From: Monique Hummel
Around and about the centre place
By High Priest Paul J. Gage, of Independence, Missouri
Greetings to all the Dear Saints in Australia,
I trust the good Lord is continuing to bless each of you with a daily outpouring of His Divine Love. As we sing, "There's no love to me, like the Love of Jesus." I pray that also, out of that great love He is blessing you very abundantly, for Jesus states in John 10:10, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Summer is in full swing, with youth camps, reunions, the Pastors of Zion annual Sunday evening Preaching Series which runs from June 10-August 12 and many other activities.
The Conference of Restoration Elder s(CRE) and Pastors of Zion (POZ) have once again teamed up to sponsor the Restoration Branch Family Reunion and Conference of Restoration Elders which was held June 20-26, 2021 in Independence, Missouri at Waldo Avenue Restoration Branch/CPRS. The theme was: "Standing on the Promises of God." A promise is something that be affirmative or negative, that is you can say, "I will do this," or "I will not do this." God's promises are always conditional. I think one of the best examples is Doctrine and Covenants 81:3.
3a And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a new commandment, that you may understand my will concerning you; or, in other words, I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation.
3b I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.
God usually says, "If you will or when you" then I will or then if you" It is all about obedience to God and His commandments. We must make sure we are standing on His promises, not as some say, "I'm hanging in there." Hanging in where and on what? It amounts to the difference between hearing the Word of God and hearing it and doing it. It is the difference between building on the Rock, which is Jesus Christ or on the sand. There is a hymn named, "Standing on the Promises." The second verse reads, "Standing on the promises that cannot fail, When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail. By the living word of God, I shall prevail. Standing on the Promises of God."
The Reunion, though not well attended, was Spirit filled with some excellent sermons, classses, and many marvelous testimonies. The Prayer Servcice on Wednesday night was closed with some Spirit filled comments by Brother Jack Hagensen. It would be well worth your watching. The main services of the reunion were zoomed and live streamed and can be watched on the Waldo website. http://www.waldoavenuerestorationbranch,org.
The POZ began their annual "Summer Series" on Sunday, June 13, 2021. The speaker was High Priest Paul Gage on the topic of "Standing on the Promise of Forgiveness." This can be viewed on the Waldo website. The series goes every Sunday evening through August 15, 2021.
The missionary groups continue to function and hopefully, there will be more trips made in the months ahead wherever possible. We were very happy to have Brother Doug Smith with us at the Reunion for a short time, but no others from outside the USA made it this year. With the Zoom system we did have interaction with several from Africa and the Philippines
riches from the scriptures
By Elder Neil Kerswell, of Queensland, Australia
Vol 5 Chapter 4 David Chosen and Anointed
Recently in our family church study we read about David, I often refer to David because of his great faith and the circumstances of his being chosen of God to lead Israel. From the outset I want to be clear, David was not perfect, this comes to light especially once the burden of being King rests upon him. Like all of God’s chosen with the exception of Christ, David made plenty of mistakes and poor choices while under pressure. God made it clear from the beginning He never wanted Men to be Kings, because God is our king and is the only one truly able to bare that responsibility without faltering. Let us read from 1st Samuel 16.
[1 Samuel 16:1] And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite; for I have provided me a king among his sons.
[1 Samuel 16:2] And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the Lord said, Take a heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the Lord.
[1 Samuel 16:3] And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show thee what thou shalt do; and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.
Samuel the Prophet was a breath of fresh air in these times, the word of God like in our day, wasn’t heard as much as God would like, because the church leadership had failed to uphold God’s standards and God had ceased to speak to men for a period of time. God speaking to Samuel as a boy was like a breaking of the drought and Samuel went from strength to strength and God upheld his words, therefore Samuel was highly respected and sometimes feared because God was with him in power and authority. We need leadership like this today. We may note here that Saul although rejected at this time, was once a beautiful young man with a pure heart before God. He in time buckled under the pressure and sinned against God, however his life wasn’t always this way, God once saw in him potential to lead.
[1 Samuel 16:4] And Samuel did that which the Lord spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?
[1 Samuel 16:5] And he said, Peaceably; I am come to sacrifice unto the Lord; sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.
[1 Samuel 16:6] And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.
[1 Samuel 16:7] But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him; for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
This is one of my favourites “the Lord looks on the heart” this is so very, very important. God is our God who we love and trust because He is completely trust worthy and first loved us, He cannot be fooled as the world is fooled by good looks, an eloquent tongue, a political agenda, a manipulative personality or a strong body. God knows our heart and sees us as we really are. There is no variableness or shadow of turning. Eliab was probably a good choice for other responsibilities but not the best choice available for king of Israel. Even Samuel at first thought he could be, but God had other plans.
[1 Samuel 16:8] Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this.
[1 Samuel 16:9] Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this.
[1 Samuel 16:10] Again Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The Lord hath not chosen these.
[1 Samuel 16:11] And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him; for we will not sit down till he come hither.
[1 Samuel 16:12] And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him; for this is he.
[1 Samuel 16:13] Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
Imagine the joy in Samuel when the Lord said “Arise anoint him this is he” David was still young and teachable, he had been a shepherd over his father’s sheep and God saw in him someone who could shepherd Israel the Lord’s sheep and protect them for a season. God’s Spirit came upon David from the time he was anointed and set apart, preparing him for leadership, faith, courage, and the battles to come, he would now have years of preparation to become king and at the same time Saul had the Spirit of God depart from him because of his sin and unwillingness to repent, and while his earthly house was empty, an evil spirit moved in willing to fill the void and take him down.
[1 Samuel 16:14] But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit which was not of the Lord troubled him.
[1 Samuel 16:15] And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit which is not of God troubleth thee.
[1 Samuel 16:16] Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on a harp; and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit, which is not of God, is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.
[1 Samuel 16:17] And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.
[1 Samuel 16:18] Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him.
[1 Samuel 16:19] Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.
[1 Samuel 16:20] And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.
[1 Samuel 16:21] And David came to Saul, and stood before him; and he loved him greatly; and he became his armor-bearer.
[1 Samuel 16:22] And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favor in my sight.
[1 Samuel 16:23] And it came to pass, when the evil spirit, which was not of God, was upon Saul, that David took a harp, and played with his hand; so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
It could be said here that playing a harp to a person possessed of an evil spirit is the answer, however I believe there is more to it than that. David was filled with the power of God and as he played the instrument, God’s Spirit in him would have flowed through the music and spirit it conveyed to the listener. Light and truth would have been in every note, making it a very uncomfortable environment for any disobedient spirit wanting to enter a life.
Chapter 17
Goliath's challenge -- David taketh the challenge -- By faith he slayeth the giant.
[1 Samuel 17:1] Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azehkah, in Ephes-dammim.
[1 Samuel 17:2] And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
[1 Samuel 17:3] And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side; and there was a valley between them.
[1 Samuel 17:4] And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.
[1 Samuel 17:5] And he had a helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.
[1 Samuel 17:6] And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.
[1 Samuel 17:7] And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and one bearing a shield went before him.
[1 Samuel 17:8] And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.
[1 Samuel 17:9] If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants; but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.
[1 Samuel 17:10] And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.
[1 Samuel 17:11] When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.
[1 Samuel 17:12] Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem-Judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons; and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.
[1 Samuel 17:13] And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle; and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the first-born, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah.
[1 Samuel 17:14] And David was the youngest; and the three eldest followed Saul.
[1 Samuel 17:15] But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem.
[1 Samuel 17:16] And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.
[1 Samuel 17:17] And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren;
[1 Samuel 17:18] And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.
[1 Samuel 17:19] Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.
[1 Samuel 17:20] And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.
[1 Samuel 17:21] For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.
[1 Samuel 17:22] And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.
[1 Samuel 17:23] And as he talked with them behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words; and David heard them.
[1 Samuel 17:24] And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.
[1 Samuel 17:25] And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up; and it shall be that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.
[1 Samuel 17:26] And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?
[1 Samuel 17:27] And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.
[1 Samuel 17:28] And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
[1 Samuel 17:29] And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
[1 Samuel 17:30] And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner; and the people answered him again after the former manner.
[1 Samuel 17:31] And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul; and he sent for him.
[1 Samuel 17:32] And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
[1 Samuel 17:33] And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.
It is obvious that some time had gone by since David had played the harp for Saul, otherwise Saul would have known God was with him in power. Saul had fallen so far he could not at first, see God’s hand at work in his midst.
[1 Samuel 17:34] And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock;
[1 Samuel 17:35] And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth; and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
[1 Samuel 17:36] Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
[1 Samuel 17:37] David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.
David makes mention of the uncircumcised Philistine, put simply this means, he who is not of our covenant with God, he who does not believe in our God, he who is heathen to us. David on the other hand is not only of the covenant with the God of their fathers, he is chosen and set apart for a Holy purpose.
[1 Samuel 17:38] And Saul armed David with his armor, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.
[1 Samuel 17:39] And David girded his sword upon his armor, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
[1 Samuel 17:40] And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand; and he drew near to the Philistine.
David did not choose the weapons of men to go against Goliath, he chose the tools of a Shepherd protecting the flock. In the years of his preparation in the Spirit of God his faith had grown and he was confident in the tools of his trade to get the job done.
[1 Samuel 17:41] And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him.
[1 Samuel 17:42] And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.
Ruddy means he had fair skin with a pinkish/red colour in his cheeks making him look even younger than he was. The Philistine would have seen this as an insult, sending a youth to a man’s fight. But sometimes a youth is the only one truly listening to God’s leadings, Joseph Smith was a classic example of this.
[1 Samuel 17:43] And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
[1 Samuel 17:44] And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.
[1 Samuel 17:45] Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
[1 Samuel 17:46] This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee, and I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
[1 Samuel 17:47] And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.
Have you ever heard such faith in God including a prophecy of exactly how things were going to play out and by what power it would be done. David didn’t take honour unto himself he gave the honour to God in faith as if it had already come to pass. In David’s mind this outcome was fact and history yet to come to pass.
[1 Samuel 17:48] And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.
[1 Samuel 17:49] And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
[1 Samuel 17:50] So David prevailed over the Philistines with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.
[1 Samuel 17:51] Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.
[1 Samuel 17:52] And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.
[1 Samuel 17:53] And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents.
[1 Samuel 17:54] And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armor in his tent.
[1 Samuel 17:55] And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.
[1 Samuel 17:56] And the king said, Inquire thou whose son the stripling is.
[1 Samuel 17:57] And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand.
[1 Samuel 17:58] And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.
David was a good steward over his father’s sheep and God made him Shepherd over all of Israel, as a Lion and a Bear had threatened his father’s flock, so nations would rise against him as king bearing similar emblems in their standards of war. God prepares us against the day of our trials and tribulation. We see David’s stewardship even in choosing five smooth stones to battle Goliath, he would only need one under God’s power, but he was prepared against the threat he was about to face. God is always there for us and some of you may even be chosen vessels through your willingness to keep God’s commandments with love. All of you are important and are a part of the Body of Christ if you have followed the steps of salvation. Prepare you against the evil day like David did, having done all you can do, to be prepared. Have your lamps filled with oil. Take into you the precious word of God while it is still called day, for the night is coming. Satan shall have his time of causing the nations to fear, but it is growing shorter by the day and shall be cut short in the Righteousness of Christ’s return.
May the fuller understanding of God’s doings, dawn upon each and every one of us. Is my Prayer in Jesus name. Amen.
gideon’s 300
By Priest Tony Stack, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
When we read about the story of Gideon and his army of 300 in the Old Testament, we see a story of division, truth and faith that allowed God to fashion an army that was totally obedient and ready to serve Him. It is also a story about what it means to pay the price and about what it means to obedient.
God told Gideon exactly the things - the commandments if you will – he wanted to tell His people. So Gideon blew his trumpet and 32,000 people were gathered together. The first thing Gideon told them was “Whoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from Mount Gilead” (Judges 7:3). So, 22,000 people went home because they were afraid to become involved. They were afraid that it was going to cost them a price more than they were willing to pay. They were afraid that serving the Lord meant they were actually going to have to do something.
The Lord says unto Gideon “There are still too many”. So, he tested the remaining 10,000. He brought them down to the water to drink and 9,700 of them got down on their hands and knees and relaxed their guard while they drank. Only 300 lapped water out of their hands keeping a lookout for the Middianites. Only 300 were really alert. Only 300 were totally obedient and ready to serve the Lord and follow His plan exactly. This army of 300 went out and defeated the large army of Middianites that had plagued Israel for years.
God divided Gideon’s army twice until less than 0.1% were chosen. As the requirements become more difficult, the number of those who are willing to pay the price and stay the distance became fewer. This is a necessary part of God’s plan. It ensures that God ends up with quality, purity and obedience with each division.
Christ said “Strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Matt 7:23). Why? Because, so few are willing to pay the price.
Jesus laid down some hard conditions for us. He knows that by doing so He would have fewer and fewer followers. But he also knew that those who were left would be totally dedicated. It is Christ’s pattern to divide out of the multitude a smaller and smaller number until He would have those who would be His true disciples. This is what it is going to take to build the Kingdom. This division will continue to take place until Christ comes; so a word of warning – don’t sit back and relax and think we have made the grade– the dividing is not over.
When Christ was here on Earth he said “ if any man will follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me”. How many turned from Christ then and would not follow Him because they had other “more important and urgent” things to do and would not commit? If Christ came into our midst today, how many of us would have other things we have to do before we dropped everything and followed Christ?
Christ gave his life for us and asks very little in return other than to follow him. Every time we partake of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper we remember this ultimate sacrifice, yet if Christ came into this very room this morning and said to us “Follow me”, how many of us would be prepared to trust and obey, step out in absolute faith and unquestionably follow Him?
There will be a division along these lines, just like in with Gideon’s army of 300, until Christ has a people who will serve His purpose – and we cannot kid ourselves that won’t be included in that dividing process. Christ wants a pure and refined disciple to be with him when he comes to share the fruit of the vine again with us. He wants to make sure that we have counted the cost of discipleship, for unless we have, we don’t know the value of His sacrifice and He wants us to know that.
As we continue on with our lives, how long will the “life and light” linger with us? Just until we reach the front door? Maybe the rest of today, the rest of the week, until our next Sacrament service? -----------Or will it disappear as we mix with the world as if nothing has changed?
thankful for the gospel
By Elder Murray G. Broughton, of Euroa in Victoria, Australia
I thank God for the Church of Jesus Christ, restored in 1830, and for those faithful saints through whom He is working to bring about His will here on earth. I am thankful that we are free and able to worship together here in Australia and that I believe in the Three Standard Books. I am very grateful to be able to read and for being able to receive the Restoration Voice magazine. I pray that we will be guided by the Holy Spirit and be blessed, as I pray for those faithful saints and priesthood who are holding onto the doctrine of God and who are working to bring about Zion.
I am thankful for salvation through Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). I believe that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). “Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Jesus said “I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:19). We know that not all the churches and not all of their teachings are pleasing to God. We must be careful lest we be like those of whom Jesus spoke when He said, “This people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching the doctrines and the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:7-8). “It is not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, that shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father, who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:30).
The Lord spoke of the restoring of the Church when He said, “Therefore I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people; yea, a marvelous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise and learned shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent shall be hid” (Isaiah 29:26).
I am thankful for the Book of Mormon that Ezekiel spoke of, saying, “Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions; then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for the house of Israel his companions. And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand” (Ezekiel 37:16-17).
I believe the Book of Mormon is the stick of Joseph and the Bible the stick of Judah. The Patriarch Jacob spoke of the Book of Mormon people’s coming to America when he foretold that, “Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall” (Genesis 49:22).
Isaiah also speaks of the Book of Mormon, saying that it would be brought out of the ground: “And she shall be brought down, and shall speak out of the ground, and her speech shall be low out of the dust; and her voice shall be as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and her speech shall whisper out of the dust” (Isaiah 29:4).
The restoration of the Church was foretold in the Scriptures: “And I saw another angle fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgement is come; and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters” (Revelation 14:6-7).
Joseph Smith writes, “While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.’” This Scripture was verified when he made the attempt to pray and began to offer up the desires of his heart to God.
He testified, “When the light rested upon me, I saw two personages (whose brightness and glory defy all description) standing above me in the air. One of them spoke unto me, calling me by name, and said, (pointing to the other), ‘This is my beloved Son, hear him.’” This was the start of God’s Church being restored here on earth again (Church History 1:8-9).
An angle later told Joseph where the golden plates were hidden. He said that the fullness of the everlasting gospel was contained in them, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants of America. Two stones in silver bows fastened to a breastplate were called the Urim and Thummim and were deposited with the plates. The procession and use of these stones constituted seers in former times, and God had prepared them for the purpose of translating the plates. This was part of God’s restoring His Church in these last days.
I thank God for His holy prophets and the faithful men of the past and for the faithful saints of the present who are keeping the gospel alive in the Church.
…..”behold, athese things shall be hid up, to come forth unto the Gentiles, by the gift and power of the Lamb.
36 And in them shall be written my agospel, saith the Lamb, and my brock and my salvation.
37 And ablessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my bZion at that day, for they shall have the cgift and the dpower of the Holy Ghost; and if they eendure unto the end they shall be flifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting gkingdom of the Lamb;” 1 Nephi 13:35-37
scattered saints
God Went Before Me
Testimony By Sister Clareen Carroll
A few weeks ago, I was privileged to attend the service in which Shaun Turner and Brian Munday shared their testimonies of their mission trip to Africa.
Upon entering the Church, I was given a bulletin. As always, I read them cover to cover. I noticed that there was to be two collections. The second to help our Saints in Africa build a new permanent Church. We learned that the existing Church was built of straw and dung. These last about 7 years. The existing Church was falling down and not safe to use for services anymore.
I took some money out of my purse and put it in my pocket as to be ready when the collection plate was passed.
As Shaun and Brian’s testimonies continued, I realized I needed to give more. I exchanged what I already had in my pocket, for more. Again, I realized that it was not enough and again added to the amount that I had on hand.
Saturday, I had been grocery shopping and had some money left over. As I was leaving for Church I reached out and put the extra money in my purse. Not giving another thought about the money. Usually, I do not carry much cash and do my shopping by credit card. God knew where the money was supposed to go.
For a third time, I added to the amount to be given for the Church building.
The new permanent building will be built of bricks and mortar, built to last for our Saints in Africa. Enough money was given for the Church to be built with a contingency fund to supply additional things that may be needed and not covered by the initial collection.
Giving thanks to God for prompting me to put the extra cash in my purse.
Your Sister In Christ, Clareen Carroll of Independence, Missouri, USA
SERVICE SCHEDULE FOR 2021
Sunday Worship Service Wednesday Prayer Service
July 4th Sacrament In-house ~ Noel Rowlatt July 7th Glenn Kerswell
July 11th Luke Melling July 14th Peter Churchill
July 18th Peter Archer July 21st Danny Archer
July 25th Alma Kerswell July 28th Murray Broughton
Everyone is welcome to join our online services at any time. If you, or anyone you know would like to participate, please email Elder Danny Archer at; danny@inbeta.org to register. Information on how to connect will be sent to you. Please note, you must have access to the internet for this service.
Kelvin View - Euroa VIC Branch News Submitted by Sister Delma Broughton
We enjoy meeting for Prayer and Worship Services each week and are very happy to see the Saints in the Philippines joining us for online services also.
South Australian News Submitted by Sister Monique Hummel
We continue to meet, when possible, for the Sunday Services and enjoy seeing the other Saints online. We are incredibly grateful to have access to this service. Also, a big ‘Thank you’ to everyone who responded confirming their email addresses and contact information to receive the Restoration News, and to Brother Noel for your unfailing support in making the editorial role a comfortable transition.
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Kerri & Gina Krieg celebrated their 48th Wedding Anniversary on June 16th.
Please include in your daily prayers the following people who are in need of a blessing. Olive Melling, Alma & Janice Kerswell, Gary Rowlatt, Audrey Kerswell, Gwen Whately, Dennis DeUray, David Hardwick, Ernie Natino, Micheal & Patty Fulton, Mick Peel & Family, Ellen Sheppard, Elder Ace DeVera, Glenn Crowther, Rachel Crosley, The Game Family Move, Burke & Mary Holt and Jessica Hale.
Sun. 4th 10.00 a.m. COMMUNION SERVICE. Elder N.Rowlatt asstd.by Priest G. Kerswell
Musical Item for Service: Linda Myers
Followed by a BYO Fellowship Lunch
Monday 5th July 7.00p.m. PRIESTHOOD MEETING Online
Wed 7th 7.00p.m. Prayer Meeting. Priest Glenn Kerswell
Sun. 11th 10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Luke Melling (USA)
(Live streamed in)
11.10 a.m. Class. Elder Gary Melling
.
Wed 14th 7.00p.m. Prayer Meeting. Priest Peter Churchill
Sun. 18th 10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Elder Peter Archer
(Live streamed in)
11.10 a.m. On line Prayer & Testimony Service. Elder Neville Churchill
Wed 21st 7.00p.m. Prayer Meeting. Elder Danny Archer
Sun. 25th 10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Elder Alma Kerswell
(Live streamed out)
11.10 a.m. Class. Elder Gary Melling
Wed 28th. 7.00p.m. Prayer Meeting. Elder Alma Kerswell
BRANCH NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS for Kingston Branch..
Birthday. Peter Churchill on the 8th.July
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