Studying the Scriptures

Good morning to all,

It is time to cut to the chase. Over the years I have spoken to many people who are far more intelligent and better educated than I. Often they express frustration at their inability to feel like they really understand the scriptures. Many have years of experience teaching and studying the scriptures and know much more than I about the history of the Church and the history of the people spoken of in the scriptures. Prophetically speaking, learning was never going to be our problem. Paul said in the last days people would be "ever learning, but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth." (2 Timothy 3:7) So some turn to Biblical Hebrew and others turn to commentaries for instruction. This week my son, Taylor and I talked about his institute class and how the instructor told the students they wouldn't understand the scriptures unless they understood the symbolism in them.

Seeking guidance from others is exactly the wrong way to go because it leads you away from a process designed to sanctify you and introduce you back to God's presence whenever you are ready. In section 1 of the Doctrine & Covenants the Lord gave a type of mission statement the restoration of the Gospel would accomplish: "Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments; And also gave commandments to others, that hey should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the prophets- The weak things of the world will shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh-But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world; That faith also might increase in the earth; That mine everlasting covenant might be established; That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers." (D&C 1:17-23)

The Lord's mission is to reintroduce man to his maker so all may know God and speak in His name. Scripture study is a process whereby you familiarize yourself with God's voice and His teachings so you can recognize it when He speaks to you. The process of seeking God through the scriptures involves deep reflection and pondering. Reading the scriptures help but studying them topically can unleash far more content and greater faith as you begin to see the hand of the Lord throughout the Standard Works.

Our world has turned everything upside down. Today we measure a persons intelligence by their ability to understand complex subjects. True intelligence is manifest when complex subjects are made simple and understandable to all men and women. God is more intelligent than all of us and He has inspired and organized the scriptures so the least educated are more likely to understand because they are less inclined to become confused by complexity. Hence the Savior's remark: "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom as a little child, he shall not enter therein." (Mark 10:15)

My intent is to demonstrate a few simple strategies that unlock vast amounts of information hidden in plain sight in the scriptures. Our Heavenly Father has given us these words in manner we can both understand and apply.

The first strategy to be introduced is the concept of scripture templates. A template is a pattern the Lord has revealed that demonstrates order He follows in bringing about His work. The first template will manifest the steps of spiritual progression both the Church and its members must follow to develop Godlike attributes and prepare to enter again into His presence.

Scott

A New Year Brings a New Look at Elias (Part 2)

Why is the knowledge of a second Elias important?

Without the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible and section 77 of the Doctrine & Covenants it would be impossible to distinguish between the two Eliases. Everyone should appreciate the miracles God performed with an uneducated young man who humbly subordinates his will to God. If God was able to do this for Joseph Smith, what might He do if we are humble, submissive and willing?

There are a number of reasons this is important. John the Revelator has seen the past and our future. The Lord revealed the Book of Revelation to John showing him the challenges he faces when fulfilling his latter-day mission. Verse 14 of section 77 asked about the book John was instructed to eat. When John ate the book it became both a mission and an ordinance for him. Said John, “…, I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.”[i]

The Mission and Ordinance of John

Eating the book was symbolic of John internalizing and accepting the mission the Lord had given him. The angel warned John when he first embarked on this mission it would be “sweet” as it entered his mouth but when fully digested John’s belly turned “bitter”. John’s mission would be bittersweet. John’s mission will be sweet, because the honest in heart embrace truth during John’s ministry. Bitter, because the rebellious suffer the wrath of God, which brings suffering to the unrepentant.

Nephi’s description of John

Another reason John’s extended ministry is prominent is Nephi’s description of John in 1 Nephi 14:19-27. Nephi records, “And I looked and beheld a man, and he was dressed in a white robe. And the angel said unto me: Behold one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Behold, he shall see and write the remainder of these things; yea, and also many things which have been. And he shall also write concerning the end of the world. Wherefore, the things which he shall write are just and true; and behold they are written in the book which thou beheld proceeding out of the mouth of a Jew; and at that time they proceeded out of the mouth of the Jew, the things which were written were plain and pure, and most precious and easy to the understanding of all men…, But the things which thou shalt see hereafter thou shalt not write; for the Lord God hath ordained the apostle of the Lamb of God that he should write them. And also others who have been, to them hath he shown all things, and they have written them; and they are sealed up to come forth in their purity, according to the truth which is in the Lamb, in the own due time of the Lord, unto the house of Israel. And I Nephi, heard and bear record, that the name of the apostle of the Lamb was John.” (emphasis added)[ii]

I have read this passage for many years, largely missing what Nephi said about John the Revelator. Emphasis placed on prior verses represent points discussed below:

1. Nephi says John has seen past events and will see and write the events leading up to the end of the world. (side note: Nephi is seeing the pre-mortal John)
2. John’s writings were originally included in the text of the Bible and were “plain” and “pure” and “most precious and easy to the understanding of men.” When Satan orchestrated the editing of the original Bible text, John’s writings were among those words the devil removed or altered. Redaction of John’s writings made the Bible difficult to understand and began the rise of the “mists of darkness” that cloud the way on the strait and narrow path.[iii]
3. Verse 26 really stirred my curiosity when the angel tells Nephi that John shows these things to others and they write them. However, the records written by others are sealed to come forth in purity at a future time known as the “due time of the Lord.” Sounds exactly like the kind of work an Elias who “restores all things” would engage in. This is fascinating on so many levels. The idea of John visiting others is supported by Doctrine & Covenants 7 when the Savior tells Peter, “…, If I will that he (John) tarry till I come, what is that to thee? For he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily come unto me in my kingdom. I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire; but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater work yet among men than what he has before done. Yea, he has undertaken a greater work; therefore I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel; he shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth.” [iv]
4. John is a ministering angel to “heirs of salvation” and appears to direct the heirs in carrying out the work of the Father rather than performing the actual work himself. When John assumed his “greater work” as a ministering angel his efforts might assume more of a supervisory/directorial role in preparation for the Second Coming of Christ.

After all that has been reviewed about John the Revelator it seems easy to appreciate more fully the Savior’s references to John in section 93 where the Lord says, “And John saw and bore record of the fulness of my glory, and the fulness of John’s record is hereafter to be revealed.”[v] Later the Savior returns to the subject of John’s record saying, “And it shall come to pass, that if you are faithful you shall receive the fulness of the record of John.”[vi] John’s record will be “plain” and “pure” and easily understood by all mankind.[vii] The records of John and those whom he reveals these things to will one day be made public for the entire world to read and judge for themselves, either to life everlasting or damnation. All of these points should give a greater appreciation of how appropriate and accurate it is to call John, “Revelator.”

What has just been read may be new. Hopefully it will give you things to think about and ponder that have perhaps never come to mind before. Of course all of this is my opinion and that gives you the freedom to accept or ignore the content as you choose. Either way, may this article bring something in the New Year that stimulates thoughts and provides a point of view that is at least interesting. Most of all may these thoughts motivate and inspire readers to consider the possibility more has been revealed than previously realized.

In conclusion, it is important to understand this is a universal process. One should never timid about what they do not know nor feel like they have “arrived.” Thinking one has “arrived” leads back to “what we know, that just ain’t so.” Attempting to understand the shear volume of the knowledge God possesses should keep everyone humbly following the Lord’s admonition to: “Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you:”[viii]

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[i] Revelation 10:9-10

[ii] 1 Nephi 14:19-27

[iii] 1 Nephi 13:28-29, 32-34

[iv] D&C 7:4-6

[v] D&C 93:6

[vi] D&C 93:18

[vii] 1 Nephi 14:23

[viii] Matthew 7:7

A New Year Brings a New Look at Elias (Part 1)

How tradition may cloud our search for truth

The great American humorist, Will Roger’s is credited with saying: “It’s not what people don’t know that hurts them. It’s what they do know that just ain’t so.” When Nephi was shown Lehi’s dream of the “Tree of Life,” he witnessed a rising mist of darkness that covered the straight and narrow path.[i] The fog impaired the vision of those who gained access to the straight and narrow path through the saving ordinances, including baptism.[ii] In other words, it appears Lehi’s vision is primarily directed to the membership of the Church and the potential for impaired vision once we reach the “straight and narrow path.”

Navigating the Mists

Lehi and Nephi were taught in the vision that the way to successfully stay on the straight and narrow path was to take hold of the “iron rod” as they slowly make their way through the dark mists. The inflexible rod of iron running parallel to the straight and narrow path was identified as the “Word of God.”[iii] No matter how dark the way may be, one can hold to the iron rod and be led through the dark mists to the “fountain of Living Waters” and the “Tree of Life.”[iv]

Evidence the body of the Church will struggle with the temptations that form the thick, dark mists is found in section 112 & 84 where the Lord states, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, darkness covereth the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people, and all flesh has become corrupt before my face” and “And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received.”[v]

What does it mean to hold to the Word of God?

In the modern Church we often hear the mantra “Follow the Prophet.” What does that statement mean? Some feel compliant if they listen to Conference twice a year and read the conference issue of Ensign Magazine. Certainly that is one way of clinging to the word of God but holding fast to the iron rod goes beyond listening to the Prophet. To fully follow the Prophet we have to heed his words but most importantly, follow his example of searching for God. Until we seek the Lord as the Prophet does we are not truly “Following the Prophet.”

Another key part of clinging to the rod of iron is “feasting on the words of Christ”[vi] Topical study of the scriptures is one of the most effective ways to learn doctrine, feast on Christ’s words and commune with the Spirit of God.If one feels they lack direct, personal revelation from God holding fast to the iron rod of teachings from modern Prophets, the Standard Works and topical research can illuminate the way through the mists of darkness.

Case Study

Early one morning I sat at my desk preparing for a Sunday lesson. It was the last Sunday of the year which meant the last lesson in the manual was to be taught. The subject was “The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord.”The first reference in the lesson was Malachi 3:1 which says, “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come saith the Lord of hosts.” By way of commentary the manual said, “Malachi prophesied that a messenger would prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord’s mortal ministry, and Joseph Smith is the messenger who prepared the way for the Second Coming.[vii]

It is clear the disciples of Jesus knew John the Baptist fulfilled part of Malachi’s prophecy prior to the Savior’s ministry. The part in the manual that claims Joseph Smith is the latter day messenger is the portion of the manual under consideration.

Church manuals generally are written to the understanding of a young person in the sixth grade. This accommodates the needs of newer, less initiated members in a global Church. Theoretically they are the ones who need to be nurtured. It is important to seize every opportunity to identify prophecies linked to the mission of Joseph Smith. Any true disciple of Christ wants to strengthen the faith and testimony of everyone they associate with. With that thought in mind I propose an alternate explanation that provides a strong witness of Joseph Smith as a Prophet of God and reveals the identity of the second Elias.

Elias the mystery man

Rather than focus on Matthew 11:10 as directed by the manual examine Matthew 17:10-13 where the text reads, “And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.”

The disciples understood John the Baptist was the Elias that prepared the way for the Savior’s earthly ministry. The Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 17 provides greater detail and clarifies the idea there will be two prominent Eliases. There are significant differences between the King James Version and the Joseph Smith Translation in clarity and content.

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things, as the prophets have written. And again I say unto you that Elias has come already, concerning who it is written, Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me; and they knew him not, and have done unto him, whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of Man suffer of them. But I say unto you, Who is Elias? Behold, this is Elias, whom I send to prepare the way before me. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist, and also of another who should come and restore all things, as it is written by the prophets.”[viii]

Two Eliases

The Joseph Smith Translation makes a distinction between two Eliases, one that “prepares the way” (which is John the Baptist) and a second Elias who had not yet arrived but would come in a future day to “restore all things.” At this point it is logical to conclude that Joseph Smith was the second Elias who restores all things as stated in the manual. Members of the Church believe the mission of Joseph Smith was to restore all things. The identity of the second Elias appears even more certain when Joseph Smith says at the time of his Aaronic ordination by John the Baptist, “…, my ordination was a preparatory work, or a going before, which was the spirit of Elias; for the spirit of Elias was a going before, which was the spirit of Elias; for the spirit of Elias was a going before to prepare the way for a greater, which was the case with John the Baptist.” [ix] This quotation appears to support Joseph Fielding Smith’s point that Joseph Smith is the second Elias that restores all things. Closer examination reveals a subtle but important distinction that is critical to our understanding the doctrine of Elias.

Distinction between the “Spirit of Elias” and the office of Elias

John the Baptist did not say Joseph Smith was “Elias” but that his ordination was in accordance with the “spirit of Elias.” In “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith”, Joseph said: “In the first ages of the world they tried to establish the same thing; and there were Eliases raised up who tried to restore these very glories, but did not obtain them; but they prophesied of a day when this glory would be revealed.”[x] Joseph’s quotation implies many men may have functioned under the influence and authority of the spirit of Elias. Not all qualified for the title of “Elias.” The failed attempts at preparing the way for a greater work associated these men with the “Spirit of Elias”. Still, they fell short of their objective but continued pointing to a day when all things would be restored. This would be the fulfillment of the second Elias in prophecy.

The identity of the second Elias is found in the 77^th section of the Doctrine & Covenants. This section is unique in its question and answer format. In verse 9 of section 77 the Lord is asked: “What are we to understand by the angel ascending from the east, Revelation 7^th Chapter and 2^nd verse? A. We are to understand that the angel ascending from the east is he to whom is given the seal of the living God over the twelve tribes of Israel; wherefore, he crieth unto the four angels (D&C 77:8) having the everlasting gospel, saying: Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And, if you will receive it, this is Elias which was to come to gather together the tribes of Israel and restore all things.”

The Duel Mission of the “restorer of all things”

Another mission is added to the second Elias. The second Elias will gather and seal the scattered tribes of Israel. That event has yet to occur. The gathering began during Joseph Smith’s ministry, (primarily the tribe of Joseph.) The second Elias appears to have a comprehensive role in gathering very tribe in Israel. The identity of the second Elias is revealed in verse 14 of 77 where the Lord is asked: “What are we to understand by the little book which was eaten by John, as mentioned in the 10^th chapter of Revelation?”

A. We are to understand that it was a mission and an ordinance, for him (John the Revelator) to gather the tribes of Israel; behold, this is Elias, who, as it is written, must come and restore all things.” Case closed? I realize there may be those who choose Joseph Fielding Smith’s perspective and that is fine. You will need to reconcile the two opinions.

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[i] 1 Nephi 8:23, 1 Nephi 12:17

[ii] 2 Nephi 31:14-18

[iii] 1 Nephi 11:25

[iv] 1 Nephi 8:20

[v] D&C 112:23, 84:54-57

[vi] 2 Nephi 32:3, D&C 1:14,38

[vii] (see Matthew 11:10; Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954-56], 1:193-195, 3:10-14, [Old Testament Gospel Doctrine Manual, pg.226]).”

[viii] Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 17:10-14

[ix] Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City, Ut. Deseret Book, 1974, pg.335

[x] Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City, Ut. Deseret Book, 1974, pg.159

Good morning to all

Let me begin with an apology for my post yesterday. My circumstances left me with little time for proof reading and consequently it did not flow as clearly as it should have.

My purpose in sharing these initial experiences is two fold. The first objective is to establish a type of journal of personal experiences for friends and loved ones. The second objective is to share with you why I have reservations about accepting doctrinal explanations adopted as conventional wisdom in the Church.

When I first began studying topics on my mission and thereafter, I had a few concerns and one very big assumption. My concern was centered on the number of people I had known who immersed themselves into a study of Church history and doctrine only too leave the Church thereafter. I did not want to become another spiritual casualty and so I thought it wise to take steps to protect myself. Joseph Smith did not have the benefit/challenge of the Journal of Discourses nor was he faced with doctrinal opinions that were constantly evolving with the restoration. Joseph was uneducated and relied solely on revelation from God to interpret scripture. It was Joseph's pattern I wanted to follow because that is the pattern preached in the scriptures. When Joseph knew something it was always learned from the most reliable, unimpeachable sources.

In the beginning I established a few rules that became the foundation of my search. They are:

1. Never leave the Church.
2. Never leave the Brethren.
3. Never leave the Standard Works.
4. Don't lose faith in what you know because of something you don't know.
5. I recently added this last one but it closely relates to #2. Don't become an accuser of your brethren.

Most of these are self explanatory. Number two and number five require some explanation. This has to do with the assumption I made after returning from my mission. It was my belief personal study would be encouraged in the Church. This assumption turned out to be partially incorrect. Over the podium the Brethren encourage everyone to seek greater light and knowledge. In practice, limitations are arbitrarily placed on what can be spoken and what cannot. Ironically, this even applies to the Brethren. Note how Elder Packer's last conference talk was altered to soften his remarks about homosexuals. I have no axe to grind in this controversy. I saw nothing wrong with his original comments nor do I care the decision was made to alter Elder Packer's talk. The issue for me is much broader than Elder Packer's talk.

There exists within the Church an entrenched philosophy that suppresses and sacrifices personal revelation in the name of order. This has given rise to a priestly, academic and scholarly approach to the scriptures. It is as if we encourage all men and women to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. When they get their answer the institutional Church wants them to set aside their personal experience with God and subordinate their search for light and knowledge to lesson manuals written on a six grade level. The Brethren are rightfully concerned about feeding the newest members of the Church with milk. Unfortunately, those who have been members of the Church continue to spiritually drown in milk because they need meat and don't know where to find it. The search for meat is what draws us to a personal relationship with God. The Church has entered into Melchizedek Priesthood Covenants with God and stand at risk of being rejected if they don't begin to honor the covenants they have made. The Brethren live and exemplify these principles, the Church does not. This is exactly the circumstance that led the Lord to reject ancient Israel. The Brethren talk of "raising the bar" but the truth is, the bar was never lowered.

We are losing many of the rising generation because they have not experienced nor witnessed the gifts of the Spirit. Membership in the Church has become a family tradition that often feels lifeless and institutional. All of this has been done with the best of intentions and that is why I do not want to be an accuser of my brethren. Generally they are dedicated and devoted men who have good albeit misplaced intent.

Deseret Book has become the "Talmud" to our Scriptures. The Jews look to the Talmud for oral interpretations to the Torah, (the five books of Moses.) The Jews have elevated the Talmud above the Torah and consequently their actions have left them with no living prophets.

These issues form the composition of the "mists of darkness" spoken of in Lehi's dream of the Tree of Life. It is interesting to note the mists "arose" after the people were on the straight and narrow path.

I will never leave the Church, never leave the Brethren, never leave the scriptures and never be an accuser of my brethren. One other thing I will never do is leave my salvation in their hands. There is a reason they are General Authorities and not Specific Authorities. The Specifics are between us and God and if we neglect the specifics we, not they, will suffer the consequences. If you have been endowed in the Temple of God you are authorized to represent yourself before the Lord. To do otherwise is to mimic the children of Israel and suffer rejection as a chosen people.

Happy Sabbath to all

This morning I will be attending Priesthood Leadership Meeting and the General Session of Stake Conference. I will have to keep this short. I say that but as Gary Rosenlof knows, it may not end that way, so here goes.

A few key experiences have greatly influenced how and why I study the scriptures. Lehi's dream of the Tree of Life that speaks of the "rod of Iron" is a big reason that I will discuss at a future date. There have been personal experiences that have greatly impacted my opinions.

When I first experienced the influence of the Holy Spirit in my life and studies I came to realize that Joseph Smith had been led by this influence in his search for truth. Joseph was drinking in knowledge directly from the fountainhead where the water was pure and unpolluted by the opinions and interpretations of man. I became convinced that God would do the same for me if I diligently sought greater light and knowledge. I knew God would do that because I experienced it every morning during my personal study. Consequently it became a question of how diligently I would pursue the knowledge rather than a question of whether God would give it. I followed the admonition of Christ to "Seek and ye will find, knock and it shall be opened unto you." My experience has been built on this assumption.

After several months of diligent study I was transferred to Moses Lake, Washington. A few months after my arrival we were told Elder Mark E. Peterson would be meeting with the missionaries from around the central part of Washington State. When Elder Peterson arrived and the meeting commenced, Elder Peterson opened the meeting to questions. One missionary raised his hand and asked, "Elder Peterson are there any books you could recommend that would help us be better missionaries?" Elder Peterson reached for his scriptures, raised them in to the air and said, "These are the only books you should be studying! Don't buy any of those books people just write them to make money." I was shocked by Elder Peterson's candor, particularly since he had written such stellar works as the largely forgettable, "Adam, who was He?" books and similar fare that were not very substantive. This experience planted my first seeds of cynicism when it came to books published by the marketing arm of the Church.

Several years ago I spoke with President Stapley, (who I found out two days ago had passed away) he shared another experience he witnessed with Elder Peterson. At this time Elder Peterson was very advanced in years and felt little reservation when it came to speaking his mind. A missionary approached this great Apostle and asked, "Elder Peterson, how many times have you read the Book of Mormon?" Everyone present was surprised when Elder Peterson replied, "Once!" He then added he had studied the Standard Works topically thereafter. I have done both. I stopped counting how many times I had read the Book of Mormon when I reached fifty. I have done the same with the New Testament, Doctrine & Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. I have probably read the Old Testament about ten times. In tandem with reading I have studied all the books topically. When you study topics across all the Standard Works you begin to see God's hand in all the writings. Newer scriptures frequently define older terms and you come to see a divine hand that works throughout it all.

Ooops! Time got away.

Have a great day.

In the beginning...,

Good morning all,

I grew up in the Sugarhouse area of Salt Lake. In many ways it was Camelot. Great friends and tremendous memories I hope to share from time to time. During my teen years I became a bona fide sports addict. Part time Church attendance was the price I paid to find out what time the next game was. My seminary career lasted two weeks in ninth grade.

Through divine intervention the Lord made an extreme course correction in my life and I found myself submitting mission papers, to the surprise of everyone. Part of that preparation was receiving my patriarchal blessing from Zelph Y. Erickson, an elderly man who wore his righteousness in his countenance. This was the first and only time I would meet this great patriarch. After a few minutes of conversation I sat in a chair and he placed his hands on my head. Blessings are sacred so I will not explore the content except to say I was surprised when he uttered the following words: "I bless you that you may have an increased desire to read the scriptures and that your mind may be enlightened to understand the messages to be found upon the pages of these scriptures." To that point I had never opened the scriptures. I remember thinking to myself, "For that to come true something miraculous would have to happen." I felt no inclination at all toward the scriptures. Sports was all I cared for. Needless to say, something did happen. Actually, many things in the second year of my mission.

Near the beginning of my second year I experienced a deeply spiritual epiphany that taught me how to invite the Spirit of God when I studied the scriptures. Prayer became the mandatory and powerful first step. Personal study was where I experienced profoundly spiritual experiences. Personal study was my time to commune with God and feel His Spirit permeate my soul and nourish my spirit. My appetite for this nourishment is what drove me to search the scriptures. Knowledge was always a residual effect and not my main focus.

Like Joseph Smith, I came to know (albeit in a less dramatic way) of the love God has for all of His children and that His love is not contingent on anything we do. It is unconditional and available to all who seek Him. The restoration of the Gospel has never been about Church membership, (though membership is linked to discipleship,) it has always been about men and women overcoming the fall of Adam and returning to the presence of God. At times I wonder if that is not the best kept secret in the Church.

Studying the scriptures can lead us to knowledge but that is not an end in itself. Paul said people in our day would be "ever learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth." (2 Timothy 3:7) One of the many gifts the scriptures give us is the opportunity to feel the spirit that attends the word of the Lord. It is important to break away from the tendency to be destination driven, which only pushes you to reach the end. If we don't learn to "feel" after God by pondering the content and reflecting on its relevance we will remain members of the Church but never be disciples of Christ. Discipleship is the road to Eternal Life. Eternal Life is "that they might know thee, the only true and living God and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent." (John 17:3)

Blog wake up and Shake up

Bryndee did a great job putting this blog together but the family has neglected it. I am embarrassed to say this is probably my second time on this site. I think things are about to change. I came to blogspot.com this morning thinking I would check to see how to set up a blog. When this blog came up I thought I might use it. Family and friends are who I would like to address and this might be the perfect place to do so. In addition to having a place to write my thoughts I can look at pictures of the people I love the most and represent best things in my life. Bryndee, you need to get pictures of the Booski-boo on here. She's the best of all.

Many of you know of my interest in the scriptures. I have studied the Standard Works for 36 years topically, using concordances. I have written much of my research but never been able to publish it due to barriers of entry into the publishing world. This blog is about to become my outlet for the content of my research. It will also be a vehicle for sharing research tools and techniques for unlocking sacred truth in the scriptures that are hidden in plain sight.

The views expressed in this blog will by my own and are no way representative or endorsed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The views herein are my own and I accept full responsibility.