Apostles

     An apostle is an ordained disciple with power from before the creation to preach the gospel of Christ, to baptize in His name, and to build God's kingdom in love. They have power to perform miracles. They must follow the prophet, no boast, heal the sick, have faith in Christ, and preach repentance. They are called to bring us back to God. We will be judged by them in the last days.

*Apostles of the New Testament: Simon Peter and Andrew(brothers), James and John(brothers, sons of Zebedee, Sons of Thunder), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew(tax collector), James(son of Alphaeus), Lebaeus Thaddaeus, Simon(Zelotes, Caramite), Judas Iscariot, *Judas(brother of James)

*Matt 4:19, Mark 1:17 - Apostles are fishers of men, followers of Christ

*Matt 10:1, Luke 9:1 - Apostles have power against unclean spirits to cast them out, to heal(cure) all sickness and disease, authority over devils

*Matt 10, Luke 9 - counsel to apostles to preach to lost sheep, to perform miracles

*Matt 16:19 - Apostles have the keys of the kingdom of heaven, whatever they bind/loose on earth will be bound/loosed in heaven

*Matt 19:28, Luke 22:30, 1 Nephi 12:9, D&C 29:12 - The Twelve at Jerusalem with Christ will be with Him at the Resurrection, clothed in robes of righteousness, to judge the 12 tribes of Israel

*Mark 3:14 - Twelve ordained by Christ to be with Him and to preach

*Mark 6:7-13 - Jesus sent them 2 by 2, preach repentance & heal the sick

*Mark 16:14-15 - Appeared to them/chastised them for unbelief after death, sent to preach the gospel

*Luke 5:11 - Apostles "they forsook all and followed him."

*Luke 6:13 - Also called apostles, disciples

*Luke 11:49 - God sends prophets and apostles to His people, some are persecuted and slain

*Luke 24:47-48 - Apostles are witnesses and preachers of repentance and remission of sins

*John 1:40 - Apostles gathered each other to Christ

*John 15:16 - Christ chose apostles, they did not choose Him, He ordained them to bring forth fruit, power that whatever they asked for was given.

*Acts 1:21-26 - Choosing new apostle to replace Judas

*Acts 4:33 - The apostles had great grace and great power with witness of resurrection

*Acts 10:39-42 - Apostles are witnesses of Christ's life - in big and little things

*Acts 14:14 - Paul & Barnabas' new apostles - perform miracles.

*1 Cor 12:27-31 - Apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healings, governments, diversities of tongues - all are found in the true church - seek the best gifts

*Gal 1:1 - Paul is an apostle of God - not of/by men, v 19 - spent time with 2 other apostles

*Eph 2:19-20 - the "household"(church, sons and daughters of God) is built on a foundation of apostles, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone

*Eph 4:11-15 - Apostles: perfect the saints to unity of faith, knowledge of the Savior, stable, firm in our faith, speak truth in love, grow up in Christ

*1 Tim 2:7, 2 Tim 1:11-13 - Paul's witness of his own calling to be an apostle - ordained, taught in truth and faith - he will not be ashamed of His calling but continue in faith & love of Christ

*1 Nephi 1:10 - Lehi sees 12 apostles in a vision

*3 Nephi 12:1 - Jesus calls and ordains 12 apostles, gives them power to baptize

*4 Nephi 1:14 - 100 years after Christ appeared, all original apostles had died(save 3), others had been ordained in their stead, love continued

*D&C 1:14 - You will be cut off unless you heed the prophets' and apostles' voices

*D&C 18:26-29 - Apostles are called to preach the gospel unto the Gentile and the Jew, and every creature - they are those who desire to take His name with full purpose of heart

*D&C 20:2 - Joseph Smith, Jr, was ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, 1st elder of church, 21:1 - JSJ called to be an apostle, seer, translator, prophet, elder through will of God and grace of Christ

*D&C 27:12 - Twelve apostles of latter-day saints ordained by Peter, James, and John

*D&C 52:9 - When you preach, stick to words of prophet and apostles and power of Holy Ghost

*D&C 64:39 - You will know who true apostles and prophets are despite what some claim

*D&C 84:63-75 - Apostles are Christ's friends, called to preach all those who believe on their words and are baptized will have the Holy Ghost - signs that follow those who believe: wonderful works, cast out devils, heal sick, blind, deaf, dumb, be immune to poison(especially snake venom) - but they should not boast. Those who do not believe in their words cannot inherit the kingdom.

*D&C 102:30 - Organization, rules regarding decisions of apostles

*D&C 107:23-24 - Twelve apostles are called to be traveling counselors or special witnesses of Christ in all the world, equal to power and authority of First Presidency

*D&C 107:33, 35, 58 - preach, build church, regulate, first to the Gentile and the Jew, ordain, set apart officers of Church

*D&C 112:14-33 - Directions to the Twelve: "Arise, and gird up your loins, take up your cross, follow me and feed my sheep." Do not exalt yourselves or rebel against Joseph(for God is with him). First Presidency(Joseph, Hyrum, Sydney), President of Twelve with keys to open all places to preach the gospel: Thomas B Marsh. The Lord is with them, an "effectual door" will open for them. Whoever receives/believes the Lord, will believe/receive the Twelve and vice versa. Vengeance will come to those who have professed to know the Lord and have blasphemed against Him in His house. Purify your hearts and then go preach the gospel. He that believeth and is baptized will be saved. The power of the priesthood is given to the Twelve in the last days for the last time, it is the same power given since the creation. Cleanse your hearts and garments so blood of generation is not on your hands.

*AoF 6 - We believe in apostles - the same organization as the primitive church

*Titus 1:1 - Paul was an apostle, according to the faith of God's elect

*3 Nephi 12:25-34 - Counsel to the Twelve to preach the gospel, letting God take care of their needs

*Mormon 3:19 - We will be judged by the Twelve Nephite apostles and the twelve Jerusalem apostles

*Mormon 9:22 - Christ counseled apostles(all disciples) to go preach His gospel

*D&C 20:38 - "An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize."

*D&C 136:3 - Camp of Israel organized under the direction of the twelve

God, Privilege of Seeing

 The privilege of seeing God comes mainly from a pure heart - one that has love, faith, virtue, and confidence. Every privilege of seeing God is accompanied by the power of the Spirit, as well as a witness of Christ and who He is. If you keep your heart pure, obey the commandments, you will also see God, whether now or later, but you will have "all goodness" pass before your eyes - much like the wonder and testimony of a rainbow after the rain.

*Gen 32:30 - Jacob saw God face to face and his life was preserved(given power to sustain his presence)

*Ex 3:6 - Moses was afraid to look upon God - God came for deliverance and the promised land

*Ex 19:11 - The Lord will come down in the sight of all people

*Ex 19:21 - Stop people from being in the Lord's presence who are not ready, do not have the strength(Spirit, given power to sustain his presence - Gen 32:30)

*Ex 24:9-13 - Moses and leaders and 70 saw God, ate and drank with Him. Moses given instruction - clear as the very heavens

*Ex 33:11 - The Lord spake to Moses face to face, "as a friend" - "Not a prophet in Israel since Moses whom the Lord knew face to face" - Num 12:8, Deut 34:10

*Ex 33:17-23 - When people are not worthy, they cannot see the Lord's face or they will perish

*Judges 13:22 - Manoah and wife(Samson's parents) see an angel of the Lord(they feared death for "seeing God")

*1 King 11:9 - Solomon turned his heart from God even after seeing Him twice(uh oh)

*Job 19:26 - Job knows his Redeemer lives, he will see Him, even after death(resurrection)

*Moses 5:10 - Adam knew that in this life he would have joy and again "in the flesh"(resurrection)see God.

*Isa 6:5-10 - Isaiah sees the Lord, repents, is forgiven and made clean, volunteers to serve

*Matt 5:8, 3 Ne 12:8 - "Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God."

*Matt 11:27 - footnote, only the Father and Son truly know each other, those who see the Son see the Father also.

*John 1:18, 6:46, D&C 67:11 - No one sees God without: 1)having Him witness of His Son 2)Being quickened by the Spirit of God

*John 5:37 - The Father bears witness of the Son

*John 14:18 - "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."

*John 14:18 - They who love God and keep the commandments will have the privilege of seeing Him.

*Acts 7:56 - Stephen sees God the Father and the Son while persecuted, before being stoned to death.

*Heb 12:14 - "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."

*1 John 3:2 - We are in His image

*Rev 1:17-18 - Christ is He that liveth that was dead, He holds the keys of hell and death

*2 Ne 11:2-7 - Both Jacob and Nephi saw their redeemer, act as witnesses, delight in sharing and testifying. Seeing God = a testimony of creation and plan of salvation, rejoice in it and share it.

*Alma 19:13 - Lamoni receives light of everlasting life and sees the Redeemer - became a witness

*Ether 3:13-15, 20 - The Brother of Jared sees God because of faith, witness of His image, gained perfect knowledge, he could not be kept within the veil

*D&C 35:21(50:45) - You shall hear His voice adn see Him, know that He is - be purified.

*D&C 58:8 - Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, glory follows much tribulation

*D&C 76:23-24 - Joseph and Sydney saw the Father and Son, heard the voice bear witness, saw visions, came to know that we are sons and daughters of God

*D&C 76:116-118 - Privilege of seeing God is you must love God, purify yourselves, have power of the Spirit

*D&C 84:20-22 - You need the power of ordinances/priesthood in order to see God and live through it.

*D&C 88:68 - Sanctify yourselves, minds single to God, and you will see Him - it will be in His own time, in His own way, according to His own will

*D&C 93:1 - "Every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments shall see my face and know that I am"

*D&C 97:16 - He will manifest himself in the temple to the pure in heart

*D&C 110 - Joseph and Oliver see Christ at the Kirtland temple, they were clean before Him

*D&C 136:3 - Interpreting John 14:23 - the appearance of Father and Son was real, the idea that they dwell in a man's heart is false

*Moses 1:2 - Moses saw God face-to-face, talked with Him, had glory so could endure His presence

*Moses 1:5 - No man can behold all His glory and remain in the flesh

*Moses 1:11 - Saw God with his spiritual eyes, with His glory was transfigured to behold His face

*Moses 6:39 - Enoch had walked with God, fear came on others who saw and heard Enoch

*Moses 7:4, 59 - Enoch saw God, spoke with Him face-to-face, saw visions then saw Him ascend to the Father

*Abr 3:11-12 -  Abraham saw God, talked face-to-face, was shown all creations(God layed hands on his eyes)

*JSH 1:17 - Joseph Smith sees God the Father and Jesus Christ, speaks with them, sins are forgiven

*Ex 20:18 -  Some people turn down the privilege of seeing Him(children of Israel)

*Ex 33:18-20 - You can ask for the privilege of seeing Him, one way of seeing His - all His goodness passes before you

*Psalms 27:8 - Seek for the privilege of seeing Him

*Psalms 95:10-11 - Those who err in their hearts and do not know His ways, cannot see Him

*Ezek 1:28 - Ezekiel compares the appearance of the Lord like a rainbow in the sky after rain.

*1 Tim 6:16 - The Lord dwells in a light no man can see or approach

*Heb 3:11 - The Lord stops those who are not worthy to enter His presence

*1 John 4:20 - You need to love God to see Him *1 Ne 1:8 - Lehi sees God *D&C 76:12 - Power of the Spirit opened eyes and understanding in order to see and know the things of God

*D&C 84:24 - When you harden your heart, you cannot endure His presence

*D&C 121:45 - In order to be in His presence: charity, virtue, confidence, doctrine of the priesthood.

God, Manifestations of

 The manifestations of God can take many forms: cloud, light, fire, scriptures, face-to-face in the flesh, visions, voice - by His own or His servants, angels, miracles, His presence, His power, His Spirit...all manifestations come because of the glory and power of God, accompanied by the Spirit and love and the ultimate testimony that He is, that He lives, and that He loves His children. Be worthy of the Spirit, have faith, build and visit temples and God will be manifested unto you.

*Gen 5:24 - Enoch walked with God(Enoch was taken, removed to God's bosom)

*Gen 32:30 - Jacob sees God face to face. Peniel = the face of God

*Ex 16:10, Num 12:5 - The Lord appeared to the children of Israel in a cloud. Ex 19:9 - the cloud was a witness so they'd believe Moses.

*Ex 24:10 - Moses and Elders of Israel all saw God, Moses went separately to speak Him.

*Dan 2:28 - God manifests himself through dreams and visions

*Matt 3:17 - God as a voice from heaven, bearing witness of His Son - Mark 9:7 - cloud and voice

*Mark 12:26 - God spoke to Moses through the burning bush.

*John 1:14 - Jesus manifested himself in the flesh, "dwelt among us"

*John 6:46 - Unless a man is "of God" he cannot see Him.

*John 14:21 - "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." -obedience, love, manifestations with God

*Acts 7:56 - Stephen sees the heavens open, sees God and Jesus

*1 Tim 3:16 - Mystery of Godliness is "manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."

*Rev 19:12 - Manifested as a flame of fire, many crowns on His head, name written that no one knew

*1 Nephi 1:8, Alma 36:22 - Both Lehi and Alma saw God sitting on his throne with angels sining and praising

*2 Nephi 2:4 - Jacob saw God in his youth - as blessed as those who are with Him in the flesh - whether you see God in the flesh or in Spirit through visions - it is the same because the Spirit is the same.

*2 Nephi 11:2 - Both Nephi and Isaiah saw the Redeemer - wrote about it - delightful words

*Mosiah 15:1 - God(Christ) would manifest himself on earth to redeem His people

*Alma 19:6 - When Ammon was "carried away in God" the dark veil of unbelief was cast away, the light of the Glory of God, His goodness, infused joy to His soul, dispelling all darkness, and the light of everlasting life was lit in his soul - so much so that it had overcome his natural frame

*3 Nephi 11:8-10 - Jesus manifests himself to the Nephites.

*Ether 3:12-16 - Because of the Brother of Jared faith, Christ brought him into His presence and showed Himself to him, bearing witness of Himself and how we were made in His image.

*Ether 12:39 - Moroni spoke with Jesus face to face

*D&C 34:7 - The Lord will manifest himself for the 2nd Coming and come in a cloud with power and great glory.

*D&C 76:23-24 - Joseph Smith and others saw Christ and God, heard His voice and His testimony

*D&C 84:5 - Build a temple, God's glory will be manifest

*D&C 110:2 - Christ manifests himself at the Kirtland temple.

*D&C 133:20 - When Christ comes again, He will manifest Himself all over the world, v. 25 - He shall be in the midst of His people and reign overall, v. 46-53 - description of His Second Coming

*Moses 1:2 -Moses talked with God face-to-face, glory was upon him so he could endure God's presence

*Abraham 2:5-11 - The Lord appears to Abraham and Lot - counsels and blesses them, Abr 3:11

*JSH 1:17 - Joseph sees God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, speaks with them

*Ex 19:19, 20-22 -  Moses spoke with God, heard his voice

*Deut 4:12, 36, 5:24, 9:10 - God often manifests himself simply through his voice, written word, scripture(9:10 written finger), Rev 12:10

*1 King 8:10 - The Lord often uses a cloud to manifest himself

*Isaiah 9:6 - Christ manifests himself as a child, counselor, mighty God, Prince of Peace

*Ezekiel 10:4,18 - Glory of the Lord manifested itself as a bright light

*Zach 14:4 - The Lord will manifest himself again at the Second Coming - the Mount of Olives

*Luke 7:16 - Prophets testify of his manifestations

*Heb 1:1 - God manifests himself through the voice of His prophets

*3 Nephi 7:21 - God manifests himself through His Spirit

*Mormon 9:15 - God manifests himself through miracles

*D&C 109:37 - Glory=manifestations(presence, power, the Spirit, miracles)

*D&C 130:22 - God has a body, part of His glory, part of His power to manifest himself

Vision

    Visions are gifts from God, a form of revelation that allows for deeper communication through symbols and images. It is therefore a gift that we have to work for since we need to interpret. Visions require(and are intricately connected to) service, faith, desire, obedience, and the Spirit. Where there are visions, there is always faith and the Holy Ghost. Visions(and the Spirit) help you discern. Visions are a protection, a witness, a guidance, for "where there are no visions, the people perish." Visions are gifts given for many purposes: knowledge/revelation, witnesses, communication, protection, physical help, miracles, comfort, power, faith, and repentance. Believe in visions, pray for visions, look to the prophets for visions. If you do not deny your visions, if you act on them, you will continue to have more.

*Gen 15:1 - The Lord speaks through visions - Get 46:2, Psalms 89:19

*Num 12:6 - God makes himself known through visions, speaks through dreams

*Num 24:4 - Vision of the Almighty: falling into a trance with your eyes open

*1 Sam 3:1 - There have been periods on earth with no open visions, closed to all but prophets

*1 Sam 3:15 - Samuel is afraid to show Eli vision, do not be afraid of visions

*2 Sam 7:17, 1 Chron 17:15 - Nathan fulfilled visions by speaking to David

*2 Chron 26:5 - Some people have the gift of understanding visions

*Job 4:13 - Sometimes you can have thoughts, impressions, from the visions of the night.

*Job 7:14 - Job was haunted by dreams and visions

*Job 33:15-16 - "in a dream, a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumbering upon the bed; then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction."

*2 Nephi 27:3 - Those who fight against Zion will live as though in a dream - empty (eat or drink in a dream and awake still hungry and thirsty)

*Proverbs 29:18 - "WHERE THERE IS NO VISION, THE PEOPLE PERISH."

*Isaiah 1:1 - Isaiah had no visions

*Isaiah 22:1 - "burden of the valley of vision" are messages of doom(footnote)

*Isaiah 28:7 - Religious leaders can err in vision when they are swallowed in strong drink(pride, vanity, etc.)

*Isaiah 29:11 - Vision of the Book of Mormon, learned saying "I cannot, for it is sealed."

*Jerimiah 1:11 - The Lord gives us visions, but asks us to interpret

*Jer 14:14, 23:16 - Some prophecy of false visions, 'visions of their own heart' - be wary

*Lam 2:9 - Where there is destruction there is loss of vision(vision=revelation)

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW VISIONS, READ EZEKIEL

*Ezek 1:1, 8:3, 11:24 - Ezekiel was a man of visions

*Ezek 7:26 - When destruction comes, people will seek visions from prophets

*Ezek 12:22-25 - Some men will say the time has come and all visions have failed(were true because they did not happen), but the Lord will fulfill every righteous vision

*Ezek 13:7 - Beware of vain visions

*Ezek 40 - Visions of city with temple, Ezek 43 - more visions of city

*Dan 1:17 - Daniel "had understanding in all visions and dreams."

*Dan 2:19 - Secrets revealed to Daniel through night visions, Dan 7:2, 8:1, 8:26

*Dan 9:24 - Time is required to "seal up" a vision

*Dan 10:7 - Daniel saw the vision alone, other men fled

*Hos 12:10 - The Lord speaks through visions

*Joel 2:28(Acts 2:17) - In the last days, the Lord will pour out His spirit and we will have visions

*Micah 3:6 - false priests and prophets will have no visions

*Obadiah+Nahum - books based on visions of authors

*Hab 2:2 - Write down your visions, make them clear

*Zech 13:4-5 - In the last days, simple men will have visions - some will be ashamed

*Matt 17:9 - There is a time and place for sharing visions, they are sacred.

*Luke 1:22 - Effects of vision on Zacharias - speechless

*Luke 24:22 - The Resurrection was accompanied by visions of angels

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW VISIONS, READ ACTS

*Acts 7:55 - Stephen has a vision of God and Jesus while being persecuted

*Acts 9:10-22 - Ananias has a vision because Paul had a vision, sometimes visions go against our own judgements - Ananias did not want to heal Paul because of his evil persecutions

*Acts 10 - God sent visions to both Cornelius and Peter to get them to meet

*Acts 11:5 - Peter recounts his vision, acts on it, NOTHING DOUBTING

*Acts 12:9 - A vision of an angel frees Peter from prison

*Acts 16:9-10 - Paul had a vision, acted on it immediately (Acts 26:19 - obedience and visions) 

*Acts 18:9-10, 23:11(more visions of comfort) - Vision to Paul: don't be afraid, speak, the Lord is with thee

*Acts 27:23-25, Acts 26:19, 16: 9-10, 2 Cor 12:1 - Paul was a man of visions because 1) He was a servant of God("God, whose I am, and whom I serve") 2) He was a man of faith ("for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me") and 3) He was obedient 

*Rev 9: John's visions of second coming

*1 Nephi 1:8, 2 Nephi 1:4 - Lehi was a man of visions, 1 Nephi 8:2, 1 Nephi 5:4

*1 Nephi 5:4 - Visions testify of the goodness of God

*1 Nephi 10:17 - Nephi asks for testimony of Lehi's visions, "was desirous also that I might see, and hear and know of the these things by the power of the Holy Ghost" Visions require faith, desire, and the Holy Ghost.

*2 Nephi 4:23 - Knowledge is transferred through visions(many purposed to visions: knowledge, witness, communication, protection, miracles, power, faith, repentance)

*Alma 8:20 - Amulek receives vision to help Alma, Alma has vision to return

*Alma 19:16 - Abish converted due to vision of her father

*Alma 38:7 - Alma had vision to repent

*D&C 76:14, 50 - Joseph Smith saw and conversed with Jesus in heavenly visions

*D&C 76:47 - The Lord shows many by visions

*D&C 76:80, 137:1, 138:60 - Revelations of principles and doctrine given through visions, whether they are given inside or outside of the body, it matters not (doctrine by vision: redemption of dead, kingdoms, celestial glory)

*D&C 110:11 - Jesus visits Kirtland temple, then Moses, Elias, and Elijah

*Moses 1:2 - When Moses had a vision and saw and spoke with God face to face, he needed to separate strength/Spirit/glory to have power to endure His presence.

*Moses 1:27 - Moses had a vision of the earth - discerning every particle by the Spirit. (With the Spirit I think you can have "visions" of people, discerning all their particles - all the things that make them who they are)

*Moses 7:23 - Enoch's vision of Zion ascending to heaven and all the nations of earth

*Abraham 1:15 - A vision came as an answer to prayer, filling Abraham so that he could escape, an angel unloosed his bands and saved his life.

*JSH 1:17, 21, 24, 33, 72 - Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in a vision, he communicated with them. He could never deny the vision. He continued to have more. Verse 24: The best! Acts 22:6 - Paul's vision

*Article of Faith 7 - We believe in visions.

Jerusalem

 Jerusalem is a symbolic city representing the individual - both the city of righteousness and the city of harlots. The city, like the individual, goes through a continuous cycle of destruction and salvation - the living Atonement. Like us, Jerusalem will be ultimately saved, made the throne of the Lord, a gathering place, a city of truth, the Lord will fight for it(us) until it shall be redeemed. Remember that during the hard times that the Lord will defend you and fight for you and because to him you are like the city that shall not be forgotten. *Christ's lineage is through Jerusalem, so in His blood runs the history of the fallen/lost/destroyed and found/redeemed/renewed.

*Gen 14:8 - Melchizedek was king, brought bread and wine

*Josh 15:63, Jed 1:21 - The Jebusites dwell in Jerusalem, they could not be driven out

*Judges 1:8 - Children of Judah fought Jerusalem and took it

*2 Sam 5:6 - Jerusalem is the City of David

*1 Chron 1:11 - Jerusalem comes from Jebus, Jebusites dwell there

*2 Kings 18:17(Isa 36:2, 2 Kings 24:10, 25:6, 2 Chron 36:19, Jer 52:14) Great armies come against Jerusalem(Nebuchanezzar, Chaldees, Lehulstime)

*2 Chron 36:22 - Go up to the house at Jerusalem

*Ezra 1:2 - Built by Cyrus

*Neh 2:17 - When you are in distress and you've been burned, rebuild your walls.

*Psalms 51:18 - "Do good in thy pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jews."

*Isa 1:26 - Jerusalem is the city of righteousness, the faithful city

*Isa 4:3 - If you're left in Jerusalem, you are called holy or saved by the approval of the Messiah(see footnote)

*Isa 48:2 - Some people call themselves holy and pretend to call on God(1 Nephi 20:2)

*Isa 52:1 - Jerusalem shall be redeemed(it is a symbol for ourselves)

*Isa 62:7-12 - Jerusalem shall be praised, redeemed, sought out, made holy, "a city not forgotten"

*Jer 3:17 - One day, Jerusalem will be called the throne of the Lord, all nations will gather to it.

*Jer 26:18, Micah 3:12 - Jerusalem shall become heaps

*Jer 39:1 - Jerusalem captured by king of Babylon

*Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem is a metaphor for us - has become a harlot, worshipping fake gods, taken on sins of the nations around her but she will repent and renew covenants with the Lord.

*Ezekiel 26:2 - Do not rejoice in the fall of others

*Dan 9:16 - Prophets plead for Jerusalem

*Joel 2:32 - Whoever calls on the Lord, like Jerusalem, shall be saved

*Joel 3:17 - Jerusalem shall be made holy and "no strangers pass through her anymore" *What strangers do we have in our heart?

*Micah 4:2 - The word will come out of Jerusalem, the law out of Zion

*Zech 8:3 - Jerusalem is the city of truth, the Lord will return to His holy mountain

*Zech 12:6-8 - The Lord will defend Jerusalem. It shall be redeemed. All those that are weak will be like David.

*Zech 14 - In the last days, the Lord will fight for Jerusalem.

Israel, Bondage of, In Other Lands

The history of Israel in bondage and scattered is a symbolic history for the pattern of obedience and faith leading to salvation, and disobedience and disunity leading to destruction. But even worse than destruction is to be scattered or lost. The symbol of the olive branch means peace because it is a chance to be reunited with the tree. God always lays paths before you and ALWAYS gives you the choice of which path to take: salvation or destruction. Christ's heritage includes ancestors who were captives of Babylon, so in His literal blood is the symbolic message of captivity/lost, redemption, and inheritance.

*2 Kings 15:29 - Captive of Assyria

*2 Kings 24:15, 25:7, 2 Chronicles 36:10,20 - Captive of Babylon

*Isaiah 48:20, Jer 50:8, 1 Nephi 20:20 - Captive of Chaldeans/Babylon, flee with singing of redemption

*Jer 21:7-8 - The Lord delivers Jerusalem to Babylon, hence destruction. He sets before them the way of life and the way of death and they chose. 

*Jer 25:8-11 - Utter destruction/captivity/no fun - they didn't listen.

*Jer 32:5, 34:3 - They will not prosper in captivity until the Lord visits.

*Jer 52:11, Omni 1:15 - Zedekiah blinded, chained, imprisoned in Babylon

*Jer 34:3 - The Lord delivers Jerusalem to Babylon

*Ezek 1:1 - Ezekiel has visions while in bondage.

*Ezek 12:13-15 - When He scatters them, they will know He is the Lord.

*Ezek 17:15-20 - Those who rebelled died in Babylon - very symbolic

*Dan 1:2 - The Lord "gives" away the king of Judah

*Matt 1:1 - Part of Christ's heritage are those who were captive in Babylon, 1 Nephi 10:3 - Captivity was in "due time of the Lord" and they were brought back to their inheritance *within Christ's own heritage is the symbolic history of captivity, redemption, and inheritance - it's in His blood.

*Luke 21:24 - Jerusalem will be trodden down until the times of the Gentiles shall be fulfilled.

*1 Nephi 10:12 - Israel is like an olive tree, branches out and scattered. Olive branch is like the symbol of peace because it's coming home , it wants to be reunited

*1 Nephi 19:14 - They were scattered and bound 1st because their hearts were the same.

*2 Nephi 6:6-13 - Entire history and reasons why they're bound: hard hearts, stiff necks, no Messiah - come back because of prayers of faith.

*2 Nephi 10:6 - Step below destruction is to be scattered(shows you the importance of unity)

*2 Nephi 25:15 - Scattered by ALL nations

*Jacob 5:14 - Parable of the vineyard branches scattered

*D&C 33:26 - They will be remembered.

*1 Nephi 8:4 - Must repent or be destroyed/scattered

Good Works

 There are many things that are considered good works in the scriptures: do justly, love mercy, walk humbly, hunger and thirst after righteousness, doing unto others what you would have them do to you, hearing the word of God and then planting seeds from those words and then watering them(being doers, not just hearers), doing truth, learning to do well, seek judgement, relieve oppressed and fatherless and plead for widows, forsake all evil, cleave to all good, live by every word of God, bringing good fruit (anything good and profitable unto men, goodness, righteousness, truth), administering relief both physical and spiritual according to needs, living pure religion(visit fatherless and widows in affliction and keep yourself unspotted from world), abstaining from lusts(which war against the soul) leads to adding virtue to your faith which brings knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity, abounding and being fruitful in Christ which never fails, loving in deed and truth(not just word and tongue), keeping the commandments, clothing naked, feeding hungry, liberating captive, administering relief to sick and afflicted, being steadfast and immovable, repenting, praying without ceasing, bringing others to repentance, not judging boasting or gossiping, gathering, and doing good to ALL men. Remember that if you are doing all these things but not taking care of needy and sick, imparting of substance - then you are a hypocrite and prayer is in vain. Wow, what a list. *Things that are not good works: being contentious, disobeying truth, obeying unrighteousness, indignation, wrath. All of these things bring tribulation and anguish. 

Your chosen good works is your holy calling and you were prepared for it from the foundation of the world. By doing your holy calling, you are preparing the way of the God(through the work He has rendered you - agreed on before coming and you will return and report on your works - your way of making payment). Through your good works, you will obtain riches(only if you seek them to do good works through hope in Christ), conquer enemy of all righteousness, let your light shine so others can see and glorify God, and obtain true wisdom (knowing that when ye are serving fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God).

We must pass our time of sojourn doing good works because that is what life is all about: the time to do our labors(good works). We must do good works wherever we can, especially to those of the household of faith. Good works must always start with faith and a love of God, then it makes our faith perfect - for faith without works is dead. The symbol for faith is the body, the symbol for spirit is works. You cannot have the body without the spirit. Use your faith to do the works of who you want to belong to(all Satan's works will be destroyed in the end), for what you sow, you reap - you alone are responsible for what you reap.  "And see that ye have faith, hope and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works." It is through these things (faith, hope, charity, and good works) that we will be judged, BUT ONLY AFTER REPENTANCE - because it is the Atonement that makes us perfect through good works. So using the Atonement is perhaps one of the greatest good works we can do - it is our own labor that not only helps others, but saves ourselves. So we will be judged for every single work of our hands(and desires of our hearts) - both good and bad. God's judgement is a form of mercy for He searches the heart and reins and soul and understands all and gives accordingly. His judgement will lead to the resurrection of the just - those who have done good.

We must always remember that we are God's good works - we are His workmanship, created in Christ to do good works, ordained by God to walk in good works, and perfected through good works - all of this to bring much righteousness. Always remember that Christ is the ultimate example of good works, He came to do the works of His Father("this is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man").

So, remember. Remember that out of small things(small consistent daily sometimes seemingly inconsequential good works) come great things - keep doing them, abound in them. Be anxiously engaged of your own will in doing them. Be patient in well doing, fear not to do good works, don't be weary. Use strong hands and do every work in the name of Christ and it will be well with you. You will get whatever you ask for, the rewards of Salvation, be sealed to Christ, receive honor, glory, peace, eternal life, right to the tree of Life, and rest to your soul in the kingdom.

*2 Chronicles 15:7 - "Be strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded."

*Psalm 28:4 - God gives according to deeds, according to works of your hands(good or wicked)

*Psalm 62: 12 - Giving according to works = mercy, Proverbs 24:12, 29 - because He searches the heart/keeps the soul to render according to works(glory, honor, peace, eternal life to every man that worketh(patience in well doing) good. Contentious, disobey truth, obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath will bring tribulation and anguish) Romans 2:5-11

*Ecclesiastes 12:14 - every work you do goes into your judgment

*Jeremiah 17:10 - "I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." Judgment 2 Cor 5:10, Revelations 2:23 - He searches hearts and tries reins to give everyone according to their works

*Jeremiah 32:19 - God is great in counsel, mighty in work because He understands what to give all according to their works

*Micah 6:8 - He's showed us the good we'll get if we but do justly, love mercy, walk humbly

*Matt 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger/thirst after righteousness, they shall be filled

*Matt 5:16 - Let light shine before world so they can see good works and glorify God

*Matt 7:12 - Golden Rule

*Matt 7:16 - Know men by their fruits(they who hear word and plant good seeds and water it -Matt 13:23, 1 Cor 3:8

*Matt 16:27 - 2nd Coming - Christ rewards all according to works, after repentance (own labor) - 1 Cor 3:8, Alma 9:27-28, D&C 138:59

*Matt 25:40 - "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

*John 3:21 - Do truth - come to the light, deeds manifested before God

*John 8:39 - Do the works of the Father, you want to belong to

*John 9:4 - Christ came to do the works of His Father

*Acts 10:35 - Accepted by God = fear and work righteousness

*Romans 2:13 - You must be doers, and not just hearers of the law - James 1:22

*Galatians 6:4 - You alone are responsible for your works, and alone in your rejoicing, v.7 what you sow, you reap, v.9 Be not weary in well doing, v.10 where you have opportunity to do good

*Ephesians 2:10 - We are His workmanship, created in Christ to do good works - ordained by God to walk in good works

*Ephesians 5:9 - Fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth

*2 Tim 3:17 - Man is perfected through good works

*Titus 3:8 - If you believe in God, you do good works, which are good and profitable unto men

*Hebrews 13:20-21 - It's through the Atonement that we are made perfect through good works to do His will. Alma 33:22

*James 1:27 - Pure religion = visit fatherless and widows in affliction, and keep yourself unspotted from the world

*James 2:22 - Faith makes you do good works, and good works makes your faith perfect

*James 2:26 - As the body without the spirit is dead, so is faith without works is dead.

*James 4:17 - It's a sin if you know you're supposed to do good and you don't do it.

*1 Peter 1:17 - Fear the Lord, do good works(pass your time of sojourn doing these things), call on Him 

*Revelations 20:12 - Judged by works(and desires of your heart D&C 137:9) - 2 Cor 5:10, 1 Ne 15:32, Moses 3:24, Alma 33:22, D&C 19:3, 76:111

*D&C 19:3 - All Satan's works will be destroyed at the end

*1 Peter 2:12 - Abstaining from lusts(which war against the soul)is good works

*2 Peter 1:4-10 - Avoid lust so you can be diligent in adding virtue to your faith, then knowledge, then temperance, then patience then godliness then brotherly kindness then charity - abound and be fruitful in Christ, never fail

*1 John 3:18 - Love in deed and truth not in word and tongue

*1 John 3:22 - Keep the Commandments(good works) and whatever you ask for you'll receive

*Revelations 22:14 - Keep the Commandments(good works) = right to the tree of life, entrance into gates

*Jacob 2:19 - "And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ, ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good - to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.

*Mosiah 2:17 - Wisdom = learning that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God

*Mosiah 5:15 - Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ may seal you his, you may be brought to heaven - salvation and eternal life.

*Alma 7:24 - "And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works."

*Alma 5:41 - If you bring forth good works, you hearken to voice of good shepherd

*Alma 13:3 - Called and prepared from foundation of the world according to exceeding faith, good works, chosen good - holy calling

*Alma 26:22 - Repent, exercise faith, bring forth good works, pray without ceasing = given to know the mysteries of God - help bring thousands to repentance.

*Alma 34:28 - If you're doing everything but not taking care of needy, sick, imparting of your substance then you're a hypocrite, and prayer is in vain.

*Alma 34:32 - This life is the time for you to perform your labors(good works)

*Mormon 9:29 - Do all things in worthiness, in the name of Christ

*D&C 6:13 - Do good and be faithful to the end = receive gift of salvation, no greater gift

*D&C 6:33 - Fear not to do good - for what you sow you shall reap

*D&C 18:38 - Know people by their desires and their works

*D&C 58:27 - Be anxiously engaged in a good cause(of own free will)bring to pass much righteousness.

*D&C 64:33 - Be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying a foundation of great work out of small things proceedeth that which is great

*D&C 76:17 - Resurrection of Just = they who have done good

*D&C 81:1-4 - Greatest good/promoting glory of Lord = faith, prayer, proclaim the gospel

*D&C 105:24 - Don't judge/gossip, don't boast of faith/works, gather

*D&C 112:34 - Be faithful, He's coming quickly to recompense everyone for their work, to measure to him what he measured to fellowman, D&C 1:10

*D&C 121:24-25 - He sees and knows all their works - swift judgment, time appointed for everyone

*AofF 13 - We believe in doing good to all men

*2 Ne 25:23 - Labor diligently to persuade children/brethren to believe in Christ/be reconciled to God

*Alma 9:28 - Prepare the way of the Lord, Job 34:11 - The work God's rendered to you

***Isaiah 1:17 - "Learn to do well: seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow."

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

*Phil 2:12 - work out your own salvation

***Moses 4:26 - Impart substance to the poor, every man according to that which he has, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and afflicted, administer relief - both spiritually and temporally according to their wants

******Moroni 9:6 - Labor diligently, don't cease to labor or you'll be brought under condemnation - we have a labor to do in this tabernacle of clay and conquer the enemy of all righteousness and rest your soul in the kingdom of God

*D&C 98:11 - forsake all evil, cleave unto all good - live by every word from God