a few hours with me. (Just a few hours! And this was his second visit in the past month or so! Talk about a faithful hometeacher!) We talked about my blog, about being filled with light and perfect love (something I haven’t experienced in a great while), and following the Lord. His inspired message moved me to tears.

He quoted several passages of scripture (as angels are wont to do) and gave a sermon I have never heard before in Church. (He is keen to recognize who “has” the Holy Ghost and who has not been converted. The carnally minded cannot receive the message I am about to share with you.)

The “gist” of that message is this: following the Lord requires forsaking everything else. Everything. Let me find and quote the applicable passages he shared with me. I’ll begin with The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (from Section One, 1830-34, p.43) on the principle of avoiding disputes:
“Let the Elders be exceedingly careful about unnecessarily disturbing and harrowing up the feelings of the people. Remember that your business is to preach the Gospel in all humility and meekness, and warn sinners to repent and come to Christ."
Note what ought to be the focus and substance of our “message”, given in those last eight words.
Avoid contentions and vain disputes with men of corrupt minds, who do not desire to know the truth. Remember that ‘it is a day of warning, and not a day of many words.’ If they receive not your testimony in one place, flee to another, remembering to cast no reflections, nor throw out any bitter sayings. If you do your duty, it will be just as well with you, as though all men embraced the Gospel."
The carnally-minded cannot teach – or receive -- the things of God, for such things can only be made known (and be understood) by the Spirit: thus “if ye receive not the Spirit, ye shall not teach.” (D&C 42:14) For good reason the things of the Spirit are called “the peaceable things of the kingdom” (see D&C 36:2).
“Be careful about sending boys to preach the Gospel to the world; if they go let them be accompanied by some one who is able to guide them in the proper channel, lest they become puffed up, and fall under condemnation, and into the snare of the devil. Finally, in these critical times, be careful; call on the Lord day and night; beware of pride; beware of false brethren, who will creep in among you to spy out your liberties. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; let your light shine, and show yourselves workmen that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Apply yourselves diligently to study, that your minds may be stored with all necessary information.”
This was (and is) wise counsel from the Prophet.

My friend followed up these teachings by quoting the Savior Himself (from Joseph Smith’s Inspired Version of the New Testament; see Luke, chapter 6):
20 Blessed are the poor; for theirs is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are they who hunger now; for they shall be filled. Blessed are they who weep now; for they shall laugh.
22 Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from among them, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake.
23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for behold your reward shall be great in heaven; for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
24 But woe unto you that are rich! For ye have received your consolation.
25 Woe unto you who are full! For ye shall hunger. Woe unto you who laugh now! For ye shall mourn and weep.
26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets.
27 But I say unto you who hear my words, Love your enemies, do good to them who hate you.
28 Bless them who curse you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you.
29 And unto him who smiteth thee on the cheek, offer also the other; or, in other words, it is better to offer the other, than to revile again. And him who taketh away thy cloak, forbid not to take thy coat also.
30 For it is better that thou suffer thine enemy to take these things, than to contend with him. Verily I say unto you, Your heavenly Father who seeth in secret, shall bring that wicked one into judgment.
31 Therefore give to every man who asketh of thee; and of him who taketh away thy goods, ask them not again.
32 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
33 For if ye love them only who love you, what reward have you? For sinners also do even the same.
34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what reward have you? For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great; and ye shall be the children of the Highest; for he is kind unto the unthankful, and to the evil.
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured to you again.
And, again, lest I be tempted to find fault with my neighbor or seek to correct him:
39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch?
40 A disciple is not above his master; but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.
41 And why beholdest thou the mote which is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam which is in thine own eye?
42 Again, how canst thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam which is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote which is in thy brother's eye.
Have I come back into the Savior’s presence, in the flesh, in this life? No, I have not. Am I yet like the Savior? No, I am not. Then what have I to offer another? Am I not as “blind” as the next man? Yes I am. Do I have faults? I do. As many as the next guy. (And perhaps even a few more!) 

How, then, can I undertake to correct another in his faults? Or steady the ark?

I cannot.

Not until I am purified, filled with light and perfect love. And, even then, I must be as my Master, and do His bidding, not my own, and speak His words, not mine.

Consequently, I must “wait upon the Lord” to receive.

This blog, originally, was meant to be a place where I could “speak my mind” about worldly things. Then it became a place where I could seek the Lord’s mind. Then I began to seek the Lord again.

I still seek Him. But anything I might say here can only be a distraction for others who are coming unto Him. I can’t afford to let myself get in the way of that.

He has already given His word elsewhere. It is found in the scriptures. We ought to spend our time there.

As “Geoff” recently wrote at Latter-day Commentary:

I’m tired of the rhetoric and speculation, the “lo here” and “lo there”, the sounding brass and tinkling cymbals, of “I think this” or “I think that.” I’m sick of scribes and pharisees. I want to eat and drink directly from the waters and tree of life, to hear directly from God or His true messengers, or true servants, ones who know as surely as they know that they live and the power of the Holy Ghost affirms it like fire. If you are one of these, please share what you can share. True messengers and servants try to teach others how to make the same direct divine connection as they have.  
2 Nephi 32 
3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. 
4 Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark. 
5 For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. 
6 Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do. 
7 And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be.  
Nephi inspires me. 1 Nephi 10-15. He saw and heard and knew Christ and witnessed him. Anyone like him inspires me by their testimony of the truth, no matter who scoffs or point their fingers in scorn. I want to fall down at the Tree of Life and partake of the fruit of eternal life and love of God. 
Maybe this is why Jesus went into the wilderness for forty days. I’m not sure blogging and reading books, unless they are the words of Christ, is going to get any of us closer to where we want to be, except perhaps to increase our own desire to see, hear, and know for ourselves. Alas, there is no shortcut to further light and knowledge. We must commune with God to learn what only He can teach, the things which surpass all understanding and would not be lawful for us to tell each other. 
Are we mighty and strong and chosen? More than likely we are unbelieving, proud, wicked, ignorant, stiffnecked children who need to humble ourselves in the dust. “Because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love.” 
Peace and love to you all. May your compasses point true.
With that, I make an end of this blog and wish everyone well in their efforts to come unto Christ. As I depart, I am particularly sorrowful for the way I handled myself with regard to my (former) bishop and stake president. Had I followed Jesus’ words above – or even D&C 42:37 -- I would not have allowed contention of any kind to occur between us. If a perfect stranger can ask us to walk a mile with him – and the Lord encourages us to go with him twain! – then I could have said, “Sure, bishop! Whatever you say!” He wasn’t asking me to sin. He was just asking me to shut up. And maybe even take down my blog. (I’m still not sure if that's what he was asking.) At the bare minimum, I needed a little “quiet time” anyway…and a lot of time in the “gym” exercising humility. (Something I’m about as familiar with as a set of dumbbells!)

I mean, really, what do I have to share with you all? If it’s not from the Lord, what value is it? How enduring is it? How eternal is it?

It is not. It would, therefore, only be something “built on sand”. A “great and spacious building”, as it were, “high and lifted up”. The pride of the world. And the vanity thereof! But vacuous, nonetheless.

I put my Church membership on the line. I should have put myself there – in the service of others, submitting to others, doing the will of others (so long as it did not require me to sin). Being submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love – I recall these are all the qualities of a child…qualities I sorely lack.

Contrary to what I imagined, I was in no way “fit” to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And that was entirely my fault.

For now I can do no better than what has been done to help anyone else come unto Christ. (I have a lot more “coming unto Christ” yet to do!) My actions and words perhaps hindered some from their enjoyments in the Church. I unnecessarily contended with him whom the Lord…and, yes, I believe the Lord placed Chris Risenmay and Matt Morris in their positions as leaders in His Church…I contended with him whom the Lord set in place to do His work.

What could Bishop Risenmay or President Morris be justified in saying about my words written on this blog? They could have said (and they did say, though I did not believe them) that my words might weaken the faith of some who read them. (And they were right. I have sensed and “heard” the whisperings of the adversary, trying to get me to become an “accuser of the brethren”. He has sought to stir up contention in my heart, to harden my heart against the Church, its members and leadership. And I know this is Satan’s doing, not the Lord’s. Therefore, I strive to repent while I still can!) The bishop and stake president could have legitimately inquired of me as to whether the Lord had asked me to write the things which I wrote. (And they did ask me…and I had to acknowledge that He had not; that I wrote what I understood to be the truth of my own accord, according to my own understanding.) And they legitimately and authoritatively (as I understand things now) could have said to me (and they did say to me, more or less): “Then take them down. They are disrupting the work of the Church, as directed by the leaders of the Church, whom the Lord has appointed and whom we support and sustain”. I should have heeded their “counsel” – because I am (or was) a member of the Church. And I wanted to remain so.

I let my will – and not His (or theirs) – be done. And the Lord’s supernal message is that He came as a servant, not a master! The servant never tells the master what to do! – unless he is invited to do so by the master.

I have been “telling people what to do” my entire life! And it has gotten me nowhere good. I have been very wrong in doing so. Very wrong.

To those who are yet LDS and who are aware of my (current and former) standing in the Church:

I humbly…and I don’t use that word vainly…I humbly acknowledge that my pride and arrogance, my personal impatience and dissatisfaction with many things (but mostly with myself…behold the power of projection!) fueled by my pride and arrogance enabled me to place my needs, will, and wants above those of others, including those of the Lord (and the leaders of the LDS Church). To a great extent, this same “attitude” spilled over into my personal and professional life, causing contentions in my home, (principally in my relationships with my children, but also with my wife). When the Lord says “give to him who asketh”, He means “do what others ask of you to do, whatever it is!” – as long as what they ask does not compel you to sin or (knowingly to you) enable them to sin.

What they might do with what you give them – or whether they are “justified” in receiving what you have to give to them in the first place (unless you are commanded otherwise) -- is none of your concern.

That’s the amazing part. We are all beggars! Would you like to have God “judge” you “unworthy” of having your petition granted? Then judge not your brother or sister. Give willingly! Give generously! Give whole-heartedly! And give in secret. For God shall then give to you openly. That is what the Lord has taught us. Who can receive it?

Is doing your daughter’s chore for the day (at her request) a “sinful” demand? No. Would her watching you do it for her “spoil” her? Perhaps. Would it teach her to “get away” with something? Possibly.

But it also might teach her what is true, unselfish, Christ-like service, something she may very well need to see (repeatedly) before she “believes” it, or recognizes the “benefits” thereof (beyond just getting “something for nothing”). Doing that kind of service for her (or for anyone!) also happens to be something I am (frankly) sorely deficient in.

You see, the alternative to doing Christ’s will – which is unlimited in its scope and capacity to serve others – is to do one’s own will (or someone else’s will), which invariably comes with a host of restrictions, conditions and limitations attached. “I will do this, but only if you do that,” etc. It becomes a “barter” system, a “tit-for-tat”, equity at law and all that. Keeping score. The economy of Babylon…with all the grievances, grudges and offenses attached thereto, given and taken for our lack of being perfect (which none of us are), invariably condemning us to this state of things forever…unless we willingly “walk away” from it all and live like Christ.

For Christ would have none of this (or that!). He kept an “accounting” that was exceedingly simple: “It is better to give than to receive.” Lose yourself in the service of others. Better yet, lose yourself.  
35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. (Mark 8:35.)
There are better “translations” of that statement by Christ.

There was a people known as the Anti-Nephi-Lehis. They buried their weapons of war for peace, once they were converted unto Christ. They chose to “give” rather than to “receive”. What were they willing to give when asked? Everything. Would they give the shirts off their backs to perfect strangers, even to their enemies? Yes. All of their shiblums? No doubt. How about their very lives? Yes, remarkably, even those, too.

When their enemies came upon them, intent on destroying them, the converted people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi knelt down and called upon God in mighty prayer and willfully died rather than contend, fight, or take the life of another. They would rather die than offend God, or violate His holy word by “receiving” rather than “giving”. They willingly “gave” their lives, not only for Christ, but to Christ. And thus, when they died, they died in the joy of Christ.

Can anyone argue that they were not “the children of the Highest”?

Who wants to see God? I do. What must we do to please Him? I have no doubt (now) that we must follow His commandments given in Matthew 5-7, Luke 6, and 3 Nephi 12-14. (These New Testament verses are even better “translated” in the Inspired Version of the scriptures.)

Christ’s words mean different things to different people – even different things to the same people at different times of their lives. For me, the words above now mean to “shut up” and “stop contending”. Stop “showing off” what I know and stop “speaking my mind” (when what I should be doing is listening to the mind and will of the Lord and doing that!).

I had to be “humbled to the dust” to “hear” this message. It is the message the Lord wanted me to hear now because He loves me. And whom He loves, He chastens. (See D&C 95:1.) It is a message I will have to put into practice daily – by serving my wife, my children, my students and my neighbors – to make sure I learn it well.

I want to add – and I hope I am right in saying this – that it doesn’t matter if the Church is “true”. (For all I know, it is.) It doesn’t matter if the leaders of the Church are inspired, or even good men. (For all I know, they are.) It doesn’t matter if there are, or have been, mistakes made. (For all I know, there are, have been, and will be.) It simply doesn’t matter.

Why?

Because all that matters is that I come unto Christ, receive revelation from Him and do His will. If I do, He will save me. If I don’t, it won’t matter. Nothing else will matter.

God is an Eternal Being. That “eternal” quality pervades and suffuses all that He touches.

I want Him to touch me!

I publicly apologize to Bishop Chris Risenmay and President Matt Morris and to the entire stake high council of the Palm Desert California Stake for my offensive, contentious spirit, my pride and arrogance, and my refusal to submit to “counsel and correction” when offered by – yes, I’ll say it – by my priesthood leaders.

The Lord was meek and lowly. He could pass unnoticed in a crowd (even a crowd intent on killing Him!). The words He spoke in the Sermon on the Mount were the same words He gave to Moses on Mt. Sinai (words the people were unworthy to receive) and to Mahonri, when He showed Himself unto him. If Jesus were to appear to us, I do not doubt that He would repeat many of those same words and add thereto.

More will be gained by putting into practice those words than by reading all of the words found on all of the blogs written by all of the bloggers including Denver Snuffer! -- about the subject of coming unto Christ. For by doing His will we will become more like Him. He will be with us, even as He will be in us. And if He is in us, and we are like Him, we will finally be able to see Him as He is, even our Father who is in heaven.

Because I have no more to say at this time I bid you all adieu.

22 comments:

  1. You are the third blogger to tell me to get off the D!@# internet and back into the scriptures (the first was that DS guy). Also, I always marveled that D&C 42:27 expands "...no evil speaking" to include anyone that could be called your neighbor, not restricting it to church leaders, or for that matter to "washed and annointed" endowed members.

    Your "confession" here, has a lot of meat in it, and a lot of food for thought for myself. Amazing, that confessing your "sins" in a truly humble manner results in teaching some true and inspired doctrine.

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  2. I will miss your blog. You have done a lot of good. Don't be hard on yourself. Remember "feasting on the Words of Christ" largely consists of learning to hear the Voice of Christ spoken through the Holy Ghost in the form of revelation. The Iron Rod is the Word of God, meaning scripture AND revelation. It will lead you to Christ.
    Be of good cheer Good Will.
    JR

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  3. Even as a new comer to your blog, I have enjoyed it immensely.

    Because my heart is "solid" in the gospel of Christ and value my membership in His church, I have not been swayed by controversial issues on this or any other blog. In defense of the Blogs, they have enhanced my scripture study by giving me an opportunity to see many scriptures in a different light.... strengthening my testimony rather than decreasing it. As "Spicy" as Rock's blog is, my service to others has increased one-hundred fold by just one statement made on his blog that made realize I could do much better.

    Why didn't I received the same inspiration from scriptures? I don't know, except that I had become deaf to the messages there. New voices, in a new way has sparked new understanding and driven me back to the scriptures to see what what there all along. A great blessing.

    For me...it all comes down to intent. One can find what they are looking for... good or evil...in what ever is presented. I have looked for the good and found it on your blog as well as others. So, for those who's faith may have been challenged by your writing and ideas, there are many others whos faith of has been increased as well.

    I respect your decision to say "Adiou" as this is your path at this time.

    Again Thanks....





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  4. Will - I hope this will be temporary. You do what you need to do. But I don't buy the argument that youre a distraction one bit. Had it not been for bloggers like you, I'd have not seen errors in my own ways. We are not supposed to hide our light under a bushel. You have important things to share, and I look forward to the time when you again will share them.

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  5. I take exception to your "friend's" advice. What comes to mind is the line from Star Wars where Luke says he can't face Vader. Obi-Wan then says, "Then the Empire has already won."

    You apologizing to the very people that wrongly excommunicated and cast you out is exactly that…the Empire has already won. Have you lost your senses?

    I "got" what you said, but you have lost sight that true prophets contend with false teachings, false doctrine and false leaders all the time? We should be on the side of such prophets, and not roll over and say, thank you sir, may I have another.

    If to contend is of the devil, then Christ is of the devil. Christ contended all the time with the Pharisees for example: Matthew 23:13 - 33

    But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

    That doesn’t sound like Christ is rolling over to the "leadership" to me. Are we not to emulate the Master? Are we not to do what he does? He doesn’t sound like the whipped little puppy you make him out to be.

    I hope you reconsider your stand. You have been ill advised.

    Bruce

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    Replies
    1. Bruce,

      I actually wrote a scathing “critical” essay (prior to my last post, which I never posted), quoting the very same scriptures you cited!

      But then I realized we could go round and round all day, in and out of the Church, finding fault everywhere with everyone. And what would that gain us?

      Satan's ancient title is "the accuser of the brethren", for good reason.

      I don't want to be like him.

      You say "Christ contended all the time with the Pharisees." Actually, He didn't. He “grew in favor with both God and man” until the day He began His formal ministry. And when He spoke, He spoke only those words given to Him by His Father, nothing more, nothing less.

      Are you prepared to do the same?

      My big challenge now is not to find fault with others (or to set the Church “aright”), but to find perfect faith within myself and to feel and demonstrate perfect love toward others. (Contention comes easily to the “natural” man. Love is much harder to do…until one knows and reflects Perfect Love.)

      I’m not Christ. And He has not commanded me to "contend" but, rather, to live with others in peace.

      I did not "pick" the fight that lead to my excommunication...though I did choose not to “back down”, but to "stand up" and bear my witness and testimony. I could have “backed down” after that, but chose not to. It wasn’t a “clear cut” or “easy” decision for me to make at the time. Having learned what I have, I would “back down” now, unless (and until) the Lord commanded me to do otherwise.

      Because I appealed my excommunication, my testimony was carried to the highest offices of the Church. (Well, not actually. I doubt that my letter even made it to the office of the First Presidency, much less the Prophet’s desk! Some “middle manager” now determines who gets to “stay” and who has to “go”!) They chose to make me “go”; I didn’t “run away”. How they fulfill their stewardship, however, is not my call to make. I just have to live “true” to what I know (or think) to be true.

      I worry for my seven children, however – now and in the future. I recall Jesus' warning to those who "offend one of these little ones". With my excommunication, the LDS leadership has made my job as a father, raising righteous children, just that much more difficult! I hope none of my children go astray because of what they have elected to do to me. (They, of course, see it just the other way: I brought this on myself. Maybe so.)

      However, what has been the net effect? Did I “deserve” remonstration, correction, chastening? Yes. I did. I am far from perfect. Did I break a commandment “worthy” of excommunication? No. (And Denver’s latest post explains why the Church’s action in this case is so pernicious and evil. But, again, what are we going to do about it? What can we do? I have done my part. I wish I could have done it more “peacefully”, more “submissively”. Tim Malone has set an almost perfect example of how to do it “meekly”.)

      Denver, of course, could not have followed that path. The Lord told him what would happen. And it had to happen. Each man does his part with the light and knowledge imparted to him. For that (and only that) we are held accountable.

      Of course, we are not commanded to be silent or acquiesce to evil. Heaven forbid! We are commanded to discern between good and evil, to judge the prophets by their fruits, and to follow Christ. But remember, while we are to be "a wise as serpents", we must also remember to be "as harmless as doves."

      (To be continued...)

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    2. It is a "terrible" thing to turn against the Church. No “wise” person would do it (unless he was inspired of God)! The end usually is not pretty (unless your name is Enoch or Melchizedek!). Think Isaiah (sawn in half), Jeremiah (thrown into a pit), Abinadi (burned at the stake). The list is too long to recite, but each martyr has been called and inspired to speak up as was Lehi, Paul, Amulek, etc.

      I've been inspired to "shut up” for now. (Believe me, "speaking up" is my wont! I've been doing it my whole life! But I have nothing more to say. I have no one to judge and no one to condemn -- that I might not be judged or condemned. I fear no man. I've seen all the evil they can do. And I'm willing to suffer whatever it takes to come unto Christ.

      But what will it “take” for me?

      It will take suffering. Suffering is what I want to do now -- not exact justice or set the world straight with my words. Jesus did not come seeking justice, but mercy, patience, faith and forgiveness. He was willing to suffer. He "ate" the sins of others; He did not punish others for them. He lived the truth. He didn't go around ranting about it. He politely taught the truth, mostly by example, and witnessed to those willing to come to Him with ears to hear. When He spoke up in Church, He got kicked out.

      So did I.

      I wish to exercise my priesthood now as it should be exercised: by persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness and love unfeigned, by kindness and pure knowledge. (That will be hard for me to do!) Undermining the authority or credibility of the LDS leadership -- that is relatively easy thing to do! -- but doing so will only succeed in alienating me (and my family) from the very people who most need to find a way out of the trap in which they find themselves: the "trap" which Denver Snuffer exposed in his most recent post ("Only One Doctrine Left"). Denver's latest post is positively brilliant. Who can argue against it? Could his reasoning be any more self evident?

      And, yet, most people are oblivious to the danger we face. And those who speak up will be cast out.

      Rallying, ranting and raving will have no effect upon those who are now in the trap, who are persuaded that "the Church can do no wrong" and that “the Brethren” must be followed at all costs. Leaving the Church or fighting against it will only persuade them that they are "in the right"...for "so persecuted they the prophets", and all that.

      A man who has come back into the presence of God, who has received a commission from Him, has the right and the duty to speak up and be heard. I have received no such commission and my "candle" is relative "darkness" compared to Denver’s. So what should I do?

      I should get out of the way.

      Will I join the chorus of saints and someday sing the song of redeeming love (again)? I certainly hope so! I've told you: I have seven children. I want to raise them such that they will discern and choose to follow the truth. I think (for now) that can best be done inside the LDS Church. But I wasn't kidding or mistaken when I said I look forward to the day when my children are excommunicated from the Church for Christ's sake -- for that will mean that they are on the right path and that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

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    3. This is the first blog of yours I have read, since I just discovered it today. I had a thought as I read about raising your children. You have an example in our day you can look to, Mathias Cowley and Mathew Cowley. Take a look at what and how Mathias Cowley, as an excommunicated member, taught his son Mathew.

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    4. David A,

      Thank you. I have a lot of respect for Matthew Cowley, but know very little of Mathias. (I didn't even know -- or didn't remember -- that he was excommunicated.)

      I will do my homework.

      I hope you find something useful in this blog.

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  6. Will - Thank you. I appreciate this post. It's a good reminder for me seeing as how I have a little too much fire in me (perhaps a little like you). My desire to become like my Master needs to be greater than anything else. Sometimes I'm a little too inclined to send out fire than to send out mercy and compassion which covers a multitude of sins. You're on the right track with this. And I'm going to strive to follow a similar path of discipleship and devotion to the Master who was the lowliest of all servants.

    Ryan

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  7. Good Will,

    I have learned a lot on Mormon blogs, but I know that the most important thing is for each person to follow the Spirit for him/herself.

    I think your friend sounds like a true friend and wise.

    Thank you for everything you have posted, and God be with you 'til we meet again--

    which we never did, but--

    :)

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  8. I'm going to "sneak this in" as a "punctuation mark" to my blog, copying the words of Bill Berrett, who commented thusly at Latter-day Commentary. It is marvelous!

    "The LDS church is the gospel net which is being cast out and catches all sorts of fish. Then we have the gathering to be done by the angels who go through those fish, some of whom are smelly, and the angels seal those who are ready to a heavenly inheritance. No one with any sense will voluntarily remove himself from among the smelly fish because we are under covenant to reside with smelly fish until we become un-smelly (redeemed). The LDS church is the initial fishing vehicle. In reality, the vehicle is the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon. We use the Book of Mormon and the gospel of repentance to qualify to become “sealed” by angels and to enter the general assembly and the church of Enoch and of the Firstborn. (D&C 76:67) We live in a day where this is actually being taught by some and being accomplished by their faithful followers.

    The Book of Mormon has all sorts of interesting things to say to us, the gentile church. There are only two churches after all. The Church of the Lamb of God (Church of the Firstborn) and the church of the devil. (1 Nephi 14:14) The LDS church is the path we follow so we may be qualified for the Church of the Firstborn. It is the vehicle provided to give us all of the ordinances to qualify for Eternal life. Our goal should be to use the LDS church to qualify for the higher church of the Firstborn membership. By covenant we cannot remove ourselves from obedience to the gospel we are sworn to uphold, and the vehicle, for now, is still the LDS church as I see it. That membership (in the LDS church) cannot bar us from seeking to know God as that is our responsibility to achieve while in the flesh.

    Some are concerned that the “watchers” who have responsibility to point us to Christ are pointing instead to themselves. But our church leaders know that a testimony of man cannot save anyone. Running a corporation, even a good one, will save no one, unless that institution connects us with the Redeemer. Malls cannot save and neither can buildings or ranches. If the “watchers” are just watching the food court we are in trouble.

    There is a puzzle caused by a concern that the LDS church is silencing those who are teaching that we can and should connect with Christ. The alleged censorship began with Bruce R. McConkie who criticized Brother George Pace for teaching us to develop a personal relationship with Christ. It arguably continues as some in the church feel compelled to silence or attempt to silence voices who are teaching that we can only be saved by knowing Christ. A testimony of the prophet is only good if you want to go to the telestial realms. (D&C 76: 99-100) Eternal life can only be achieved by knowing God, not some man, even a good man. Obviously a prophet can lead men astray. Nephi warns us of relying upon the arm of flesh."

    (To be continued....)

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  9. Continued from Bill Berrett...

    "Snuffer was thrown out of the LDS church for teaching the Book of Mormon. The only way to salvation is Jesus Christ. This is what Snuffer teaches. Is that such a bad thing to teach? The church feared some mud being thrown their way. But, that may explain why the church is still under condemnation for failure to teach the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon continually calls the church to repentance.

    The Book of Mormon accuses us (the LDS church) of seeking the arm of flesh and saying “all is well,” (2 Nephi 28) instead of following the spirit. Nephi sees our day and says we have “all gone astray save it be a few.” That is because of pride, wickedness, abominations and whoredoms. The right way of the Lord is being perverted, by us. Those who call themselves Zion shall say (or even sing) “all is well.” “Yea, Zion prospereth.” (2 Nephi 28:21) Yea, Yea, Yea, we are so wonderful.

    Moroni sees us and asks “why have ye polluted the holy church of God?” (Mormon 8:38) He accuses us of selling ourselves for that which will canker. Did he see our malls. Who is the holy church of God, if it is not us? And Moroni sees our day and asks why we have polluted the holy church.

    We are accused by the Lord of treating the Book of Mormon lightly. We are still under condemnation for that failure. (D&C 84:54-58) We will receive a scourge and judgment to be poured out on us for that failure. (D&C 84:58)

    Christ taught the Nephites something that the Father commanded Christ to teach the Nephites: “At that day when the Gentiles (LDS church) shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fullness of my gospel. . . I will bring the fullness of my gospel from among them.” (3 Nephi 16:10) We’re there. The gospel was originally given to the house of Israel who rejected it and it then was given to the gentiles. Now, in the last days, it was given to the gentiles (LDS church) who have now rejected the fullness and it will now be given back to the house of Israel. The fullness of the priesthood (Patriarchal Authority) was lost by the early LDS church by the time of Nauvoo. (D&C 124:28)

    I am puzzled by various debates over the greatness of our church. Those who think the church is so great (and it is very good) fail to look at our church through the eyes of prophets as in Book of Mormon prophets. They see us as a bunch of screw-ups. Perhaps we should listen to what they say to us and about us.

    Why would anyone who is seeking the Lord voluntarily remove themselves from full activity in a church and temple while believing the church is fallen or in the process of falling? Who is more worthy of temple blessings than someone who knows the truth about what is happening? Christ continued to help cleanse the temple even though he was cast out of the synagogue and he knew the High Priest (prophet) was out to kill him. If the church severs the covenant made with an individual, then that person will be free to teach openly about what is really going on."

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  10. Will:

    I am honored that you would refer to one of my comments from another blog. I have really enjoyed reading your blogs. They have helped me develop a greater commitment to the Lord. They have made a great impact on my life and on many others I am aware of. The Lord has a work for you to do that involves blogging. I hope He will keep you going for the benefit of all of us. Thanks again and hope to learn much from you in the future.

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  11. There is no such thing as being too meek. The Lord knows how to ask what He needs from His servants and friends. If He asks you to blog in the future, you will know it. I think this latest post demonstrates your desire to choose Christ before church and before self.

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  12. Will,... In this posting you provided information that 'directly' answered a rather long conversation I had with Father. You have been a blessing to me and in the service of the Lord. I feel the power and truth to the message you provided and can feel only joy in your learning. Praise God!

    We can all learn to live without contention and what a blessed world that would be. I ask that you, after taking the time you need, will go to Father to discover His will about your blogging. I will be asking Him if He will ask you to return and encourage the rest of us on the path to Christ. There is a reason so many are seeking and we are all the more blessed with the more sure word.

    I sing the song of redeeming love since the baptism of fire and have felt an intense desire to kneel at His feet and be comforted. But it's not a walk in the park as you know.

    Bless you Will and may you be found in His embrace.

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  13. You are a good man, Will, and you're words and experiences have had a profound impact on me. I wish I could've met you in Vegas or St. George, but didn't know what you looked like.

    Does this mean that you disavow all the truths and personal rights to believe or worship to the dictates of your own conscience that you fought so hard for in your court? I don't expect you to reply, but I respectfully disagree that the Church is my vehicle to the Church of the Firstborn. That's not what the Lord has told me, so I continue on my path in the wilderness to have my calling and election (which I have already received) made sure in my flesh. I wait, of course, on my Lord and Savior, walking as He directs. God Bless, and I hope you keep us apprised now and then of your situation. Thank you for all that you've shared here. I, for one, have been blessed by your words. J.L.

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  14. WOW!
    I HAVE BEEN ALL OVER THE PLACE WITH MY THOUGHTS about all the stuff being written on so many blogs. Angry, frustrated,preachy, critical etc.etc. and have come to the way of peace myself-IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT MISTAKES OTHERS MAKE--they do the best they know how at the moment-but of me it is required to forgive ALL MEN.

    I'll save this post forever
    con

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  15. Will,

    Like I told you before, "Another Day in the Life of Will Carter". We all are your friends and seek not to counsel you. The journey you are on is yours, and you are entitled to it. Believe it or not we all judge the actions of others, but I have found out is when people put a lot of time in thinking about their actions, it generally is as it was supposed to be based on the condition of their heart...thus our journey, for good or for evil.

    I still am concerned about what I read last night in Mormon 8:28, "28 Yea, it shall come in a day when the power of God shall be denied, and churches become defiled and be lifted up in the pride of their hearts; yea, even in a day when leaders of churches and teachers shall rise in the pride of their hearts, even to the envying of them who belong to their churches." Now I understand the mantra of "follow the counsel of your church leaders", but who started this? When did that phrase come into being? If, and I mean if the leaders are called of God and they are petitioned by the Lord to give continuous counsel, and we are to obey, then are we not Israelites? When the church started the apostasy process in 1834-35, we are left now with the Spirit and the scriptures to teach us concerning our Lord and Master. Contention is not of me. saith the Lord, is a natural law and should be followed. Your journey tells you that and thus you will follow. I guess it wasn't the journey for Martin Luther nor Denver Snuffer. Contention has many degrees. Some say they are not contentious and to the ones they say they are not contentious, they appear to them to be; "wherefore the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center". Follow your heart; it is different than anyone elses.

    Those who have met you have been blessed to walk and talk with you. Your family is a product of your amazing heart. We don't feel the same things you say concerning yourself. But you are the captain of your soul and honor your course. God speed

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  16. In the words of DS:

    Anyone who attempts to undo beloved, but false, religious traditions will be hated in their generation. Thankfully, in the long run the truth will win out. God has decreed it. Therefore, even the smallest group of believers will ultimately not suffer from being outnumbered by disbelievers. God did not establish the Restoration through Joseph Smith to have it end in a pack of half-truths manipulated to support a false and incomplete narrative. The Restoration will, just as Joseph predicted, roll forth to fill the earth. But that prophecy does not establish a wealthy franchise, nor predict corporate success. The "Church of God" has always been beyond man's ability to control; no matter what enthusiastic claims men may make to the contrary.

    God's hand is moving again. He will win the argument. Be patient and let Him finish what He has started again.

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  17. I don't find posts like this too often, so when I do, I feel like I need to comment. Thank you for your truly humble, submissive attitude. As a fellow seeker, my heart goes out to you and I pray that God will bless you!

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  18. Hey Will, I met you in Phoenix. We're trying to get a list together of So Cal people who may want to fellowship. Will you email me if you are interested? Maybe we could do something at a central location to everyone - like Temecula or something? elizabethjenson@gmail.com

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