Official Statement: Baptism of Sister Annette Barber

Dear brothers and sisters. What a wonderful day we have been blessed with today. It is our pleasure to inform you all that today the 28th of February 2015 this afternoon Sister Annette Barber took the first step on her road to fellowship with Christ by being baptised. Sister Annette was baptised by the Prophet Matthew Gill in what was a truly wonderful and spiritual moment, with sister Annette exclaiming that Angels were present. The baptism took place in a beautiful font loaned to us and situated in the garden of the prophet and his family, therefore allowing sister Annette Barber to be baptised by immersion. The spirit was in full abundance and all who participated felt the sprit work and for some those angles were truly part of the service. Following the baptism of Sister Annette she was bestowed the Holy Spirit and set apart as a member of the Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ and ordained a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood by the priesthood of the church.

 

Today has been a wonderfully spiritual day, and a day that all who were present will not forget for a long time to come.

Sermon: Everlasting to Everlasting

It is a pleasure to be able to speak to you today and for us to be here again on this Sabbath set aside for us by the Lord to worship. As members of The latter Day Church of Jesus Christ and followers of Christ we are always striving to live the gospel within our capacity to live it. As we walk along this path we call life we become aware that there are standards that our Father in heaven and Jesus Christ live by and so we in turn are expected, and required to live up to these standards, not just for a little but for all our time upon our journey. These standards given unto us by our Father in Heaven and through the Saviour Jesus Christ are based upon preciseness, and exactness to eternal principles, which do not, and will not change because our father is everlasting to everlasting and unchangeable and in turn his son who serves him and is of him is also the same. In this wonderful period of the revealed gospel, and with the rise in technological devices we are blessed in need for all these advances assist us in our work towards godhood.

 

A closer perspective is really at a micro level. Take for example the unit of length.(meter). Building a ship over 100 meter long. One meter error would not make a much of a difference. But it would if building the ships engines. The French originated the meter in the 1790s as one/ten-millionth of the distance from the equator to the north pole along a meridian through Paris.  It is realistically represented by the distance between two marks on an iron bar kept in Paris.  The International Bureau of Weights and Measures, created in 1875, upgraded the bar to one made of 90 percent platinum/10 percent iridium alloy. In 1960 the meter was redefined as 1,650,763.73 wavelengths of orange-red light, in a vacuum, produced by burning the element krypton (Kr-86).  More recently (1984), the Geneva Conference on Weights and Measures has defined the meter as the distance light travels, in a vacuum, in 1/299,792,458 seconds with time measured by a cesium-133 atomic clock which emits pulses of radiation at very rapid, regular intervals. None of the definitions changed the length of the meter, but merely allowed this length to be duplicated more precisely. Our English foot has not been so constant.  The U. S. Congress legalized the use of the metric system in 1866 on the basis that one meter is exactly equal to 39.37 inches.  In 1959 a number of English-speaking countries agreed that an inch is exactly equal to 2.54 centimetres so that the International foot is exactly equal to 0.3048 meters.  The United States retained the old 1866 equivalency and called it the U. S. Survey foot so that 1 U. S. Survey foot equals 1.000002 International feet.

 

So as we consider therefore the principles of the gospel. We will see that they do not change in any way. They are exact. God does not change, he is everlasting to everlasting. So is his church everlasting to everlasting doing all in his name. 

 

We read in the Book of Mormon the following:-

 

1  NOW it came to pass that after the end of Korihor, Alma having received tidings that the Zoramites were perverting the ways of the Lord, and that Zoram, who was their leader, was leading the hearts of the people to bow down to dumb idols, his heart again began to sicken because of the iniquity of the people.

 

2  For it was the cause of great sorrow to Alma to know of iniquity among his people; therefore his heart was exceedingly sorrowful because of the separation of the Zoramites from the Nephites.

 

3 Now the Zoramites had gathered themselves together in a land which they called Antionum, which was east of the land of Zarahemla, which lay nearly bordering upon the seashore, which was south of the land of Jershon, which also bordered upon the wilderness south, which wilderness was full of the Lamanites.

 

4 Now the Nephites greatly feared that the Zoramites would enter into a correspondence with the Lamanites, and that it would be the means of great loss on the part of the Nephites.

 

5 And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just? yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them? therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.

 

6 Therefore he took Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner; and Himni he did leave in the church in Zarahemla; but the former three he took with him, and also Amulek and Zeezrom, who were at Melek; and he also took two of his sons.

7  Now the eldest of his sons he took not with him, and his name was Helaman; but the names of those whom he took with him were Shiblon and Corianton; and these are the names of those who went with him among the Zoramites, to preach unto them the word.

 

8 Now the Zoramites were dissenters from the Nephites; therefore they had had the word of God preached unto them.

 

9 But they had fallen into great errors, for they would not observe to keep the commandments of God, and his statutes, according to the law of Moses.

 

10 Neither would they observe the performances of the church, to continue in prayer and supplication to God daily, that they might not enter into temptation.

 

11 Yea, in fine, they did pervert the ways of the Lord in very many instances; therefore, for this cause, Alma and his brethren went into the land to preach the word unto them.

 

12 Now, when they had come into the land, behold, to their astonishment they found that the Zoramites had built synagogues, and that they did gather themselves together on one day of the week, which day they did call the day of the Lord; and they did worship after a manner which Alma and his brethren had never beheld; For they had a place built up in the centre of their synagogue, a place for standing, which was high above the head; and the top thereof would only admit one person.

 

13 Therefore, whosoever desired to worship must go forth and stand upon the top thereof, and stretch forth his hands towards heaven, and cry with a loud voice, saying: Holy, holy God; we believe that thou art God, and we believe that thou art holy, and that thou wast a spirit, and that thou art a spirit, and that thou wilt be a spirit forever. Holy God, we believe that thou hast separated us from our brethren; and we do not believe in the tradition of our brethren, which was handed down to them by the childishness of their fathers; but we believe that thou hast elected us to be thy holy children; and also thou hast made it known unto us that there shall be no Christ.

 

14 But thou art the same yesterday, today, and forever; and thou hast elected us that we shall be saved, whilst all around us are elected to be cast by thy wrath down to hell; for the which holiness, O God, we thank thee; and we also thank thee that thou hast elected us, that we may not be led away after the foolish traditions of our brethren, which doth bind them down to a belief of Christ, which doth lead their hearts to wander far from thee, our God.

 

(Book of Mormon)

 

We In The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ are blessed above measure to have as the head of the Lord's church a living prophet Matthew Gill. He is sustained by our Father in heaven to lead us in the light, and truth being led always by the Lord who is unchangeable and so is his church. As we continue upon our journey in Christ and look at the things God asks of us we need to remember that what God asks us to live now he has asked of very generation and so I appeal to us al to live by the Lords command and to do what has asked. I leave you with these words and my testimony. Amen

 

Apostle Elder Peter C. Barber

Official Statement: Baptism of Brother Paul Barber

Dear brothers and sisters. What a wonderful day we have been blessed with today. It is our pleasure to inform you all that after a spirit filled service this Sunday, the 15th of February 2015 in the early afternoon Brother Paul Barber took the first step on his road to fellowship with Christ by being baptised. Brother Paul was so filled with the spirit that he asked to be baptised following our sacrament meeting. The baptism took place in a stream not to far from our meeting place, although not ideal it served its purpose in allowing brother Paul to be baptised by immersion. The spirit was in abundance and all who participated felt overcome. Following the baptism of brother Paul the presiding Elders bestowed the Holy Spirit and set Paul apart as a member of the Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ.

 

Today truly has been a wonderfully spiritual day, a day that all who were part of the occasion will not forget for many years to come.

Sermon: Our Church Heritage

Joseph Smith junior’s first known autobiographical sketch states the idea that his birth,  was "of goodly parents, who spared no time to instruct me in the Christian religion." The year before his martyrdom, Joseph Smith spiritedly defended religious liberty for "any other denomination" and then became personal: "…love of liberty… was diffused into my soul by my grandfathers while they dandled me on their knees."  The Prophet’s paternal great-grandfather, Samuel Smith, gave considerable public service to his town and state legislature. He was characterized in his obituary as "a sincere friend  of his country, and a strenuous advocate for the doctrine of Christianity." His son Asael promoted this patriotic tradition as a soldier in the American Revolution, though then a father with five children aged eight and under. An enterprising farmer, Grandfather Asael Smith was prominent for years in several communities of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The Prophet’s memory of his grandfather is easily provable in its continuity, for Asael looked forward to the spread of liberty from the United States to the world. Political views merge with religious ones, since Asael believed literally that the second chapter of Daniel would be fulfilled as all the monarchical and ecclesiastical tyranny will be broken to pieces. It is no wonder then that on hearing of the Book of Mormon prior to his death in 1830, he said it was true, for he knew that something would turn up in his family  that would revolutionise the world. He never joined any permanent congregation although he did worship. In 1797 he joined the Universalist society in Tunbridge along side Jesse Smith and Joseph Smith senior.

 

In 1803 Asael wrote "We believe there is one God, whose nature is love, revealed in one Lord Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of Grace, who will finally restore the whole family of mankind." Six years before the birth of the prophet Asael wrote to his wife and children starting with the phrase "My Dear Self's." The priceless original of this document (now housed in the LDS Church Historian’s Office) reveals the profound Christian piety of Asael. Asael wrote to his family "Do all to God in a serious manner—when you think of Him, speak of Him, pray to Him, or in any way make your addresses to His great Majesty be in good earnest. Trifle not with His name nor with His attributes, nor call Him to witness to anything but is absolute truth." True religion for him consisted not of empty ceremonies, but of personal goodness, it should be tested by the "two witnesses" of "the scriptures" and "sound reason.” Such a heritage of commitment does not die easily. Grandfather Asael spoke to the parents in his family one of whom was Joseph Smith Sr.

 

Once the known convictions of Asael Smith, Solomon Mack, and their wives are identified, they become significant in understanding Joseph Smith in two ways. First, the Prophet’s parents obviously possessed characteristics formed in the Smith and Mack homes. Second, the Prophet had some direct contact with his grandfathers, who (as he said) taught him to value the freedom that they had fought for. Most significantly, however, their achievements and ideals were clearly respected and taught to the young Joseph Smith by his own parents. Smith commented on accompanying them at the beginning of their westward trek. The parting scene was the grandmother’s "last admonition" to Lucy Mack Smith "to continue faithful in the service of God to the end of your days, that I may have the pleasure of embracing you in another and fairer world above."  No informed biographer can deny the sustained exposure of the young Prophet to profound ideals and rational religious commitment. The intelligent sincerity of Joseph Smith’s grandparents goes a long way toward proving his own. In doing so we have been left with a lasting heritage, a heritage that shone forth from our founding prophet and leader and had come don to us today in all his character and his teachings. Our church heritage is therefore linked with the smith family and is an intrinsic part of who we are as a people. I for one value our church heritage and what it stands for and i bare testimony of it here in this sermon. My brothers and sisters I encourage each and everyone of you to gain a firm grasp on the history of our great church and the heritage that it has left us, for without it we stand naked and exposed to the world, but with it we are enwrapped in the joy and commitment that has been handed us by God. Let us remember that we to will leave a lasting heritage to those that come after us, and let it be a good one, let it be one that rings true and sincere just as brother Joseph's rang true for us. Amen.

 

Apostle Elder Philip A. Gill

Sermon: Choose The Latter Day Church

The main reason you should choose to worship and join with The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ is because the work of the Church as restored by Joseph Smith in 1830 still lies undone and the work has need of willing hands.  Indeed it must be understood that Zion is yet to be redeemed in the eyes of the Lord.  We at the Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ testify that Jesus Christ restored His church to earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1830, gracing it with the Saviour's pristine gospel, returning His original ordinances and authorising new Apostles and Prophets to proclaim the glad tidings of the gospel.  The Restoration of 1830 began with the revelation that scattered Israel would be gathered in and cleansed. The Lord even provided a book, written by an ancient remnant of native Americans of North America to facilitate that work. Translated by the gift and power of God, the Book of Mormon is one of the foremost witnesses to the Restoration.  Its appearance, coupled with marvellous manifestations of spiritual gifts similar to those endowing the apostolic church, attracted thousands to the restored church and to the Prophet Joseph Smith.

 

Today the Lord has seen fit to finally redeem Zion and also to call forth those that are willing to shine a light upon the truth and so he has called a new Prophet and Seer and has brought forth new scripture to help redeem Zion and his church. The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ stands as the only true church of Christ upon the face of the earth and it is through the Lords anointed Prophet that he has given us direction and has set right what was once torn down and has made what was hidden once again to stand in the light of truth. So with this the Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ is established and has brought forth new scripture called the Book of Jeraneck which stands as a witness to Christ along with the Bible and the Book of Mormon and we are ready to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and the Father of us all even God and to bring the world his truth and light again the path of mankind even unto salvation.

 

Now The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ welcome in fellowship those who wish to join with us from around the world to become members of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ and members of the Lord's Restored Church for this age. We welcome those to membership who are committed to leading Latter Day Mormon and Christian lives, who accept our Articles of Faith, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the teachings of the Prophet of Joseph Smith, Jr. and the leadership and moral guidance of the living Prophet in our day who has been called to stand in brother Josephs stead, Matthew P. Gill. All Members of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ agree to support the Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ financially by regular tithing and donations, according to one's conscience, and to support it spiritually by upholding it by prayer, sacrifice and to worship regularly with others who are joined in membership. As you learn more about the restored gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will experience feelings of peace and comfort. Some of our members have expressed that they feel a familiarity with the truths they are being taught and feel that they are coming home. If you have a desire to follow Christ’s restored teachings and obey His commandments, you are encouraged to contact the church and the Prophet will introduce you to the basic principles of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Then, when you are ready, you can become a member of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ after you have been received in to the ordinance of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. It is after baptism that hands will be placed upon your head and it is then that you will be confirmed as a member of the Church and a blessing will be placed upon you that you may receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (see Acts 8:18-20).

 

As a member of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ, you belong to a young but growing congregation of dedicated members. While at church you are taught the truths contained within the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, you will have many opportunities for service, have access to the living Priesthood and all its ordinances, and find fellowship with other Latter Day Mormons within the church, it is there that you have a Prophet and teachers who help to teach you and serve you. Another promise of membership is the promise to serve. Having callings extended or responsibilities within the church is a wonderful blessing and opportunity. When you serve, you will grow spiritually and temporally and you will experience the joy of following Jesus's example in service. As a member of the church you will form friendship and love with those you serve as you reach out to help others on the path to eternal life in the kingdom of the Father. As you serve within the church you will find that you will be strengthened on your journey that you started at baptism. There are many ways that you can serve in The Latter Day Church. You may be asked to teach a Sunday class, lead the congregational singing, organise social activities, coordinate food storage preparedness, or fulfil a variety of other responsibilities. In addition to whatever formal assignments you receive, you can often serve best by just being a friend to the members of the church congregation, as well as those not of our faith. We must remember that as members of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ we are blessed to be guided in our day just as the early saints in the 1830’s and 40’s by a living Prophet who receives ongoing revelation from God. We know that Gods plan is a plan of happiness and that if we are faithful, He will give us peace in this life and glorious blessings in the life to come. It is in these truths we find joy, and for these reasons we help one another on our journey.

 

If you are interested in joining with us please contact us via our contact page and we will do all we can to assist you on your path to the restored gospel.