LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD SEPTEMBER 28, 2023
Greetings to the Saints world wide,
As you most likely know, the Conference of Restoration
Elders Priesthood Assembly was held in Kirtland, Ohio September 22-24, 2023.
The theme overall was, “Prepare For the Great Day of the Lord.” The theme for
Friday was, “Listen to the Voice of Jesus.” The service was conducted by
Elders Jason Webster, Pastor, and David Webster of the Kirtland Restoration
Branch. The sanctuary was packed with overflow and the Spirit of God was
present throughout.
The theme for Saturday was, “Trust the Father’s Word and
Find Joy in Him.” A morning session of worship and praise, conducted by High
Priest Steve Bohall, was followed by a class taught by High Priest Marlin Guin.
The priesthood were then divided into fifteen small groups for discussion and
reassembled for reports. This was then followed by a Sacrament of the Lord’s
Supper. The Holy Spirit was present in all these activities.
Saturday evening the priesthood gathered at the Temple
for a three hour session of worship. The Aaronic Order were on the second floor
and the Melchisedec on the first floor for the first hour and a half. The
Aaronic Order joined the Melchisedec for the last half of the time. During the
last half, challenges were issued by Seventy Richard Neill, Elder Brian Mundy,
Elder Jack Hagensen and presided over by Elder David Joyce. Again, the presence
of the Holy Spirit was very evident.
Sunday morning from 7:30-10:30 am, the Priesthood met on
the first floor of the Temple. The theme: “Ye Saints Arise and Live.” Elder
Doug Smith, currently living in Kenya, presided. It was a magnificent service
of worship, praise and dedication, filled with God’s Spirit from beginning to
end. As the Holy Spirit flows, so did the service with God’s power. Truly this
was a service “Led by the Spirit,” as many were involved in prayers, music,
scripture readings, testimonies and times of silence.
We were asked, “What message to share? Much of the answer
is found in Doctrine and Covenants 6. Take time to read it yourself. I’m sure
many were expecting a “Thus saith the Spirit.” It did not come in that way, but
in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit from Friday evening at 8:00pm to
Sunday morning at 10:30 am.
So, by now all the men are back home and time will tell
the real significance of this past weekend as it always does after we have been
to a reunion, retreat, great class or worship in our own congregations. This
Sunday is October 1, 2023. The opportunity for each of us as we have the
privilege of being a part of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. A time to
“examine ourselves” to see where we stand before the Lord God Almighty.
Salvation is an individual process for each person. All the Ten Virgins
gathered to wait for the Bridegroom. All went to sleep, but when they awoke to
the sound, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go YE out to meet HIM, only five
were truly prepared for that Great Day of the Lord.” Check your oil with
Doctrine and Covenants 45:10 and “Know Jesus.”
The October 1-December 31, 2023 Daily Devotional is
attached. Download and use as part of your preparation for the remainder of
this year. It is also on the CRE website. Click on Study Materials.
God bless
Paul Gage
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