Sermon: The Holy Spirit

The subject of the Holy Ghost or as I like to call him the Holy Spirit is one that has perplexed many for sometime however The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ are not in a state of confusion or misapprehension concerning the Holy Spirit for we have been told all we need to know concerning this personage who sits on the God head with the Father. Let us be clear we are not talking about what the Holy Spirit does or what his function is, there is not confusion about that, we know that he is sent to bear witness of the Father and the Son and also to be a constant companion to those that diligently seek, we read "The gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men…. For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come" (1 Ne. 10:17-19).

As we have said we know the role that the Holy Spirit plays in our lives and the power that he is endowed with, but who is he? It must be stressed that in this dispensation nothing has been revealed as to his origins or his ultimate destiny all we do know is what is written in the scriptures and that details mostly with what he does and not who he is. In the Lectures on Faith, which form an integral part of our doctrine it tells us that the Holy Spirit is the mind of God the Father and that he is the feeling or power of God in all things.

Now let is look at who he is. The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ teach that the Holy Spirit is a man, a man of spirit a personage like the Father but is a personage of spirit separate and distinct from both the Father and the Son. Joseph Smith told us that the Holy Spirit has not a body of Flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Let us be clear that the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit, a spirit man if you will, but he can only be in one place at one time however his power can be felt all over the world.

So let’s look at what we already know. We know that the Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead and that he is called the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit and that he has been given an authority to express the feeling of God to all men who allow him in their hearts and is therefore called the comforter, all three the Father, Son and Holy Spirit form a Godhead equal in authority and power. In a very real sense, the Holy Spirit dwells in the hearts of the righteous Saints of all dispensations.

The Prophet Joseph Smith stated in his many teachings that an "everlasting covenant was made between three personages before the organization of this earth, and relates to their dispensation of things to men on the earth; these personages…are called God the first, the Creator; God the second, the Redeemer; and God the third, the witness or Testator" (TJS, 190). When we examine this wonderful piece of revelation form the Prophet we see that the Holy Spirit was with God from the beginning and that he was a key component in the creation of life and so we proclaim that whatever he covenanted with the God of us all he is now and forever more a God equal in authority with the Father and the Son and had ascended beyond the need for a physical body just as the Father has done. We may never know why he has not had to receive a body; however we know that he has ascended to the role of God and sits at the highest levels of the Kingdom and with the power that he has been endowed with to bare witness of the Father and to send confirmation that Jesus is the Christ. Let us not forget that the creation could not have happened if it were not for the power of the Holy Spirit, for the priesthood works in concert with the Holy Spirit and they work together to magnify their power. And so when we examine the personage of the Holy Spirit and we examine just how little we know concerning him we should always look to the power that he conveys. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the influence of the Holy Ghost, is the convincing power of God of the truth of the gospel, and can be received before baptism; however the gift, or constant companionship, of the Holy Ghost, only comes by the laying-on of hands, and is only obtained only after baptism (TPJ, 199). The prophet went on to say "You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half-that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost" (TPJ, 314).

For us as members of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ the most important role that The Holy Spirit fulfils is that of a teacher. All of us at some stage in our lives must be taught by the Holy Ghost. We must remember that the things of the Spirit can only be understood when taught and learned by the Spirit (D&C 50:11-24). Again let us look at what the Father did on behalf of the Saviour, for it was the Father who gave Christ the Spirit without measure (John 3:34). Angels also speak by the power of the Holy Ghost  without it they could not do their work. (2 Ne. 32:3). Such is the standard for all who go forth in Christ's name. "Ye are not sent forth to be taught," The Saviour said to the early church, "but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit; and ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken" (D&C 43:15-16).

My Brothers and Sisters the Holy Spirit, no matter how much we study will always remain in many ways an enigma to us. We do not fully understand what role he fulfilled in the pre-existence and we only know what role he fulfils for us today and it is to that that we must look, for the power of his influence is so powerful that we must remember that without it we would all be alone and without a knowledge of the Father of his love for us. The Holy Spirit is such an uplifting power and source of gospel knowledge that to have his constant companionship and influence is the greatest gift a person can receive. It is this that makes us stand out from any other faith, not only our love of the feelings of the Holy Spirit but our love of the man himself and although our knowledge is limited to what he has done to deserve the awesome privilege of being a God and ascending like the father we love him and all he has done in enriching our lives and love of the father.

Sermon: The Value of Honesty

Honesty is the glue that holds our civilization together. It helps us remain true to ourselves and makes us men and women of integrity. Honesty builds trust and character in ourselves and in our dealings with others. And it is the thread that, when unravelled, tears human beings apart from one another, destroying families and individuals alike. In scripture, we learn of many powerful examples of honesty that illustrate honesty's importance and its ability to make our lives more whole and meaningful.

The Lord Jesus Christ taught that those are with "an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it," will "bring forth fruit with patience.” (Luke 8:15)

How, then, can we be less than honest, if the Lord commands it?

Heavenly Father tells us that He considers a lying tongue to be "an abomination" (Proverbs 6:19) and that the lips that tell truth are "established forever." (Prov. 12:19) In ancient Israel, God’s chosen Prophets often spoke honestly to warn of dangers - those that were hazards to both the moral and spiritual well being of God's people. The people of Nephi, the Book of Alma says, were "numbered among the people who were of the church of God." They were said to be "perfectly honest and upright in all things." (Alma Chapter 15; 27:27)

As Latter Day Mormons, we believe that God has never left us without Prophets - men of God who were tellers of Truth to God's people. These men told the Israelites, the Nephites on the American continent and the People of Light in the British Isles the Truth about God, and the need for God's people to be truthful. In the Book of Helaman, Nephi said he was an "honest man" sent "unto you from God.....And then shall he say unto you, that I, Nephi, know nothing concerning the matter save it were given unto me by the power of God. And then shall ye know that I am an honest man, and that I am sent unto you from God.” (Helaman Chapter 3; 9:36)

To the Gentiles in the Ancient Roman world, the Apostle Paul urged men to hold fast to honesty and honest dealings with men, saying, "Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.” (2 Corinthians 13:7) “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.” (Hebrews 13:18) “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.” (Romans 13:13)

The Latter Day Prophet Joseph Smith, in Doctrine and Covenants, calls upon us to seek honesty in our dealings with others, and to seek out honest men with which to associate. The Prophet Joseph calls for us to "let every man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be one, even as I have commanded you.” (D&C 23:2; 51:9) And: “Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.” (D&C 85:2; 98:10)

Today, in these latter days, I urge you to heed the Prophets and Apostles of old to provide for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men (2 Corinthians 8:21) and to reflect upon their holy words about the sacredness of honesty. All things of value are wrapped in honestly and truth. Those who tell the truth revere Heavenly Father and His Prophets. Those who shun truth shun God Himself. Be honest for the sake of Heavenly Father and His people, and blessings will be upon you.

Official Church Statement: Wayne May Products Now Available

The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ and the renowned historian and archaeologist Wayne May of Ancient American Magazine and LDS Archaeology.com have come together in offering The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ and its members the opportunity to buy Wayne Mays hugely successful books 'This Land' from our official website and also to watch his videos from the church website.

 

The church will be able to offer for sale all of Wayne May's ‘This Land’ series of books and also special laminated versions of the proposed heartland setting Book of Mormon maps. We would like to take the opportunity to officially thank Wayne for allowing us to be able to offer our members and others the opportunity to obtain these wondrous works through The Latter Day Church direct

 

Mary Magdalene, Witness of the Risen Lord

I want to speak about the events about when Mary Magdalene meets Jesus at the empty tomb. This story is found only in the Gospel of John, and is very much understated in the whole of the story of Jesus Christ's resurrection. For Latter Day Mormons, it is a very important event, and one that I think is missing from the other Gospels - maybe because Mary only told it to John personally.

Everything about this little story within a bigger story rings true to human nature as we know it. A woman alone by an empty tomb, weeping, wondering what has happened to the body of the Lord she loved. While the woman knelt alone weeping by the tomb Jesus suddenly appears, she doesn't recognise him at first. Then the women so overcome with joy and the spirit reaches out to touch the Christ she knows and loves, who confides in her that he has not yet fully resurrected and come unto his father. The event ends with the mourner turned into a missionary, running to tell the others what she has just seen and heard.

Although Mary Magdalene plays an important role in the life of Christ, the wider world knows very little about her and her role in the life of Christ. What we as Latter Day Mormons do know is that she is one of at least five different women named “Mary” in the New Testament, and unless we are careful, we will get them confused.

Mary Magdalene was one of a group of women who became followers of Christ during his earthly ministry. We know that she joined herself to Jesus in a way that no other women had ever done, As Latter Day Mormons, we know through modern revelation that Jesus loved her more than any other woman, indeed, more than any other of his disciples, and that they indeed were married. It has been taught by people down the ages, and is still taught by some, that Mary Magdalene was the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), but there is no evidence in the text to support this claim.  Others suggest she was the “sinful woman” who anointed the feet of Jesus in Luke 7:36-50, but the Bible does not make that clear, either. There is some tradition among many churches that it makes her a promiscuous woman, but there is no reason to say that based on the facts. After a time throughout Christian churches she became a symbol for repentant sinners who come to Christ from very chequered and colourful backgrounds, this may in fact be true in her case, but we have no way to be certain as to the validity of the stories attributed to Mary.

Far from doing Mary and her reputation throughout the world any good, it has meant that this wonderful woman has been darkened and tainted with sin, sin which can not be proved she had ever committed. However, this much we do know: That through her love and discipleship, Christ set her free, and liberated her from the world that surrounded her, a world that had kept her chained figuratively to darkness. Mary Magdalene is living proof that those whom the Lord sets free are free indeed. Having been liberated from the world around her, she said to herself, "I love him for what he did for me. I will follow him wherever he goes." And so when it came time for our Lord to offer his life and was hung on the cross, she stood nearby with Mary, his mother.

When they took his body down from the cross, she was there to see that awful image of her Lord. When they placed him in the tomb, she was sitting on a rock ledge, watching it all happen (Matthew 27:61). And so when the Sabbath had concluded, Mary, this woman whom the Lord had set free from the bondage of the world, this woman who loved him and followed him, this women who was joined to him forever, this woman who was there at his death, now went forth and purchased spices because she hoped to anoint his dead body, something only done in Jewish law by the wife of the deceased. The Lord was hastily buried on Friday in order to finish before sundown, which is why they had not finished preparing his body. Early on Sunday morning, before the sun came up, Mary and the other women ventured through the darkness to the Garden Tomb, expecting to finish the job of anointing the body of Jesus. When the women came upon the tomb they found it empty, they were confused and terrified. Then they saw and heard the two angels of the Father and they told them that Christ had risen from the dead. 

They returned to tell the disciples who did not believe such a thing possible even though the Lord has told them such things were possible and that he would be resurrected. And so John and Peter went and investigated, and when they saw the linen wrappings exactly where the body had been placed on Friday evening, they believed, now they believed and they ran to tell the others of what they had seen. At that point, Mary Magdalene returned to the tomb alone, confused, bewildered, in shock, frightened, and of course at the very heart of it, broken-hearted, her beloved not there, but missing. It has not yet occurred to her that the empty tomb meant that Jesus had risen from the dead.

It has often been said that Mary Magdalene was last at the cross and first at the tomb. Even though this may sound a slight to Mary it must be remembered that that can not be said of the men who followed Jesus, the men who lived by his side as she did, the men who saw him do so many great and wondrous things. Mary was the first to see him alive and the first to hear his voice, this is the one person he chose to see first, he chose her above his Apostles, and he chose his beloved, his wife. The irony of the story is that when she saw him, she didn't recognize him. But when the truth hit home, she became the first evangelist in Christian history. As Latter Day Mormons we must always remember that Christ bestowed this great honour on her because she loved him so deeply and so devotedly, and he loved her deeply and devotedly.

Let us, therefore, be inspired by this great woman of faith to be faithful in our devotion to Christ and in our duties to honour God.

Official Statement: Addressing critical remarks from The LDS (Utah) Mormons.

As members of the Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ and its highest council we confirm to the world that we are practising Mormons and have no need to or want to study any Anti- Mormon literature now or at any time. It would seem that some would have themselves believe that the search for truth makes one Anti-Mormon. We are NOT Anti-Mormon. We are simply Mormons.

Many of the members of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ were formally members of the LDS (Utah) Mormon church and after leaving the LDS (Utah) Mormon church many of us have become vociferous in our approach to our view of Mormonism and the teaching of the gospel principles taught by the LDS (Utah) Mormon church that are flawed for example: Polygamy, who can hold the priesthood, Negros, the Book of Mormon Setting etc.

Regarding our receiving of New Scripture, we wish it to be known that we have always stated we received the plates containing the Book of Jeraneck from a Heavenly messenger who bought them to our home. As a church we find it difficult to understand why LDS (Utah) Mormons pour scorn on us as they hold so dear to the story of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Perhaps they would have looked scornfully upon our dear Prophet Josephs story if they had been around in his day just as they do the history of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ. We proclaim to the world that Joseph Smith is not the sole property of the LDS (Utah) Mormon church he belongs to every Mormon no matter their sect, indeed he belongs to the whole world.

Regarding those individuals who continually point out spelling errors in the early print runs of the Book of Jeraneck as proof of it not being from God and not inspired of Him, perhaps it might do them good to look at the early editions of the book of Mormon produced by Joseph Smith in 1830 and beyond. The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ does not believe that errors of this nature detract at all from either of these Books messages.

The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ declare to the world that no member of the family of our Prophet whilst members of the LDS (Utah) Mormon Church has ever been excommunicated from that church. The reason for leaving was purely of a spiritual nature for some and for others they could no longer sustain the Brighamite teachings of the LDS (Utah) Mormon Church.

Finally we would like to re-emphasise our stance regarding Scripture. We take as our Standard works of Gospel study, The Book of Mormon (this book does not belong to the LDS church). The 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants (this was the last edition approved by Joseph Smith and the voice of the church before his death). The Inspired Version of the Bible in full not fragments. The Book of Jeraneck which like the Book of Mormon is another testament and witness of Christ born by people of the Northern hemisphere (Great Britain) who were led there by God from the time and place of the tower of Babel.

Once again we invite all, everyone, even those disaffected LDS (Utah) Mormons to come and investigate our church; we have a living Prophet, Seer, Revelator, and Translator. Come and hear the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and hear what the Lord wants from you.

 

Regards

The Office of The Prophet of The Church

Stand In Holy Places

The Lord has said that his house is to be a house of prayer a house of fasting a house of faith a house of learning, and a house of glory. The same should be said of our homes, whether they consist of a husband and wife, mother and child, or single sister, our houses can also be a house of the Lord and as Latter Day Mormons, and we can strive every day for our homes to be holy places given over to God. The Kingdom of God is and always will be anchored firmly in the divinely ordained family unit, tightly bound with the principles of righteousness, purity, and centred around our love and understanding of God, which we know through the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Latter Day Mormon homes can and should be safe places of righteousness and spirituality set apart from the world a refuge where individuals are influenced by the living gospel principles every day of their lives. In such a home is made the strong place were our children can come to the safe harbour they need in such times of trouble and strife and temptation that are so readily available and in our faces on a daily basis. The Latter Day Mormon home should always be a place where children and young adults feel the love and nurture of Christ, Heavenly father and the family and where they may be at peace from the world around them, a place were they do not have to do battle with the evil that encompasses them in the world. Latter Day Mormon homes can and should be places to raise families of righteous sons and daughters, mothers and fathers a place where they can feel safe and loved and feel of the overwhelming love and nature of the presence of their Heavenly Father. If our homes are holy places, our children will work toward becoming strong and faithful members of the kingdom and work hard toward their eternal salvation and eventually work towards that goal with their own wives or husbands and eventually with their own children.

As Latter Day Mormons, it is important for us to remember that our homes should first and foremost always be homes of prayer, church attendance, and church service; all these things invite the Lords spirit in to our homes and in to our families. However some times some family members may be reluctant to attend church and take part in church activities, and in turn be even more reluctant to take an active part in family activities and so it is up to us to bring the beauty of the family unite to them and the wonderful spirit of church to them, to make church not just a building, a place for them to attend and receive judgement but a living breathing entity that lives with them all the day, all the week long.  We need to make them feel at church while they are at home; to bring some of the things of heaven in to the home is to insure that family members will move closer to church participation and in turn bring the family closer together, let us remember that there is no greater call than that of the family, the opportunity to emulate our heavenly home here on earth and to bring all our children to salvation.

Therefore brothers and sisters let us remember that as we strive in our homes to make them holy temples of God, places where we can stand in his name we can experience all that the Lord has promised us. The Holy Spirit will be present to comfort, to inspire, and to bless us and our families’ everyday of our lives and we will feel that spirit as we strive towards making our home a sanctuary from the world. So I say unto you let homes with gloomy foreboding and heavenly clouds of despair have their burdens lightened and their faith in God increased so they may feel the love of the Lord in their families, for themselves and their children and see the love of our Saviour envelope our children and steady the family on the rough waters of the world.

Official Statement: Prophet and Family Welcome New Arrival

The Prophet Matthew Gill and his family Vicki, Levi and Leonardo welcomed the new arrival of baby Leif Gary Gill on Tuesday the 17^th of June at 6:27 in the Morning. The birth went better than planed and it was a wonderful spiritual event and very moving and overwhelming day. Vicki and Leif are now home and doing great. Leif is a wonderful addition to the family and everyone has fallen in love with him right away, his older brothers Levi and Leonardo can’t stop holding and looking at him, everyone is very happy that the our Father in heaven as given us this wonderful opportunity. We would like to thank our family and friends for all the wonderful messages and for all the phone calls of congratulations all of your support and love means so much to us, Thank you.

A Call to Harvest for the Lord

Each of us as Latter Day Mormons has a solemn obligation to, first, understand by the Spirit what has been said about the mission of the Church; second, to catch the prophetic vision of missionary work and third, to implement completely in our own lives the words of the Lord and of His living Prophet pertaining to missionary work. The most important counsel and direction on missionary work comes to us through the Lord himself to his Prophets, for the Prophet is literally the mouthpiece of the Lord. So stated the Lord: “For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth. In all patience and faith” (D&C 21:5)

I testify to you by the power of Spirit that we, indeed all of use who are members of the church should stand as living testimonies of what the Lord would have us do today. I fear that unless we fully understand the words of Prophets past and Prophets present and catch the vision of missionary work, and implement the words of the Lord, we will be held accountable before God. I also fear that we have not yet done what the Lord would have us do as directed to us in his revelations concerning missionary work. The Lord has asked his church that we place great emphasis on the sacredness of bringing those souls unto our Father in Heaven and the importance of greatly increasing our convert baptisms. The Lord has given us much direction on this matter in fact he spoke to John and Peter Whitmer on this very issue, he said, “And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father.” (D&C 15)

As a Church, we have not yet caught that vision. Members are not bringing people and ultimately members into the Church year on year. We have not yet met the challenge and charge laid out by the Lord. As far as convert baptisms are concerned, we have only been converting a few people a year for the last six years. Although those that we have had the privilege of converting and bring to the waters of baptism are still with us, I say to you and to all our members wherever they may be, that we must have more converts. They must be well converted. No gimmicks to get baptisms. They must be real converts, but we do want more converts. It is imperative that we do as the Lord commands and bring souls unto Christ and bring them unto his church. For we have the whole truth, not part, but the whole truth and we should be happy to share this truth with others.

I call upon the members of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ to actively go out into the world - not merely to make friends for the Church, though that is important - but to properly convert and baptise. “He that believeth and is baptized must be saved.” (Mark 16:16.) Note that the scripture says not he that heareth, but he that believeth and is baptised, and that is the important part. For if we sit back in complacency and do nothing, then the Lord's Church will not grow, tithing will remain stagnant, and so the Church will remain stagnant and wither on the vine, and do we want this? Is it what we are here to do? I say it is not! And what will we say when we stand before the Lord as he calls us forward at judgment? Shall we stand and say, “Lord I tried, but it was too hard, I had other priorities”, or shall we stand and say, “I did as you commanded. I ploughed the field that was white and ready for the harvest; I spoke and I went out; I laboured hard in your name.”

Let me put it this way, and please take the time to think about this before answering yourself. Do we really believe in revelation given today? If so, then why can we not accept the revealed Word of God? He has revealed to us that we should look on the fields; for they are white and ready to harvest (John 4:35.) It has been ready since the inception of the Church under our dear Prophet, Brother Joseph, who was commanded to restore Christ’s Church in these Latter Days. He has asked us again in modern day scripture to go out and harvest the field. (D&C 14:2)

My beloved brothers and sisters we have been given revelation in the form of great new scripture, who are we to withhold that blessing from the world? Who are we to deny them a chance at salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ and his Church? I ask each and every one of you, and I will include myself, to set for our church a goal that we shall get up and go out in to the world to endeavour to bring souls unto the Lord and to impart what has been given us as a gift by Almighty God. We live in an age where the possibilities of contacting people are endless, we have at our disposal one of the greatest tools that God has seen fit to bestow upon the mind of man, that gift is the World Wide Web. This great invention did not come about by accident but by the design and will of God, and this gift that we have today allows us to reach out to countries and people that we would have not time enough to see in our mortal probation. With this great gift the church is able to have at its disposal a wonderful new website, social networking tools such as face book and twitter and media outlets such as YouTube where we can talk to hundreds if not thousands of people. Don’t be shy in using these tools they are there for a reason and for us it is to harvest the field that has been ready for such a long time. Use what the Lord has given us; our age is wondrous, use its wonders for the greater glory of God.

Let us act now today in obedience so faithfully, that the Lord, in the final day, shall say to each and every one of us with not one thought of hesitation, “Well done, good and faithful servant… you have served me well.” (Matt. 25:21; Book of Jeraneck 9:12)

 

The Work of Restoring the Truth to the Bible

When the angel Moroni appeared to the young Joseph Smith on 21 September 1823 not only did he open the door for the restoration of truth with the bring froth of the book of Mormon but he also opened up in the mind of the young Joseph certain things that might be amiss with the revealed word of God, the Bible. When Moroni spoke to the young Joseph he quoted a few passages form the Bible however when he quoted them he quoted them with certain significant differences from the widely known King James Bible. This stayed with the young Joseph as a seed being planted in his mind to com forth in full beauty when the time was right. While translating the Book of Mormon, Joseph learned that many “plain and precious things” had been lost from the Bible (see 1 Nephi 13:25-29) and the quotations told him by the Angel Moroni and that had taken route in his mind all those years ago now started to make sense to him. After Joseph was baptised he found that he was enlightened, and the true meaning and intention of the scriptures was revealed to him. So when the Prophet Joseph had made an end of his translating the Gold Plated in to the book of Mormon, it was only natural that his attention would turn to the Bible. When we think of the work that brother Joseph did on the Bible the word translation can be misunderstood. The word translation brings to mind the use of the original text and ancient languages however brother Josephs work was to restore the correctness of the scripture to restore the “plain and precious things” that had been lost and all this to be done by the power of the Spirit, not by scholarly interpretation. As he started the work on the Bible he stated that in June of 1830 while receiving the truth of the Book of Moses or what has become termed the revelation of Moses he stated that “line upon line of knowledge” was being revealed which gave a correct account of hat Moses had received of the Lord, but had not survived the ages of writing and re-writing. As Joseph and Sidney Rigdon were working on the New Testament, the Prophet recorded these words “For while we were doing the work of translation, which the Lord had appointed unto us, we came to the twenty ninth verse of the fifth chapter of John, which was given unto us, now this caused us to marvel, for it was given unto us of the Spirit” (D&C 76:15, 18). Joseph’s work of translating the Bible was a purely spiritual work, although he would later go in to study German, Hebrew and Latin it was not that knowledge that provided a basis to correct the scriptures. Brother Joseph would go through the entire Bible, dictating to Sidney Rigdon the changes, deletions, or additions. This work brought forth so many new truths that had been lost to us and new information that we could hold true to and expand our understanding of the Gospel.

 

It had been over a year since the Prophet had started work on the revision of the Bible, and the months of January and February 1832 found him again involved in this assignment. It was though is diligent study of the scriptures that many questions were resolved through revelation. One such question had to do with the Christian belief and interpretation of Heaven. The Prophet wrote “Upon my return from Ohio conference, I resumed the translation of the scriptures with Brother Sidney. From sundry revelations which had been received, it was apparent that many important points touching upon the salvation of man, had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled. It appeared self evident from what truths were left, that if God rewarded every one according to the deeds done in the body the term ‘Heaven’, as intended for the saint’s eternal home must include more kingdoms than one. Accordingly, on the 16^th of February, 1832 while translating St. Johns Gospel, I and Elder Sidney Rigdon saw the following vision….”

This vision can be found in what we know today as section 76 of the D&C and today makes up our understanding of what heaven truly is and what it shall be for all men and this was done through the process of translating the Bible through the spirit. Let us just imagine what great truths and understanding we would be missing today if that work had not rolled forth and how we would be in the same state that the rest of the Christian world finds themselves in today. All this great work that we have in our possession today is thanks to the work done on the Bible and section 78 is no exception.  I would like to finish this sermon with the words of the Prophet himself concerning the work of the translating of the Bible and the impact of “The Vision” that makes up our D&C section 78. “Nothing could be more pleasing to the saints upon the order of the kingdom of the Lord, than the light which burst upon the world through the foregoing vision. Every law, every commandment, every promise, every truth, and every point touching the destiny of man, from Genesis to Revelation, where the purity of the scriptures remains unsullied by the folly of men, go to show the perfection of the theory of different degrees of glory in the future life and witnesses the fact that that document is a transcript from the records of the eternal world. The sublimity of the ideas; the purity of the language; the scope for action; the continued duration for completion, in order that the heirs of salvation may confess the Lord a bow the knee; the rewards for faithfulness, and the punishments for sins, are so much beyond the narrow-mindedness of men, that every honest man is constrained to exclaim: It came from God”

 

In the Name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Official Church Statement: Website

Please be advised that The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ are in the process of building a new website and therefore our old website is no longer in use. Please be patient with us while this work is on going. You can still view our blog page and also visit us here on facebook. We hope that the new website will reach out to far greater numbers and spread our Latter Day Mormon message of truth to the world.

Official Statement: Baptism of Brother Barber

We are pleased to announce the baptism of Brother Peter Barber which will be taking place at 7:30 this evening. The ordinance of baptism will be performed by the Prophet, Brother Matthew Gill. Brother Peter has taken his first step on his road to full fellowship with Christ. Brother Peter will be officially confirmed a member of the Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ on Sunday after he has been baptised. We very much look forward to seeing all those that have been invited to Brother Peters Baptism this evening. 

Sermon: The Very Small Remnant- We Are It

The only seemingly legitimate question asked today concerning the followers of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ is our numbers. There are only a few is the cry, why are there only a few, how can they be led by God with so few? To answer this question let us look at what the scriptures, and what Christ and his Prophets tell us about the church of God. Firstly we must look at what the Lord told his own people the Jews concerning the state of the world in which the Gentiles would come to prominence and how they would deny what was given unto them.

The scriptures teach us that after the Gentiles receive the gospel dispensation in the last days they were to reject it, again. Jesus even gave the date. When the disciples asked concerning His return, they were told it was not the time and season for them to know; but, to concern themselves with the destruction that should soon come upon Jerusalem. When they saw Jerusalem circled by the Roman army they were to "flee to the mountains." There is no record of how many may have obeyed the command that the Lord gave them. Jesus told them that, "they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." (Luke 21:24)


Joseph Smith, the first Prophet of the last dispensation was clear in his teachings that the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times was to be given first to the Gentiles and then to the House of Israel. "The last shall be first, and the first last." The dispensation could not return to the House of Israel until the Gentiles rejected the priesthood and gospel. In the Dispensation of the Meridian of Time, the Gentiles did not receive the gospel until after the Jews had rejected the priesthood and crucified Christ. "These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matt. 10:5-6) After his crucifixion, Jesus commanded, "Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:14-16)


It is clear to any one that has studied the scriptures that Joseph revealed that the dispensation which he opened was the last time the gospel would be taken to the Gentiles. "For behold, the field is white already to harvest; and it is the eleventh hour, and the last time that I shall call labourers into my vineyard." (D&C 33:3; 39:17; 88:84; 90:2; 95:4) "Wherefore, labour ye, labour ye in my vineyard for the last time-- for the last time call upon the inhabitants of the earth." (D&C 43:28)


So we see that the teachings of Joseph Smith's are completely in line with the teachings of Jesus in as much as the Gentiles would again reject the gospel and then His people would be gathered. "Wo be unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord God of Hosts! For notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to day, they will deny me." (Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 28:32) "They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of pride, and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ." (2 Nephi 28:14) So we see once again that those that are faithful will be only a few, not millions! Isaiah also wrote of, "a very small remnant."


Only a few? This is what Jesus told of His true followers? "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matt 7:13-15) "For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matt. 22:14) So lets look at this again, well it says "few there be that find it," "a very small remnant" Not millions!


The Lord revealed that before Joseph should die, he would appoint "another" as his successor. "But verily, verily, I say unto you, that none else shall be appointed unto this gift except it be through him; for if it be taken from him he shall not have power except to appoint another in his stead. And this shall be a law unto you, that ye receive not the teachings of any that shall come before you as revelations or commandments; And this I give unto you that you may not be deceived, that you may know they are not of me." (D&C 43:4-6)


Sadly there remain today still only a few true followers of the church of Christ. Maybe this is one of the strongest witnesses of truth. There have always been only a few at the turn of world events. Which is better? A few real sheep or many wolves in sheep's clothing? There were eight souls that survived the last destruction that came upon the earth. There was only Lot and his two daughters that escaped from Sodom. When the Disciples of Christ gathered after His death "the number of names together were about an hundred and forty." (Acts 1:15) Even of those who are members of the kingdom of Heaven as Christ's return, only half will be found worthy. They will cry, "Lord, Lord, open to us." But, Jesus will answer, "Verily I say unto you, I know you not." (Matt. 25:11, 12)


Once again when we look at the time of the flood when the time came that the cup of iniquity of the world was full to the brim, the flood was sent to destroy the people and show them that God was not to be mocked with impunity, and then as always when the Lord rises up a righteous people 'only few, in this case eight souls, were saved.'


Today the Lord has not left us without hope and he has not left the world without truth and structure he has given us the church and any person who is earnestly seeking truth has the opportunity to follow the principles of the gospel and enter the kingdom of God. These are members of the Church of the Firstborn and have that great opportunity to endure faithful and obedient, be resurrected into the celestial glory, and inherit the earth in all its glory.  The gate is still open to you, all who are seeking truth. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matt. 7:13-16) “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matt 15:9)


Here in the Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ are the true followers of Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, and Matthew Gill there is no great church buildings. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16) But, here in this church we find the “small remnant” that was to remain until the return of our Lord. Here in The Latter Day Church is truth, the Melchezedick Priesthood, and the opportunity to walk on the path to eternal life. Finally let us remember the words spoke in Matthew “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt 6:33)

Sermon: The Law of Tithing

If you read section 119 of the D&C you will find that Tithing was a question for many in the Church, there were many views and people were paying different amounts and in different ways.

Section 119 was given through revelation by the Lord to be "and this shall be a standing law unto them forever". Greatly distinguishing it from other Laws and commandments that God give and later might revoke or change and of course from the policies and teaching established by Church quorums or proposed by leaders that some time change and can have errors. Here the Lord revealed the Law of Tithing to be "A standing law unto them forever". I remind you that this was for the whole Church, not for some group living a higher Law but rather for the general members and those entering the Church as the Lord clearly set forth in verses 1-7 the rich and the poor the strong and the week the young and the old.  In verses 1-3 the Lord commanded that members already in the Church to give all their surplus property to the Bishop of the Church. The Lord declares what the funds are to be used for and this is the beginning of the tithing of my people. Everyone was to start off with only what they feel they need. All were to enter Zion equal. In verse 4 the Lord declares "And after that" see verse 1-3 (given their all their surplus property) "those who have thus been tithed" shall do the following. He states when they shall do it and what they shall do, the correct amount and on what, He commands they "shall pay one tenth of their interest" and they are to do it "annually"

Since the time the Lord gave this standing law unto the church forever various leaders and member of other so called Mormon faiths have tried to improve or change the law to their own ideas, in fact if you read the many sermons on tithing in the conferences of the other Mormon churches you will find their leaders trying to be more righteous than the last speaker, some claimed the better way was to pay their tithing monthly another as soon as you get it and even another once you get word it is coming to you. These people have discarded the wisdom and law of the Lord, in preference to their ideas of righteousness and wisdom. Tithing is a commandment of God, this we must never forget, its details are specifically given by God and are simple and fair to all, and within it there is great wisdom. But yet we find that the many Mormon faiths including the LDS Church have rejected the Lords authority to make standing laws unto the church. For instance the LDS Church have enacted at least five different policy changes concerning the law of tithing and at five different times since they arrived in Salt Lake City and never was there a claim of revelation or inspiration to do these changes. What we see today is that many Mormon churches including the LDS church, instead of following Gods command listen to mortal men proclaim mortal laws and everyone abandons the words give by God on how we are to the direct his Church. Unfortunately even John Taylor who argued with Brigham young about failing to follow the laws of tithing could not stop the Church members in joining with Brigham in perverting the Law of Tithing the Lord had given to be a Standing Law. What we in The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ need to do is not fall into the same trap and stop listening to the council of the Lord on this very important matter.

Verse 5 commands that all new members shall pay all of their surplus property as they gather to Zion. Note this is not before they gather but after, the Lord did not want them not to have the means to gather. Today many of the Mormon Churches and by far the largest of these Mormon churches the LDS church has grown to the point that new converts can gather in their own areas. In any case the command is after they gather they pay the same, no more or no less than those who are already there did. All of their surplus property and after that, one tenth was and is to be paid on their interest or increase for that year, and it was to be done annually. And this is the reason for an annual meeting with the bishop.

So let us make it clear, you determine if and how much better off you are this year than the year before and you supply one tenth of that to the Bishop. It is your tithing, not the tithing the bishop determines for you. It is your responsibility to determine if you have prospered and give the correct amount to the Bishop of the church and it is his responsibility to receive, record and do with the tithing properly as set for in verse 2 and not go off and do something else with it or change the Law to his own ideas.

You may have noticed in the above statement I have used the term "interest" and "increase". The word "interest" is used by the Lord in verse 4 to define what you are tithed on. The word increase comes from many of the early sermons by the leaders who had it explained and taught to them by Joseph Smith and were teaching the saints. Interest mean increase, In the early days most members were farmers and worked for themselves and had little certainty if they were doing better this year than last - having an increase was not known until the crops where harvested and secured in the barn and or sold. In the great wisdom of the Lord, the determining of what interest or increase you had been blessed with was to be made on an annual basis. Everyone could do this. They were not tithed again on what they had only on their increased wealth.

What of the poor and those who had no interest but in fact were poorer this year than last? Tithing as revealed adjusted for that fact and does not add to their burden by taking the bread out of the mouth of the poor. But if a person is wealthy or poor had an increase from last year they also are capable to pay the Lord his small tenth of that interest. Please note that the Lord did not use the term "income". The whole question of Gross or Net is just one of many foolish things that has resulted from individuals, leaders and the many Mormon Churches trying to change or allowing attempts to ignore and change the specific commandment and instruction on who, what, when to obey tithing. So we say to the church today live the commandments of God, pay your tithing as He revealed it, not someone else's way.

There is great wisdom in the Lords Law of Tithing I will just mention the few I have noticed, I am sure there are more. The individual counts his blessings and wealth. There is an appoint time to do this, annually. The amount is based on your ability to pay. All members were to enter the Church committed. All paid initially what they could - their entire surplus. All paid no more than they could or should. No extra hardship is placed on the poor. The Church receives resources needed. The members are allowed and encouraged to be prosperous. The Church is limited to the resources the Lord establishes for them to receive. And will not put heavy yokes on the people in the Lord's name or for righteousness sake calling it - tithing, a commandment from God. But not to run faster than the Church had means. It is simple, only 7 verses. It is easy to follow correctly. It will make the people happy and make God and the people partners in their own prosperity and that of the Church. It is designed so that the weakest of saints have no excuse to obey it. It is a Standing Law to the whole Church to obey from head to toe, not a just commandment for the members to follow. The leaders and the organisation (the Church as a body) have to following this standing Law as revealed.

It is a commandment with a promise and a warning -- verse 6-7. The traditional form of tithing was "in kind" meaning a farmer might pay in crops, a rancher in animals and others in what ever they prospered in but it does not instruct that it has to be paid "in kind" or indicate or limit acceptable forms of tithing payment. Which would allow for changes over time, countries and individuals needs and ability to convert it to a currency?

The wisdom in this simple commandment always amazes me. The Lord knows what works and is righteous. Some people want to pay more, some less some something else, some gross, some net. But if we go beyond the mark and do it even with all sincerity we are ignoring the word of the Lord, and in our own way like those who refuse to obey His specific instructions, we ignore it. There is no wisdom in and the members and the leaders and the other Mormon Church have no right to modify the commandment that the Lord has given us as a Standing Law. Also to that effect we The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ have no right to change the law because we either do not understand or do not want to live the law.

D&C 119 is a Standing Law unto the Church forever, as given and does not admit modifications! Remember that tithing is what the Lord said it is - nothing more, nothing less and that you are responsible to make sure you obey this His Law correctly in the prescribed way that He commanded. It is not a free will offering it is a commandment of God we are obligated to obey, and obey as given. Pay your tithes annually, pay one tenth of your interest, your increase, NOT your income, count your blessings the way the Lord has told you to, there is great wisdom in His prescribed ways, we should not, we must not adopt other ways just as other so called Mormon churches have done just because you do not want to follow his law. If you don't practice and obey tithing the Lord's way it's not tithing! It's some apostate form of what God revealed in clarity and simplicity to be a Standing Law unto the Church FOREVER!

So what do we say as members of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ to other Mormon Denominations who refuse to see this law the way we do? I would encourage you to remind them of the story of the Rechabites, and the strong temptation that they were under when invited to the Temple of God, and there, in one of the apartments, asked by Jeremiah, one of the greatest Prophets, to drink wine; or, in other words, to do something they had been instructed by their father not to do. They could not be moved, the teaching of their father had found an abiding place in their hearts, and the consequence was that they utterly refused to do what the Prophet of God told them to do. The Lord himself admired the course that they took in this matter and was led as I before said, to make such a glorious promise to the house of Rechab.

We might say to our LDS friends and family the following. If the Lord admired and rewarded these individual for refusing to disregard the instructions of their mortal father and obey the new direct instructions given to them by the prophet in the temple. How much more appropriate is it for you to refuse to disregard a Law of God declared by him to be a standing law forever and not follow numerous authorised changes made by mortal leaders. If you have to choose between your God's standing commandment and your mortal leaders that instruct you, which will it be?

In fact you could also remind them that they had a leader that stated that they were to follow the teaching of the Lord instead of the teachings of corrupt leaders, you might challenge them to listen to his council as they hold his word so dear…these words come form their so called prophet and leader Brigham young from his own Journal of discourses, it should be noted that it would seem that the LDS church now holds what he thinks in short regard, or what ever he wrote that they now disagree with, and it should be noted that it would seem that whatever they now disagree with they are willing only to listen to those things that these men said that they can agree with and that marries up with current thinking and belief. Surely not the signs of a righteous faith, or one that is led by God! "...If a bishop counsels the people of his ward to swear shall they swear? No. If he counsels them to steal shall they steal? No. If he counsels them to lie and bear false witness shall they do these wrongs? No. If a bishop or any other officer in this church shall counsel the people to violate any of the laws of God, and to sustain and build up the kingdoms of this world, I will justify them and the Lord will justify them in refusing to obey that counsel..." (Brigham Young JD 12:164)

If you or any body else you know in what ever Mormon faith is not obeying the law of tithing the Lords way, you or they are not living the law of tithing but some perversion of the truth! Who convinced you to do it is no excuse unto God and it doesn't change God's standing law, to you and to them and to his church!

If the Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ is to have a Motto it should not be "do it" but rather it should be “do it the Lords way" for this is all that matters. The church must remain faithful and we as Latter Day Mormons must remain faithful in obeying this Law, a law that has been given to us by God as a Standing law unto his church and we will remain faithful to it now and forever.

Amen

Sermon: The Book of Jeraneck

Throughout history much has been written concerning those who once lived upon the Isles of Great Britain in the era some call the pre-history of the world. Much has been spoken of the people that built Stonehenge, Woodhenge and all the other stone monuments and burial grounds that are found throughout the lands of Great Britain, however not one of these so called historians has had any record or writing to base their claims and ideas on. But now a record has come forward written by those that lived anciently upon the land of Great Britain and much of what they have written will shock and destroy many of the false ideas that many of these learned men of the world have had to say concerning the past of those that lived long ago upon the land of Great Britain.

The book of Jeraneck stands as the record of a dying civilisation of early Britain which had constructed Stonehenge and the other Stone Circles, hill forts and burial mounds and other such places as meeting places and places of worship of Almighty God, the same God who brought them from the Tower of Babel to Britain to have them serve Him as His People. The book of Jeraneck answers fundamental questions that have perplexed historians for centuries, like: - What were the early peoples of Britain like? Where did the come from? What did they believe? And who built the ancient Megaliths like Stonehenge - and for what purpose?

Now those questions have answers and they are to be found within the pages of this record, The Book of Jeraneck.

Perhaps some of the most amazing people in the world are those whom we call the children of Araneck or the People of Light. These people lived in what is today’s United Kingdom and they lived anciently. The time period that makes up the book of Jeraneck spans from 3000 B.C to 800 B.C. It is within the time period known as the Bronze age between 2700-2000 B.C that that the ancient’s built stone monuments such as Seahenge also the greatest of all Stonehenge as it has come to be known and these wonderful monuments and temples have a great deal to do with the people and their worship and other things in particular. We know from secular archaeology that this was a great time of immigration to our Islands from continental Europe and the Book of Jeraneck tells us and these people came to be the elite and influence the whole population, bring with them a skill in refining metal and commerce and building.

It is then no coincidence that perhaps no other temple stands as a monument of which has drawn a lot of attention as Stonehenge. While there are many who attribute Stonehenge to that of the ancient druids, the truth is, it has much more to do with the Children of Araneck. In a real sense, it is the children of Araneck or the People of Light that are mistaken for what we call the Druids today. When we look back at some of the beliefs, there are some similarities but whatever similarities they may have had has been lost over time due to the wickedness and idolatry of the people that remained upon the land after the events of the book of Jeraneck.  One of the most influential people in the Book of Jeraneck and the one whom the book is named after was a man named Jeraneck who was the son of Isnah.

It is clear when we read the scared scriptures that Jeraneck had lived a life of clear understanding and he knew and was instructed in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. This is something that we find in common with those within the Book of Mormon, some, such as Nephi and others were also knowledgeable concerning Jesus Christ. The same also dates back to Genesis where we find mention of Jesus Christ. While most translations do not make this clear, the Inspired Version of the Holy Scriptures point’s this out to be the case. In our study, however, of this unique book of scripture, it will be well worth the effort to sometimes consider the parallels between the Book of Jeraneck and other scriptures, noting how sometimes they go almost hand in hand on what is taught, how they teach how they live and what their importance really are. As we look at this book, we will find it incredible to see the great details within it.

We see from reading and studying the book of Jeraneck that Jeraneck was greatly concerned for his people and especially so for their welfare. He wrote “For it is my people that have strayed from the paths of righteousness…” (BofJ 1:4) Here, we find how greatly concerned Jeraneck was, so much so that he probably felt at times all alone in holding true to the commandments of God. He also wrote “I am the last and living Prophet of the People of Light” (BofJ 1:3) and so here, we find that he was concerned about how there were no other prophets who would follow him and that although the Book of Jeraneck is just a small part of a larger work that we do not yet know about yet, for Jeraneck he is very well aware that this record that he is writing could be the only one that survived and therefore could prove to be the only one we ever have from his people, the pressure was one and he delivered.

Now let us turn our attention to Stonehenge and just how important Stonehenge is, why it was, what its purpose is and how we can apply it to our understanding of the Gospel. So then, just why was Stonehenge built and, where there others built? For Latter Day Mormons, this most special of places is a link to the past like we have never before seen, it gives us a tangible link to the Book of Jeraneck and we find that in historical evidences, archaeologists have uncovered other sites where henges and Stonehenge were built, most all of them are in England and in Europe. It is interesting that when we see this and then when we look at the Book of Jeraneck we read “Behold a commandment I give to you that you are to mark your way unto this land for there will be other that I will command to come unto this land and they will be able to follow and find this pleasant and blessed land from the markers you shall leave. I will now show unto you, Araneck, the form that these signs must take, they are…” (BofJ 2:17-18). When we look at the henges which were built, both here and across Europe we find that there are thoughts going abroad in the world today that they must have been built by hands other than mans, and many believe as they do these days that aliens must have helped the people build them. Well, it would seem from reading the scriptures that this theory would almost, almost agree with what the Lord spoke to father Araneck “I the Lord will provide Angels to help you and your people and all things that are necessary for these markers to be built for many more people will follow these markers. Behold they will stand as a testament to your journey and a sign that I the Lord am great and I will bless all that do follow my commandments.” (BofJ 2:22-23). Now as we continue to study the book of Jeraneck we begin to find some precise information, information which only in recent time has for the most part, been supported by the findings of archaeologists and these finding all support what is written within the Book of Jeraneck. If anyone has ever visited just one of the many differing stone monuments that are in existence here in the U.K and Europe, they will know that the building of these great monuments was a massive. However when we look at them with an eye single to the glory of God we find that what most archaeologists say about these wonderful monuments is not exactly what scripture is now revealing to us concerning these massive structures. This is why that perhaps it is more important than ever that we look at the Book of Jeraneck and see just exactly what their importance really are, why they were really built and just what it is that they can teach us today if we allow them.

As Latter Day Mormons we all know that in other areas of the world, there are ancient buildings which were built to serve God and that they were built as temples—most of them as we are well aware were built to serve as temples to the Lord’s people and yet, science and secular archaeology with all its advances and so called knowledge does not know exactly their real meaning and purpose and why they were built and for whom they were built. But, that is where scripture comes into play, for scripture is both a knowledge and a history a history concerning what happened to the people that the scriptures pertain to and also a knowledge of God’s dealings with those people. Just as today, God’s people continue to write, so then in those days they wrote and they left us their history just as we are doing today for those in future generations. Yet, scientists and secular archaeology still cannot figure out the real meaning of these things, thus, that is one reason why the Church is so very important to the world and its understanding, so that we can teach people the real meaning to these questions and of course, many other questions that need answered.

We do not know exactly how many years it took to build all the many various henges and monuments that are in existence throughout the whole region of Great Britain and Europe, but, what we do know is that each one had to have the help of someone to build them, for we do know that the people of that period did not posses modern tools as we know them today and they more than likely did not possess the modern equipment that we are blessed with today such as cranes and heavy lifters, however this would probably not have profited them much any way, as we with all our modern technology struggle to build replicas of many of these monuments today. So as the scriptures tell us they would have needed supernatural help to show them how to build them and to what degree each one was to be built, yes, each one had to be built to exact measurements, perhaps this is one reason why the Lord had to reveal all the information which needed to be revealed concerning the building of these structures to his servants the prophets and why he sent angelic help.

Now, many people today think that many of these structures and monuments were ancient temples or some form of worship for the Druids. But, from scripture revealed to us within the Book of Jeraneck, we learn that they were temples to God, not the Druids and that the druids or priests that did use them after the fact would have perverted there use so from the revealed word of the scriptures we learn something quite different from what the world believe. We see from scripture and learn that many of the monuments were built to mark their way to the land so that others that God might command can follow and find that pleasant form that these signs must take thus, we now see why many were built and not all were for worship of any kind. If we want to go further into why they were built, we find that they are “great stone monuments” which stand to this day to the entire world as a testament of the journey the children of Araneck took and also as a testament to their faith in following the Lord. That is why they are built in the manner which they were built and why it is evidenced that they are built in the path that they were built—leading from the point where they were dwelling at to the point where the Lord took them to.

So then, what we learn from these ancient structures is that these people, the children of Araneck were very obedient in the building of them so that others God could command would be able to follow along and they did so in accord with the way that the Lord revealed and yes, it then becomes plain that yes, angels did come down and did help and assist in their being built. So the next time we visit these ancient structures after reading their history within the Book of Jeraneck we will begin I hope to take a deeper understanding and become clearer as to their purpose and the sacrifice that was made and to whom they built them.

It is a blessing to The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ and in turn to the world that we have been blessed with the record of the children of Araneck, not just for the historical record of the people which in itself has given us a greater understanding of the people who lived upon this land and others in our deep past, but also for the insights we gain about their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and their understanding of the gospel and their relationship with it. The Book of Jeraneck that was so painstakingly written in a time of great upheaval should stand as a witness of Christ, not just for us but for the entire world. We hope that this will deepen your love for our ancient brothers and for the gospel that they died to protect and to preserve upon our land, so the next time we pick it up to read let us remember and thank the Lord that we have this record to learn from and to enrich our lives

Sermon: Baptism

Upon looking over the sacred pages of the Bible, searching into the prophets and sayings of the apostles, we find no subject so nearly connected with salvation as that of baptism. In the first place, however, let us understand that the word baptise is derived from the Greek verb baptiso, and means to immerse or overwhelm; and that sprinkle is from the Greek verb rantiso, and means to scatter on by particles. Then we can treat the subject as one inseparably connected with our eternal welfare, and always bear in mind that it is one of the only methods by which we can obtain a remission of sins in this world, and be prepared to enter into the joys of our Lord in the world to come.

As it is well known that various opinions govern a large portion of the sectarian world as to this important ordinance of the gospel, it may not be amiss to introduce the commissions and commands of Jesus Himself on the subject. He said to the twelve, or rather eleven at the time: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” This is recorded by Matthew (28:18–19).

We read in Mark 16:14–15 these important words: - “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned.” And to show how the believers are to be known from the unbelievers, He continues and says: - “And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:16–19).

Now let us examine what was witnessed on the day of Pentecost, when there was a marvellous display of the gifts, according to the promise in Mark, many were pricked in the heart and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren what shall we do?” Peter said unto them: - “Repent, and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Here one of the witnesses says in so many words, repent and be baptised. And we are of the opinion that Peter, having been taught by the Lord, and commissioned by the Lord, and endowed by the Lord, would be about as correct a counsellor or ambassador as we or they could inquire of to know the right way to enter into the Kingdom of God.

Again, Luke in his record of the Acts of the Apostles, says: “And it came to pass, that, while Apollo’s was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus; and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, unto what then were ye baptised? And they said Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptised with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied” (Acts 19:1–6).

From the above witnesses we are informed that baptism was the essential point on which they could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. It seems from the reasoning above that some sectarian Jews had been baptising like John, but had forgotten to inform them that there was one to follow by the name of Jesus Christ, to baptise with fire and the Holy Ghost—which showed these converts that their first baptism was illegal. When they heard this they were gladly re-baptised, and after hands were laid on them, they received the gifts according to the promise and spake with tongues and prophesied.

Now taking it for granted that the Scriptures say what they mean and mean what they say, we have sufficient grounds to go on and prove from the Bible that the gospel has always been the same; the ordinances to fulfil its requirements the same; and the officers to officiate, the same; and the signs and fruits resulting from the promises, the same. Therefore, as Noah was a preacher of righteousness, he must have been baptised and ordained to the priesthood by the laying on of hands. For “No man taketh this honour upon himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron” (Hebrews 5:4).

According to the words of Jesus to Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. The same “came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles which thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said to him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:2–5).

This strong and positive answer of Jesus as to water baptism, settles the question. If God is the “same yesterday and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), it is no wonder He is so positive in the great declaration: - “He that believeth and is baptised, shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned” (Mark 16:15). There was no other name given under heaven, nor no other ordinance admitted, whereby men could be saved (Acts 4:12). No wonder the apostle said, being “buried with him by baptism, ye shall rise from the dead” (Romans 6:4) 

No wonder Paul had to arise and be baptised and wash away his sins. No wonder the angel told old Cornelius that he must send for Peter to learn how to be saved (Acts 10:1–6). Peter could baptise and angels could not, so long as there were legal officers in the flesh holding the keys of the Kingdom, or the priesthood. There is one evidence still further on this point, and that is that Jesus Himself when He appeared to Paul on his way to Damascus, did not inform him how he could be saved (Acts 22:10). He had set in the Church apostles and prophets, for the work of the ministry, and for the perfecting of the saints, as the grand rule of heaven was that nothing should ever be done on earth without revealing the secret to His servants the prophets, agreeable to Amos 3:7. So Paul could not learn so much from the Lord relative to his duty in the common salvation of man, as he could from one of Christ’s ambassadors, called with the same heavenly calling of the Lord, and endowed with the same power from on high, so that what they loosed on earth should be loosed in heaven, and what they bound on earth should be bound in heaven (Matthew 18:18). He, the Lord, being a priest forever, after the order of Melchezedick, and the anointed Son of God from “before the foundation of the world” (Genesis 5:43–45), and they the begotten sons of Jesus through the gospel, to “teach all nations and, lo, I am with you always, unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:18–19) That is, by the Other Comforter which the world cannot receive for ye are the witnesses having testimony of Jesus which is the spirit of prophecy.

From what has already been introduced as testimony to prove that no man can be saved without baptism, it will be seen and acknowledged that if there was sin among men, repentance was as necessary at one time or age of the world as another and that other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. If then Abel were a righteous man, he had to become so by keeping the commandments. If Enoch were righteous enough to come into the presence of God and walk with Him, he must have become so by keeping His commandments. And so of every righteous person, whether it was Noah, a preacher of righteousness, Abraham, the father of the faithful, Jacob the prevailer with God, Moses the man who wrote of Christ and brought forth the law by commandment, as a schoolmaster to bring men to Christ or whether it was Jesus Christ Himself, who had no need of repentance, having done no sin, according to His solemn declaration to John now let me be baptised for no man can enter the Kingdom without obeying this ordinance. “For thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness” (Matthew 3:43). 

Surely then, if it became John and Jesus Christ the Saviour, to fulfil all righteousness to be baptised so surely, then, it will become every other person who seeks the Kingdom of heaven to go and do likewise. For He is the door, and if any person climbs up any “other way, the same is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1).

In the former ages of the world, before the Saviour came in the flesh, the followers of Christ were baptised in the name of Jesus Christ to come, because there never was any other name whereby men could be saved. After He came in the flesh and was crucified, then those that followed Christ were baptised in the name of Jesus Christ, crucified, risen from the dead, and ascended into heaven that they might be buried in baptism like Him, and be raised in glory like Him, that as there was but “One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:5–6).

Now we lay down upon the alter of God that which is written in the law, that which is of God, that all men who wish to return to the presence of God the father must be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ. The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ holding all the power and authority from God to administer baptism in this age proclaim that baptism is the gateway to fellowship in Christ that it is not a tool that is used to enforce membership in a church but rather fellowship in Christ, and that all who wish to be baptised and stand in fellowship with Christ must do so in order to enter in to his Kingdom. We proclaim the words written by Alma in the book of Mormon to be true when he says in the book of Mosiah the all who are baptised will “be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that we may have eternal life” It is the belief and policy of this Christ’s church that through the atoning sacrifice, baptism also brings about a full remission of our sins, it is the birth of a new life, a new life clean and pure in the service of God the father and God the Son. Again let us look at the book of Jeraneck and see that the Lord God in his wisdom did not leave his people without the Law of baptism, for we read in chapter Nine of the Book of Jeraneck that Roadnen of the people of Ridnon was desirest to be baptised and the record says:-  “Now after Hadjaneck had taught the people many things he made an end of speaking to the people and Roadnen was so overcome with the spirit that he was desirous to be baptised and all those that were with him even all his servants. Therefore with the blessing of Zioneck Hadjaneck went down into the water and he did baptise Roadnen and all that were with him, and he did baptise them in the river that flowed by the city that we call afonage and all… were baptised” (BofJ 9: 71-72). So we see that when god rises up a righteous seed he sends the Holy Spirit to testify of truth and also turns their hearts to the Lord and to baptism, and once this is done, then righteousness is established among the people and a church is also formed and established unto God.

And so it is written in all the holy text that when we are baptised we come in to the fellowship of Christ and also in to the light born again in Christ. We should not honour the Sacrament as a renewal of our promise that we make at baptism because there is no need, we have been given the gift of repentance and prayer for that purpose and when we fall short of our promise to follow the Lord we should repent and pray and offer supplication unto the Lord, but this should not be done at the partaking of the sacrament, rather the partaking of the sacrament should serve as a reminder every time we partake of sacrifice that He the Lord God made for us so that we could be baptised and enter in to his fellowship.

And so let us remember all these things and cleave unto God the Father through the Son and remember that there is but one door to the mansions of the Father everlasting, to everlasting and that door is baptism. Amen.