Lo Here, and Lo There
“I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong, and the personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in His sight: that those professors were all corrupt; He said: They draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; they teach for doctrines the commandments of men: having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.” -Avahr 6:33-36
When Joseph Smith Jr. walked into the grove to pray, after reading James 1:5, he had a miraculous experience. We do not know exactly what occurred, but we do know that he had a revelation. The different versions of this vision or revelation may be studied in Appendix 1 of the Book of Avahr. The thing they all have in common is that he was told not to join any of the denominations he had explored. Why not? And does this revelation mean that all churches were evil? And if they were, are they still today?
The Tradition of Mormon Kabbalah
While Nephi warned us against stagnation, he also taught the Kabbalistic idea of continuing ever forward in God.
The Law of Love (Video)
“For ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another; for all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” -Galatians 5:13-14
Thou shalt Love thy Neighbor as Thyself (Video)
“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the LORD… But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” -Leviticus 19:18, 34
Economic Disparity (Video)
“the people of the church began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set their hearts upon riches and upon the vain things of the world, that they began to be scornful, one towards another, and they began to persecute those that did not believe according to their own will and pleasure…
Not to Condemn the World (Video)
“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life; for God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” -John 3:16-17
Love Your Enemies (Video)
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” -Matthew 5:43-48 (see also 3 Nephi 5:90-92 RAV, 12:43-48 OPV)
Love a Little More (Video)
“Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore, I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just.
Love thy LGBTQ+ Neighbor (Video)
Love everyone and let god sort it out.
American Politics: Can We Love One Another? (Video)
Some thoughts on American politics and why we should love one another and let go of worldliness.
Gun Violence (Video)
Can we trade our love of violence for a love of God’s creation?
You are not alone! (Video)
God has a place for you!