Avoiding the Appearance of Evil
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23
Paul told the Thessalonians to “abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). This is a very hard task indeed. Even Jesus Christ couldn’t avoid the appearance of evil. Sure, his accusers could find no fault with him, but they still saw him as evil (See John 5:8-12, 6:41-42, 7:12, & 9:16).
The Temple of God
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” -1 Corinthians 3:16
The “magical world” is an abstract idea used by fantasy and religions alike. Methods may vary, but the main difference comes from the argument over who has the better story or philosophy. This is not to say that what the world calls “magic” is not real. It’s simply to state that one’s path is not the same as another’s, and that’s okay. There’s no reason to fight over paths that work. God’s vineyard is far larger than one denomination. And, those that haven’t heard the Law, yet have it written in their hearts, will still be saved (see Romans 2:11, 14-15, DaC 76).
A Broken Heart
“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” -Psalms 34:18
When teaching the people he had gathered in the Americas, Jesus did away with the sacrificing of animals. He asked for something more personal when he told them, “ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (3 Nephi 4:49 RAV, 9:20 OPV). But what does this mean?
What is the Church of Christ?
“Behold, this is my doctrine—whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church.” – Jesus Christ (Avahr 17:39)
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Jesus Christ (Matthew 18: 20)
How do I Pray?
“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” -Psalms 55:17
A prayer is a plea to God. The True Prayer is written in our hearts. When our hearts are pierced, we plea to God and he restores us. From here we may speak to God in the name of Christ. If you are new to prayer, that’s okay. Everyone has to have their first prayer vocal prayer, and Jesus taught us how to do it.