FASTING, PRAYING, STUDYING, AND LIVING FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD
APRIL 22, 2021
April greetings to the Saints Around the World,
For some time now, we have been sharing about the disciplines of Saintly living as we long for the Kingdom of God. Today, we will examine Doctrine and Covenants 65.
October, 1831-Hiram, Ohio. Revelation given to Joseph Smith, Jr., as he and Sidney Rigdon worked on the translation of the Bible. In his writings, Joseph designated it as a "Revelation on Prayer." Prepare the way of the Lord-The gospel and kingdom of God shall roll forth to fill the earth
DC 65:1a Hearken, and lo, a voice as of one sent down from on high, who is mighty and powerful, whose going forth is unto the ends of the earth, yea, whose voice is unto men: Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.1b The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth; and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth until it has filled the whole earth.1c Yea, a voice crying, Prepare ye the way of the Lord; prepare ye the supper of the Lamb; make ready for the Bridegroom; 1d pray unto the Lord; call upon his holy name; make known his wonderful works among the people; call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth,1e that the inhabitants thereof may receive it and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth.1f Wherefore, may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come, that thou, O God, may be glorified in heaven, so on earth, that thy enemies may be subdued; for thine is the honor, power, and glory, forever and ever. Amen. Underlines are mine.
The underlines seem to indicate that the Kingdom of God is here and our task is to live like it is here and help it "go forth" into all the world. So what does, "go forth" really mean? As with most words and phrases, there are many meanings. Go forth can mean to leave or depart. In a spiritual sense, perhaps we need to leave the world, depart from it and thus help the Kingdom of God become more visible in our lives and make a greater impact in the world, by way of our sharing the Gospel with others.
To "go forth" can also mean to come out of. Maybe we, as Saints and Branches, need to come out of our "shells" which we allow to keep up separated from each other and the world. Do we just go to church, hopefully, and then go home until the next meeting? Or do we take the strength and guidance received from our fasting, praying, and studying and truly "live" the Kingdom in our contact with others.
How is the Kingdom of God "going forth" from our Branches? Are we still way too "independent" from each other? What will it take for the Branches and Saints in the Center Place to really become one in Jesus Christ? If you want some insight, read DC 43, 105:9, 10, 11b, and 13 among many others. Will it not be much better if we choose to come together now, while there is some time left, rather than waiting for the next "natural" disaster to strike? I am speaking to myself as well as to anyone else who wants to listen.
God bless
Paul Gage
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