Loyalty

    Loyalty to God combines your faith with obedience. It involves serving, following, staying, losing yourself, being firm and focused, pondering, delighting, praising, and above all knowing God and Christ. To be loyal often means obeying before understanding, being proud of your testimony and staying true to the love that is in your heart. If you know God and love Him, then your loyalty to Him will not let you stray, but rather bring you to Him and all the blessings, love, and power that come with your relationship to Him.

*Gen 18:19 - Loyalty = obedience=blessings of the covenant

*Gen 22:12 - Loyalty to God should be above even loyalty to family

*Josh 24:15 - Loyalty = service, Judges 2:7

*Ruth 1:16 - Loyalty is following, staying, your people/God are my people/God

*Matt 6:24 - You cannot serve 2 masters, hold to the one

*Matt 10:39 - Loyalty sometimes requires you to lose yourself, 

*Rom 1:16 - Loyalty sometimes requires you to lose yourself, to lay down your life, D&C 103:27-28

*1 Ne 3:7 - "I will go and do" - Loyalty is knowing God and obeying

*Jacob 1:8 - If you know Christ, you will not rebel

*Mosiah 17:9 - Be loyal to your testimony

*Alma 48:13 - Capn' M = man of loyalty, firm in faith of Christ, sworn to protect rights

*D&C 134:5 - Be loyal to your government as long as it protects freedom of conscience

*Moses 5:6 - Loyalty sometimes means obeying before understanding

*JSH 1:25 - JS Jr stayed loyal to the First Vision

*1 Ne 17:50 - Loyalty is a combination of faith and obedience - the two most powerful things to bring miracles

*2 Ne 4:16 - Loyalty = delighting and pondering, 2 Ne 9:49 - and praising

*Alma 20:26 - Loyalty brings blessings, love, and power

Faith

     Faith. That classic mustard seed. That all-powerful essence of something hoped for but not seen. The foundation of salvation, of purpose, of life. The power by which God is, works, creates. You could spend your entire life studying faith, striving to increase it, strengthening it, fighting for it - and in fact you should, because why else are we here but to learn how to work, create, and be like God. Everyone was given a measure of faith, do not compare it to others. All you need is a seed to do wonders, but you can add faith by faith until you have a perfect knowledge. Always gaining increasing charity, hope, humility, strength, confidence, protection, comprehension, fullness of God, the Spirit(and everything the Spirit brings: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness godliness, intelligence, etc.), the riches of His glory and the inheritance of his kingdom and all that He has. Adding your faith is an active purpose, it is studying, being sound in your faith, obeying, taking care/providing for your own, it is sacrificing, it is fighting for it and against the doubt that causes you to sink, God to hide, and storms to rage. Faith is using the Atonement - the ultimate gift, power, and purpose of faith that brings Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, to dwell in our hearts and bring miracles and healing - for nothing is impossible with faith and the Atonement, even and especially the forgiving of sins and the Resurrection. Christ is praying for your faith - strengthen it, pray for it, defend it, help others do the same, and by so doing you will be united in faith, one with each other and one with God. And when Christ comes, you will have your trial of faith - the only thing that is truly yours, to enter into His love, His inheritance, and eternal life.

*Deut 32:20 - God hides from those with no faith/are perverse - He finds an end to them

*Hab 2:4 - The just(justified by faith(Rom 3:28, Rom 5:1) live by faith(Rom 1:17, Gal 3:11, Heb 10:38), their souls are upright (ultimate peace by faith in Christ - Gal 2:16)

*Rom 1:17 - Righteousness of God revealed faith by faith

*Matt 6:30, Luke 12:28 - "Oh ye of little faith" When your faith shrinks, remember what God does for the earth and its creatures

*Matt 8:10, Luke 7:9 - Jesus marveled at the faith of the man who needed but a word to heal his servant

*Matt 9:22 - FAITH MAKES PEOPLE WHOLE - yourself and others - Mark 5:34, 10:52, Luke 7:50, 8:48, 12:9, 18:42, Matt 9:29, 15:28 - daughter made whole

*Matt 14:31 - When you let doubt outweigh faith, you sink

*Matt 17:20 - You need faith only the size of a mustard see to move a mountain(Luke 17:5 - you don't need greater or more faith). "Nothing shall be impossible to you." - Luke 17:6, Matt 21:21, Mark 11:22-24

*Matt 23:23 - Faith is a "weightier matters of the law" - pay more attention to it than the outward worship

*Mark 4:40 - When fear overcomes faith, storms rage. Luke 8:25

*Luke 18:8 - "when the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?"

*Luke 22:32 - Christ prays for the strength of our faith, when yours is strong - help others

*Acts 3:16 - The name of Christ has power, but faith in the name of Christ brings miracles

*Acts 14:27 - God opens the door of faith

*Rom 3:3 - Our belief or unbelief does not change the faith of God

*Rom 3:25 - ATONEMENT works by FAITH, grace works by faith - Rom 4:16 - faith of our father Abraham

*Rom 3:27 - There is no boasting in faith, only humility

*Rom 10:17 - Faith comes by hearing the word of God

*Rom 12:3 - God has given everyone a "measure of faith" do not judge your (high or low)compared to the measures He has given others

*Rom 12:6 - Live up to your proportion of faith

*Rom 14:23 - Don't be a hypocrite with your faith

*1 Cor 2:5 - Let your faith stand in the power of God, not the wisdom of man

*1 Cor 13:13 - Faith abides with hope and charity

*1 Cor 15:14-17 - Without the resurrection, faith has no purpose

*1 Cor 16:13 - Faith helps us stay strong and endure

*2 Cor 5:7 - "For we walk by faith, not by sight:

*2 Cor 10:15 - When faith is increased, so is hope(and humility)

*Gal 2:20 - "live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved you and gave himself for you."

*Gal 3:2,14 - Spirits comes through faith

*Gal 3:26 - You are a child of God through faith

*Gal 5:5-6 - Spirit comes through faith(which comes through charity)which brings hope

*Gal 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit is more faith(and more love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness)

*Eph 2:8 - You are saved by grace through faith

*Eph 3:12 - Act with confidence by faith in Christ

******Eph 3:16-19 - FAITH=to have Christ dwell in your heart, to be rooted and grounded in love, to be granted riches of His glory, strengthened with might of Spirit, to comprehend the breadth, length, depth, and height of the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, and to be filled with all the fullness of God.

*Eph 4: 5-7, 11 - One Lord, one faith, one baptism - Or one right authority, but "one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" - all unique children of God with same divine right, also "but unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ." - We are all given various levels of grace/faith to overcome, endure, learn, help each other.

*Eph 4:13 - "unity of faith" is knowing the fulness of Christ

*Eph 6:16 - Faith is a shield to protect you from "fiery darts of the wicked" -Shield also love, helmet is hope for salvation(1 Thes 5:8), so faith and love are from the heart, hope is from the head.

*1 Thes 3:10 - Pray to perfect parts of faith that are lacking - pray that you may see God's face

*2 Thes 1:3 - Faith and charity increase together - something to be grateful for

*2 Thes 3:2 - Those without faith are unreasonable/wicked

*1 Tim 1:4-5 - Do things that are "godly edifying" in faith, charity out of a pure heart, of good conscience and faith unfeigned

*1 Tim 2:15 - Women are saved with childbearing continuing in faith, charity, holiness

*1 Tim 4:1-3 - Lots of things will lead people away from faith -love of money 1 Tim 6:10, 21, corrupt minds 2 Tim 3:8

*1 Tim 5:8 - If you provide not for your own, you have left the faith

*1 Tim 6:12 - "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life"

*2 Tim 4:7 - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."

*Titus 1:13(2:2) - Be sound in your faith, you will be rebuked if not

*Heb 4:2 - Listen to the gospel with faith

*Heb 6:1 - Faith is one of the foundational principles of the doctrine

*Heb 6:12 - Faith(and patience) are active works - don't be slothful with them! James 1:3 - the trying of our faith worketh patience *James 2:14,17,18,10,22 - Faith without works is dead, but faith with works is made perfect

*Heb 10:22-23 - Draw near to God and stand fast with faith

*Heb 11:1 - Faith is things hoped for but not seen

*Heb 11:4,6 - Like Abel and Cain, it's impossible to please God without faith since you must believe He's there

*Heb 11:17 - Sacrifices require faith(just like Christ with His sacrifice and like Heavenly Father sacrificing His Son)

*Heb 11:1-39 - Lots of examples of faith and rewards of faith - subdue/obtain kingdoms, promises, wrought in righteousness

*Heb 2:2 - Jesus is the author(authority) and finisher of our faith

*James 1:6 - Ask in faith, nothing wavering

*James 2:5 - Poor of world are often the rich in faith(as well as in the Kingdom)

*James 5:15 - Prayers of faithful will heal the sick - part of healing is forgiving sins

*1 Pet 1:7, Ether 12:6 - Your trial of faith is more precious than gold - it will be what is found with you(with praise, honor, and glory)when Jesus comes. -After 1st trial of faith, then you will have faith in greater things - 3 Ne 26:9, D&C 105:19

*2 Pet 2:5-8 - To be fruitful in Christ add to faith virtue and knowledge and temperance and patience and godliness and brotherly kindness and charity

*Jude 1:3 - Fight for your faith

*Rev 13:10 - Patience/faith of saints - Karma, all shall worship/acknowledge Christ in the end

*1 Ne 3:7 - Obedience is faith in action - knowing the Lord would not command unless a way was prepared

*1 Ne 7:12 - The Lord can do anything and will do anything for those with faith

*1 Ne 16:28 - Liahona works by faith(as with the direction of our lives)

*2 Ne 9:23 - Cannot be saved without faith(and fruits of faith: repentance and baptism)

*2 Ne 25:25 - FAITH MAKES US ALIVE IN CHRIST

* 2 Ne 26:13 - The Spirit works through faith, and together they bring Christ, mighty miracles, signs, and wonders. - D&C 35:9, 3 Ne 19:35 - there are none without faith, Ether 12:12

*2 Ne 31:19 - Unshaken faith and word is a straight path to endurance, hope, love, use of Atonement, and then eternal life. - Hel 8:15 - Looking to Christ with faith leads to eternal life

*Jacob 4:6 - Feasting on word leads to powerful/unshaken faith - can command nature. -Moroni 7 - Faith is the power to do anything expedient in Lord

*Enos 1:5-8 - Atonement works through faith - it makes you whole, it makes you clean, brings you the kingdom - 3 Ne 27:19

*Jarom 1:4 - Spirit works through you/reveals to you according to your faith

*Mosiah 3:9 - Salvation comes through faith in Christ

*Mosiah 27:14, Alma 2:30 - God answers prayers of the faithful

*Alma 14:26 - Faith brings strength unto deliverance *remember that when you are enduring

*Alma 15:10 - Faith heals(D&C 42:48, 3 Ne 17:8) Alma 34:17 - Faith brings repentance

*Alma 22:16 - Faith and repentance bring hope and salvation - Alma 57:26

*Alma 32:21 - Faith is to hope(hope not possible without faith Moro 7:42) for things not seen but are true,(Ether 12:6) faith is an imperfect knowledge - Once it is a perfect knowledge, it is no longer faith, like the brother of Jared(Ether 3:19) but once you have a perfect knowledge, then greater things are revealed(Ether 4:7)

 *Alma 48:15 - Faith leads to obedience which leads to prosperity

*Hel 5:47 - Faith in Christ brings peace

*Ether 12:4 - Faith brings hope, an anchor to soul, good works, glory to God, sure and steadfast

*Moroni 10:4 - Faith in Christ brings truth

*D&C 4:5-7 - Faith qualifies you for the work. Ask and you'll receive, knock and it's opened to you

*D&C 8:10, 18:19, 10:47, 29:6 - You can do nothing without faith - ask in faith, but not for things you know you shouldn't, ask also with hope and charity

*D&C 19:31 - Preach faith in Christ - Moses 6:23 taught to men from beginning, D&C 63:10 - signs come by faith and the will of God

*D&C 20:29 - Endure with faith in Christ

*D&C 88:118 - Seek learning/words of wisdom/best books and study and teach by faith

*D&C 138:33 - FIRST faith, then repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost, enduring AF #4

*Moses 7:13 - Power of the language of faith bring mighty miracles

*Moses 7:47 - Through faith, Zion is with you

Sustaining Church Leaders

     Leadership is a sacred calling - made holy only by the unity it requires between God and his children. God calls leaders, but we appoint them or disapprove them. If we appoint them, then God blesses them with wisdom, joy, charity, patience, faith. If we are obedient to these leaders, we receive the same blessings. It is your responsibility to make sure you are sustaining worthy leaders, then obey/follow them and help others do the same. There is great comfort in this sacred circle of unity and sustaining.

*Ex 4:16 - Words of prophet are words of God

*Num 27:19 - It's important to set/change leaders in front of congregation

*Deut 34:9 - Hearken to the leaders who are obedient and have the spirit of wisdom

*2 Chron 20:20 - Believe in prophets and you will prosper

*Matt 10:41 - If you follow the prophet, you receive same reward as prophets

*Luke 22:32 - Help others follow the prophet(part of sustaining)

*Acts 2:42-47 - Following leaders will give you increased charity and blessings - 3 Ne 12:1

*Rom 1:12 - Comfort to follow leaders, mutual faith

*1 Thes 3:7 - Comfort in unity

*Heb 13:17 - Obey/submit to leaders so they may lead with joy

*1 Ne 3:6 - Favored when you don't murmur about what leaders ask of you

*D&C 1:38 - Voice of God from the voice of servants - receive patience and faith - D&C 21:5, D&C 112:20 - Who receives servants of God, receives God

*D&C 20:63 - Licenses to do callings come from sustaining/vote of church

*D&C 26:2 - All things are done by common consent of church(by much prayer and faith)

*D&C 38:34 - God commands, voice of church appoints

*D&C 102:9 - Appointed by revelation but acknowledged by voice of church

*D&C 107:22 - Leadership is upheld by confidence, faith, & prayer of church

*D&C 124:44 - It's our choice to approve/disapprove of God's names he suggests for leaders

*Ex 7:1 - Even prophets need voices(Moses and Aaron)

*Josh 24:15 - It's up to you who you and your family who you serve/sustain

*2 Ne 7:9 - Pay attention to who you are sustaining because you will face the consequences

*D&C 36:2 - When you are sustained, you are taught by the Spirit

*D&C 124:84 - When you lead, make sure you're doing it through the Lord

Curse

     As with all things in life, curses are a choice. For God always gives the choice of life and blessings or death and curses. Curses are intricately connected to 2 things: family and land. Curses can come from parents or children and last generations. Curses leave you separate, unconnected while blessings join generations. It is by connecting family that curses are removed, by honoring parents. Curses can be covenants, sins of the lips, signs of nature, signs of skin. Curses only come from rebellion, from following Satan and desires of the natural man. To remove curses, you must simply shake off the dust/chains and put on armor and obey God. God is eager to remove any and all curses and bless abundantly through obedience and the Atonement, to give promised land and an eternal family.

*Gen 3:14 - Satan/serpent cursed to crawl on belly/eat dust

*Gen 3:17 - Ground cursed for Adam and Eve, eat in sorrow all their days, Isa 24:6 - cursed earth = desolation, D&C 61:17 - Cursed land, blessed in last days for saints to partake of fatness, D&C 61:14 - water blessed and cursed

*Gen 4:11-15 - Cain cursed with a mark so no one could kill him, cursed to not grow things but to be a fugitive/vagabond (Moses 5:36-40)

*Gen 8:21 - Lord promises after Noah to never curse earth/living things again

*Gen 9:25 - Because Ham did not respect his father, Canaan his son was cursed to be servant to his brothers' generations

*Gen 12:3,27-29 - Abrahamic covenant - to curse those that curseth thee

*Gen 49:7 - Simeon & Levi cursed(scattered/divided) because of cruel and fierce anger

*Ex 21:17, Lev 20:9, Prov 20:20, Matt 15:4, Mark 7:10 - Do not curse your parents - you will die, their blood will be on your hands, you will be in obscure darkness, "die the death"

*Ex 22:28 - Do not curse god or the ruler of your people

*Lev 19:14 - Do not curse deaf or block blind - fear the Lord - others may hear and see

*Lev 24:15-16 - If you curse God, you bear your own sins, be put to death

*Deut 11:26-28, Jacob 2:29 - Cursed if you don't obey commandments(go after other Gods)

*Deut 23:5 - Out of love, God turns curses into blessings

*Deut 27:15-26 - Cursed be those who: worship graven images, esteem parents lightly, steal, make blind wander, perverteth judgement, sexual sin, violence, bribery, hears the law and disobeys

*Deut 28:15-68, Deut 29 - YIKES! If you do not obey, you will be cursed in EVERY aspect of your life until you are destroyed - Jer 11:3

*Deut 30:7-11 - If you do keep commandments, it's your enemies who will be cursed in every aspect of their lives

*Deut 30:19 - God has given us the choice: life/blessings or death/curses

*Josh 8:34 - Book of law contains list of blessings(Dan 9:11) and curses -  2 Crong 34:24

*Neh 10:29 - People entered into a "curse" to obey God's laws - can a curse be a covenant then? - Acts 23:12 - People bound "curse" to kill Paul

*Job 1:5 - Job sacrificed in case His children cursed God

*Job 1:11 - The battle over Job between God and Satan was because Satan said he would curse God and God said he would not - the battle they have over all of us.

*Job 2:5-10 - Job's wife said to just curse God and die, he didn't. Cursing is sinning with your lips. -Job 3 - He cursed his day/himself, but not God(Jer 20:14). - Job 31:30, Ps 10:7(deceit, fraud, mischief, vanity, Ps 62:4 - hypocrites curse with heart - Jer 48:10

*Jer 35:18 - desolation=curse

*Psalms 37:22 - blessed to inherit the earth, cursed are cut off

*Prov 3:33 - Curse the unjust

*Prov 27:14 - Waking others up early will be a curse to you :)

*Isa 34:5 - Cursing is part of judgement

*Jer 17:5 - Cursed to trust in man/depart from Lord - Dan 9:11, 2 Ne 4:34 something Nephi knew, 2 Nephi 28:31 - only trust men led by the Holy Ghost

*Zech 8:13 - Lord uses you as a curse to your enemies

*Mal 1:14 - Cursed be the deceiver(someone unwilling to sacrifice), robbing God (Mal 3:9, 3 Ne 24:9)

*Mal 2:2 -- Hear, give glory, put word in your heart or your blessings will be cursed

*Mal 4:6, 3 Ne 25:6 - If you do not turn towards each other(genealogy), the earth will be cursed

*Matt 5:44, Luke 6:28, 3 Nephi 12:44 - Bless them that curse you, don't curse back - Romans 12:14

*Matt 25:41 - To be cursed is an everlasting fire preapred for devil and his angels

*Matt 26:74, Mark 14:21 - Peter cursed/swore he didn't know Jesus

*Mark 11:21 - If you don't have faith/are fruitful - you will be cursed(like fig tree having no root or branch)

*John 7:49 - If you don't know the law, you are cursed - as well as if you don't follow the law - Gal 3:10

*Gal 3:13 - Christ has redeemed you from curse of law/since you can't follow perfectedly

*James 3:9 - We bless God and curse men with same tongue - DON'T

*2 Peter 2:14 - Unrighteous people have cursed children

*Rev 22:3 - Curse will be removed from the earth - Alma 45:16 - blessing and curse = land

*1 Ne 2:23 - Cursing from God comes from rebellion

*1 Ne 17:35-38 - When children rebel, God curses land - no power over it, when we obey land becomes blessed(see promised lands - a sacred and holy inheritance, even in heaven) - Jacob 2:29, 3:3

*2 Ne 1:18 - Cursing often lasts generations(sword, famine, hated, led and captive by devil)

*2 Ne 1:22-24 - What to do to not be cursed/destroyed: armor of righteousness, arise from dust, shake off chains and obscurity, no more rebellion - Alma 23:18

*2 Ne 4:6 - Curses can be put all on the parents and not the chilren

*2 Ne 5:21,24-25 - Curse of dark skin, become scourge to unrighteous-Jacob 3:3, uncursed become white/fair - 3 Ne 2:15

*2 Ne 29:5 - Careful who you curse, because it will return on your own head

*Alma 3:19 - You always bring on your own curse/condemnation

*Alma 17:15 - Children can be cursed because of parents

*Alma 30:53 - Following Satan and natural man = cursed -Moses 5:52

*Alma 32:19 - More cursed if you "know" and transgress instead of "believe" and transgress

*Hel 13:21 - Can be cursed because of riches/love of riches

*D&C 41:1 - He "delights" in blessing us with "the greatest of all blessings" but for those who profess His name and hear not, they are cursed with heaviest of all cursings

*D&C 121:16 - Cursed if you complain about anointed - saying they are sinning when they are doing what God commanded

*D&C 124:93 - Prophet has power to bless, curse, bind, loose

*D&C 128:18 - Baptisms for the dead/welding link between generations is what will lift curse

*Moses 5:25 - Repentance always prevents cursing

*Abr 1:24,26 - Ham's generation cursed to the priesthood, cursed by land(although later blessed with land and wisdom)

*Abr 2:11 - "bless them that bless thee, curse them that curse thee" opposite of cursed = eternal life, blessings of the gospel

Authority

     Authority means you are chosen and ordained. It is intricately connected to Christ as all authority is subject unto Him and the sole purpose of spiritual authority is so that Christ may be glorified and praised. God and Christ are the ultimate authority to call, to allow servants to speak, preach, baptize, give Holy Ghost, call and ordain others, rule, teach, judge, learn and use scriptures, raise children, open and inherit kingdoms, and in short, administer to all spiritual things. Authority comes from lineage, it can be lost and restored and are the keys to dispensation. Authority among men can easily be lost or taken and must be used as sacred trust in connection with faith, charity, and the Holy Ghost. We all have authority over ourselves and our respective callings - so take care how you use it and make sure you're always using it to direct yourself and others to Christ.

*Ex 3:12 - God uses authority to call prophets(Moses) - whose purpose is to bring people back to Him Eph 4:11, 2 Chron 24:19, Isaiah 6:8 (you also have authority to accept callings), stays with them and supports them

*Ex 7:2 - God gives authority to speak for Him, Ezek 2:7 - to preach -D&C 42:11

*Matt 8:9 - Authority requires faith - that people will do what you ask, also faith to be called to do what you are asked to do - Ether 12:10

*Matt 10:1(Luke 9:1) - with authority comes power against and over unclean spirits, sickness, disease - Mark 1:27, Acts 19:13-16

*Matt 21:23 - People questioned Christ's authority - astonished He taught with authority -Mark 1:22

*Mark 13:34 - Christ gave authority to His servants and has authority to send them(Isa 48:16, Jer 7:25) - to preach, baptize - like Noah - D&C 68:8, Moses 8:19

*Luke 19:17 - Christ builds your authority after seeing what you do with a little

*Luke 22:29 - God and Christ have authority to appoint kingdoms, give authority to open kingdom on earth - D&C 112:21 *When you don't have authority and act like you do - you lose the kingdom - 1 Sam 13:8-14, 2 Chron 26:16-21

*John 5:27 - Christ has authority to judge. All judges must have authority - Alma 11:2

*John 5:45 - Christ has authority of His Father's name - doing everything His father taught Him - John 8:28

*John 15:16 - Authority means to be chosen and ordained, given power to bring fruit, have answered prayers

*John 20:21 - Through Christ's authority, we are sent to do His will - just as He was sent by God

*Acts 13:3 - Priesthood/laying on of hands = authority, ordained-Acts 14:23, *2 Ne 5:26 - Authority to consecrate priests and teachers

*1 Ne 2:22 - Through God's authority you can rule and teach - Alma 17:3, Luke 10:1 - 2 by 2s, 70s - Titus 2:15 - Let no man despise thee - preach, rebuke, exhort

*Mosiah 21:33 - without authority you can't baptize

*Alma 25:5 - The authority of men can easily be usurped, or corrupted Mosiah 24:8

*Alma 49:30 - It is a holy order of God when you are called to preach - D&C 18:26

*3 Ne 18:36-37 - Christ gave apostles/disciples power to give the Holy Ghost-cannot be bought Acts 8:9-20, Acts 19:6

*D&C 20:2 - JSJr called/ordained of God, D&C 27:8 - given priesthood

*D&C 25:3 - Authority to call and forgive sins *D&C 63:62 - Be careful how you use the Lord's name if you don't have authority, it's in vain

*D&C 107:8 - Mel priesthood has authority in administering spiritual things

*D&C 113:8 - Strength of Zion is the authority of the priesthood, which is a right by lineage - once lost then restored - Abr 1:3 - conferred upon the fathers

*D&C 121:39 - Almost everyone that gets even a little authority must be very careful to exercise righteous dominion - do it with charity, faith, and the Holy Ghost (v. 40-46)

*D&C 128:9 - Every dispensation of the priesthood comes with the authority and power to bind on earth and in heaven.

*D&C 134:10 -  Religious authority gives rights to try men on religious grounds, not for property, life/politics

*AofF 5 - Authority is one of our tenets of faith - that you must have the RIGHT authority to preach, baptize, give Holy Ghost, and administer

*Acts 18:24 - Apollos was "might" in scripture - gave authority to convince people Jesus is the Christ

*1 Peter 3:22 - All authority is subject unto Christ

*1 Peter 4:11 - You have authority to preach/minister SO that Christ may be glorified/praised

*Moses 6:58 - You have authority over your children

*D&C 11:15 - Make sure you don't preach until you are called to do so

*D&C 84:21 - Without authority of priesthood - there is no power of godliness

*D&C 110:16 - Authority is part of teh keys of the dispensation

*D&C 121:37 - With an degree of unrighteousness, authority is withdrawn.

Promised Lands

     Promised lands are holy - for they are sacred places of righteousness and freedom - places to raise children in liberty, free to teach and practice worship to the Lord, free from confounding of true principles. All that is required to have these blessings, these tender mercies is obedience and faith to the Lord. It is a place to build Zion/New Jerusalem - to fulfill prophecies of the scattered people being reunited in the Lord. If you become lost, or a stranger in the land without land of your own - you may always repent and be returned to land. Promised lands are so sacred, that they are on par with being promised seed/posterity/children(to be like God) and if you remain faithful, you will keep your land in the eternities.

*Gen 12:1,7,13:14-17,15:7,18,17:8,24:7, Abr 2:19, Gen 26:3, 28:13(35:12, 48:4), 48:21, 50:24, Ex 20:12, 32:13, Deut 1:8, Deut 34:1-4, Josh 21:43, 1 Chron 16:18, Psalms 105:11, Acts 7:5, 3 Ne 20:14 - The Lord covenants to give seed and land and land to seed. Land is as great a promise as children/posterity.

*Num 27:12 - When children of Israel wer disobedient they were lost, without land. Once they obey, they get land (Num 34:1-12)

*Heb 11:9 - By faith, you can sojourn in the land of promise

*1 Ne 2:20, 7:13, 18:23, Ether 13:2, 2 Nephi 3:2 - must be obedient, faithful to keep land of promise

*1 Ne 5:5 - Lehi rejoices in(for)promised land, 12:1, 13:14 - multiplied land of promise

*1 Ne 10:13 - Led to the promised land to fulfill prophesy of being "scattered"

*1 Ne 13:30 - This promised land is choicest above all others - must be righteous to be in it. - Ether 1:42, 10:28, 13:2, 2:7

*1 Ne 14:2 - promises that come with land - blessings, fruitful, no captivity, no confounding

*2 Ne 1:5-7 - No one comes to the land of promise unless led by the Lord and as long as they are obedient they will always have it and freedom and liberty - 2 Ne 10:11, Ether 2:7

****D&C 38:20 - If you've been promised land as an inheritance, it is also yours in eternity

*2 Ne 9:2 - When you repent(Jesus), you are restored to your lands of promise

*Jacob 2:12 - precious ores within promised land

*Ether 6:12 - Being led to promised land is tender mercy, much cause for rejoicing

*Ether 13:8 - New Jerusalem to be built in land of promise

*D&C 103:11, 109:64 - The scattered people will return to their promised lands and build up Zion

*Abr 1:16 - Lord had to remove Abraham to a "strange" land because of the disobedience of the people, the Lord will take to the safety of a promised land if you are obedient

Guidance, Divine

     The majority of the time you must seek/ask for divine guidance. The Lord provides many ways to guide you - through prophets, warnings, signs, nature, chastenings, angels/messengers, temples/mountains, divine tools(scriptures, gifts, visions, prayer) and above all, the Spirit. All divine guidance takes a sincere heart, meekness, a willingness to obey(otherwise, why would He trust you with His guidance?), repentance, etc. All of these are the same efforts you make to become more like Christ. The rewards for having faith in His guidance is the inheritance of His kingdom with its accompanying blessings and eternal life. He brings peace and rest to your sou, making you like an eternal spring/watered garden with the fruits of patience and love - you will be like Christ - an ultimate reward in itself.

*Gen 24:27 - The Lord's guidance is in the creation of families, seek His help to find a spouse - helped servant find Rebekah, (uses SIGNS as divine guidance)

*Ex 13:21 - Led the people of Moses by a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night(uses NATURE as divine guidance)

*Psalms 23:2 - He leads us by "still waters" makes you lie in "green pastures" which restores your soul, protects you, comforts you, anointest you, His guidance brings us back to Him and all His blessings

*Psalms 25:5,9 - He leads in truth, you must be meek to accept His guidance

*Psalms 27:11 - With His guidance, the path becomes plain.

*Proverbs 3:6 - If you acknowledge Him in all your ways, He will direct you on all your paths

*Isaiah 58:11 - He will satisfy your souls in drought, make your bones fat, make you like a watered garden, or a spring of water that never dies - make you like Christ.

*Amos 3:7 - Guides you through PROPHETS

*Matt 4:1 - Even Jesus had Divine Guidance, was led by the SPIRIT

*James 1:5 - If you want guidance, you have to ask for it - it will be given to you liberally - guided by PRAYER and REVELATION

*2 Thes 3:5 - God will direct your heart towards love and patience and ultimately to Christ *Good scripture to memorize as a parent

*1 Ne 2:16 - Nephi had great desires to know the mysteries of God, and the Lord guided him by visiting him and softening his heart.

*1 Ne 4:6 - Nephi led by SPIRIT, not knowing what to do - D&C 38:33 - God leads servants with unbeatable POWER to go wherever He needs them

*1 Ne 16:30 - Guided by directions of Liahona - SPIRITUAL TOOLS

*1 Ne 18:3 - Nephi went to mountain often to pray for guidance, the Lord showed him great things - VISIONS

*2 Ne 5:5 - Guided by WARNINGS

*Mosiah 26:14-15 - Guidance came after faith and pouring out soul to God - VOICE OF THE LORD

*Alma 48:16 - God guides you to safety and deliverance when you keep commandments and resist iniquity (Captain Moroni) - D&C 20:71 - be inspired by COMMANDMENTS

*Hel 10:3 - Nephi was pondering when voice came to him -Moses 6:24 - heard VOICE OF THE LORD

*Ether 2:5 - Lord guides by a cloud with his voice - NATURE and VOICE OF THE LORD

*Moro 10:4 - God will guide you(manifest truth to you) by the HOLY GHOST if you: 1. ASK in the name of Christ 2. With SINCERE HEART 3. REAL INTENT 4. FAITH in CHRIST - D&C 6:14 - Ask often and you will receive instruction

*D&C 8:2 - Guided by the HOLY GHOST telling you in your mind and heart - it is a gift, same as Moses had

*D&C 11:12 - Put your trust in the SPIRIT which leads to do good, do justly, walk humbly, judge righteously

*D&C 78:18 - Be of good cheer for Him to guide you. Blessings of guidance = kingdom and blessings and riches of eternity.

*D&C 112:10 -  Be thou humble, Lord shall lead thee by the hand, give answers to prayers

*JSH 1:12 - With great force and every feeling of the heart

*1 Kings 3:12, 4:29 - Through GIFTS a wise, understanding, large heart

*Matt 28:20 - If you obey, He is always with you. 

*1 Ne 11:25 - Rod of Iron = Guide to God's love - SCRIPTURES

*Moses 3:19 - Guides by the SPIRIT if 1. Yields to it 2. Put off natural man 3. Use the ATONEMENT 4. Become like a child 

*Alma 8:14 - Guided by an ANGEL

*D&C 95:1 - Guides by CHASTENING

Mysteries of Godliness

     The mysteries of God are endless, just like Him. To seek to know the mysteries and to come to know them is eternal life. In order to know mysteries, you must reverence God, have a desire, keep the commandments, repent, exercise faith, do good works, pray always, and have an open heart, ears, and mind. The Spirit will reveal things to you - through the scriptures, through prophets, through visions. The prophet holds the keys to mysteries, the priesthood is the power to learn and preach the mysteries of God. Seek to understand the mysteries of God, including His endlessness, the Atonement, love, marriage, death, and resurrection. In His own due time, and through your faithfulness, ALL mysteries will be revealed.

*Deut 29:29 - Secret things of God revealed to you and your children

*Psalms 25:14 - Secret things revealed to those who fear(reverence)God

*Dan 2:28 - Revealed through dreams

*Matt 13:10-11 - Parables given to understand mysteries so only those who want it will get it - Mark 4:11, Luke 8:10 

*Romans 11:25 - Those who are ignorant of mysteries become calloused and lost

*Rom 16:25 - Priesthood power to preach and reveal mysteries, prophet has keys to mysteries - D&C 28:7, 35:18, 84:19, 107:19, Mysteries of scriptures revealed to prophets - JSH 1:74, Prophets are stewards of mysteries - 1 Cor 4:1

*1 Cor 2:7-10 - Restoration of mysteries - blessings beyond what you imagined - revealed by prophets to all men - Eph 6:19, Eph 3:9

*1 Cor 13:2 - You can understand all the mysteries, but without charity you are nothing

*1 Cor 14:2 - Mysteries revealed by speaking through the Spirit

*1 Cor 15:51 - A mystery - death is not sleep but a change

*Eph 1:9 - He will let you know the mystery of His will

*Eph 5:32 - Love and marriage = great mystery of God

*Col 1:26 - Mystery hid from ages - salvation through Christ - now revealed, mystery of faith. - 1 Tim 3:9, 16

*1 Ne 2:16 - Pray/desire to know the mysteries of God - given soft heart to believe, ask and you'll know all the mysteries that bring you joy - D&C 42:61

*1 Ne 10:19 - Diligently seek mysteries and you will find them

*2 Ne 27:22 - God reveals in His own time - to all faithful will reveal all - D&C 76:1-8, D&C 101:33

*Jacob 4:8 - Unsearchable are the depths of His mysteries - impossible for man to know them all

*Mosiah 1:5 - Scriptures reveal mysteries. Some mysteries are very basic to you - Christ - but great to others - always remember that. Without scriptures all mysteries are lost and so are we. - Mosiah 8:19, Alma 37:4

*Mosiah 2:9 - To understand mysteries, open your ears, your heart, your mind

*Alma 10:5-6 - You can be given to understand mysteries and yet still rebel

*Alma 12:9 - When you know mysteries - careful who you share with and when you share - if at all

*Alma 26:22 - To know mysteries: repent, exercise faith, do good works, pray always, use knowledge of mysteries to bring others to repentance.

*Alma 40:3-4 - Resurrection is one of God's mysteries

*D&C 6:7 - Seek for wisdom, not riches - then you'll know mysteries and be rich(have eternal life)

*D&C 19:10 - Mystery = God is endless!

*D&C 77:6 - Sealed book of John contains mysteries

*D&C 97:5 - blessing=expounding of scriptures and mysteries for edification

*D&C 93:28 - Keep the commandments and you will receive more light and truth and know all things by the Spirit. - D&C 121:26

Priesthood, Power of

     The power of the priesthood is God's power. It is entrusted to man to do God's work on earth, that through personal purity and righteousness, the priesthood can be used to preach and teach and testify to bring all children to God through the saving ordinances: faith, repentance, baptism, Holy Ghost, new names, endowment, sealings, endure - it is what helps us achieve eternal life. It is the power that has been given the final time to men on earth - to build and govern and strengthen Zion, to perform miracles and heal and rule all things. It is what ultimately brings us to Christ and helps us become like God.

*Matt 10:1 - Christ gives apostles power to heal and cast out unclean spirits and power over enemies, they won't be hurt - Luke 10:14, Mark 3:15

*Matt 28:18 - Power of priesthood is all power in heaven and earth

*Acts 4:7 - Power to teach and testify, in every tongue(De 90:11), it becomes scripture (D&C 68:4) - 1 Cor 2:4, 1 Ne 2:14, 2 Ne 1:27, Mosiah 13:6, 3 Ne 7:17, D&C 138:30, Micah 3:8

*Acts 6:8 - With faith, it is the power to do wonders and miracles - Acts 19:11

*1 Cor 4:20 - Building the kingdom

*1 Ne 17:48 - Power = protection against enemies - Moses 8:18

*D&C 45:8 - power of miracles, of the Atonement, of eternal life

*Abr 1:18 - Given to Abraham

*D&C 50:27 - He who has the priesthood is possessor of all things, all are subject to him

*D&C 84:20 - Ordinances(eternal life): endowed, sealing, records D&C 128:8, 132:7, 105:11 - power to teach

*D&C 112:30 - Priesthood given for last time in the last days, Zion puts on her strength - D&C 113:8

*D&C 121:36 - Priesthood power is power of heaven - can only be used through and for righteousness

*Moses 7:31, Moro 10:31 - Zion governed by priesthood - Isa 52:1

*Gen 32:28 - New name with power

Man, Physical Creation of

     God is the Great Creator. Through His word(Christ Eph 3:9)He has created ALL things, first spiritually then physically. He created this world and through its dust He created man and through man He created woman. He created His children for His glory - for them to become His children. He created them, their agency, and their redemption. He knows and loves us because He made us. If we always remember this, we will not murmur, but we will give back to our Creator and find true happiness and become like Him - our own creators to continue His work and His glory.

*Gen 1:26-27 - Man and woman are created in God's image(also image of His spirit - Ether 3:15-16) - given dominion/commandments, Gen 5:1, Col 3:10, Moses 7:27, Moses 6:9, Alma 12:22, D&C 20:18-19, Moses 2:26, Abr 4:26-27

*Gen 2:7 - Formed from dust of the earth and breath of God/life, created first spiritually, then physically. The dust returns to the earth, the Spirit returns to God, dust belonged to Him, so do we(Ecc 12:7, Mosiah 2:25) - D&C 77:12, Moses 3:5,7

*Gen 2:22 - Woman made from man's ribs "bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh" Abr 5:17, 1 Tim 2:13

*Job 4:19 - We are "houses of clay" 

*Isa 43:7 - God has created man and woman for His glory - Isa 45:12, Matt 19:4, 2 Ne 29:7

*Mal 2:10 - We all have only one creator, one father, we are all brothers and sisters - Luke 3:38, Moses 6:22

*Phil 2:6 - Created in His image to become equal with Him

*1 Ne 2:12 - Keep in remembrance who created you and you will not murmur, and you will be a happy people - 4 Ne 1:16 (struggle=not calling on your creator) - Morm 5:2

*1 Ne 17:36 - Created both man and earth that man might possess it

*2 Ne 2:15-16 - Created man AND his agency AND opposition

*Alma 1:4 - God created all men, but He also redeemed all men

*Jacob 4:9 - God created man through His word - Mormon 9:17 - created dust, miracles through His word

*Mosiah 4:21 - God created you and everything you depend on - share and give back

*Alma 18:32 - He knows us because He created us.

*D&C 93:10 - The worlds, men, everything made by, through, and of Him

*D&C 107:43 - As Seth is like Adam, we will be like God

Murmuring, Murmur

     Murmuring seems to be the beginning of all destructive seen. Those who murmur do not understand/have faith in the Lord. They do not understand His powers or miracles and therefore complain for things they do and do not have. They are weak in suffering and assume suffering is because the Lord hates them. They murmur in their hearts and to others until they have grown in hatred and pride and are led to iniquities and bloodshed and become ungodly. Those who murmur will be chastened or destroyed. Those who do not murmur are those who have faith, recognize blessings, power, and love of God and are the favored people.

*Ex 15:24, 16:2, 17:3 - Children of Israel are big time murmurers, Num 14:2, 16:49, Deut 1:27, Psalms 16:25, Josh 9:18 - "because the Lord hateth us" he has ____

*Isa 29:24, 2 Ne 27:35 - Those who murmur will learn doctrine, those who err in spirit will come to understand

*Luke 5:30, 15:2, 19:7 - Pharisees were murmurers

*John 6:41 - Jews during Christ's time were murmurers, John 7:12

*John 6:43 - Jesus said "murmur not among yourselves" do all things without murmuring-Philip 2:14

*1 Cor 10:10 - murmurers are destroyed

*Jude 1:16 - murmurers are ungodly

*1 Ne 2:11 - Laman and Lemuel were the kings of murmuring -17:17 weak in suffering -16:20, 2 Ne 5:4 - to the point of bloodshed, 1 Ne 3:31 - do not know/believe God's powers/miracles, 17:49 - Nephi commanded them to stop

*1 Ne 3:6 - Those who do not murmur are favored of the Lord - you have to learn to recognize blerssings 17:2

*D&C 9:6 - Do not murmur for your circumstances, they are all wisdom in the Lord

*D&C 25:4 - Do not murmur for circumstances you have not had

*D&C 75:7 - You will be chastened for murmurings of your heart

Stiffneckedness

     Stiffnecked people are proud and rebellious against God. Like so many groups throughout history(Children of Israel, Jews who crucified Christ, Nephites before coming of Christ, Nephites before destruction, Lamanites, etc.) they are those who murmur, forget God, do not understand His teachings but demand things they cannot understand, they follow precepts of men and do not believe in miracles or repentance, they resist the Holy Ghost and prophets and persecute the righteous. In order to remove stiffneckedness, the Lord sends tribulations and stumbling blocks, prophets with plain speech to remind them of death and destruction and keep them in remembrance of God's law. Or you could remove your own stiffneckedness simply  by reading the scriptures, repenting, and purifying your heart. That's the way I choose. Remember if you have a stiffneck and are proud, there is no room for repentance or miracles - the only way you can be healed.

*Ex 32:9 - Children of Israel are a stiffnecked people(Ex 34:9, 33:5, Deut 9:6, Mosiah 3:14, Jer 17:23, Jacob 6:4)

*2 Ne 25:28 - Speak plainly to stiffnecked people so that they cannot misunderstand your testimony, will stand as a witness against them - if you deny Christ, you deny prophets and law

*Hel 5:3 - Nephites were stiffnecked people before coming of Christ

*Hel 9:21, Hel 13:29 - The Lord suffers the stiffnecked but they have an awful destruction waiting for them unless they repent.

*Deut 10:16 - Purifying your heart removes stiff necks

*Deut 31:27 - Stiffneckedness=rebellious, 2 Chron 36:13

*2 Chron 30:8 - Removing stiff necks(service)=entrance into the Lord's sanctuary

*Psalms 75:5 - Speak not with a stiff neck

*Isa 48:4, 1 Ne 20:4 - When the Lord knows your stiffneckedness, He gives you humbling experiences

*Ezek 2:4 - The Lord sends prophets to the stiffnecked

*Acts 7:51 - The stiffnecked resist the Holy Ghost, it works according to faith(Jarom 1:4,) stiffnecked won't search knowledge and they refuse to understand(2 Ne 32:7)

*1 Ne 2:11-12 - Signs of those who are stiffnecked = murmuring, no respect for the spiritual, are unfamiliar with the God who created them and His dealings, pride, costly apparel(Jacob 2:13), led by precepts of men(2 Ne 28:14)

*2 Ne 6:10, 10:5 - Jews who crucified Christ = stiffnecked people - Jacob 4:14, looking beyond the mark, demanding things they can't understand, receive stumbling blocks, quick to do iniquity, slow to remember (Mosiah 13:29)

*Enos 1:22-23 - The Nephites were stiffnecked people - nothing could save them except exceeding harshness, plain speech about the death and destruction that awaited them without repentance, continually keeping them in fear of the Lord, don't believe in miracles or repentance, persecute the righteous, delight in bloodshed, love iniquity(all ways of devil) - Alma 26:24, Alma 20:30, Alma 15:15, Alma 9:5, WofM 1:17

*Alma 37:10 - The Book of Mormon made to convince and help the stiffnecked

*Hel 4:21 - Scriptures can remove your stiffneck

*3 Ne 15:18 - Stiffnecked cannot understand prophets/prophets commanded not to speak to them, they build churches for gain, twist scriptures - Morm 8:33

*D&C 5:8 - Stiffnecked kindle God's anger, revokes his commands -D&C 56:6

*D&C 112:13 - God sends tribulations to unstiffen so He can come and heal. *because if you don't believe in miracles or repentance how can you ever be healed?

Dependability

     Dependability is really the thing that will get you through life, helping you endure and serve and maintain your faith. It is a crowning jewel on every trait for someone who is dependable in their faith, their obedience, their charity. Obedience brings you the kingdom immediately but dependability gives it to you in the end. Be dependent on God and His word and you will become dependable, receiving all blessings connected to it.

*Psalms 118:8 -  It is better to trust in God than man

*Prov 3:26 - Lord is thy confidence, shall keep they foot from being taken

*Prov 31:11 - Be the kind of woman who others can safely trust, do others good all your life

*Luke 12:33 - Your good works become a treasure you can depend on

*1 Cor 13:8 - Charity is the one thing you can depend on, everything else falls/fades

*Gal 5:10 - Have confidence in those who will stick to their views/opinions

*2 Thes 3:4 - Be the kind of person others can have confidence in obedience

*Heb 6:11 - Dependability will help you have hope, diligence, AND ENDURANCE

*1 Ne 3:7 - Nephi is one of the most dependable people I know, probably because he has full confidence in the Lord and depends on Him. - 2 Ne 6:2 -many others depended on him because of his confidence -2 Ne 4:19, 34-35 wo to. him who trusts man. 

*Mosiah 5:15 - Dependability(steadfast/immovable) and abounding in good works will bring you heaven, salvation, and eternal life - Abr 3:26. D&C 70:15 - Many blessings D&C 84:80 - temporal blessings - body, limb, joint, mind not wearied or darkened, a hair will not fall unnoticed, never go hungry or athirst.

*Mosiah 7:19 - If you ever have trouble having confidence in God, look at his passed works

*Alma 48:13 - Captain Moroni = dependable(firm in faith of Christ, dedicated to his oaths)

*Alma 53:20 - Armies of Helaman - "true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted" -exceedingly valiant for courage, strength, activity.

*Hel 10:4 - Be dependable as a missionary - seeking God's will and keeping commandments

*D&C 18:3 - Rely on the scriptures

*D&C 82:24 - The kingdom is yours, and will be forever, if you are steadfast

*JSH 1:59 - Sometimes dependability is required for keeping commandments

Thanksgiving

     Thanksgiving can be a consecrated sacrifice for it can be a sacrifice to give up mourning and selfishness and instead develop a glad, humble heart that recognizes God's greatness. Those who are rooted in their faith and testimony of Jesus Christ live close to the Spirit and humility and therefore naturally abound in thanksgiving.  They therefore abound in the blessings of giving thanks - including entering into the gates of heaven, receiving things of the earth more than a hundred fold and being made glorious. It is also a protection from evil and a way to give back to God in a never ending cycle of love. It is what will bring you into the presence of God, both here on earth and in heaven.

*Lev 7:12 -  Thanksgiving is a sacred ritual/sacrifice used to be given through unleavened breads always with oil

*Lev 22:29 - Thanksgiving should be made of your own will

*Psalms 95:2 - Come into God's presence with Thanksgiving - entry into gate - Psalms 100:4

*Psalms 147:7 - Sing your thanksgiving

*2 Cor 4:15 - Everything is for your sake and through thanksgiving it comes back to God

*2 Cor 9:10-12 - Thanksgiving is like the never ending cycle of a bountiful crop, give even more thanksgiving for a beautiful cycle(seed to fruit to food for many to more seeds to more fruit to more ability to feed)

*Phil 4:6 - Let all your requests be made with thanksgiving

*Col 2:7 - Those who are rooted and built in faith abound in thanksgiving

*1 Tim 4:4 - Every creation of God is good - refuse nothing without thanksgiving

*Rev 7:12 - Along with thanksgiving - give to God: blessing, glory, wisdom, honor, power, and might

*Alma 34:38 -  Things to help you live in Thanksgiving daily - the Holy Ghost, taking the name of Christ, humility, sincerely worshipping

*3 Ne 10:10 - Mourning can turn to joy and thanksgiving

*D&C 46:7 - Thanksgiving is a protection against temptations and evils

*D&C 136:26 - Thanksgiving/Happiness - praise with singing, dancing, music, prayer

*D&C 59:15-22 - Those who give thanks with cheerful countenances/glad heart will be rewarded with things of the earth. D&C 78:19 - made glorious, 100 fold and more

*D&C 89:11 - Use everything with prudence and thanksgiving

*D&C 97:12-13 - Temples are a place of thanksgiving

Sacrifice

     Sacrifice is an act of faith, of obedience, of rejoicing, of thanksgiving, of worshipping, a way to show testimony, and a way to receive revelation. It is a way of representing the sacrifice of our Savior, a sacrifice that is infinite and eternal and which we should ponder often and continuously invite into our lives. Without our sacrifice of a broken heart and contrite spirit, Christ's sacrifice does not work. Sacrifices can be part of a covenant, a way to separate ourselves from sin, a cleansing step for true repentance. The sacrifices you make(especially that of service and love to God and his children with all your heart, soul, understanding and strength, through tithes, offerings, time, talents, means, and temple service)will be part of your final judgement. It is a type of priesthood power. Sacrifice with a sincere heart and it will be a protection and a blessing to you, bringing you ever closer to that ultimate sacrifice, the Atonement.

*Gen 22:9 - Abraham to sacrifice Isaac - sometimes God just wants to know what you'd be willing to give up for Him. Heb 11:17(by faith), Jacob 4:5, D&C 138:13

*Ex 3:18 - Sometimes sacrifice requires a separation - go into the wilderness

*Ex 12:27 - Sacrifice can sometimes be made out of gratitude/remembrance

*Ex 20:24 - Make an altar, the sacrifice, then receive blessings. Lev 17:5 - also bring peace, Deut 27:7 - also rejoice

*Ex 22:20 - If you sacrifice to anyone but the Lord - you will be destroyed, do not sacrifice to evil. Deut 32:17, Hosea 11:2, Mal 1:8, 1 Cor 8:4

*Lev 1:3 - burnt sacrifice must be male without blemish and offered voluntarily - similitude - Deut 15:21, 1 Cor 10:20

*Lev 3:1 - Peace offerings can be male or female without blemish - sprinkle blood on altar

*Lev 7:1-11 - Laws/rules regarding different sacrifices

*1 Sam 15:22 - To obey is better than to sacrifice

*1 Kings 18:38 - Elijah sacrifices and people believe

*Ezra 6:11 - make sacrifice to go along with prayer to ask for blessings

*Neh 12:43 - Sacrifice made as a way of thanksgiving

*Psalms 4:5 - Sacrifice made as an act of faith - Heb 11:4 Abram made sacrifice by faith/which is why it was better than Cain's. Moses 6:3 - Also Seth.

*Psalms 40:6, Heb 10:3, 5-8, 12, Heb 7:27 - Christ's sacrifice is superior so once He has made it, they are no longer required.

*Psalms 50:5 - You can make covenants through sacrifice

*Psalms 51:17 - Sacrifices=broken heart and a contrite spirit, D&C 97:8. You have to make this sacrifice or His sacrifice does not work 2 Ne 2:7

*Psalms 106:37 - Do not sacrifice your children to devils/other gods - Ezek 16:20

*Prov 15:8, 21:27 - Sacrifice made by wicked is abomination, make sure you do it with sincere heart - Isaiah 1:11

*Prov 21:3 - To do justly and with judgment is better than to sacrifice

*Dan 11:31 - Evil will take away daily sacrifice

*Amos 5:25(Acts 7:42) - God will ask you about your sacrifices

**Micah 6:7-8 - No matter how much you sacrifice, it will not be good unless you are serving the Spirit, doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly.

*Zeph 1:7 - The Lord has prepared a sacrifice for you.

*Mark 9:49 - Sprinkle sacrifices with salt as a cleansing

*Mark 12:33 - Worth more than all your sacrifices is to love God with all your heart, soul, understanding, strength, and to love your neighbor more than self.

*Luke 2:24 - Sacrifice when a son is born = 2 turtle doves/pigeons

*1 Cor 5:7 - Purge out/sacrifice your sin to become clean - use Christ's sacrifice

*Heb 5:1, Heb 8:3 - Sacrifice is a priesthood ordination - uses the power of God

*Heb 13:16 - God is well pleased with sacrifices requiring doing good and praying

*1 Peter 2:5 - A temple built to do sacrifices in

*Rev 2:14, 20 - Some people corrupt law of sacrifice, eat offerings and commit fornication

*1 Ne 5:9 - Sacrifice is a way of rejoicing

*Mosiah 2:3 - Actual sacrifice/burnt offerings = Law of Moses, 3 Ne 9:19-20 - Burnt offerings no more, only sacrifices now are broken heart and contrite spirit

*Alma 34:10 - An infinite and eternal sacrifice made not by human, but God

*Mormon 4:14-21 - evil=human sacrifices to idol gods

*D&C 59:12 - Sunday is a good day for sacrifices - of time, talents, means, service

*D&C 64:23 - Now is the time of sacrifice and tithe - it is a protection/blessing

*D&C 97:12 - Sacrifice for the temple - D&C 84:31 - and in temple -D&C 124:39

*D&C 132:50 - Sacrifices are a step to repentance

*D&C 138:2 - Reflect on the Savior's sacrifice often

*Moses 5:6 - Sacrifice = an act of obedience(sometimes blind)

*Fac 2, Fig 2 - Revelation comes when sacrificing

Commitment

     Commitment is a deeper, higher level of faith and brings the same powers and blessings and miracles as faith. It removes fears, brings hope and love and the power to endure. It is what will help you receive eternal life. When you commit to God and His kingdom with a fixed heart and a singleness of mind, with full purpose of soul, might, and strength - then everything will be given to you, everything will work out for your good and though you may be persecuted and suffer, you will be blessed with the love of God and eternal life. You will be built on a rock, always doing, always looking forward, always being prepared for what will come. Commit daily and HEARTILY. Commit because of love, because of trust, because the Lord has already wholeheartedly committed to you.

*Num 14:24 - Those who are committed and who follow diligently are chosen

*Deut 6:5, 26:16(Mark 12:30, Moro 10:32, D&C 4:2, Kings 23:3, Psalms 119:10, Morm 9:27, D&C 11:20) - Commitment should be with all your heart, soul, might, mind, and strength

*Deut 10:12 - Commitment should be with respect, obedience, love and service

*Josh 24:14-25 - Choose this day(and every day) to commit yourselves to the Lord's service

*Ruth 1:16-18 - Prove to others that you are committed, even until the end

*1 Sam 12:24 - Let your commitment be based on the great blessings you've already been given

*Psalms 37:5 - Committing and trusting bring miracles and blessings

*Psalms 112:7 - With a fixed heart trusting in Lord, you will fear no evil, Dan 1:8 - Daniel had a purposed heart

*Joel 2:12-13 - Commitment sometimes includes fasting, mourning, remembering kindness of the Lord

*Matt 4:20 - Fishermen/Apostles committed immediately

*Matt 6:33(3 Ne 13:33) If you are first committed to God and His kingdom, everything else will be added unto you.

*Matt 7:24, Luke 6:47-48 - Commitment is building house upon a rock

*Matt 8:22 - Follow 1st, let dead bury dead, ok to delegate, let things take care of themselves

*Matt 19:21 - Give to the poor, do not worry except to follow Christ

*Luke 9:62 - Do not look back once you have committed

*Luke 12:43 - Blessed is the servant found doing. (James 1:22 - be doers of the word and not hearers only)

*Luke 14:28-29 - Part of commitment is planning/preparation for future

*Luke 23:46 - commend=commit, Christ committed His Spirit to the Father

*John 8:31 - True disciples are committed

*John 13:37-38 - Peter's heart was always in the right place - always wanting to be true - sometimes he faltered

*John 14:15 - "If ye love me, keep my commandments" simple commandment

*Acts 2:42 - The commitment of converts - Mosiah 5:5, Mosiah 18:10 

*Rom 1:15 - Commit as much as you have in you

*Rom 6:17 - You are a committed servant to your choices/what you obey

*Col 3:23 - Do it HEARTILY

*James 2:24 - By works and faith you are saved, be committed to both

*1 Pet 2:23 - Commit even when you suffer and the world says fool - Matt 5:10, Alma 1:25, 5:26, 23:6

*1 Pet 3:13 - Nothing can truly harm you when you follow good

*1 Ne 2:3 - Lehi fully committed

*1 Ne 3:7 - The Lord is commited to you and has already prepared a way for you to fulfill your commitments

*2 Ne 31:20, Jacob 6:11, Omni 1:26 - Commitment to Christ and his commandments will bring you to eternal life

*Alma 5:57 - In order to truly commit, you need to separate from all wickedness

*Alma 38:2 - Some people are just born committed - it's a gift

*Alma 46:21 - Serious commitment when consequence is you will be rent like a garment if you become unfaithful

*3 Ne 18:9-11 - Sacrament is a huge blessing to renew commitments and blessings

*D&C 20:37 - Truly committed means you take on the name(D&C 20:77 - the sacrament is taking on his name)

*D&C 36:7 - "singleness of heart" D&C 88:68 - "minds become single to God"

*D&C 59:11 - Keep the Sabbath holy, be obedient all days, all times

*D&C 78:7 - Being committed is a way of preparation

*D&C 90:27 - Commitment is service, prayer, faith, obedience, remembering and if you commit to those things, everything will work out for you

*D&C 97:8 - Those who are committed to the point of a broken heart, contrite spirit - your sacrifice are accepted by the Lord.

*Abr 1:2 - Before commitment, you need desire(faith)

*3 Ne 29:8 - The Lord is committed to you.

*Luke 4:8 - Your commitment can rebuke/dismiss Satan

Protection, Divine

     Divine protection prepares, preserves, protects, and delivers you. If you have faith, hope, and courage and are obedient to the commandments and covenants you have made then no enemy shall ever harm you - you will be protected, both physically and spiritually. Your life, your health, and your soul shall all be saved. Not only shall you be saved, but your descendants will be saved as well. Not only that, but some might be converted to the Lord because of the protection you receive. Protection comes in many forms: destruction of enemies, peace to your soul, warnings, guidance, shield from fire/weapons, the Atonement, filled with the love of god, administration of angels, heaven is opened, etc. All you have to do is be obedient, have faith, love the Lord, and call on His name.

*Gen 15:1 - "Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward."

*Psalms 3:3 - The Lord is: shield, glory, lifter of thy head

*Gen 45:7 - The Lord prepares, preserves, delivers - 1 ne 5:14, Moses 7:61 - preserves through all dangers

*Ex 12:23 - The Lord will smite your enemies - the blood on your door(the Atonement) is your protection - evil will pass by you. - D&C 89:21

*Ex 13:21 - The Lord leads by day(cloud pillar) and by night (fire pillar) - Isa 4:5 - guidance and protection - what is guiding you is also protecting you.

*Num 14:9 - No fear when the Lord is with you.

*Psalms 18:1-3 - The Lord is strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, buckler, horn of salvation, high tower - you will love Him, trust Him, praise Him, call upon Him, and you will be saved from enemies.

*Psalms 31:23-24 - Love the Lord and have faith and He will preserve you and "plentifully rewardeth the proud doer." If you have courage and hope, He will strengthen your heart. - Psalms 145:20

*Isa 29:8, 2 Ne 27:3 - If you fight against the Lord, your soul will be empty.

*Isa 52:12(58:8) - The Lord will go before you, His glory will be your reward(your light will break forth, your health will spring forward, they righteousness will go before you)

*Isa 54:17, 3 Ne 22:17,  D&C 7:9-10 - no weapon against you will work, every tongue that speaks against you will be condemned, D&C 109:25 -  He who digs a pit for you will fall in himself

*Isa 66:12-14 - Gives peace like a river, He will comfort you, your heart will rejoice, your bones will flourish, hand of the Lord will be known, indignation given to enemies.

*Jer 15:20 - You will be like a wall of brass - they will fight against you but not prevail, the Lord is with thee and will save and deliver thee.

*Jer 20:11-13 - Those who fight will stumble, not prosper or prevail but have everlasting confusion. He will deliver the soul of the poor.

*Zech 2:5 - The Lord will be a wall of fire around you and glory in you.

*Matt 28:20 - The Lord is with you even unto the end of the world

*Mark 16:18 - Apostles will drink poison and not get hurt.

*Eph 6:11, D&C 27:15 - Put on the whole armor of God and you may withstand all the wiles of the devil.

*1 Ne 2:2, Alma 27:12 - Sometimes the Lord protects through warnings - just leave, do not fight

*1 Ne 22:14, 2 Ne 10:16 - Those who are not for the Lord are against the Lord, all nations who fight against Zion will turn on each other and be destroyed

*1 Ne 22:17 - He will preserve righteous, enemies will be destroyed by fire -D&C 63:34

*2 Ne 9:53 - Your covenants protect you and your seed

***Hel 5:24, 43-48 - Protected by a pillar of fire - from both inside and out - protection = not just physical but filled with the love of God, peace to your soul, administration of angels, heavens opened.

*3 Nephi 4:30 - Protect as long as you call for protection

*D&C 45 - 66-67 - Zion = land of peace, refuge, safety - glory of the Lord is there, also terror of the Lord to keep enemies away

*D&C 89:18-21 - Covenants = protection = health in the navel, marrow in the bones, wisdom, great treasures of knowledge(even hidden treasures), run and not be weary, walk and not faint, destroying angel passes by you.

*Dan 3:23-26 - Shad, Mesha, Abed = protected from fiery furnace - walked with God in the fire

*Dan 6:16-23 - Dan was not hurt in lions den because he believed in his God

*Mos 13:2-8 - Abinadi is protected as long as he needs to carry and deliver God's message

*Hel 16:2-3,6 - Samuel protected from stones/arrows - protection helped some believe in his message

*D&C 97:25 - Protection comes from obedience

Dream

     God uses dreams to appear, communicate, command, and warn. Angels/servants of the Lord can also appear, communicate, command, and warn through dreams. Dreams are often given in symbols. It is a gift to dream and also to interpret dreams. Be careful of false dreams, be careful of whom you share your dreams with.

*Gen 20:3 - The Lord appears in dreams. -1 Kings 3:5

*Gen 28:12 - The Lord communicates through dream symbols. Gen 41:1, Gen 42:9, Judges 7:13, 1 Ne 8:2, Dan 2:1, Dan 7:1 dreamed and wrote down 1 Ne 1:16

*Gen 31:24 - God speaks through dreams. Num 12:6(speaks in dreams, manifests in visions), Gen 37:19, Matt 27:19

*Gen 37:5 - Be careful who you share your dreams with. 1 Ne 10:2

*Gen 40:8 - Some people are called to interpret dreams. Dan 2:28, 1 Ne 15:21, Gen 41:25

*Deut 13:1 -Be careful of following dreamers(prophets, friends, relatives)who follow false gods, Alma 30:28

*1 Sam 28:6 - The Lord can stop dreams

*Jer 23:32, 29:8, Zech 10:2 - The Lord is against those who prophesy false dreams/those asked not to share - Alma 30:28

*Joel 2:28(Acts 2:17) - gift of dreams is often given to old men

*Matt 1:20, 2:19 - Servants of the Lord appear in dreams(to communicate messages)

*Matt 2:20 - Warnings given in dreams - 2:22, Ether 9:3

*1 Ne 2:2 - The Lord commands through dreams, 3:2

*2 Ne 27:3 - It will be a nightmare for all nations that fight against Zion - like a man who dreams he's eating/drinking and wakes up hungry/thirsty

*Jacob 7:26 - Life passed as a dream - lonesome/solemn wanderers - cast off from home, born in tribulation and wilderness - hated by brethren - mourned the days

Called of God

     Being called of God is one of the 13 tennants of our faith. Being called and chosen encompasses having a desire in your heart to serve, to obey, to sacrifice, to have great faith and to give great love. It is an ordination - a covenant with God, a two way promise that you will do what you have been called foreordained to do. Callings are a "preparatory redemption" that help us become more like God, more like a man or woman "after the Lord's own heart." Do not treat callings lightly - in or out of church organization - for they are a sacred part of this life and your relationship with God.

* Ex 3:10 - Moses called to go unto Pharaoh to save God's people

*Ex 28:1 - Aaron and sons called to minister, 40:13 - washed, clothed, anointed, and sanctified(also what you do when you make covenant - when you're called of God it is a two way promise

*Num 27:23 - Called of God, laid hands on head and given charge

*1 Sam 16:1-13 - Samuel called to find prophet after Saul - one of Jesse's sons, David - youngest called, the Lord looketh not on outward countenance when He calls

*Jer 1:5 - The Lord knows you, calls you, ordains and sanctifies you before you were even born.

*Ezek 2:4 - Ezekiel called to preach to the stiffhearted

*Amos 7:15 - Amos called to prophecy

*Matt 4:21 - 12 Apostles called and immediately followed, Luke 6:13, 3 Ne 12:1 - called and given power to baptize

*Luke 10:1 - Jesus called 70, sent them out 2 by 2 to prepare His way, John 15:16 - ordained with power to bring fruit and miracles

*Acts 1:24 - You can pray to find out who has been called

*Acts 6:4-5 - Apostles call 7 assistants, set apart

*Acts 9:17 - We are called to help one another, bring miracles to each other

*Acts 13:2 - The Holy Ghost will tell you where you are called

*2 Cor 10:8 - When you are called, you have authority

*1 Tim 2:7 - Ordained, you can preach and assign and call to action

*Heb 5:4 - Must be called and ordained to minister

*1 Ne 2:2 - The Book of Mormon came because people who were called obeyed.

*Alma 13:3 - You can be called and prepared from the foundation of the world due to foreknowledge of God and due to your faith and good works, always choosing good, having great faith. Holy callings are preparatory for redemption.

*3 Nephi 12:1 - Blessed are you if you hear and follow those who have been called

*D&C 1:17(20:2) - Called Joseph Smith. Called to prepare for calamities to come

*D&C 9:14 - "Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you" - you will be protected

*D&C 20:60 - Every calling is to be ordained and blessed

*D&C 42:11 - The church is organized - no one is to go forth unless called and ordained to do so

*D&C 90:11 - Everyone will hear the gospel in the last days by those called by Christ through the Holy Ghost

*JSH 1:28 - When you are called of God - different things are expected of you

*AofF 5 - We believe that a man must be called of God - to preach and administer

*1 Sam 3:20 - All people can get witness/testimony of callings from God

*1 Sam 9:16 - Is it not just with church callings that people are called(kings, military)

*1 Sam 13:14 - Be man/woman after that Lord's own heart and you will be called to do great things

*1 Sam 15:17 - You can seem little/insignificant to yourself - but the Lord has big things for you

*Isa 6:8 - Lord says "whom shall I send?" and I said, "Here I am, send me"

*Luke 9:59-60 - Sometimes when you are called, you have to give up important things

*1 Cor 1:26-28 - God calls the foolish and simple to confound the wise - don't get haughty in your calling

*1 John 5:19 - Have faith in your calling/self - know that you are of God

*D&C 4:3 - If ye have desires to serve God, ye are called to work

*D&C 95:5 - Many are called, but few are chosen. D&C 105:35 - There is a day of calling and a day of choosing - let those chosen be worthy

Persecution

     No wonder they tell you to rejoice when you are persecuted - for the rewards are incredibly high. You have to be firm in your testimony to endure persecution, not only endure but to love your enemies. Persecution is a strong sanctifying power - one that will bring you closer to God, His love, and His power. Do not fear it, do not hide from it, do not sorrow in it - persecution will bring you closer to God and more like Him.

*Psalms 10:2 - "The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor"

*Isa 52:7, Jer 11:19, Mos 14:7 - The way Christ was persecuted: as a lamb to slaughter, sheep to shearers, opened not his mouth, they sought to cut him off that His name would be remembered no more.

*Matt 5:10, 3 Ne 12:10, Luke 2:22-23 - "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, endure to the end and shall be saved - Matt 10:22, D&C 101:35

*Matt 5:12, 3 Ne 12:12 - rejoice in persecution for your reward in heaven will be great

*Matt 5:44, 3 Ne 12:44, Romans 12:14, 1 Cor 4:12(suffer it) - pray/love/bless/do good to those who use you/persecute you

*Matt 13:21, Mark 4:17 - If your testimony is not strong enough, you will be offended by persecution

*Matt 23:34-35, Luke 11:49-50 - Those who persecute prophets have the blood of all persecutions on their hands.

*Luke 13:34 - How oft He would gather, but they would not - they chose to persecute

*Luke 21:12 - There will be much persecution in the last days

*John 5:16 - The Jews persecuted Jesus - way before the last days of His life.

*John 15:20-21 - If they persecuted Jesus, they will persecute you.

*John 16:2 - The time will come that when people persecute you, they will believe they are doing it in God's name, for righteousness sake

*Acts 7:51-52 - Those who resist the Spirit are those who persecute the prophets, those whose fathers persecute also persecute(*another name for Christ:the Just One)

*Acts 7:59 - Stephen was stoned to death - Paul also stoned, Acts 14:19, more persecutions of Paul:2 Cor 11:24-33

*Acts 8:1 - Great persecution scattered the people of the church, Acts 13:50, Acts 11:19 - Being scattered helped them preach to a wider audience - blessings from heaven

*Acts 9:4-5(22:7, 26:14) - Christ asks Saul why he persecutes Him

*Rom 8:35-39 - NOTHING(including persecution) can separate you from the love of God

*1 Cor 4:9 - "persecuted but not forsaken"

*2 Cor 12:10 - Take pleasure in persecution for Christ's sake - "for when I am weak then am I strong"

*Gal 1:23-24, D&C 121:38 - It is possible(thank God for it)for those who once persecuted to repent and become preacher

*Gal 4:29 - Those born of the flesh persecute those born of the Spirit

*2 Thes 1:4 - have paitence and faith in your persecutions

*2 Tim 3:12 - "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution"

*Rev 6:9 - Under the fifth seal are all the souls who have been slain by persecuters, Rev 12:13 - another revelation that I don't understand about a dragon and a woman

*1 Ne 18:11 - The Lord allowed Laman & Lemuel to persecute Nephi in order to show forth his power, fulfill His word

*2 Ne 9:30 - Wo unto the rich who persecute the poor, meet, etc. - Hel 3:34 - persecute because of pride, great evil, 2 Ne 28:13

*2 Ne 26:8 - The righteous who follow prophets, look to Christ - will not perish, not withstanding all persecution

*Mosiah 27:2 - King Mosiah made persecution illegal, Alma still persecuted = chastised by "nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people" - 27:13

*Alma 14:9 - Alma & Amulek forced to witness persecution

*3 Ne 6:13-14 - Some people were humble with persecution, others took revenge - split the church

*4 Ne 1:29 - Persecution began because they were jealous of miracles/blessings of faith

*D&C 40:2 - James Covill - received word with gladness "but Satan tempted him and the fear of persecution and the cares of the world caused him to reject the word."

*D&C 45:53 - Those who persecute will feel the lamentations of their actions

*D&C 88:94 - Woe to the great abominable church who persecute the saints

*D&C 98:23 - If you bear persecution patiently, you'll be rewarded

*D&C 99:1 - Sometimes you are called to preach when there is already persecution

*D&C 101:1 - Sometimes you're persecuted for your own transgressions - those who can endure chastening can be sanctified

*D&C 122:7 - If all matters of persecution come to thee, it will give experience and be for thy good

*JSH 1:23 - From a young age, JS dealt with persecution

*Acts 28:22 - Be open minded to those who are persecuted

*1 Ne 8:33 - Part of the iron rod/tree of life is to hold steady while others mock/persecute

Deliverance

     Deliverance is an intricate part of the gospel, a direct and powerful result of faith. the ultimate goal of the plan is to be delivered, both from death and sin. Christ is known as the Deliverer, the plan is called "the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death." We find the power of deliverance by faith, prayer, humility, diligence, and obedience to the commandments, and going to the temple. We must rejoice in our deliverance, share it with our neighbors. We must not shun from the process of deliverance, but always be grateful and follow Christ's example of deliverance. Deliverance, much like the mother to her newborn child, is a process of pain yet ultimate joy, peace, prosperity, authority, and godliness.

*Gen 32:11 - Deliverance from enemies/brothers - Dan 3:17 - Shad, Meshach, Abendigo delivered from fire and king. - Col 1:13 - from the power of darkness.

*Ex 1:19 - Hebrew women deliver different than the Egyptian women...deliverance as a pregnancy term vs. deliverance from enemies - both mean relief, freedom, something new

*Ex 3:8(Acts 7:34) - God "comes down" to deliver us

*Ex 12:27 - The Lord both delivers and smites, be on the Lord's side

*Judges 2:16 - The Lord raises people who will deliver(Judges 3:9, 13:5, Moses 1:26, Acts 7:35 - Moses called to be a deliverer

*Judges 10:13 - "Ye have forsaken me, and served other gods; wherefore I will deliver you no more."

*Sam 17:37 - The Lord has delivered you and will deliver you. Have faith in deliverance

*Job 36:15 - He delivers the poor - D&C 56:18 

*Psalms 39:8 - He delivers us from our own transgressions, all our troubles, the workers of iniquity/bloodthirsty men - Psalms 54:7, 59:2, 140:1

*Psalms 81:7, 107:6 - The Lord comes when you call for deliverance - Joel 2:32

*Psalms 86:13 - Delivers us from the lowest hell - Prov 23:14 - in order to deliver, he must use the rod

*Psalms 116:8 - "Thou hast delivered my soul from death - 2 Cor 1:10, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling

*Prov 28:26 - Those who trust their own heart will not be delivered, but those who walk wisely will

*Eccl 8:8 - Wickedness will not deliver you - Ezek 33:12

*Isa 38:17 - Do you have bitterness instead of peace? The Lord can deliver you , put all your sins behind Him

*Isa 46:4 - "I will carry, and will deliver you." - bless and deliver you forever - D&C 108:8

*Ezek 7:19 - Nothing, especially money, will not be able to deliver you - only the Lord - Dan 3:29

*Dan 6:27 - Deliverance with signs and wonders in heaven and earth

*Amos 2:14 -In the day of judgment, the mighty cannot deliver themselves

*Obad 1:17 - "Upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness" - go to the temple to find deliverance and holiness.

*Matt 5:25(Luke 12:58) Enemies can also deliver you - most likely into a "prison" - Matt 10:17, Mark 13:9, Matt 18:34

*Matt 6:13(Luke 11:4, 3 Ne 13:12) - deliver us from evil(temptations, but reserves unjust for punishment-2 Peter 2:9) - thine is the kingdom, the power, the glory

*Matt 20:19 - Christ was delivered to the Gentiles(to Pilate Matt 27:2, Mark 15:1, Luke 9:44), to be mocked, scourged, and crucified-Mark 10:33, Luke 18:32

*Matt 27:42-43 - Those who crucified Christ mocked His power of deliverance

*Luke 4:18 - Part of Christ's mission was to preach deliverance to the captives

*Luke 10:22 - "delivered to me" = given authority

*Acts 7:25 - "he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not." Sometimes it's the simple things we don't understand.

*Rom 8:32 - God delivered His son to us, He has already made the ultimate sacrifice, He will deliver all things to us.

*1 Cor 15:24 - Christ will deliver the kingdom to His father

*Thess 1:10 - Jesus delivers us from "wrath to come"

*Heb 11:35 - If you are not delivered in your trials, you have a "better resurrection"

*Jude 1:3 - Even faith is delivered to you.

*1 Ne 1:20 - Faith makes you mighty unto the power of deliverance(and obeying the commandments Moses 5:23)(and prayer D&C30:6)(and humility and diligence D&C 104:80) Alma 15:2, 14:6(Alma and Amulek break free), 1 Ne 4:3

*1 Ne 3:29 - The Lord delivers enemies to you(and from you), from destruction 1 Ne 17:14

*2 Ne 9:11 - We will all be delivered from death/the grave

*2 Ne 11:5 - "The great and eternal plan of deliverance from death"

*Alma 4:14 - Deliverance=remission of sins, great joy in resurrection, all made possible by the will and power and deliverance of Jesus Christ

*Alma 7:13 - The Atonement/Crucifixition/Resurrection gave Christ power of deliverance

*Alma 9:28 - While Christ has the power of deliverance, Satan has the power of captivation - you choose to reap either power by your works

*Alma 36:27 - "And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him and he will still deliver me."

*Alma 46:7 - Rejoice in your deliverance, D&C 138: 15,23

*Alma 58:11 - The Lord gives you peace, faith, and hope for deliverance in Him

*D&C 8:4 - The Spirit of Revelation will deliver you from your enemies

*D&C 24:1 - Joseph Smith was delivered from enemies AND the powers of Satan

*D&C 39:10 - Keys to Deliverance: baptism, repentance, Holy Ghost, faith/endurance

*D&C 78:11-12, 104:10, 132:26 - Do not break covenants or you will be delivered to power of Satan

*D&C 95:1 - The Lord has prepared a way for deliverance

*D&C 109:32 - "we plead before thee for a full and complete deliverance from under this yoke."

*D&C 136:26 - Help your neighbors be delivered - help them find that which was lost

*D&C 138:23 - Another name for Christ: the Deliverer from death and the chains of hell

*JSH 1:17 - The power of deliverance is immediate from Satan's grasp when the Lord comes

Jesus Christ, Prophecies of

     There have been many prophesies about Christ, about His name, His power(righteousness, justice, repentance), His glory, His coming, and what we can do to prepare for His coming. Every prophesy leads to one truth: we cannot return to God without Him. He is the only way, means, and path back to God, toward eternal progression. We must build a life on Him and through Him in order to truly find joy. If you are ever struggling with the purpose of life, read the prophesies of Christ and you will find direction.

*Gen 3:15(Rom 16:19-20) - Christ will bruise Satan, he will be trampled underfoot(your obedience to Christ's laws will also bruise Satan)

*Gen 49:10 - Shiloh "whose right it is" shall gather the people with scripture and law

*Gen 49:24(D&C 50:44) - He will be the good shepherd, the stone of Israel, the rock you can build on that will not fall, His bow is made strong and His hands - strong to gather and build

*Num 24:17 - "a star out of Jacob" "a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel"

*Deut 18:15, Acts 7:37 - "raise up unto thee a prophet" and Nephi 20:23 - follow this prophet

*Psalm 2:7,12 - Christ, Son of God, trust/love Him and you will be blessed

*Psalm 22:1,16 - Prophesied that Christ would be forsaken, hands and feet pierced

*Psalm 24:10 - He is the King of Glory

*Psalm 34:20 - Prophesy that none of His bones will be broken

*Psalm 68:18 - Christ ascends on high, leads captivity captive(no longer prisoners), made it so God can dwell among men.

*Psalm 69 - Christ's zeal will consume you, He will be persecuted, given vinegar to drink, He will save Zion - Matt 27:34, 48

*Psalm 110:4 - Christ shall be a priest forever after the order of Melchizedick

*Psalm 118:22 - Christ is the cornerstone, the rock - Matt 21:42 "beautiful in our eyes" Jacob 4:15 -  safe foundation

*Psalm 132:17 - the horn of David(to bud), a lamp, vs 18 - His crown will flourish

*Isa 7:14, Matt 1:23, 2 Ne 17:14 - Christ will be born of a virgin, called Immanuel (God with us)

*Isa 9:6,7, 2 Ne 19:6 - Christ will have the government upon His shoulders - peace and justice forever

*Isa 11:1, 2 Ne 21:1 - Christ is a rod from the stem of Jesse

*Isa 25:9-12 - People will wait for God to appear, He will save them, they will be glad and rejoice, He will bring down pride, rest on the mountain

*Isa 28:16 - Christ is a sure foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone

*Isa 40:3 - Prepare the way of Christ

*Isa 42:7 - The Lord comes to heal the blind and free prisoners

*Isa 50:6 - Christ is our example who was persecuted and hid not

*Isa 53, Mosiah 14 - Beautiful prophesy of Christ

*Isa 61:1 - Christ's mission: preach good tidings to the meek, bind the broken hearts, claim liberty to captives, and open prison to those who are bound

*Jer 23:5, 33:15 - Christ is a righteous branch, king with judgment and justice, righteousness

*Ezek 37:12, Matt 27:52 - Christ will open the graves

*Dan 9:24 - Christ will make reconciliation for iniquity

*Hos 11:1, Matt 2:15 - Christ will come out of Egypt

*Hos 13:14 - ransom your grave, redeem from death

*Jonah 2:2-9 - Christ will redeem your life from corruption, deliver you from hell

*Micah 5:2, Matt 2:6 - He will come out of Bethlehem - John 7:42

*Hab 3:13 - christ comes for the salvation of His people, destroys the foundation of the wicked

*Zech 3:8, 6:12 - Christ is the Branch (He will build the temple of the Lord) Mal 3:1, D&C 36:8

*Zech 9:9, 11:13, 13:6 - He will be just, lowly, ride an ass, sold for 30 pieces of silver, wounded in the house of friends

*Matt 1:21, Luck 2:21 - His name will be called Jesus

*Luke 1:68-75 - Christ will fulfill covenant given to Abraham - deliverance from enemies and fear

*Luke 4:21 - Christ was a witness for himself - testifying of the fulfillment of scriptures/prophecies

*Luke 24:27,44 - Christ promised that all things prophesied about Him would be fulfilled

*John 1:45 - Apostles witnessed that Jesus fulfillment of prophesy

*John 3:14-15 - Like Moses' serpent, Christ will be lifted up and all who look to Him will live

*John 5:46 - If you believe Moses, you will believe Christ because he wrote of Christ(same principle for all people like Joseph Smith, current prophet, bishops, etc.)

*Rom 9:33(2 Ne 18:14, Isa 8:14) - Christ will be a stumbling stone/rock of offense for both houses of Israel, whosoever believeth in Him will not be ashamed

*1 Ne 11:18 - born of a virgin, of flesh

*1 Ne 19:8 - Appears to the Nephites 600 years after Lehi left Jerusalem

*1 Ne 22:12, 21 - He will bring out of captivity, gather to land of inheritance, brought out of obscurity and darkness, be the savior, mighty one of Israel, prophesied by Moses, Holy One of Israel, judge in righteousness.

*2 Ne 2:8, 25:13, Alma 21:9, Hel 5:9 - Christ will die and be resurrected, the first to do so, he'll rise with healing in his wings. We cannot be with God without Jesus, it is important for everyone to know this.

*2 Ne 6:17 - He will deliver His covenant people, contend with those who contend with thee

*2 Ne 10:3 - Crucified by Jews, only nation who could do it

*2 Ne 25:19, 3 Ne 9:16 - Prophesied of time, name will be Jesus Christ, Son of God - Mosiah 3:8 - the Father of Heaven and Earth, the creator of all things from beginning, mother is Mary - Alma 7:10

*Mosiah 13:33-35, 15:1, 16:15, Hel 8:22, Hel 14:2 - Every prophet has prophesied of Christ, His coming and power, the Lord, Eternal Father

*Ether 3:14 - When you believe on Christ's name, you become His son/daughter

*D&C 5:19 - Those who do not repent will be destroyed by the brightness of His coming

*D&C 20:25-26 - Have faith, be baptized, follow the Spirit, repent, endure, you will be saved through Him

*D&C 29:11 - Second Coming=power, glory, all the hosts appear, He will stay with men 1,000 years in righteousness - no wicked

*D&C 33:17 - You need to be prepared for His coming - with faith and prayer and testimony

*D&C 34:7 - His coming is "soon" (saying this in 1830) - D&C 106:4, 133:17, 130:14

*D&C 35:21-22 - Followers will be purified when He comes, "tarry with him and he shall journey with you."

*D&C 39:20 - If you want to prepare for His coming, start baptizing

*D&C 45:16 - He comes in glory to fulfill all promises to the fathers.

*D&C 88:96 - Saints will be "quickened and be caught up to meet Him"

*D&C 138:42 - Redeemer anointed to heal and give freedom(good scripture for 4th of July decoration or talk)

*Moses 6:57 - Christ is a righteous Judge who'll come in the meridian of time

*D&C 84:28 - Baptized, ordained to overthrow Jew kingdom, make straight, prepare

*D&C 64:23 - Wicked will be burned when He comes, not those who pay tithing

*Eph 2:20 - Christ is the chief cornerstone

*Luke 1:79 - He comes to give light, life, and peace.

*Isa 55:4 - Christ was given as a witness, a leader, and a commander

*Isa 22:22-23 - He will have the keys to open and shut, he will be like a nail in a sure place, a throne in His father's home

Apostasy of Israel

 Apostasy is a choice. It is the choice to disobey, be proud, stiffnecked, hardhearted, rebel, move backwards, worship other gods, wander, to forget God and His laws, etc. Those who apostatize are doing two great evils: forsaking Christ and building lives that cannot hold Him. They are doing the opposite of the purpose of life, they are moving backwards and not progressing and they will face the consequences - they will be devoured, destroyed. God will do everything He can to stop you from apostasy, but in the end you cannot hide your sins, iniquity, shame - they will shut you out.

*Ex 32:9 - Stiffneckedness leads to apostasy -2 Ne 10:5 - Stiffneckedness, priestcrafts, iniquities

*Deut 9:7 - Rebelliousness leads to apostasy, 29:25 - forsaken covenants, disobedience, Jer 3:25

*Judges 3:7 - They forgot the Lord

*1 Kings 11:2-10 - Solomon started worshipping other gods, distracted by his wives, Ezek 11:12 - influenced by heathen around you

*1 Kings 14:22 - They did evil, committing sins above all their fathers had, 2 Kings 21:2

*2 Kings 17:7 - Children of Israel - did things in secret, hard hearted, idols(Isa 2:8), divinations, enchantments, sold themselves, Psalms 106:36 - snare

*Isa 1:3-4 - They do not consider "they are gone away backward" - Jer 7:24

*Isa 3:9 -  "they have rewarded evil unto themselves"

*Isa 5:4 - "What could I have done more for my vineyard?" God and Christ do everything they can to keep us from apostasy - it is fully our choice

*Isa 24:5 - Apostasy also defiles the earth, when people transgress laws and ordinances and break everlasting covenants - Lev 18:27, D&C 1:15

*Isa 29:13, Mark 7:6 - Some people still act like they obey but don't, they fear and are taught by men

*Isa 50:1 - When you apostasize, you will face justice/the consequences - you are the one who did not choose mercy

*Isa 59 -By their own choices, they are separated from God & His mercy. The Atonement will redeem the repentant.

*Jer 2:13 - Two evils: they have forsaken Christ AND built lives that cannot hold Him. Jer 2:17

*Jer 23:10 - the land mourneth(peasant places dried up) because adultery and swearing

*Ezek 22:26 - profance holy things, hid eyes from Sabbath, removed difference between holy & profane & clean & unclean

*Ezek 34:8 - Guilt on shepherds who do not lead their flock away from apostasy

*Hos 4:6 - Apostasy comes from lack of knowledge(rejected knowledge), forgotten laws

*Amos 8:11 - A famine of hearing the words of God

*Micah 3:11 - Some prophets and priests seek money instead of leaning on the Lord

*Matt 13:15 - Israel had hard hearts, were blind and deaf - refusing to hear or understand in order to be healed.

*Matt 15:9 - Taught the commandments of men. Matt 23:13 - Scribes, Pharisees, hypocrites shut heaven out

*Acts 7:52 - Sign of apostasy is persecution of prophets, Rom 11:3, 2 Chron 36:16 - once you persecute prophets, there is no remedy

*Rom 9:31-33 - Israel was righteous, but stumbled because they followed laws only by works, not by faith

*Rom 10:14-21 - Israel needed faith to believe prophets, God has stretched His hand out to them all day long, Rom 11:20

*2 Ne 7:1 - God does not shut you out, your iniquities shut you out.

*2 Ne 13:9 - Sodom sins cannot hide, you reward evil unto yourself

*Jacob 5 - The olive tree - parable of apostasy(decayed olive tree)

*Lev 26 - Blessings abound when you keep the commandments, when you don't...YIKES.

*Deut 7:4-5 - In order to get rid of apostasy you must destroy altars/images

*Isa 1:21-22 - How does a city go from righteousness to murderers?

*Jer 3:24-25 - When you disobey, you are surrounded by shame and confusion and you will be devoured

*Jer 5:19 - Apostasy = serving strange gods, consequences = slaves to serving strangers

*Jer 8:5, 9 - They are in a "perpetual backsliding," hold fast to deceit, refuse to return(repent), when you reject the Lord, you lose wisdom

*Jer 14:10 - They have loved to wander

*D&C 133:71-72 - They disobeyed, turned away prophets - their testimony is sealed up unto them and by law they are delivered to darkness.