Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics
Providing thoughtful and faithful responses to criticisms and questions of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
When our Heavenly Father called Moses - we are to understand that this prophet was one of the many noble spirits Abraham saw (Abraham 3:21-23). Abraham himself was also one of those noble spirits chosen before he was born. There are some practical spiritual truths and applications that are for our learning and understanding today.
The Pearl of Great Price contains the Book of Moses, the Book of Abraham, Joseph Smith - Matthew, Joseph Smith - History, and the Articles of Faith. All inspired and brought forth for our learning and understanding (Proverbs 1:7; Romans 15:4). All scripture contains the word of God and have been preserved to come forth by His power (2 Timothy 3:14-17) where we are invited to come unto Christ (D&C 20:59).
Reason we want to have a better understanding of who Moses was is so we are able to grasp a better understanding of who our Heavenly Father is. Grasp a better understanding of who Jesus Christ is. And the central and pure doctrines of Christ. Such doctrines that pertain to God's purpose - our immortality and eternal life
The purpose of this study guide and survey is twofold: 1) to provide individuals with a chronological framework for the people, events, and books pertaining to the Old Testament. This includes the Book of Moses and Book of Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price and 2) to glean key lessons for how we can increase our testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and grow closer to our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ.
Our faith in Jesus Christ also gives us the confidence in knowing that the Lord will strengthen us and help us face whatever challenges we are to face. We need not hesitate to do what our Heavenly Father calls us to do (1 Nephi 4:1-3). Thus, our attitude ought to be one of assurance and confidence in knowing that we will be successful in whatever the Lord calls us to do - and we ought to realize that we are constantly engaged in the Lord's work.
When it comes to reading the scriptures, we are able to come to know of their worth and truthfulness. By careful study and understanding of the scriptures, we are able to come to know them. How we liken the scriptures unto ourselves is through visualization of the people, the events, and situations. What is the situation? How does it relate to my own circumstance? By likening the scriptures, we grow, learn, and receive personal insight and inspiration. Nephi shares this with us when he said: I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23). Through likening the scriptures - we also learn the principles and truths from our Heavenly Father. Finally, we want to ponder - or meditate - upon those things that are revealed through our scripture study. By meditating, we ask questions, look for the practical applications and solutions.
Feast Upon the Scriptures challenge us to read, ponder, and study the Old Testament. This devotional is the first volume and follows the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Come Follow Me Curriculum for 2022. These daily devotions challenge us to read the scriptures. Meditate upon them and apply the spiritual truths and insights… Continue reading Feast Upon the Scriptures – January Daily Devotional Available
Are we willing to pay the cost of coming unto Christ and following him? Willing to pay the cost of walking in the process of repentance in order to be reconciled? Ready and committed in putting to death our former self? How does the rich young ruler represent you? What are some of the great possessions that you have whereby it may interfere with you committing to immerse yourself in following Christ?
As President Russell M. Nelson provided his opening remarks to the October 2021 General Conference - we learn that the focus of our attention is to understand three things: Pure Teaching, Pure Doctrine of Christ, and Pure Revelation. Reflecting on this message, how have you come to understand these three principle truths? What are you struggling with when it comes to your faith in Christ? Faith in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ? and where do you feel lacking when it comes to revelation and the ministering of the Holy Spirit? Knowing that personal revelation comes through our daily commitment to scripture study, prayerfully reflecting and meditating on teachings from Church Leaders and those within our own community, and through personal fellowship and service toward others: how does this help build up your faith and testimony? Please share your comments, thoughts, and feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below. Share this with others through your social media platforms as well.
The scriptures are filled with gripping stories and challenging exhortations. People read and study from them because they are central to their lives and faith. Scriptures provide answers to the big issues in life - Who God is, Christ's infinite atonement and the plan of salvation, Life, death, love, sin, moral guidance, resilient and bold faith, overcoming and enduring persecution and times of despondence.
All these teachings helps us understand the central truth of the Gospel - Jesus is the Christ by whom we are saved. Salvation comes when we place our initial faith and trust in Him. It comes when we humble ourselves and enter into the waters of baptism for the remission of our sins. This is accomplished when we come to the awareness of our natural state and disposition. Through repentance, we receive the first principle ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The world offers us all the desires and appetites that leave our bellies full and our flesh satisfied. Unfortunately, it is only temporary and we continue to remain hungry and thirsty for more of those things of the world. When we are tempted, it may come in guise of satisfying some desire. We develop an appetite for it. Eventually, it leads us to experience death of our sense of self through Jesus Christ.
Genuine faith stems from genuine humility. Our humility and faith is shaped from those trials we face in our lives. We are richly blessed beyond measure. The challenge is to keep ourselves humble regardless of how blessed we are. I also want to add that humility is the means in which we shore up treasures in heaven and not here on earth (see Matthew 6:19-20). It is not one of many Christian Virtues. It is the root of all Christian virtues. Humility is the root of genuine faith in God.
The message and hope is found in the Book of Lamentations written by the Prophet Jeremiah. There is not going to be a complete or understandable explanation for what we are most likely going to endure in the next few months. Maybe within the next few years. We already are seeing the silencing of certain voices, censorship on an unparalleled scale. We will be standing as witnesses to greater human suffering and sorrow that past generations may not have ever seen. Many Christians are appearing to be blindly led toward false hopes and securities with the claims that Christ's coming is on the threshold of human history.
My profession of faith was more of an outwardly expression of how I wanted to be seen and thought of. It was not until realizing that the inside of me was still full of filth and grime. What needs to happen is that the cup needs to go through the process of cleansing before it is able to be filled and used. This takes faith and patience because of Christ's infinite atonement. We may be redeemed and justified before God. However, our work begins by cleansing ourselves of ungodliness. We endure. As our faith increases, so does our ability to become resilient. Spiritual maturation does not happen overnight. It takes work. It takes obedience.
Today, we do well to focus on the teachings of our Heavenly Father. Work to walk in faithful obedience to His divine and righteous council. Stand firm on the truth of His personal revelation and will for our lives. Sit with those who are working out their faith with fear and trembling and fighting the good fight (See, Philippians 2:12 and 1 Timothy 6:12, KJV).
The greatest desire is for us to attain a high level of masculinity that is influential, impacting, and inspiring. By becoming a man of influence we are cultivating a true attribute of Christ-like integrity. This significant attribute provides a means by which we are able to influence our family, workplace, and community at large.
Prayer is our connection to our Heavenly Father where we can receive divine guidance for our life He that followeth me, walketh not in darkness ~ 1 John 8:12, KJV ~ Read: Genesis 1-2:25; Psalm 1:1-6; Proverbs 1:1-7; and Matthew 1:1-25 These are the words of Christ, by which we are admonished , how we… Continue reading Trust in Christ for a Useful Spiritual Life
~Genesis 1:26-27~ When God created us, He made us like Himself; therefore we have the capacity for close, personal fellowship with Him. We can count on Him to meet our need for deep personal connection. ~ Charles Stanley - Life Principles Daily Bible, NASB, 2011 ~ Read: Genesis 3-4:26; Psalm 2:1-6; Proverbs 1:8-9; and Matthew… Continue reading Our Divine Heritage
Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile on Pexels.com ~ Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things ~ 2 Timothy 2:7, KJV Whether it is listening to a favorite broadcast, sermon, or a daily devotion - immersion into the word of God is not merely a chore to be accomplished. It requires… Continue reading Consider the Teachings
Does wealth go against Christian values and principles? Understanding Matthew 19:24 in proper context
Cares attempts to question the April 2017 First Presidency Message by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. This message titled - The Just Shall Live by Faith. In such an attempt to bring into question the heart and spirit of the message Uchtdorf provided: Cares sidesteps and makes false accusations and conclusions. In other words - Mark Cares article is just another example of how modern Evangelical Christians attempt to twist messages and scriptures in order to "Witness" to Mormons and bring them unto Christ.
Understanding the Godhead according to the LDS Church There is a Facebook Ad promoting a new book published by Truth in Love Ministries. It is entitled Crossing the Chasm: Helping Mormons Discovery the Bridge to God by Mark Cares (Founder of Truth in Love Ministries) and Jon Leach. Out of curiosity - I purchased and… Continue reading In Conversation – Trinity or Godhead
The Book of Mormon was originally published in 1830 David Padfield published a post entitled Book of Mormon or the Bible. What did he get wrong in his post? Let us examine his claims and determine whether or not he is engaging in perpetuating false and misleading information. First Claim: Paul did not mention Christ's… Continue reading Responding to David Padfields Strawman and other Logical Fallacies
According to Joseph Smith's account, he bore witness of two separate and distinct beings - the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ. Resurrected and glorified with bodies of flesh and bone. This revelation and restored doctrine continues to cause quite a stir among Protestant, Catholics, Orthodox, and Evangelical Christians. They ignorantly appear to hold to the claim that the teachings of God the Father have come down through the centuries without any change.
Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Pexels.com An article published at Beggars Bread appears to be 95 Theses Against the Claims of the Mormon Church and published by the The Elders of Christ Presbyterian Church A Congregation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church Magna, UT. These 95 claims appear to provide a response against the teachings and… Continue reading Against the False Claims of Christ Presbyterian Church – Thesis #2 King Solomon’s Temple
We have to accept the evidence and interpret it appropriately. Does this mean that God did not create heaven and earth? No, what this means is that there is the natural order of death among plants and animals that predate Adam and Eve, and the fall. Yet, death did not affect Adam and Eve until after the partaking of the forbidden fruit and the acquiring knowledge of good and evil. Death, in this sense, truly does reign from Adam on down through the ages. However, it is through the atonement of Jesus Christ that we are now free from death. Because of Christ, humanity will be resurrected unto eternal life. Regardless of whether someone believes in Christ or not, or accepts the gospel of Christ, resurrection is universal (see Revelation 20).
I am unapologetically raising my daughters with a strong conviction and bold faith that is based on love and righteousness in Jesus Christ. They ought not to walk in fear of God. Hope they do not come to a place where they believe that God is awaiting to punish them for every wrong behavior or act they commit. Instead, my hope that if they do walk in error that they are courageous enough to seek out their Loving Heavenly Father and walk in forgiveness and repentance.
Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics 
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