A People with a Vision

From: B S TURNER Owner
bturner12@centurylink.net


A People with a Vision

There are so many things happening in our world today. In recent weeks, the question has been asked, “What is our vision?”

That is a good question to ask given where we are in the world today. Moreover, even if we were not being impacted by those things that are happening we still have to ask ourselves who do we see ourselves becoming?

I have been drawn to Mosiah 9:28-42 this is the testimony of Alma when he was truly converted by the words of Abinadi. Those truths that Abinadi shared with the Priests of King Noah made such an impact on Alma that he left the comfort of his position, repented of his sins and took upon himself to continue the spreading the word.

9:28 And now it came to pass that Alma, who had fled from the servants of King Noah, repented of his sins and iniquities, and went about privately among the people, and began to teach the words of Abinadi;
9:29 Yea, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the redemption of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and death of Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven.

This is similar to the testimony of the Apostle Paul. He also left a position of authority and prosperity because of his conversion. Both had a vision of what they were to do and how they were to accomplish the goal.

But back to Alma and what his true conversion testimony compelled him to do.

9:30 And as many as would hear his word he did teach.
9:31 ………. And many did believe his words.

Alma had a simple vision to teach the people the word of God so that their lives would be changed….they would be set free from anything that brought them into bondage. His testimony and conviction was so compelling that the new believers began to meet in secret.

9:32 And it came to pass that as many as did believe him, did go forth to a place which was called Mormon, having received its name from the king, being in the borders of the land having been infested, by times, or at seasons, by wild beasts.
9:34 And it came to pass that as many as believed him, went thither to hear his words.

And as he was teaching, they were not just hearing but changing…..changing in such a way that they wanted to be baptized……but he had a word of caution for them…not to take this lightly; but to enter into this covenant with their eyes wide open. Here is what he said…

9:39 And now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;
9:40 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life:

From this point going forward Priests were ordained to make sure that the word of God and only the word of God as it is related to the kingdom of God was preached to them. (Priesthood)

9:52 And he commanded them that they should teach nothing save it were the things which he had taught, and which had been spoken by the mouth of the holy prophets.
9:53 Yea, even he commanded them that they should preach nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who had redeemed his people.

But this was not all…they were to have an eye single to His glory, hearts knit together in unity and love one toward another.

And thus “the Church” was started…a Church that was aligned to what the Lord had envisioned for his children. A place where verses 39 and 40 were everyday life – not just when a crises happens.

And Alma expounded on the Kingdom of God……(Each member)

9:60 And again, Alma commanded that the people of the church should impart of their substance, every one according to that which he had;
9:61 If he have more abundantly, he should impart more abundantly; and he that had but little, but little should be required; and to him that had not should be given.
9:62 And thus they should impart of their substance, of their own free will and good desires towards God, and to those priests that stood in need, yea, and to every needy, naked soul.
9:63 And this he said unto them, having been commanded of God;
9:64 And they did walk uprightly before God, imparting to one another, both temporally and spiritually, according to their needs and their wants.

This is an example of a people with vision…..a vision in the right order of things…. to not only to live according to the covenant that they have made but to have it become a part of their very DNA.

Where did all of this take place?

9:65 And now it came to pass that all this was done in Mormon; yea, by the waters of Mormon, in the forest that was near the waters of Mormon:

Are we that people? Is this our vision? Do we have things in their correct order? Or do we want to have things in the order that we think will be the best for the work?

That question is yours to answer….

I see great things taking place within our congregation as we reach out to our brothers and sisters in the faith – today we need to be there for those that are in a state of fear, and there are many…..the neighbor that has been recently laid off or the single mother that has children and need day care.

As you review your blessings each day in prayer; take a moment to ask the Lord where can you serve tomorrow. Not all will serve in the same place or space and that is by design – if you pray and are truly seeking the path of service to others will become clear. I believe that you are where you are because of the work that you can do…..

1 Corinthians 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.

I recommend that you read the scriptures before and after for reference.

The opportunity to share your faith and God’s vision is right before us. I pray that God will bless you, protect you and your families. Also your efforts during this time of challenge and opportunity…

Until such time that we can meet again -

Yours in Christ
Brian Turner

Take care and God Bless
Brian Turner
Presiding Elder
Council Bluffs Restoration Branch