Why Was John Beloved?: A Special Friend of the Christ

 "I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be writen." John 21:25

In modern day Turkey are many ancient ruins of a people that existed in biblical times. Ephesus for example is of biblical record. An ancient city fed by a harbor that existed in a small inlet of the Aegean Sea. Lots of things have changed sense those biblical writings were made record. For example, the harbor no longer exists and was filled in with river soot long ago. However, some things still stand, like the theatre that is mentioned in the book of Acts (pictured above). 

Acts 19:28-30

"And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not."

Back ground: "Diana" or "Artimus" was the goddess used to justify many acts of fornication. Apearently the Ephesians loved their way of life and didn't apreciate Paul trying to change it. Some things never change. Eventually, Paul teaching these kinds of things ended with his execution in Rome.

Dispite these setbacks Paul had great success in Ephesus where many Jews and Gentiles became disciples of Jesus Christ. However, it wasn't long after these events that being a disciple of the Christ became a dangerous endevor. I was reminded of this by one of the locals who looked at me with a piercing eye and told me that not following what the people believed would get me boiled in oil. She may have been a little to serious and personal for my taste, however, it gave me a small feel of what it was like to be an Early Day Saint in Ephesus.

Outside of Ephesus is St. Johns Basilica. The Basilica was created in the 6th century AD. It was built over a church that was built in the 4th century AD that was allegedly built over a John's grave from sometime in the 1st century. As I was taking this picture, contemplating the huge gaps in history here and observing the left over ruins of the Basilica, I couldn't help but think that John is not there. Secretly, as I was standing there, I was hoping that John would come up from behind me and put his arm around me and say "funny, isn't it?". Instead, a british man walked up to me and said, "Have you ever read the book of Revelation?". I said, "yes many times", hoping to strike a good conversation. He then said, "this is the guy who wrote that". I said "yes, on the Island of Patmos. However he is not here". I then explained that in the book of John it says that he would live until the second comming and it was the resurected Christ that said that (John 21:22,23). He then pointed out that there is that and then there is reality. Now, understanding that it takes a great deal of faith to believe in such a thing and there is no point in dieing on that hill, I left it at that. I think he determined that I was crazy and he said, "reality people are going this way now", and he walked away. Imagine the faith it takes to believe in Jesus Christ. A person doesn't learn it from a man. After all, how can he trust a man. He gets it from a devine source (Matthew 16:15-17). Maybe there is still hope for the British (wink). I am sure that the struggles of Latter Day Saints and Early Day Saints are much the same. However, every once in a while there is someone ready for a devine intervention and it is evident in Ephesus and other places that the Gosple of Jesus Christ has reached. 

The road that lead to what was once a harbor in Ephesus.

The goddess Diana

Peter wrote his first epistle in Ephesus, Paul taught there and John and Mary had a home there. All of the Apostles were martyred with the exception of John the Beloved. Imagine that.

Of all the Christian churches that came from or evolved out of the third century Nicaean creeds, comissioned by the Imperor Constantine, None of them teach that John is alive.

How would God restore truths? The same way he always has thoughout time. (Amos 3:7)

Trip Video

 

The Sea of Timpanogos: Where Jesus Walked?

 

The Sea of Galilee also known today as Lake Tiberius

Laguna de los Timpanogos, today known as Utah Lake

Naming a body of water is a big deal to me, names can stick in history a long time and a name of a landmark can also date a period. Names are just not as enduring as they should be. It is thought that the Sea of Galilee was named from a Hebrew word meaning harp. It was believed that the shape of the lake resembled a harp in those days. But, even 2000 years ago the name was not so solid as you would think. We can look at another name of the lake as the Sea of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1). Gennesaret  being an important fruitful land on the west side of the lake. Today the body of water we know as the Sea of Galilee is called Lake Tiberius.

Interesting note, the farms of Deseret are growing corn on the west side of Utah Lake. Corn used to feed people in need in one way or another. Now that probably seems like a stretch of the imagination to make a connection; Deseret and Gennesaret. Let's look at some of the other similarities in these bodies of water.

Utah Lake on the left and The Sea of Galilee on the right.

They don't really look the same. If we were to go by looks I think Utah Lake looks like a cartoon character blowing a bubble and The Sea of Galilee looks like the African continent. If you were to guess, wich one would you think is bigger? If you guessed the Sea of Galilee then you would be wrong. Utah lake is just a little less than twice the size of the Sea of Galilee. In a newer culture we view a sea as a larger body of water than a lake. Apparently 2000 years ago the word was used differently. The name is only as accurate as it is translated correctly. But I like it. I wish the name of Utah Lake was the Sea of Timpanogos. Timpanogos was not the original name of the mountain but it was the name of the main river that feeds Utah Lake (now named the Provo River). In fact, The Escalante party named Utah lake "Laguna de los Timpanogos".  How is that for confusing names?

Interestingly, the only outlet of the Sea of Galilee and Utah Lake is the Jordan River, but not the same one. You might recognize the Jordan River as the place where Jesus was baptized and also the place where Naman was cleansed from leprosy from your bible reading.

This picture is a representation of Jesus being baptized in the Jordan River in Israel. However it is actually the Jordan River in Utah. They look strikingly similar. Can you guess which river is which?

If you guessed Israel, Utah, Israel, Utah, than you did well.

 

Both of these rivers empty into a very salty body of water. The Jordan River in Israel empties into the Dead Sea. It is so salty that even ocean fish cannot live in it, hence the name Dead Sea. The Jordan River in Utah empties into the Great Salt Lake, another overly salty body of water that has no fish in it. Both of these salty bodies of water are larger than their mother source. In fact when early explorers stumbled across the Great Salt Lake they thought they found an inlet to the Pacific Ocean.

The Great Salt Lake from Antelope Island

The Dead Sea (Israel)

The Sea of Galilee was a great source of food for ancient Israel. Likewise Utah Lake has an abundance of fish much like the Sea of Galilee. Fish from Utah Lake have been the savior from starvation for many families throughout time. Ancient people of Utah gathered at the lake to partake of its abundance. Early pioneers reported so many fish you could walk across them to another bank. Utah Lake has been the bail out of two major depressions. It's fish being delivered even by train to needful families in modern day times. The Sea of Galilee has several carp species that occupy its waters much like Utah Lake that has a 90 percent carp biomass.

 But, what kind of fish did Jesus eat from the Sea of Galilee?

This brings me back to my grade school days. Hot school lunch Fridays was always fish sticks. I never knew why, it just was what it was, and I loved fish sticks. Little did this California boy know that it had to do with a Lentin tradition.  Now that of coarse is the watered down version of the several millennia old tradition that was passed down from biblical times. That cod was delicious but was not quite the traditional fish that Jesus ate. Rather, it was more likely he ate Tilapia and that mild tasting fish was rumored to be the fish that was caught by St. Peter in the Sea of Galilee and fed the masses in Tabgha. That is why Tilapia is known as "St. Peter's fish".

There are no Tilapia in Utah Lake. However, there is a similar mild tasting fish that is very plentiful in Utah Lake.

The White Bass

I love the story of the resurrected Christ telling his disciples, “And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.”

John 21:6

 

If you have ever fished the white bass spawn in Utah Lake you can catch the same kind of numbers that Peter and his crew brought in, even without a net. Based on the current Roman(local state authority) laws you will have to do it with a fishing rod one fish at a time. It is still very possible.

Pelicans on the Sea of Galilee

Pelicans on Utah Lake

There are plenty of beards in this cowboy town. Maybe not so Rabbinical in nature. But,  perhaps one day when I am paddling the Sea of Timpanogos I will look to the shore and see the noblest beard of them all and head to shore for a chat. Or, maybe he will walk out half way and invite me.

Matthew 14:25

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

Matthew 28:7

7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

 

The Slipery Slope

Some years ago I decided to take the epic mountain bike journey up to Daniels summit through the Strawberry reservoir area and back to Spanish Fork. It was a four day journey fully loaded with all the gear it takes to ride the trails and sleep under the stars. Riding the trail on the north side of Deer Creek Reservoir I had a great view from the mountain slopes; watching mule deer graze and the counless geese taking a rest from their long migratory journey south. After riding this nine mile trail I then hit the pavement for the long uphill trek through Heber and up hwy 40 to Daniels summit. The plan was to stop somewhere before reaching the summit and make camp. However, being determind to be ahead of schedule I pushed myself harder and reached the summit just as the sun went behind the mountain. I then had the thought, "I have 30 minutes of light left", still motivated to be ahead of schedule and knowing that ahead of me is a long downhill I decided that I could make it to the ranger station before I lost all light  and with confedence of the downhill speed ahead of me I jumped on my bike ignored my fatigue, donned determination and headed for the ranger station. During this great decent the weather begain to changed. It had started raining and shortly after that, the rain was carrying a little ice in those hard stinging droplets. Still determined, I pushed through the harsh circumstances and travling with great downhill speed combined with the absents of hard peddling, my body tempeture began to drop. It wasn't long before the freezing cold had me shaking uncotrolably. At the speed I was travling I decided that this was no longer safe to continue. I puled over to the next posible clearing and in the icy rain I began to try to get control of my shivering body to set up my tent. I remember reflecting on my preperations. I debated on bringing the extra tarp because of weight. However, I remembered the prohets council, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear". With those words coming in lowd and clear I brought the extra tarp. After setting up my tent I secured the extra tarp over the top of the tent and hunkard down safe and warm for the night.  It rained all night long nonstop. I was woken a few times during the night by lightning and the sound of thunder. The prophets voice kept comming to me, "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear", and like a beautiful lullaby it put me right back to sleep. 

I awoke the next morning to the end of the sound of rain hitting my tarp. The smell was as fresh as my attitude as I was looking forward to the new days challenges. I hopped on my bike and finnished my downhill to Strawberry reservoir and soon met a difficult ascent to Strawberry ridge. Because of the rain the mud was thick and I had to stop frequently to clear the mud off of my tires. The clay was caking on so bad it would render my tires unable to move. I had to stop periodicly to clear the mud from my tires with the many sticks provided by nature.

 More so today than ever before the proverbial mud in a sinful world is caking on our tires as we push foreward in our sacred journey. We have been given many tools to help us. Much greater than a stick in the mud we especialy have been given the atonement and have been comanded by the Savior Jesus Christ to partake of the sacrament often. How blessed are we this day to have this wonderful priveledge. It is important to periodicly stop and ponder the covenants we have made. It reminds us not only to clean off the mud that can stop our forward progression but to avoid the mud altogether. 

In my journey I was now falling behind schedule because of the mud. Despite the mud I was still able to reached Strawberry Ridge. The view there is spectacular. Behind me I can see Strawberry reservoir, in front, I can see the misty clouds with mountain peaks shooting through them. To the left is my path, the begining of seemingly endless miles of single track nearly leading the whole way back home. The trail was amazing. Mostly downhill with occasional uphills to get over the mountain passes. Comming up was a very large uphill. I could see it in the distance. Like before I would try to gain my speed to carry me up the hardest part of the uphill. The momentum carried me about half way when I began to put my foot to the pedal. This methed that had worked so beautifully before. However, once again my forward progression had halted.

The traction of my tires failed because of the long nights rain. The clay on the trail had become so saturated with water on this mountain that this part of my journey had became an impassable slippery slope. My bike gave way and I slid down the mountain past the begining of the slope and off a cliff. Hanging on to a root in one hand and my bike and gear in the other hand kept me from falling into a raging waterway created by the rain. 

With everything I had I lifted my bike to the top and then myself. I knew I would need everything to get off the mountain. Exhausted, I layed there in the mud conteplating what just happend and what next? I resolved that I would push my bike up this slipery slope. Securing everything together again I began my ascent pushing my bike up the slippery slope and it was working fine until I arrived at the same point that I slipped the last time. Down I went again in the same fashion once again hanging on to a root. I don't know were I found the strength but I lifted my bike and myself again to the mud at the top of the cliff. This time more exhausted I layed there pondering what I was to do? This time dispair was setting in. I even resolved the exeptance of the damnation of my journey. Just maybe if I stayed the night there it might resolve the next day. But, a still small voice said, "did not Moses cross the red sea on dry ground?", Did not the Savior walk on water and comand his disciple to do the same? There in the mud I remembered the root that had saved me twice. I went to my knees and repented of my dark thoughts. I secured all things again and begain my ascent. I could not help but focus on the spot that I had fell twice before as I put my foot on it I looked up at what was ahead of me and I passed as if this  abominable trap was not there. 

The Lord will move a mountain if it needs be. He has not set us on this great journey to fail. But, rather to grow. May your journey be difficult and marvelous and may God show you his love on the way.

Saved By Works

 

 Agony in the Garden by Frans Schwartz

Understanding the condescension of God is beyond a lifetime of understanding that a single person can undertake. The more you begin to understand this great undertaking the more you realize you do not understand, but rather your measure of understanding is but a pebble of knowledge from a great sunsetting beach. Maybe for now it is enough to understand that the creator of this great and holy sphere we are standing on was subject to life as we know it. He was born to a mother and entered this world helpless and in need of care in the most charitable way. He indeed could not care for himself and was subject to the harsh cruelty of the mortal world. We have just a small glimpse of the Saviors life. Mostly accounts of his mortal ministry recorded and handed down in writing from the few that were closest to him. With a few exceptions the accounting we have in biblical scripture cover the expanse of what looks like about 3 years of his life. So what is in this small accounting coupled with the teachings of his Apostles and Disciples whos collective writings we call the New Testament? We have learned a lot from this treasure, to those who continue to study scripture the pebbles of knowledge from his great and marvelous work seem so very never ending.

To the higher degree, Christ's mortal ministry consisted very much in the relief of the burdens of  people he came in contact with. Where there was no hope, he gave hope by giving sight to the blind, healing those with leprosy, casting out devils and even raising the dead. He had already set in motion the great learning experience of living by the sweat of the brow at the beginnings of mans occupation of the earth. God consequently and verbally gave that understanding to our founding parents Adam and Eve. By doing so he set in motion the great university earth that we may all graduate from someday as eternal beings. Jesus in his mortal ministry did great miracles and taught his disciples to do the same. In many of these cases we may see failure amongst his disciples as they try to emulate the great works of Jesus Christ. However, at closer inspection we can see success in this attempt of the Christlike mastery. Jesus is The Master and for his students the expectations are very high. You may find that we often fail or we do our best depending on how you look at it as we mow the lawn of our crippled neighbor in an effort to ease his burdens. As we seek our discipleship with the Master may we never be afraid of failure and always work toward a better discipleship. 

Acts 3:1-8

The Greatest Work

The condescension of God is spectacular to read about. The works of the Savior and that which he taught us to do can unlock a marvelous potential in all of us. Without doubt, the final work of Christ's mortal ministry is the greatest show of love ever displayed in any recorded history. It is the essence of Paul's teachings regarding charity(the pure love of Christ). So it is with great work of standing in proxy for our failures. This work could only be done by he who was without blemish. The great Master Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the world. A marvelous work and a wonder.

Today we do not walk with Christ in his mortal ministry. However like Nephi of old we can see the condescension of God and begin to understand the miracle of Christ and walk with him in the way that he taught us when he said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25: 31-46) We can truly engage in a great work of eternal existence. In the spirit of Mathew's writings I cannot help but ponder the work of caring for a child in the context of the condescension of God. Mary, and her care for the Christ child, in Christ's "least" moment, was a work of eternal existence for all mankind. We truly can be saved by works. May our works have eternal significance as did the Savior's and Mary's and many others. God bless you in your journey.

Mary caries the Christ (click)

Nephi sees the condescension of God around 600 BC.

                                                                        

 

Blasphemy: Understanding the Beast

 

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

Revelation 13:1

In this passage of scripture we see John's description of a strange looking animal coming out of the ocean wearing man made objects and with some anti-God writings on its multiple heads. At least in the most literal sense this could be a sight to see in the most extravagant display that Phineas Taylor Barnum could have ever imagined. I suppose it is even possible in today's world of scientific developments, genetic wonders and death defying feats to create some strange looking beasty. Or, quite possibly, John's description is not so literal.

The one thing that John made so very clear in this passage is the word "blasphemy". In Fact in the first six verses of Revelation 13 the word "blasphemy" is written in some form or another four times. I would say that to understand these literal or metaphorical beasts we must first understand the word "blasphemy".

Webster's Definition:

 "The act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God."

We all know this definition. I was taught in my earliest days that saying a "GD" would land me a sure spot in one of the most fiery places in Hell. As a young man I knew for sure that it certainly would cause a little hell on earth by my mom giving me that evil eye and a look of disappointment. It was enough to keep me straight until I can gain a testimony of my own about the consequences blasphemy. If you have not noticed already you should know that this part of our culture in the USA and other parts of the world is diminishing at a rapid rate. Hollywood induced culture helps blasphemy spread like a wildfire.

Other Definitions of Blasphemy include:

- Impious utterance or action concerning God or sacred things.

- Saying something concerning God that is very disrespectful.

 -The act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence to a deity, or sacred objects, or toward something considered sacred or inviolable.

 -The act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things.

You can get a good idea through these definitions what blasphemy is. However, in my opinion the worst form of blasphemy is the denial that God exists. 

Don't get me wrong. The questioning of the existence of God can be spiritually healthy and is what leads to a more sure knowledge and truth. However, the complete denial of the existence of God is a religion of its own. It is a commitment to live your life a certain way. We are on a great journey designed for a lifetime of action. You make choices every day and you act upon them. You may be able to attempt stagnation for a short period, or, maybe it just seems as though. Whatever the case eventually you have to choose. Joshua said it like this: "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15). Sometimes I hear people state that they believe in God but not religion. Hearing that is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. It is a lie devised by Beelzebub himself. It is not even possible. Religion is the action that you do because of your belief system. James describes religion as such: "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27). To me this is the only way to know if a person truly does believe in God. As did James, I can see many other reasons that a person can profess a belief that is not valued. Mostly for worldly gain of some kind. Maybe for political recognition or possibly an able bodied person holding a sign looking for easy sustenance, the reasons are numerous. It happens. Professing is just an empty statement to me. Throughout your life you will choose to serve the God of Israel or some other god. There is no way around it. 

In Revelation 13, can John's  beast be an idea, a creed, a political movement, a government, or a philosophy? The description certainly gives the notion of some kind of worldly power. Ten crowns is a lot of crowns. My wife and I recently visited her ancestors old stomping grounds were her clansman Robert The Bruce wore only one crown. Every castle we visited was either occupied by him or he destroyed it. If it wasn't for her halo I would be more worried about what I married into. Clearly John's beast would be wielding more power than Robert the Bruce. In today's world if you picked the right earthly kingdoms 10 would be an adequate number to rule the world. "Who is like unto that beast? Who is able to make war with him?" (emphasis added from Rev 13:4). That would be a powerful entity indeed. One thing that is on the rise in the most powerful kingdoms of the earth is secularism. On my journey to explore the exploits of Robert the Bruce I was able to talk to many Scots. I was surprised at how many people told me that it was considered rude subject matter to talk about religion. So I went to an open door at the local Church of Scotland. I had a wonderful time talking to some bible thumping grandmas there. In the end I asked them, "how many young people do you have in your congregation?" The answer was a resounding "zero". They explained that young people don't want anything to do with religion these days. It must be a heartbreaking thing for a loving God to give so abundantly and then be ignored. I would ask, "is there a worse blasphemy than this?". 

 Where can such a lack of concern of the eternities come from? I suppose it has been around before Cain killed Abel. Paul battled these ideas amongst the Romans. Surprisingly these modern day movements sprung from religious entities such as The League of the Just where Marx and Engels exploited religion, seeing it as a means of pacification for the masses. Rather than, a means to gain a better relationship with God. Wolves in sheeps clothing if you will, denying God in a christian organization creating an extreme form of Blasphemy. Today many political leaders cling to these notions there were put forth by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. These teachings are nearly becoming the industrial world's standards of leadership. Marx and Engels believed themselves to be enlightened and they esteemed religious people to be small minded. If you do not know someone like this then you need to get out more. They are everywhere preying on the insecurities of everyone around them. These are they that would shout hurray at such a beast rising out of the sea giving it some strange form of worship in exchange for some stange temporary validation. Infact, about forty and two months of temporary validation (Rev 13:5). You can secure a lot of power in forty and two months and remove a lot of personal liberties with the help of "enlightened" people. We have seen it before. Here you can begin to see the natural consequences of blasphemy.

Wise words from the Apostle James:

“… If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

“Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, withersoever the governor listeth.

“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

“For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

“Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” (James 3:2–10.)

Put on you whole suit of armor. It is going to be a bumpy ride.

Restoration and Revelation

Christianity has become a huge and diverse religion in the world since the days that Paul set out, by commission, to teach the citizens of Rome and many others the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christianity most certainly has increased in stature and diversity since Jesus walked the earth and turned the heads of the Sadducees and the Pharisees charged with reforming a unified doctrinal practice in Judaism. History truly reveals mankind's struggle to hang on to a unified doctrine regarding God. Is it a wonder that the Savior Jesus Christ reveals, in great unifying wisdom, the intercessory prayer to his Father? Praying for his apostles, he says, " That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one" (John 17: 21,22  KJV). Of all the things that Jesus could have prayed for in that canonized prayer, he asks his father for unity in his disciples. I would say that he prophetically saw an onslaught of diverse paths coming. And, at the same time that I recognize the need for apologetics, I would blame the heavy emphasis of apologetics for the doctrinal faux pas in Christendom today. Even a few thousand years of debates and councils to form unifying creedalisms to unite Christianity after the death of the master Jesus Christ. For example:

The Nicene Creed:

 "We believe in one God,

      the Father almighty,

      maker of heaven and earth,

      of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,

      the only Son of God,

      begotten from the Father before all ages,

           God from God,

           Light from Light,

           true God from true God,

      begotten, not made;

      of the same essence as the Father.

      Through him all things were made.

      For us and for our salvation

           he came down from heaven;

           he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,

           and was made human.

           He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate;

           he suffered and was buried.

           The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures.

           He ascended to heaven

           and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

           He will come again with glory

           to judge the living and the dead.

           His kingdom will never end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit,

      the Lord, the giver of life.

      He proceeds from the Father and the Son,

      and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.

      He spoke through the prophets.

      We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.

      We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

      We look forward to the resurrection of the dead,

      and to life in the world to come. Amen. 

ih addition many protestant reformers layed down creeds, confessions and policies declaring the unification of a particular type of Christianity, followed by a particular group. Or, in other words, by the demise of apologetics, a divided Christendom, was left to the wind as it blows and to be tossed to and fro, and declaring in all of this wrangling, in the "name of Jesus Christ". Did we never wonder, where is the servant? Where is the admonition of Amos? who said, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7). For sure, in the formation of such creedalism, you would think there was a claim of prophetic authority. Yet, there was not, to profess such a claim would invite heavy scrutiny, pointing to the idea of a false prophet. I suppose that if God did not call me as a prophet, neither would I make such a claim. After all, these early reformers where men of faith and knew that someday they would reach the bar of judgement, and yet followers yield these ideas with the same authority as if a prophet declared them, adhering to these creeds as if a prophet has laid them down. Surely these reformers did not intend to be hailed as prophets. If they did then they would have made the claim. I am sure that by mankind's standards this was a valiant effort for unity throughout the ages. However, it strays from the formula that James set forth in James 1:5.  "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." In this small verse of scripture there are many wonders revealed. Who is James speaking to? Two hints: "any of you" and "all men". What is the formula? "ask" for "wisdom". Wait, how much wisdom do you get? a huge abundance, even a "liberal" amount. In fact, it is so much that you cannot deny the source. And, as you recieve it, in that small moment of pure intelligence you will not be able to contain the entirety of the wisdom that you have been given. This I have learned by personal experience. Now you have something very special. You have now received revelation. With a lot of practice you may even get good at retaining such great wisdom. Indeed it will make your soul enlarge.

Michelangelo painting in the Sistine Chapel

The open door of communication between God and man is the very essence of a solid discipleship with Jesus Christ. The notion that a group of writings from the past, compiled and translated by people of the past, being the last thing that God has to help you in this marvelous journey is not of God. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. God has revealed, he does now reveal, and He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. It is a good thing that Adam, while at the altar didn't subscribe to the godless idea that it has all been written down already and there is no more. Nor did Moses subscribe to this at the burning bush. Instead, they both stepped up to the plate to receive wisdom and instruction from God in very confusing times; Adam receiving instruction for his children and Moses restoring the principles in the similitude of a coming Messiah with Jesus Christ fulfilling that law as the Messiah. Whether you are preparing for the birth of the Messiah, or you are laying the foundation of his impending return, the formula is the same. Your discipleship is dependant upon personal revelation.

Extended Revelation

What could possibly be extended revelation? Extended revelation has everything to do with authority. An authorization given by he who is in authority. God being the authority to give that to whom he will. Hebrews 5:4 gives us a hint on "extended revelation" that is commissioned of God for he is in authority. It reads, "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." There are three people mentioned here that have received authority. Jesus Christ as mentioned in these verses received his authority from his Father, God himself. Melchisedec who lived in Abraham's day and was a high priest and the king of Salem (early JeruSALEM). We have no record of how exactly he received his authority (try personal revelation (James 1:5)), and Aaron who received his authority from Moses who was called as a prophet. Extending beyond this passage of scripture there are many others that have received authority in a like manner. Jesus Christ organized a church and gave people positions of authority, he called apostles, priests, teachers, evangelists, and more, each having a limited scope of authority to act in the churches name or the name of Jesus Christ within their scope of practice. These all have a right to extended revelation within their scope of practice. Some have been given special commissions such as Paul who was commanded to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Gentiles. He therefore had an expanded scope. Since we are talking about extended revelation I would be remiss if I did not talk about the expanded scope given to John, who is the author of the book of Revelation. It was given to him by commision to write down those revelations given to him by God. These passages of scripture may be the most unique writings of any passage of scripture. I have heard about every stange translation of those verses that a man can hear. You can see how much temptation there would be for a person to rewrite those passages. But John left this to help ensure the survival of his prophetic message, "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:18,19 KJV). Having been commissioned by Jesus Christ to write these things it was well within his scope to issue such a warning. I might add that John was not the first to issue such warnings. The author of Deuteronomy had also issued a similar warning in Deuteronomy 4:2 that reads, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you." Because of warnings like these, the recording and canonization of past revelations can be serious business. First, it should be within your scope of practice and second it better be right. Mystery solved as to why ancient Rabbis had a culture of exactness and discipline in Torah scribing. We truly have a loving God who requires exactness so that all can benefit from past recordings. No other history written carries the same high demands as the canonization of today's scripture. A history of past dealings, revelation and prophecy in a stamped approval by those who have been commissioned by the author of our being. 

 

Restoration

There have been "fix its" and restorations in Christianity since the very foundation and beginnings of human existence on the earth. Adam surely marveled, as we do, at what a glorious and marvelous creation, called the earth, means to him and all his children. Like Adam we can view what is surrounding us and observe all the planetary motion in the sky. I often refer to my birthdays as missions around the sun. What will I accomplish on this next great and glorious mission? Like the ancients we share the view of celestial bodies in motion. Who can resist the beauty of a breathtaking sunset? Or, who can deny the seasons, or the motion of the stars and other celestial bodies? Adam and Eve truly maveled together as they communed with God and laid down the foundation and plan for their children's eternal existence with the creator of this holy sphere. Adam walked with God in the Garden of Eden and conveyed to his children the plan including a prophetic Savior springing forth from his posterity for the salvation of all mankind. Christianity truly began long before secular history gives credit. And apostasy, straying from the plan of salvation that is, began in the earliest times of the ancients.

 Adam had an immense work to do and so did his early children. They all had to gain a personal relationship with God. There is no doubt in my mind that they were as skeptical as the children of Adam are today. And, just like today they saw and witnessed the very sphere that they walk on, the planets in motion, times and seasons, and the beautiful scent of a spring flower or the sea breeze. All these things testify of God. Surely it is enough to stop from our busy day and ask just as James and many other good disciples have prescribed to do. Adam lived beyond 900 years old as recorded in the Old Testament. It was not long after his death that a major restoration was about to take place. So great was this restoration that it could be considered a cleansing of the earth. Salvation from the waters of the great flood belong to eight human souls. A restoration and new beginning in the plan of salvation. I can only imagine the heavy yoke placed on the necks of Shem, Japheth, Ham and there respective wives as they took the role of a new Adam and Eve in the three families of the earth. They had just witnessed an incredibly destructive restoration of the plan of salvation. They must have known how important it was to teach their children correctly. How incredible it would be to have the records of those early families. For now you just have to ask (James 1:5). Family seems to be the key in all of this. Another great restoration takes place later in a man named Abram. Abram establishes his relationship with God by keeping the commandments. He was tried and tested and molded into a great man of God. So great was Abram that God called him Abraham (meaning, father of many nations). God made a covenant with Abraham and his posterity, a covenant of discipleship. Through the posterity of Abraham came Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Who came to restore truth and give salvation. No person spoken of in this writing or ever in history, has done more for the salvation of man than Jesus Christ. 

Mount of Transfiguration (click)

We are nearing 2000 years since the happenings of Jesus Christ's mortal ministry. There are huge divisions in Christianity. We have seen apostasy (a falling away) throughout the ages of mankind. Without a doubt we are no different than our predecessors. Much like the Sadducees and the Pharisees of Jesus' day we have forgot the formula of James the Apostle.  I leave my testimony of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through a divine atonement he is my Savior, and through that atoning sacrifice he has proven his love to all. God has once again in accordance to the guidelines recorded by Amos the prophet. That God will do nothing except he reveal his secrets unto his servants the prophets.

(Amos 3:7). Not by man's council nor in man's time. But rather, in God's own time and in his own way he has restored the gospel of Jesus Christ by calling a prophet and setting his servant to work. One of the great things that a prophet has done as a servant of God is he has been lead to and translated an ancient record written for these last days before the return of the Savior Jesus Christ. An ancient record written for the convincing of both Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ. Today it is known as The Book of Mormon. Things that have been restored again are temples and God's authority to act in his name as by he who has authority to give it. Not by man's certifications but rather he has called what looks like common fisherman and has made them whole and great. I invite everyone to read the Book of Mormon and apply the admonition of James. That is to Ask. Then prepare for blessings in such abundance that you will not be able to contain them, that you may know that Jesus is the Christ.

“The marvelous privilege of receiving revelation is one of the greatest gifts of God to His children — available to every one of us,”

Russell M. Nelson

A gift for you: Book of Mormon

In Joseph's words 1838

The admonition of James written by Moroni AD 421(approx)

 

Moroni buries the Record (Video)