http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/lds/ en-us Wed, 8 Oct 2008 19:28:52 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2100723/posts Parents should teach their children to pray. The child learns both from what the parents do and what they say. The child who sees a mother or a father pass through the trials of life with fervent prayer to God and then hears a sincere testimony that God answered in kindness will remember what they saw and heard. When their trials come, they will be prepared. In time, when the child is away from home and family, prayer can provide the shield of protection the parent will want so much for them to have. Parting can be hard, particularly when... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2100723/posts#comment Wed, 8 Oct 2008 19:28:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2098806/posts Mormons should never respond with arrogance or hostility to attacks on their faith, but be peacemakers among themselves and in the community of faith, said several speakers at the 178th Semiannual LDS General Conference on Sunday. "More regrettable than the [LDS] Church being accused of not being Christian is when church members react to such accusations in an un-Christlike way," Apostle Robert D. Hales said on the second day of the two-day conference. "Surely our Heavenly Father is saddened - and the devil laughs - when we contentiously debate doctrinal differences with our Christian neighbors." Sometimes, the best response is... The Salt Lake Tribune http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2098806/posts#comment Mon, 6 Oct 2008 17:58:58 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2097973/posts With the world facing difficult economic times, Latter-day Saints must increase their efforts to live prudently, avoid debt and prepare to provide for those who are adversely affected, President Thomas S. Monson counseled on Saturday. His remarks came during the evening priesthood session of the 178th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Audio slide show: Five new temples announced at conference "Many areas of the world have experienced difficult economic times. Businesses have failed, jobs have been lost and investments have been jeopardized," President Monson said. "We must make certain that those for whom... Deseret News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2097973/posts#comment Sun, 5 Oct 2008 15:01:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2097563/posts The 12th European temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be built in Rome.-SNIP- The Rome Italy Temple will be the first to be constructed near the worldwide headquarters for the Roman Catholic Church. It will serve church members from a variety of countries and greatly reduce travel time and expense to the Latter-day Saints living in the area, the release states. President Monson said the church also plans to build temples in Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Cordoba, Argentina; the greater Kansas City area; and in Philadelphia. The announcement of the temple in Rome brought an audible... Deseret News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2097563/posts#comment Sat, 4 Oct 2008 20:21:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2097376/posts 45 Do ye not suppose that I know of these things myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety? 46 Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit;... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2097376/posts#comment Sat, 4 Oct 2008 14:25:06 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2095142/posts The 178th Semiannual General Conference of the Church will convene in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday and Sunday, October 4-5, 2008. The Saturday general sessions will be held at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.; Sunday sessions will be held at 9:30 a.m. (which includes Music and the Spoken Word) and 2:00 p.m. The general priesthood meeting will be held in the Conference Center on Saturday, October 4, at 6:00 p.m. The First Presidency invites all members of the Church to participate by attending, viewing, or listening via television, radio, satellite, or Internet transmission at www.lds.org. Messages... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2095142/posts#comment Wed, 1 Oct 2008 19:52:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2092357/posts If I would be asked what, in my understanding, is the most important event to have happened on earth in the last 200 years, I would answer without any hesitation: it is the consequence of the prayer of a young boy who, in the early years of the 19th century, in upstate New York, knelt before God and asked questions of eternal truth. This young man with the name Joseph Smith became, in the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ, the instrument to restore to mankind the knowledge of the long-lost and nearly forgotten truth: the knowledge about us... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2092357/posts#comment Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:29:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2089925/posts 24 For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit. 25 And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; 26 And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. 27 I say unto... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2089925/posts#comment Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:38:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2088800/posts A west Texas grand jury investigating allegations that members of a polygamist sect sexually abused girls indicted three more people Tuesday, raising the number of defendants in the case to nine. Each of the sect members indicted Tuesday by the Schleicher County grand jury was charged with sexual assault of a child, and two face an additional charge of bigamy, state Attorney General Greg Abbott said in a statement. Abbott's office has taken over prosecution of the case from local authorities in the tiny county. The names of those charged were not immediately released, but none had been charged previously.... Associated Press http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2088800/posts#comment Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:48:09 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2087079/posts The Lord commanded: "Go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord."4 A critical element in observing this commandment is to "remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."5The Sabbath lasts all day! In a revelation "especially applicable to the saints in Zion,"6 the Lord states that the Sabbath was given that we might keep ourselves "unspotted from the world."7 It is a day to partake of the sacrament, a day "to pay [our] devotions unto the Most High,"8a day of "fasting and prayer,"9 a day to offer our time,... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2087079/posts#comment Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:48:01 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2086648/posts DEVIL'S GATEBrigham Young and the Great Mormon Handcart TragedyPeople do remarkable things and appalling things in the name of religion. Distinguishing between the two categories isn't always easy. In the mid-1850s, Brigham Young directed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to gather in Zion -- Utah Territory -- to enable the struggling Mormon colony to hold its ground against the encroachments of westering American gentiles. To save money and thereby maximize the number of Mormons able to make the trek, Young decided to forgo horse- and oxen-drawn wagons in favor of human-powered push carts. The... Washington Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2086648/posts#comment Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:30:23 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2085783/posts It was in his final address to his people that King Benjamin gave them a formula for retaining a remission of their sins. He had seen their willingness to enter into a covenant with God to do His will and to be obedient to His commandments in all things. Would it not be beneficial for us to review that formula so that we, too, might enjoy this great blessing? After having received the great joy that comes from knowing the goodness of God and having tasted of His love, King Benjamin taught his people three basic principles that would help... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2085783/posts#comment Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:19:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2085320/posts When the LDS Church called upon its members to ''do all you can'' to back California's proposed gay-marriage ban, it inspired Orem entrepreneur Bruce Bastian. He donated $1 million - to the opposition. In one fell swoop of his pen, the WordPerfect co-founder outspent all Utah donors - 37 of them - who have pitched in $120,550 to push Proposition 8, a ballot measure seeking to eliminate Caifornia's current recognition of same-sex couples marriages. The outcome could wind up framing the issue for other states. Bastian, a former Mormon who is openly gay, made a smaller donation of $5,000 to... The Salt Lake Tribune http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2085320/posts#comment Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:53:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2084754/posts Why are the Catholic bishops so concerned about Mormons baptising dead parishioners? The Mormons didn’t invent baptism of the dead. The practice has a significant history within mainstream Christianity. The decision to order its abandonment was taken only after heated debate, and was a close-run thing. What’s the difference, anyway, between baptising the dead and baptising babies? A tiny infant will have as much understanding as a dead person — none at all — of the complex philosophical belief-system it’s being inducted into when baptised, say, a Catholic. Transubstantiation? There’s daily communicants go to their deaths without any clear understanding... The Belfast Telegraph http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2084754/posts#comment Thu, 18 Sep 2008 03:04:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2085008/posts ... "Our success, individually and as a Church, will largely be determined by how faithfully we focus on living the gospel in the home. Only as we see clearly the responsibilities of each individual and the role of families and homes can we properly understand that priesthood quorums and auxiliary organizations, even wards and stakes, exist primarily to help members live the gospel in the home. Then we can understand that people are more important than programs, and that Church programs should always support and never detract from gospel-centered family activities. . . . "All should work together to make home a place... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2085008/posts#comment Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:54:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2084272/posts When he was just 10 years old, Joshua Dennis spent five days trapped in the pitch-black darkness of an abandoned mine. When rescuers finally heard his faint cry for help and pulled him out of the horrible darkness, he was disoriented, cold, and exhausted. Much to their surprise, he wasn't afraid. Josh spent his time sleeping, yelling for help, and praying. "Someone was protecting me," he explained. "I knew people were going to find me." Joshua's simple but profound faith had been nurtured by his parents, who taught him that he had a Heavenly Father who knew where he was... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2084272/posts#comment Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:28:33 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2083288/posts What can we do to combat this canker of contention? What steps may each of us take to supplant the spirit of contention with a spirit of personal peace? To begin, show compassionate concern for others. Control the tongue, the pen, and the word processor. Whenever tempted to dispute, remember this proverb: “He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.” (Prov. 11:12; see also Prov. 17:28.) Bridle the passion to speak or write contentiously for personal gain or glory. The Apostle Paul thus counseled the Philippians, “Let nothing be done through... LDS.org http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2083288/posts#comment Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:01:48 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2083224/posts My mother was a great delegator. Each Saturday morning as my brothers and sisters and I were growing up, we received housecleaning assignments from her. Her instructions to us had been learned from her mother: "Be certain you clean thoroughly in the corners and along the mopboards. If you are going to miss anything, let it be in the center of the room." She knew very well if we cleaned the corners, she would never have a problem with what was left in the center of the room. That which is visible to the eye would never be left unclean.... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2083224/posts#comment Tue, 16 Sep 2008 03:29:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2082707/posts     Lesson 13“I Will Give unto Thee the Keys of the Kingdom”Matthew 15:21-17:9By Craig K. Manscill Context of Matthew 16:13-19 The site of ancient Caesarea Philippi is in the northernmost part of Israel at the foot of Mount Hermon. The only Biblical references to the city are found in the New Testament in Matthew 16:13 and Mark 8:27, which describe Jesus’ visit to the vicinity of Caesarea Philippi with his disciples. This trip may have been for leadership training or proselyting or a combination of both. In answer to the Savior’s question on the occasion, Peter bore his testimony... Meridian Magazine http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2082707/posts#comment Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:57:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2082178/posts Why does the Lord call prophets, seers, and revelators? And how do we sustain them? The fundamental responsibility of prophets, seers, and revelators, all of whom bear apostolic authority, is to bear certain testimony of the name of Jesus Christ in all the world. This basic call to be a special witness of His name has remained constant whenever Apostles have been on the earth. This testimony, borne of the Holy Ghost through revelation, was the heart of the New Testament Church and is the heart of the Church today. On the day of Pentecost, Peter bore pure testimony that... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2082178/posts#comment Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:27:43 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2080799/posts   19 For were it not for the redemption which he hath made for his people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, I say unto you, were it not for this, all mankind must have perished.   20 But behold, the bands of death shall be broken, and the Son reigneth, and hath power over the dead; therefore, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead.   21 And there cometh a resurrection, even a first resurrection; yea, even a resurrection of those that have been, and who are, and who shall be, even until the resurrection of... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2080799/posts#comment Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:46:38 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2078361/posts   1 And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had thus spoken to his people, he sent among them, desiring to know of his people if they abelieved the words which he had spoken unto them.   2 And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty achange in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do bevil, but to... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2078361/posts#comment Tue, 9 Sep 2008 19:36:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2076707/posts   16 And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.   17 Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—   18 But I say unto... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2076707/posts#comment Sun, 7 Sep 2008 15:57:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2076680/posts   M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E Have You Been Born Again?By Brent L. TopAt a large gathering of Latter-day Saints several years ago, something was said to me by one of the guests that both surprised and troubled me.  The speaker was addressing the important doctrinal topic of salvation by grace and spiritual rebirth--being "born again." After the talk was completed, one of the people in attendance approached me with this question, "We don't believe that stuff, do we?"The "we" in his question meant Latter-day Saints, and the "that stuff"... Meridian Magazine http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2076680/posts#comment Sun, 7 Sep 2008 14:51:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2076248/posts   5 For behold, if the knowledge of the goodness of God at this time has awakened you to a sense of your nothingness, and your worthless and fallen state—   6 I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2076248/posts#comment Sat, 6 Sep 2008 20:17:20 GMT