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Isaiah prophesies of the coming forth of the fullness of the Gospel in such detail as to mention the things spoken to Joseph Smith during the First Vision:

“Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.”

- Isaiah 29:13

Now we see this prophecy fulfilled.

“… 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.”

- The Lord Jesus Christ, as revealed to Joseph Smith, a modern prophet, explaining the need for the opening of this dispensation of the true gospel of Jesus Christ. JSH 1:19

The true Church is indeed upon the earth — we have it here, in its fullness, and its complete truth: all we need to know pertaining to our salvation and the proper worship of our Lord and God, who are defined as two separate and distinct beings (”… and I saw two Personages … and [He] said, pointing to the other — This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” -JSH 1:17, emphasis added). There is much to be had in the Gospel of Jesus Christ with faith, proper study, and humility to accept it. With these things, the Spirit will touch the hearts of souls seeking the truth.

This really is a gorgeous hymn. I love to ponder the meaning when I’m outdoors.

Words by Carl Boberg.

“O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: ‘My God, how great Thou art!’

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!”

What manner of men ought we to be?

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

Matthew 5:48

That seems like a rather demanding and impossible calling; but the Lord knew what he was talking about. What does this passage mean to you?

Is the consumption of caffeinated beverages a violation of God’s commandments (or, the Word of Wisdom)?

“With reference to the cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken any attitude on this matter…but I personally do not put them in the class as with the tea and coffee because the Lord specifically mentioned them [the hot drinks]…

I might say also that strychnine and sleeping pills and opium and heroin are not mentioned in the Word of Wisdom and yet I would discourage them will all my power…”

Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, page 202

The Book of Mormon prophesies of Jesus Christ.

“And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people. And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning.”

Mosiah 3:7-8

Excommunication from the Church is viewed in a negative light among its members and is generally despised by non-members that do not understand. While it is certainly an unfortunate happening whenever a child of God is excommunicated from His Church, the reasons for it must be considered.

First and foremost, Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father love each individual soul. Christ suffered His Atonement in an act of pure love (charity) that provides a way for us to be clean, a way for us to know that someone else has experienced before what we are experiencing: our sorrows, pains, and afflictions. The knowledge of that truth brings a sure and certain comfort.

Secondly, God has laws which must be upheld even by Him, or He would cease to be God. Because of these laws, knowledge is dictated to man over the period if his/her life. The more knowledge we gain, the more that is expected of us (D&C 82:3) and failure to live up to expectations (behaviorally)  will condemn us unless we repent.

Thirdly, true repentance requires a “turning away from” — hence the meaning of “repent.” Offenses serious enough for excommunication usually imply a misdeed in direct offense to God Almighty or His Church (e.g. participation with anti-Mormon groups, embezzlement of sacred Church funds, or the taking of another’s life) require that “turning away”.

All in all, excommunication is an act of love from the Church; an opportunity for that person to actually come closer to their Heavenly Father after straying. The Stake High Council that holds the court does so with feelings of love toward the person, and with authority of the Priesthood, makes an inspired decision in the best interest of the person at hand: the path that will save him/her from the full condemnation of what they did. Excommunication lowers the level of expectation to the level of behavior so that they may repent. It is a chance to start over. It is the working of the miracle of repentance – and forgiveness.

More on this.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is 8 things, namely:

1. Atonement (v. 13)

2. Resurrection (v. 14)

3. Judgment (v. 15)

4. Faith

5. Repentance (v. 19)

6. Baptism

7. Holy Ghost

8. Endurance (v. 16)
   

As stated in 3 Nephi 27:13-21 by the Lord Jesus Christ himself when He visits the people in America. Items 4-7 are the fundamental principles and ordinances of the Gospel.

Who wants to know the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

“Behold, thus said Jesus Christ, the Son of God, unto his disciples … Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature; … And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth. … And now, behold, who can stand against the works of the Lord? Who can deny his sayings? … O then, despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord.”

Mormon 9:22-27