From: B S TURNER Owner
As
we continue this journey I wanted to bring to your attention a few
additional writings from the Lectures on Faith; specifically Lecture
4:17
For in as much as God possesses the
attribute knowledge he can make all things known to his saints necessary
for their salvation; and as he possesses the attribute power he is able
thereby to deliver them from the power of all enemies; and seeing also,
that justice is an attribute of the Deity, he will deal with them upon
the principles of righteousness and equity, and a just reward will be
granted unto them for all their afflictions and sufferings for the
truth's sake. And as judgment is an attribute of the Deity also, his
saints can have the most unshaken confidence, that they will, in due
time, obtain a perfect deliverance out of the hands of all their
enemies, and a complete victory over all those who have sought their
hurt and destruction. And as mercy is also an attribute of the Deity,
his saints can have confidence that it will be exercised toward them;
and through the exercise of that attribute toward them, comfort and
consolation will be administered unto them abundantly, amid all their
afflictions and tribulations. And lastly, realizing that truth is an
attribute of the Deity, the mind is led to rejoice amid all its trials
and temptations, in hope of that glory which is to be brought at the
revelation of Jesus Christ, and in view of that crown which is to be
placed upon the heads of the saints in the day when the Lord shall
distribute rewards unto them, and in prospect of that eternal weight of
glory which the Lord has promised to bestow upon them when he shall
bring them into the midst of his throne to dwell in his presence
eternally.
Because of these six
attributes, ones which we should emulate by the way, God is
demonstrating to us that he is unchangeable and unmovable – that leads
us to Lecture 4:18
In view, then, of the
existence of these attributes, the faith of the saints can become
exceedingly strong: abounding in righteousness unto the praise and glory
of God, and can exert its mighty influence in searching after wisdom
and understanding, until it has obtained a knowledge of all things that
pertain to life and salvation.
Why is
understanding this so important to the spiritual and physical life of
the Saints? Right now we are and have been in a period of standing in
that mist that is referenced in the vision of the rod of iron - where we
choose to not see the path that is laid out before us. We continue to
see the path through our eyes and understanding – that has never been
the plan for us as Saints.
As I stated before
many are holding on to the rod of iron but we are not moving forward
exercising our faith and allowing it to be turned into knowledge.
Do
you believe that? I am sure that the Brother of Jared never thought
that he would have a knowledge of Christ but he did. I believe that we
are given that testimony because it is just as possible for us as it was
for him.
Consider what Curry wrote in The Endowment…
“As
the servants of God move forward in the performance of their manifold
duties, many, many perplexing problems inevitably arise. Also, the
Lord has set before you projects of labor, projects of demonstration
which are as yet very far from the measure of achievement. He has hope
for His people.”
How true this is – we are in
the midst of a huge issue…we are a fractured Church…a fractured people. A
people that is searching and seeking someone, anyone to save us from
ourselves.
Someone to lead, guide and teach us so that we can
lean on the learning of others instead of creating that one on one
experience with Jesus Christ that was intended for each of us. That was
not the plan at all.
Genesis 6:64 Therefore
it is given to abide in you, the record of heaven, the Comforter, the
peaceable things of immortal glory, the truth of all things, that which
quickeneth all things which maketh alive all things, that which knoweth
all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth,
justice and judgment.
Once again it is a
God given gift within you and it is a part of who you already are – for
many it is hidden under years of fear, worry and concern for others it
is suppressed by pride. If this were not true Curry would have had no
reason to bring these words forward….
“Thousands
have come together in the center areas of Zionic gathering, yet they
are far from being of one heart and one mind…Their peace and their
spirituality are marred by this Babylonish environment.” Characteristic
#3
This problem is everywhere – but there is a solution…a promise…a gift that is only a prayer away.
“The
great Father would provide for you thru farsighted action and
accomplishment on your part. Yet the years go by, and so little is
done, when compared with what ought to be. You lack wisdom and
foresight in these matters, and you scarcely try to find the wisdom that
your loving Father would give to you were you to cease trusting so much
in your own selves, and were a faithful body of men, deeply concerned
about this lack of progress, to come together asking for their eyes to
be opened that they might see how to do these things, even under the
difficulties of this present hour.” Characteristic #3
Consider the writings of Arthur Oakman
“What
if modern men would love him like they did? Do we need any other
educational motive and set-up than he can give? The wills of these men
were subdued because their hearts were broken. How much will it cost us
to break our hearts?” I guess it depends one where our hearts are living
right now…..
“To the possibilities of
spiritual power through Christ the world has been dead. Christ can
transform the life of each man in whatever environment he may be and
under whatsoever degree of spiritual enlightenment he may find himself.
The power of the resurrection of Christ include much more than the
ability to "take a body" again. It includes the power to forget this
body and to rise in newness of life with him.”
Zion's Ensign August 11, 1932 By Arthur Oakman
Friends
this is real wisdom; the power, true spiritual power that is so very
close to us…maybe if we were not surrounded by a mist……
God Bless
Brian Turner
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