Mixed Messages

I don't know about you, but sometimes I find it difficult to discern what is truth and what is not truth. There seem to be so many opinions these days on the subject. I feel that those that strongly oppose truth - I will refer to here as the adversary - can be very convincing in their discussions, opinions, doctrines, and stances. So many people say so many things.
I believe that the adversary opposes happiness, and will do whatever they can to destroy us and our happiness. If you have not read or listened to the Screwtape letters by C.S. Lewis - I recommend it. It is all about the Devil and his angels and the way they tempt us and make lose our happiness.

This being said, I want to share what I learned in my scripture study today.

Ephesians 4:4-14 " There is one body, and one spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all.... (vs. 12) and he gave some, apostles and some, prophets..... for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we ALL come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.....That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with EVERY WIND OF DOCTRINE, by the slight of men, and the cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."

I believe that this very much applies to us today. I believe that we are all children under one God - who desires for us eternal happiness, to live with Him again. I believe He is very aware of the trials and pitfalls that beset us here on this earth and wants to help us safely home. As such he has ordained "some, apostles and some, prophets" to teach us what He would have us know. This is not new knowledge - since the beginning of time God sent prophets to this earth - Adam being our first one. When Jesus Christ came to this earth he ordained and set apart 12 apostles and gave them power to teach His gospel here. 
Today - Jesus Christ has again ordained 12 apostles to lead and guide us on this earth.
The temptations and struggles that challenge us today - though seemingly insurmountable at times, are common to man of every age. 
It is our goal not to be "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.... by the cunning craftiness... and slight of men." - - I like to think of this as all of the differing opinions on such topics as same-gender attraction, marriage, pornography, modesty, values... and many others. 

The answer is simple - to listen to, and hearken (apply) the teachings of the apostles of Jesus Christ - and them only!

Not sure who is an apostle of Jesus Christ? - seek out the answer! I believe in the power of Prayer, just as stated in James 1:5  - If we lack wisdom, understanding, or knowledge - lets ask our Heavenly Father in Humble prayer! He will not judge or criticize us - but in His will and timing - answer those humble prayers! After all  - WE ARE HIS CHILDREN!!! what loving parent would not answer the sincere call of their child?

NOW - for those of us who belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - I believe we must be very careful in the practices and beliefs we sympathize with. I personally believe that "no one is safe until they are dead!"  - meaning, the adversary is going to try to trip us up wherever and when ever he can!!!
Thus my recent study in the Book of Mormon: 


For those who sympathize with ANY doctrine or teaching that does not align with the teachings of our modern prophets:

Matt 24:24 - "If it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." - - 1 Nephi 8:19-24 " And I beheld a rod of iron.... And I also beheld a STRAIT AND NARROW path... And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, ... And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness... insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost..... And... I beheld others pressing forward...and they caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward THROUGH the mist of darkness, CLINGING to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.... (11:22-23) - the tree of life - it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the MOST desirable above all things.... the most joyous to the soul."

It is the LAST DAYS people - and even the very elect shall fall - this is a prophecy. But we have a way out - to CLING to the rod of Iron.... no matter what anyone else says - no matter how convincing other "winds of doctrine" may be!!! If it is not stated in the scriptures, or by the mouths of God's living prophets - Be very careful. 

It is hard sometimes to know what is right and what is wrong in the world we are in today - with so many opinions that sounds appealing or true - it is hard to discern truth - thus we have been given the commandment to CLING to the Iron Rod (the words of God through scripture and the words of living prophets) - It is then that we will be able to withstand the "mists of darkness."  

I believe we must always be striving and checking ourselves that we DO NOT support or sympathize with any teaching that goes against the words of the prophets. 


And as always - John 8:32 - "the truth shall make you free."