Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics
Providing thoughtful and faithful responses to criticisms and questions of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
This is a response to a post written by Melanie Redd, entitled: An open letter to my friend who has stopped going to church. The article is inspiring, heartfelt, and encouraging. So, what is the reason to respond to this post? It is not merely the post itself, it is also the comments posted and… Continue reading Reason I’ve stopped attending Church
King David marveled at the power and testimony of God’s creation in Psalm 19. Here, he proclaims that the heavens declare God’s glory and that the firmament sheweth his handiwork (See, Psalm 19:1). The Apostle Paul also shared his insights by stating how we are without excuse because of how creation clearly reveals the eternal power and Godhead by what is manifested and clearly seen (see Romans 1:20). The Prophet Alma also commented on how all things denote that there is a God (See, Alma 30:44). When our Heavenly Father revealed unto Moses the workmanship of His own hands - Moses marveled and wondered at such a glorious work. The great patriarch Abraham also saw the endless and glorious workmanship of God’s hands (See, Abraham 3:12).
Today, our religious worship requires something more. It requires our sincere reverence and gratitude. It is a sacrifice of our own self and will. Such sacrifice comes when we call upon God, through Jesus Christ on a daily basis
Much like the Israelites, we are wandering in the wilderness and desert of life. Seeking freedom from those things that have us bound. Sin enslaves us, pressing upon us, and the more we resist, the weaker we seemed to become. Our Heavenly Father sent His Only Begotten Son to free us from the snares of sin and death. The Apostle Paul writes to the Romans wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin so also does life come from the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:12-19).
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.
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.
Faith teaches us to act in a manner to which we believe God will help us, strengthen us, and give unto us what we need to withstand the storms in our lives. Scripture is firm on the nature of our faith as it relates to God. Christ constantly chastised the disciples - O ye of little faith. Christ commented on the simplest acts of faith - I have not seen such great faith. Faith even may bring healing into our own lives - Thy faith has made thee whole. Each time Christ ministered to those individuals it is because they had sought him out.
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).
whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. ~ 1 John 2:6, ESV ~ How remarkably obvious that there are many people today who claim to know of Christ yet lack the ability to walk as Jesus walked. This incongruity is caused when an individual decides they'd rather… Continue reading To Walk as Jesus Walked
to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness ~ Ephesians 4:22-24, ESV ~ Christianity offers… Continue reading Putting Off the Old Self and Put on the New Self
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! ~ Psalm 133:1, ESV ~ Outside of our relationship with God - do we have at least one or two other people who know us. Individuals of integrity who know what really goes on in our lives, what we feel, and what our doubts are?… Continue reading Dwelling in unity with one another
If you have not already explored what it means to live a focused and mindful Christian spiritual life, then please review the ten premises explored here. In this article, the reader will hopefully gain insight on where to begin their journey toward a mindfully based spiritual Christian life. To understand what we mean by a… Continue reading Beginning the path of mindful Christian spiritual living
I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant... ~ Genesis 32:10, ESV ~ True humility begins when we are no longer shaming or inflating ourselves and begin accepting ourselves as Godly men and women. We are no better,… Continue reading Worthy in the eyes of God
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens… Continue reading Let us be content
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, ESV ~ The process of becoming a whole person, becoming a true person, and finding spiritual enlightenment… Continue reading Becoming whole and well through Christ
Today's reading Genesis 7 - 8:22; Psalm 3:1-4; Proverbs 1:20-22; and, Matthew 4:1-25 ~ The Lord calls us to enter into His grace ~ God calls us to find safety and security in His grace. Noah and his family enters into the Ark with the animals. Safely and secured, protected from the flood. While in… Continue reading Safe and secure in the grace of God
Today's reading: Genesis 5-6; Psalm 2:7-12; Proverbs 1:10-19; and, Matthew 3:1-17 ~ Noah walked with God ~ The foundation to our recovery is not only nurturing and cultivating an intimate relationship to our Heavenly Father, it requires a daily commitment to walk with Him. This separates us from those who walk in the ways of their own… Continue reading Intimately walking with God
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:32, ESV ~ We are actively influenced, and are influencing, those relationships around us. One of the greatest frustrations a person experiences in recovery is this: operating in the illusion we have control over, or others have control over… Continue reading How we love self and others reflects Christ
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands ... and purify your hearts ~ James 4:8, ESV ~ When we see how far we've strayed from the sovereign grace of God, and being the kind of person we truly desire to be, we are overwhelmed. Because, we realize how… Continue reading Draw near to God
There is a stark difference between costly and cheap recovery. Cheap recovery is the single most deadly enemy. An enemy of one’s effort toward a healthy and well-meaningful and purposeful life. We are fighting for costly recovery. What is cheap recovery? It is a cut rate recovery journey where there is minimal cost with supposed… Continue reading Costly Recovery
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. ~ Psalms 118:24, ESV ~ Everyday we engage in recovery, let it be a day of celebration. This is what the 118th Psalm reminds us of. As we surrender our life and will over to a Sovereign God, we are given… Continue reading This is His day and I will rejoice
Earlier this month, I happened across an article at Crosswalk.com by Dena Johnson - How wrestling with God will change you forever. In her article/devotional, she recounts the story of Jacob and how Jacob wrestled with a person throughout the evening. His name was changed from Jacob to Israel and became the father of the… Continue reading Wrestling with God and how it forever changes your faith and life
Questioning a Sovereign God Read Genesis 18:16 - 19:29 ~ Focusing on 18:22 - 26, ESV Last week, our study focused on Abraham and the visitation of three messengers. As we continue in our study of the life and person of Abraham, let us reflect on the nature of God's sovereignty. So the men turned… Continue reading Questioning a Sovereign God
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. ~ 1 Corinthians 4:3-4, ESV ~… Continue reading He knows and He Cares
Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics 
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