This week, our Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to Genesis 6-11 and Moses 8. We talk about the world of Noah before, during, and after the flood. Study with me!
Anchor.fm:
Soundcloud:
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Showing posts with label #apostasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #apostasy. Show all posts
Sunday, January 30, 2022
Sunday, January 16, 2022
Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 160 - The Prophet, Seer, and Wild Man
This week, our Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to Genesis 5 and Moses 6. We discuss the old patriarchs, the original apostasy, and the start of a new dispensation. Study with me!
Anchor.fm:
Soundcloud:
Youtube:
Sunday, June 27, 2021
Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 131 - How To Confound Your Enemies
This week, our Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to D&C 71-75. We discuss handling apostasy, certifications from bishops, and revoked commands. Study with me!
Anchor.fm:
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-131-how-to-confound-your-enemies
Youtube:
Saturday, May 15, 2021
Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 125 - Broken Covenants and New Jerusalem
This week, our Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to sections 51-57. We discuss stewardship, broken covenants, and building Zion. Study with me!
Anchor.fm:
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Sunday, November 8, 2020
Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 98 - The Tower of Apostasy
This week, our Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to Ether 1-5. We discuss the tower of Babel, the promised land, and solving problems. Study with me!
Anchor.fm:
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-98-the-tower-of-apostasy
Youtube:
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 43 - αποστασία
This week, Come Follow Me brings us to 1 and 2 Thessalonians. We look at several proverbs of Paul, and discuss the falling away prophesied by the apostle. Study with me!
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-43
Youtube:
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-43
Youtube:
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
A Unity of the Faith
Unity is a major theme in Paul's epistles to the Ephesians... from describing how Christ abolishes the enmity between Jews and Gentiles, to this passage in chapter 4:
The idea of a single Christian faith was the goal of Catholic church... The very term comes from Greek καθολικός (katholikos), meaning "universal."
Unfortunately, at the time when the church gathered its leaders from all around the Mediterranean in Nicaea in AD 325, the apostles were gone... the highest authorities that remained were local bishops of various congregations, lacking not only the office that Jesus designated to lead his church, but also the authority that extended to all places to which they traveled... general authority.
As time progressed, the leadership of these men led to schisms and protests over centuries rather than the "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" that the apostle Paul taught.
Today, there are thousands of churches that profess belief in Jesus Christ. There are numerous modes of baptism. Various Christian faiths still debate over the most fundamental requirements of salvation. While some claim that the thousands of versions of faith, and of Christ himself, are all facets of a single church, if this were the case, it would be the greatest manifestation of the "house divided against itself" that was described by Jesus.
Claiming that Christianity is united in a single church is like finding a shattered mirror at a store that has been partly pieced together with scotch tape and labeled "definitely not broken." Even those with the best of intentions have found themselves "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine" clutching only shattered pieces of the whole that Christ established with his apostles and prophets.
Is there a solution to unify Christianity? What would it take to achieve actual ecumenicism?
The apostle Paul explains how the Lord intended to accomplish this feat:
"...he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers... till we all come in the unity of the faith..."
Some people might misunderstand the passage to mean that he gave to some people apostles, and to other people prophets, and to others evangelists, and others pastors and teachers... and so long as you have one of these, you're good. This is incorrect.
The word "some" is in the accusative case... meaning it is the direct object. In other words, it could be translated "he gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists..." He made available men with these offices, to accomplish that Paul described after.
As important as this understanding is... perhaps the most important understanding is the pronoun he... the one doing the giving... The he is the Lord himself... and as always... he is the solution.
THE LORD calls apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists. His Kingdom is not one of confusion, it is one of order. He spent great length prescribing the construction of Noah's ark, of the Tabernacle of Moses, of the Ark of the Covenant, and of Nephite and Jaredite vessels. He detailed precise directions for the children of Israel in the wilderness, and for Joshua's men to march around Jericho, and for Brigham Young to lead the pioneers in the west. He patiently repeated his messages to Jonah regarding Nineveh, to Jerusalem regarding Babylon, and to Joseph Smith regarding the retrieval of the plates. He deliberately and carefully divided even his labors in forging the world on which we now stand. To suggest that any old schmo could just say "yeah, I'm going to be a pastor now," is contrary to the way he has directed his work for thousands of years.
Fortunately, there are apostles and prophets, called by the Lord, that preside over his church today. Heeding their counsel will, as Paul suggested, lead to the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, the edifying of the body of Christ. Following their teachings will aid all in coming to a unity of faith, a knowledge of the Son of God, and offer protection from those who would, by cunning craftiness, lie in wait to deceive.
What was inaccessible to the ancient bishops who assembled in Nicaea in AD 325, is now available to you freely. Do not neglect the privilege of your access to the apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists that he has called to help you find the one true Lord, the one true faith, and the one true baptism that will lead you on His strait and narrow covenant path.
"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men... And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" (Ephesians 4:4-8,11-14)
The idea of a single Christian faith was the goal of Catholic church... The very term comes from Greek καθολικός (katholikos), meaning "universal."
Unfortunately, at the time when the church gathered its leaders from all around the Mediterranean in Nicaea in AD 325, the apostles were gone... the highest authorities that remained were local bishops of various congregations, lacking not only the office that Jesus designated to lead his church, but also the authority that extended to all places to which they traveled... general authority.
As time progressed, the leadership of these men led to schisms and protests over centuries rather than the "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" that the apostle Paul taught.
Today, there are thousands of churches that profess belief in Jesus Christ. There are numerous modes of baptism. Various Christian faiths still debate over the most fundamental requirements of salvation. While some claim that the thousands of versions of faith, and of Christ himself, are all facets of a single church, if this were the case, it would be the greatest manifestation of the "house divided against itself" that was described by Jesus.
Claiming that Christianity is united in a single church is like finding a shattered mirror at a store that has been partly pieced together with scotch tape and labeled "definitely not broken." Even those with the best of intentions have found themselves "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine" clutching only shattered pieces of the whole that Christ established with his apostles and prophets.
Is there a solution to unify Christianity? What would it take to achieve actual ecumenicism?
The apostle Paul explains how the Lord intended to accomplish this feat:
"...he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers... till we all come in the unity of the faith..."
Some people might misunderstand the passage to mean that he gave to some people apostles, and to other people prophets, and to others evangelists, and others pastors and teachers... and so long as you have one of these, you're good. This is incorrect.
The word "some" is in the accusative case... meaning it is the direct object. In other words, it could be translated "he gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists..." He made available men with these offices, to accomplish that Paul described after.
As important as this understanding is... perhaps the most important understanding is the pronoun he... the one doing the giving... The he is the Lord himself... and as always... he is the solution.
THE LORD calls apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists. His Kingdom is not one of confusion, it is one of order. He spent great length prescribing the construction of Noah's ark, of the Tabernacle of Moses, of the Ark of the Covenant, and of Nephite and Jaredite vessels. He detailed precise directions for the children of Israel in the wilderness, and for Joshua's men to march around Jericho, and for Brigham Young to lead the pioneers in the west. He patiently repeated his messages to Jonah regarding Nineveh, to Jerusalem regarding Babylon, and to Joseph Smith regarding the retrieval of the plates. He deliberately and carefully divided even his labors in forging the world on which we now stand. To suggest that any old schmo could just say "yeah, I'm going to be a pastor now," is contrary to the way he has directed his work for thousands of years.
Fortunately, there are apostles and prophets, called by the Lord, that preside over his church today. Heeding their counsel will, as Paul suggested, lead to the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, the edifying of the body of Christ. Following their teachings will aid all in coming to a unity of faith, a knowledge of the Son of God, and offer protection from those who would, by cunning craftiness, lie in wait to deceive.
What was inaccessible to the ancient bishops who assembled in Nicaea in AD 325, is now available to you freely. Do not neglect the privilege of your access to the apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists that he has called to help you find the one true Lord, the one true faith, and the one true baptism that will lead you on His strait and narrow covenant path.
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Satire: Heartwarming - Lonely man who turned against his church finds genuine connection with porn video
<Satire>
Evan was about twenty years old when he decided to turn his back on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He said that it was really hard to leave an organization that invested heavily in his growth and development including fun activities including delicious meals, camping excursions, spiritual instruction, and leaders that volunteered their own time and resources to help him.
"I was really lonely after I told them that I refused to be brainwashed into their cult," explains Evan. "I've gone through a lot of depression, and sometimes, it seemed like I couldn't drink enough to dull the pain..."
That's when a miracle happened for Evan. He found a new porn video on his computer!
"Yeah, it's totally different than the ones I was watching last week!" exclaims Evan. "I feel a real connection to the star, even though I don't know her real name, or anything about her life, and there's no chance of actually meeting her, let alone having a conversation with her."
Evan explained that, unlike the stars of the other videos, he is actually in love... and with so much anger, aggression, and apathy on social media, it's nice to see genuine affection for a change!
</Satire>
Evan was about twenty years old when he decided to turn his back on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He said that it was really hard to leave an organization that invested heavily in his growth and development including fun activities including delicious meals, camping excursions, spiritual instruction, and leaders that volunteered their own time and resources to help him.
"I was really lonely after I told them that I refused to be brainwashed into their cult," explains Evan. "I've gone through a lot of depression, and sometimes, it seemed like I couldn't drink enough to dull the pain..."
That's when a miracle happened for Evan. He found a new porn video on his computer!
"Yeah, it's totally different than the ones I was watching last week!" exclaims Evan. "I feel a real connection to the star, even though I don't know her real name, or anything about her life, and there's no chance of actually meeting her, let alone having a conversation with her."
Evan explained that, unlike the stars of the other videos, he is actually in love... and with so much anger, aggression, and apathy on social media, it's nice to see genuine affection for a change!
</Satire>
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Satire: Former member of the church explains how, now that she is free from the church, she spends all her time dedicated to it
<Satire>
Weekly Standard: This week we welcome RealLucySmith, who is a former member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but spends a great deal of her time still involved with the Church. We look forward to better understanding her perspectives. Lucy, thank you for joining us.
RealLucySmith: Thanks for having me.
Weekly Standard: You spend a lot of time engaging with people about the church on social media, can you tell us a bit about what you stand for?
RealLucySmith: Sure, I stand for anything that opposes Mormons.
Weekly Standard: Well, we know you are are not a part of the church you left, but maybe you could explain what it is that you support...
RealLucySmith: That is what I support. When someone says they believe that Joseph is a prophet, I shout plural marriage. When someone says they were uplifted by President Nelson, I scream about how he is an old white male.
Weekly Standard: But even if that's true, I mean, don't you have something you want for society? Do you have a cause you are trying to persuade people to join?
RealLucySmith: Yes, that's what I'm saying. I want society to be free of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Weekly Standard: But how would you respond to the people who are bettered and benefited by the church and its teachings?
RealLucySmith: Now that I've left the church, I'm free to spend every waking minute discussing the church with every stranger on the internet. I never had that kind of freedom to study the church when I was a member... it never benefited me... I like to think of myself hypothetically as a cranky woman standing near the toy section of Wal-Mart around Christmas time shrieking "there ain't no Santee Claus!!"
Weekly Standard: While I'm impressed by your ability to sound like Gilbert Gottfried, don't you think that is kind of... insensitive to the children during the holidays?
RealLucySmith: That's what the parents say to me... "Even if you were right, you're attacking a tradition that brings happiness and improves behavior."
Weekly Standard: Hang on, that ties in with my previous question... how would you respond to these imaginary parents in your analogy?
RealLucySmith: I don't, I focus on the kids and shout that their parents lie about everything, and that they are probably adopted.
Weekly Standard: Wait, what? I thought this was hypothetical. Is this something you actually do?
RealLucySmith: Well, no...
Weekly Standard: OK, good, because that's...
RealLucySmith: Harassment? Yeah, that's what the manager told me before escorting me out of the building... That's why I don't do it anymore.
Weekly Standard: I was going to say crazy...
RealLucySmith: What's crazy is that some people still think that Jesus is the one leading the Church of Jesus Christ...
Weekly Standard: And you believe it's just Russell M. Nelson, the man who presides?
RealLucySmith: Hahaha no... That's like believing we landed on the moon!
Weekly Standard: Wait, you don't believe that we landed on the moon?
RealLucySmith: I don't believe anything! Doubt is the only protection against them... Well, doubt and this...
Weekly Standard: What are you putting...? Is that...? Are you wearing a foil hat?
RealLucySmith: The church is just the tip of the iceberg... It's a cult that consumes people!
Weekly Standard: But you said that you don't believe anything...
RealLucySmith: That's why you shouldn't believe anything... It's how they get you... What do you think happened to Santa Claus? Another victim of the Mormons... That's why I was arguing at Wal-Mart, and why I argue with people on the internet!
WeeklyStandard: Well... thankfully we're out of time... We appreciate RealLucySmith joining us, and I think we have all gained a little perspective on former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spending so much time and effort engaged with the church after they have left. In the opinion of this reporter... even if everything that they believe about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were true, it would still not help us understand their bizarre compulsions and behaviors. Thanks everyone, and have a great day!
</Satire>
Weekly Standard: This week we welcome RealLucySmith, who is a former member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but spends a great deal of her time still involved with the Church. We look forward to better understanding her perspectives. Lucy, thank you for joining us.
RealLucySmith: Thanks for having me.
Weekly Standard: You spend a lot of time engaging with people about the church on social media, can you tell us a bit about what you stand for?
RealLucySmith: Sure, I stand for anything that opposes Mormons.
Weekly Standard: Well, we know you are are not a part of the church you left, but maybe you could explain what it is that you support...
RealLucySmith: That is what I support. When someone says they believe that Joseph is a prophet, I shout plural marriage. When someone says they were uplifted by President Nelson, I scream about how he is an old white male.
Weekly Standard: But even if that's true, I mean, don't you have something you want for society? Do you have a cause you are trying to persuade people to join?
RealLucySmith: Yes, that's what I'm saying. I want society to be free of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Weekly Standard: But how would you respond to the people who are bettered and benefited by the church and its teachings?
RealLucySmith: Now that I've left the church, I'm free to spend every waking minute discussing the church with every stranger on the internet. I never had that kind of freedom to study the church when I was a member... it never benefited me... I like to think of myself hypothetically as a cranky woman standing near the toy section of Wal-Mart around Christmas time shrieking "there ain't no Santee Claus!!"
Weekly Standard: While I'm impressed by your ability to sound like Gilbert Gottfried, don't you think that is kind of... insensitive to the children during the holidays?
RealLucySmith: That's what the parents say to me... "Even if you were right, you're attacking a tradition that brings happiness and improves behavior."
Weekly Standard: Hang on, that ties in with my previous question... how would you respond to these imaginary parents in your analogy?
RealLucySmith: I don't, I focus on the kids and shout that their parents lie about everything, and that they are probably adopted.
Weekly Standard: Wait, what? I thought this was hypothetical. Is this something you actually do?
RealLucySmith: Well, no...
Weekly Standard: OK, good, because that's...
RealLucySmith: Harassment? Yeah, that's what the manager told me before escorting me out of the building... That's why I don't do it anymore.
Weekly Standard: I was going to say crazy...
RealLucySmith: What's crazy is that some people still think that Jesus is the one leading the Church of Jesus Christ...
Weekly Standard: And you believe it's just Russell M. Nelson, the man who presides?
RealLucySmith: Hahaha no... That's like believing we landed on the moon!
Weekly Standard: Wait, you don't believe that we landed on the moon?
RealLucySmith: I don't believe anything! Doubt is the only protection against them... Well, doubt and this...
Weekly Standard: What are you putting...? Is that...? Are you wearing a foil hat?
RealLucySmith: The church is just the tip of the iceberg... It's a cult that consumes people!
Weekly Standard: But you said that you don't believe anything...
RealLucySmith: That's why you shouldn't believe anything... It's how they get you... What do you think happened to Santa Claus? Another victim of the Mormons... That's why I was arguing at Wal-Mart, and why I argue with people on the internet!
WeeklyStandard: Well... thankfully we're out of time... We appreciate RealLucySmith joining us, and I think we have all gained a little perspective on former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spending so much time and effort engaged with the church after they have left. In the opinion of this reporter... even if everything that they believe about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were true, it would still not help us understand their bizarre compulsions and behaviors. Thanks everyone, and have a great day!
</Satire>
Monday, November 9, 2015
Shocking Details From the Other Mormon Handbook
Recently, my Facebook feed has been filled with comments, memes, and images regarding some shocking changes that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints made to a handbook of instructions for church leaders regarding homosexuality and apostasy.
The headlines in blogs and from the stories of news organizations emphasized only one possible outcome of the changes: that Mormon Leaders would refuse baptism to the children of gays.
I read a number of reactions that ranged from people encouraging trust in the leaders of the church to posting apologetic explanations to people considering leaving the Mormon church because of this shocking truth.
I was a bit surprised at the volume of reactions to this news. It seemed to me that after the headline had drawn traffic and people saw what it was really about, some new bit of information would draw attention away and it would be rapidly forgotten. Days later, I still see numerous posts, comments, and reactions to this news. I have read posts wherein people still express shock and surprise that the Mormon church would implement such a policy that seems to target individuals based on their sexual orientation.
If you are among those who were shocked by the new details from the Mormon Handbook of Instructions, then perhaps you could particularly benefit from learning the shocking details from the Other Mormon Handbook. You know, the one that no one seems to be talking about, but that makes policies on apostasy seem as shocking as the fact that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believes in Jesus Christ... Even if you are not among those shocked by the recent policy news, the shocking details from the Other Mormon Handbook, will still be beneficial.
Of course, by Other Mormon Handbook, I mean The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
The circumstances of this books arrival and the claims made in this book are more shocking than any policy decision the church has ever made (and that includes decisions regarding plural marriage, priesthood availability, or sticking with the Boy Scouts). Think about it. A young man in upstate New York was personally visited by an Angel and told about a book of scripture, hidden for centuries, written in a language that no one spoke, and that the record had been inscribed on plates of gold. Additionally, this record represented proof that peoples who had inhabited the American continent ages earlier had been Christians, and that they had fallen apart when they rejected Christ.
If these claims are not shocking enough, Mormons claim that Joseph Smith Junior, an uneducated laborer, was able to translate this record into English through the power of God himself. As miraculous as the use of diverse tongues on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), this young man not only produced a translation in a short time, but did it while enemies tried to attack him and his supporters. He also persuaded friends to help finance its publication, which was not an inexpensive investment. After it was done, he stood behind the work that he claimed God had helped him perform by saying: "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." (Introduction to the Book of Mormon)
The idea that it is the most correct book is certainly shocking, but that a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book, is incredibly bold.
Rational individuals should immediately demand (in light of these shocking details and claims) what the Mormon Church intends to do to back them up (if they haven't already).
Of course, the way in which the Mormon Church backs up these claims is perhaps more shocking than anything else. This translation is not in some "leaders-only" handbook or kept in a vault in the mountains near Salt Lake City. The Church has gone to great lengths and great expense to make this handbook available to everyone. If you like to read physical books, check here: https://www.mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon. You can read it online for free here: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng. Yes, there's an app for it too: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter_day_Saints_Th?id=oAkd9j3xSqoC. Additionally, volunteer missionaries across the world are eager to provide individual support as you put the shocking claims of the Mormons to the test by reading this book and praying to God to come to your own conclusion.
For those who are already members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the need to read the Book of Mormon has not diminished. Shocks from changes in church policies (or any other aspect of the faith) are best handled by returning to this handbook, which laid the foundation of the Mormon Church. If you have read it, read it again. If you have not read from it today, read from it today. If you have not prayed to our Heavenly Father regarding the shocking claims that it makes and that it represents, pray today. If you have prayed, but you have not been willing to act according to the answer you have received, then read it some more. If you have prayed, but you do not believe that God will answer your prayer, then read it some more.
Ultimately, the more that you read, study, consider, and pray about the Book of Mormon, the more you will see that the claims, practices, policies, and traditions in the Mormon Church are not shocking at all. The real shock is that Jesus Christ (who is very much alive and well) is reaching out to you in a personal way through this book. Joseph Smith was not exaggerating or being rhetorical when he said that you could get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book. Whatever other news headlines arise in the future, you can be confident that God lives and that he will make sure everything works out in the end. In the end, he is coming to save us all.
The headlines in blogs and from the stories of news organizations emphasized only one possible outcome of the changes: that Mormon Leaders would refuse baptism to the children of gays.
I read a number of reactions that ranged from people encouraging trust in the leaders of the church to posting apologetic explanations to people considering leaving the Mormon church because of this shocking truth.
I was a bit surprised at the volume of reactions to this news. It seemed to me that after the headline had drawn traffic and people saw what it was really about, some new bit of information would draw attention away and it would be rapidly forgotten. Days later, I still see numerous posts, comments, and reactions to this news. I have read posts wherein people still express shock and surprise that the Mormon church would implement such a policy that seems to target individuals based on their sexual orientation.
If you are among those who were shocked by the new details from the Mormon Handbook of Instructions, then perhaps you could particularly benefit from learning the shocking details from the Other Mormon Handbook. You know, the one that no one seems to be talking about, but that makes policies on apostasy seem as shocking as the fact that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believes in Jesus Christ... Even if you are not among those shocked by the recent policy news, the shocking details from the Other Mormon Handbook, will still be beneficial.
Of course, by Other Mormon Handbook, I mean The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
The circumstances of this books arrival and the claims made in this book are more shocking than any policy decision the church has ever made (and that includes decisions regarding plural marriage, priesthood availability, or sticking with the Boy Scouts). Think about it. A young man in upstate New York was personally visited by an Angel and told about a book of scripture, hidden for centuries, written in a language that no one spoke, and that the record had been inscribed on plates of gold. Additionally, this record represented proof that peoples who had inhabited the American continent ages earlier had been Christians, and that they had fallen apart when they rejected Christ.
If these claims are not shocking enough, Mormons claim that Joseph Smith Junior, an uneducated laborer, was able to translate this record into English through the power of God himself. As miraculous as the use of diverse tongues on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), this young man not only produced a translation in a short time, but did it while enemies tried to attack him and his supporters. He also persuaded friends to help finance its publication, which was not an inexpensive investment. After it was done, he stood behind the work that he claimed God had helped him perform by saying: "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." (Introduction to the Book of Mormon)
The idea that it is the most correct book is certainly shocking, but that a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book, is incredibly bold.
Rational individuals should immediately demand (in light of these shocking details and claims) what the Mormon Church intends to do to back them up (if they haven't already).
Of course, the way in which the Mormon Church backs up these claims is perhaps more shocking than anything else. This translation is not in some "leaders-only" handbook or kept in a vault in the mountains near Salt Lake City. The Church has gone to great lengths and great expense to make this handbook available to everyone. If you like to read physical books, check here: https://www.mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon. You can read it online for free here: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng. Yes, there's an app for it too: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter_day_Saints_Th?id=oAkd9j3xSqoC. Additionally, volunteer missionaries across the world are eager to provide individual support as you put the shocking claims of the Mormons to the test by reading this book and praying to God to come to your own conclusion.
For those who are already members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the need to read the Book of Mormon has not diminished. Shocks from changes in church policies (or any other aspect of the faith) are best handled by returning to this handbook, which laid the foundation of the Mormon Church. If you have read it, read it again. If you have not read from it today, read from it today. If you have not prayed to our Heavenly Father regarding the shocking claims that it makes and that it represents, pray today. If you have prayed, but you have not been willing to act according to the answer you have received, then read it some more. If you have prayed, but you do not believe that God will answer your prayer, then read it some more.
Ultimately, the more that you read, study, consider, and pray about the Book of Mormon, the more you will see that the claims, practices, policies, and traditions in the Mormon Church are not shocking at all. The real shock is that Jesus Christ (who is very much alive and well) is reaching out to you in a personal way through this book. Joseph Smith was not exaggerating or being rhetorical when he said that you could get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book. Whatever other news headlines arise in the future, you can be confident that God lives and that he will make sure everything works out in the end. In the end, he is coming to save us all.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Restoration and the Strait and Narrow Path
Shortly after returning from my mission, I recall hearing about a scandal in the Catholic Church where their clergymen were participating in and covering up heinous crimes. On one occasion, I watched a news program that had a number of guests. One of these guests was a representative of an organization of members of the Catholic church that actively worked to affect change in doctrine, policy, and practice. I could hardly believe that such an organization would exist... I mean, if you believe that the leadership of your church is inspired, and receives direction from God himself, why would you want to form a group that wants to alter such inspiration?
At the time, I thought to myself how glad I was to be a part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, after all, for the most part we understood that the church was led by revelation, and that organizing groups to affect change was completely foolish. Of course, about ten years later, I have learned of the existence of a number of groups of "Mormons" that actively try to alter the doctrines, policies, and practices because they are under the impression that the leadership of the church could be more inspired if it listened to them.
Some of these individuals have even gone to the length of being excommunicated from the church to promote their views. To me, this seems completely idiotic. It's like Frodo giving the One Ring to a Nazgul, because they can bring it to Mordor faster than a hobbit. It's like cutting off your own hand to convince people that Captain Hook wasn't such a bad guy. It's like eating at McDonald's... That's all I had for that one, but that's pretty bad, right?
Anyway, back when I heard about the Catholic controversies, I was under the impression that apostasy and restoration were best described as events. These events had happened more than a century previously. What I have come to recognize as I have seen some members of our own faith openly fighting against the prophets and apostles they claim to sustain, is that apostasy and restoration are better described as forces. They represent two factions of a very real and very ancient conflict. They are not limited to a pair of events in relatively recent history... but even now, the forces of apostasy are seeking to displace the forces of restoration.
To add to the difficulty in this conflict, apostasy seems to have the upper hand. Less than 1% of humans alive today are members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, and while the church is growing, there are so many ways that the forces of evil can lure people away from the blessings of restoration. Some individuals get hung up on century-old statements, others are offended by things like misspellings in revelations, or others by who is allowed to hold the priesthood.
On the other hand, there is a very specific path that must be followed in order to receive the blessings of restoration. The pattern that is repeated over and over again in restoration is this: 1. Search the scriptures. 2. Pray. 3. Believe in the power of God.
Consider the First Vision: Joseph Smith searched the Bible and came across James 1:5, then he went to the sacred grove to pray... While he may not have anticipated the appearance of the Father and the Son, he knew that God had power to answer his questions, and grant him the wisdom he lacked.
Consider the Restoration of the Priesthood: Joseph found passages in the Book of Mormon describing the authority to baptize, then he went and prayed with Oliver Cowdery... While they did not know that John the Baptist would appear and restore this power, they believed that God was the ultimate source of authority.
Consider the methods our missionaries invite people to use to gain testimonies: They read select passages from the Book of Mormon, they are asked to pray to ask God what is true, and if they ask with faith and real intent, then the truth is manifested by the power of the Holy Ghost, just as Moroni promised.
With many ways that lead to apostasy, and only one that leads to the truth of the restoration, it is just as Jesus said: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way which leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate and narrow the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be which find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)
Because restoration is not a one time event, it is worth discussing each of these steps that lead to the strait and narrow path.
First: search the scriptures.
I have heard many stories of individuals that had questions or trials and flipped open their scriptures to find a verse that provided the perfect words to help them. I have never personally experienced this, and I propose that more often, the answers that we need come from regularly searching the scriptures... not just reading... but searching the scriptures.
With more scripture available to us in this dispensation than ever before, the question should be for what should I search?
Let us return to the example of Joseph Smith. Here is his description of what he found after reading James 1:5:
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know..."
I suggest that the feeling that came to him is the thing for which we should search. The connection to Christ that comes from reading the Word of God is what led Joseph to the grove of trees.
Please also note that the same scripture that inspires one individual, may not be the most inspiring scripture for another. This is by design. Some people need to know of the love of God, and stories of mercy such as Christ blessing the Nephite children, or the mercy that God extended to Nineveh after Jonah's preaching, or the pleading of God that Israel return to him to be healed.
For me, I find confidence in God as I read stories of him sending fire from heaven, or dividing the red sea so that there was a wall of water on either side of the Israelites, or in the way he saved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego from Nebuchadnezzar's burning fiery furnace when they boldly held to their faith.
The more that individuals search for and find the scriptures that help them to feel a connection to God, and an assurance that he is real, the easier it becomes to recognize the blessings of the restoration, and walk the strait and narrow path of which Christ spoke.
Second: Pray.
Jesus was not the sort of person that needed a lot of answers or understanding, but even he was a huge advocate of prayer. He not only preached of it, but he practiced it... and he practiced it frequently. It makes his advice on the subject the most valuable of any.
Jesus taught:
"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:5-13)
After giving advice on how to make prayer effective, he then offered an incredibly bold promise:
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:7-11)
As the greatest expert on prayer, Christ was clear in saying that God answers them, and that the answer is probably a yes. It is not necessary to distinguish between "not now" answers and "right now" answers... When a prayer is offered in the manner which he taught, the answer is yes. Praying to have a family, or that your family will receive help, or that sickness or infirmities will be removed will result in an answer of yes.
Is it any wonder that prayer is so important in the force of restoration?
Third: Believe in the power of God.
There are people who read the scriptures and offer prayers, but that can come away with the impression that participation in the true Church and the blessings of the restoration are unimportant. That is undoubtedly why Joseph Smith was persecuted when he shared his experiences with individuals in a community where religious devotion was important in the lives of every person. Prayer and scripture study were known throughout the region, but the power of God was not.
Mormon taught on this subject in Moroni 7:33-37:
" And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me. And he hath said: Repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved. And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased? Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved? Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain."
Please do not misunderstand me. I am not suggesting that you should demand an angelic visitation, or that you should withhold your faith until you have experienced a miracle. Sign-seeking is bad.
I am saying that when you are on the Lord's errand, the Lord can help you... and not just by offering comfortable speech or the type of motivation you find on a pretty picture in a corporate office... he has real power. The gift of tongues, prophecy, revelations, visions, healings, and the interpretation of tongues do not even scratch the surface of what God is capable of giving to you if you take part in the divine work of restoration.
Whether your role in this work emphasizes restoring those that have passed on to the blessings of ordinances in the House of God, or undoing the damage of apostasies ancient and modern by proclaiming the gospel to those around us, or in striving to bring our families and ourselves closer to Christ, the power of God will aid those that are engaged in his divine work... and that believe in him.
With so many apostate influences seeking to bring men away from the restored truths, it is important to know how to find the path that leads to God. It is just as Christ taught: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way which leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate and narrow the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be which find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)
It is also important to note that the methods of searching the scriptures, prayer, and believing in the power of God are not the path... they are methods to find the path, or to stay close to it if it has already been found. The path is something separate... Oh, it leads people back to God... but it has a different name.
The name of the Strait and Narrow Path that leads to God is Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life... and no man cometh unto the Father but by him.
For those that accept his invitation to enter at the strait gate... for those that strive to forge bonds with him through searching the scriptures, prayer, and believing in his power, and persist in following him, he will lead them back to the presence of our Heavenly Father, never more to part.
With so many apostate influences seeking to bring men away from the restored truths, it is important to know how to find the path that leads to God. It is just as Christ taught: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way which leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate and narrow the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be which find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)
It is also important to note that the methods of searching the scriptures, prayer, and believing in the power of God are not the path... they are methods to find the path, or to stay close to it if it has already been found. The path is something separate... Oh, it leads people back to God... but it has a different name.
The name of the Strait and Narrow Path that leads to God is Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life... and no man cometh unto the Father but by him.
For those that accept his invitation to enter at the strait gate... for those that strive to forge bonds with him through searching the scriptures, prayer, and believing in his power, and persist in following him, he will lead them back to the presence of our Heavenly Father, never more to part.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Mormons believe God sends prophets... but not always...
Frequently when the topic of lessons in Mormon Sunday School classes turns to revelation or to prophets, a part of President Hugh B. Brown's general conference talk in October 1967. Sunday School manuals present the material as follows:
Before President Brown was called as a General Authority, he spent some time in England working as a barrister, or attorney. He befriended a prominent Englishman who was a member of the House of Commons and a former justice of the supreme court of Britain. The two men often discussed various subjects, including religion.
In 1939, when it appeared that World War II would soon break out, the English gentleman called Brother Brown into his office. He asked Brother Brown to defend his religious beliefs in the same way he would discuss a legal problem. In a general conference address, President Brown recalled part of their conversation:
“I began by asking, ‘May I proceed, sir, on the assumption that you are a Christian?’
“‘I am.’
“‘I assume that you believe in the Bible—the Old and New Testaments?’
“‘I do!’”
The English gentleman said that he believed the biblical accounts of the Lord speaking to prophets. However, he maintained that such communication had stopped soon after the Resurrection of Christ. The conversation continued with another question from Brother Brown: “Why do you think it stopped?”
“‘I can’t say.’
“‘You think that God hasn’t spoken since then?’
“‘Not to my knowledge.’
“‘May I suggest some possible reasons why he has not spoken. Perhaps it is because he cannot. He has lost the power.’
“He said, ‘Of course that would be blasphemous.’
“‘Well, then, if you don’t accept that, perhaps he doesn’t speak to men because he doesn’t love us anymore. He is no longer interested in the affairs of men.’
“‘No,’ he said, ‘God loves all men, and he is no respecter of persons.’
“‘Well, then, … the only other possible answer as I see it is that we don’t need him. We have made such rapid strides in education and science that we don’t need God any more.’
“And then he said, and his voice trembled as he thought of impending war, ‘Mr. Brown, there never was a time in the history of the world when the voice of God was needed as it is needed now. Perhaps you can tell me why he doesn’t speak.’
“My answer was, ‘He does speak, he has spoken; but men need faith to hear him’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1967, 117–18; or Improvement Era, Dec. 1967, 36–37)
This experience articulates the beliefs of members of the LDS church effectively. Mormons believe the need for continuing revelation is obvious, and that it is consistent with the patterns and practices that God has always used.
As a member of the LDS church, I have always been surprised that the previously mentioned argument and associated train of thought has seemed to go unchallenged. Not that there are flaws in the argument, but that the position of the Mormon church is not so very different from the judge with whom President Brown spoke.
A fundamental aspect of Mormon faith is that the line of authority and organization that existed in the days of Christ was taken from the earth. Arguments that there is an unbroken line of authority mainly reside in the claims of Catholicism who maintain Papal authority was established with the Apostle Peter, however, the organization of apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers (see Ephesians 4:11-14) was obviously not maintained.
Protestants must accept that there was a falling away (see 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3) because every one of their churches was established in protest of Papal authority.
Restorationists, such as Mormons, believe that the power of God was taken from the earth in the early centuries after Christ. Apostles, prophets, and priests did not exist, or if they did, they did not act as they had in ages past under the authority of God.
The question then becomes this for Protestants and Mormons:
Why did God stop speaking to men?
Is it because God lost the power to do so in the dark ages?
Of course not; that would be blasphemous.
Is it because God did not love the people that lived in those times? Is it possible that their lives had no purpose, and that he was unconcerned with the plagues, wars, and famines that afflicted them?
No. God loves all men and he is no respecter of persons.
Is it because in the dark ages that humanity had made such rapid strides in education, science, technology, and life that they did not need God? Is it possible that only as ages went on that God realized mankind again needed guidance, or that we have fallen from the superior state that we had in medieval times?
Certainly not. Perhaps more so in the middle ages than in any other age, mankind needed the voice of God.
Then why did God stop speaking to men? If continuing revelation is so critical to humanity, why did he withhold it for more than a thousand years?
Of course, the answer to the question emphasizes another fundamental belief in Mormonism: just because someone died without learning the truth, does not mean they are forever damned.
Jesus himself taught this:
"But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." (Matthew 22:31-32)
Martha thought that Jesus was too late to heal her brother Lazarus because he had died:
"Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die..." (John 11:21-26)
The conclusion is powerful. Not even death can separate God from blessing his beloved sons and daughters. Simply because people lived a thousand years ago (or even many thousands of years ago) does not mean that they are out of God's reach. The answer to the question why did God stop speaking to men? is that he didn't.
The Apostle Peter gave insight as to what Jesus did in the short time between his death and resurrection:
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison... For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." (1 Peter 3:18-19, 4:6)
Modern revelation adds to this truth. President Joseph F. Smith taught the following:
"But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead. And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel. Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets. These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." (D&C 138:30-34)
As indicated above, vital ordinances that require a body can be performed vicariously for those who have died, that they too might have hope to take part in the resurrection of the saints:
"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" (1 Corinthians 15:29)
Jesus will not let little things like thousands of years or death stand in his way of his work. Though there was a lack organization and priesthood power on the earth during the great apostasy, the Lord continued to speak to people via missionaries in the spirit world, and offers to them today opportunity to show the signs of baptism, confirmation, priesthood, and other ordinances through the efforts of his followers today.
Christ has the power and the love to ensure that all people have access to his message. God does send prophets, but not always: those that call themselves Christians also have the responsibility to help ourselves, our neighbors, and those that have gone before us. Modern Christians can help the living and the dead so that when Christ returns, it will truly be to save us all.
Before President Brown was called as a General Authority, he spent some time in England working as a barrister, or attorney. He befriended a prominent Englishman who was a member of the House of Commons and a former justice of the supreme court of Britain. The two men often discussed various subjects, including religion.
In 1939, when it appeared that World War II would soon break out, the English gentleman called Brother Brown into his office. He asked Brother Brown to defend his religious beliefs in the same way he would discuss a legal problem. In a general conference address, President Brown recalled part of their conversation:
“I began by asking, ‘May I proceed, sir, on the assumption that you are a Christian?’
“‘I am.’
“‘I assume that you believe in the Bible—the Old and New Testaments?’
“‘I do!’”
The English gentleman said that he believed the biblical accounts of the Lord speaking to prophets. However, he maintained that such communication had stopped soon after the Resurrection of Christ. The conversation continued with another question from Brother Brown: “Why do you think it stopped?”
“‘I can’t say.’
“‘You think that God hasn’t spoken since then?’
“‘Not to my knowledge.’
“‘May I suggest some possible reasons why he has not spoken. Perhaps it is because he cannot. He has lost the power.’
“He said, ‘Of course that would be blasphemous.’
“‘Well, then, if you don’t accept that, perhaps he doesn’t speak to men because he doesn’t love us anymore. He is no longer interested in the affairs of men.’
“‘No,’ he said, ‘God loves all men, and he is no respecter of persons.’
“‘Well, then, … the only other possible answer as I see it is that we don’t need him. We have made such rapid strides in education and science that we don’t need God any more.’
“And then he said, and his voice trembled as he thought of impending war, ‘Mr. Brown, there never was a time in the history of the world when the voice of God was needed as it is needed now. Perhaps you can tell me why he doesn’t speak.’
“My answer was, ‘He does speak, he has spoken; but men need faith to hear him’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1967, 117–18; or Improvement Era, Dec. 1967, 36–37)
This experience articulates the beliefs of members of the LDS church effectively. Mormons believe the need for continuing revelation is obvious, and that it is consistent with the patterns and practices that God has always used.
As a member of the LDS church, I have always been surprised that the previously mentioned argument and associated train of thought has seemed to go unchallenged. Not that there are flaws in the argument, but that the position of the Mormon church is not so very different from the judge with whom President Brown spoke.
A fundamental aspect of Mormon faith is that the line of authority and organization that existed in the days of Christ was taken from the earth. Arguments that there is an unbroken line of authority mainly reside in the claims of Catholicism who maintain Papal authority was established with the Apostle Peter, however, the organization of apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers (see Ephesians 4:11-14) was obviously not maintained.
Protestants must accept that there was a falling away (see 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3) because every one of their churches was established in protest of Papal authority.
Restorationists, such as Mormons, believe that the power of God was taken from the earth in the early centuries after Christ. Apostles, prophets, and priests did not exist, or if they did, they did not act as they had in ages past under the authority of God.
The question then becomes this for Protestants and Mormons:
Why did God stop speaking to men?
Is it because God lost the power to do so in the dark ages?
Of course not; that would be blasphemous.
Is it because God did not love the people that lived in those times? Is it possible that their lives had no purpose, and that he was unconcerned with the plagues, wars, and famines that afflicted them?
No. God loves all men and he is no respecter of persons.
Is it because in the dark ages that humanity had made such rapid strides in education, science, technology, and life that they did not need God? Is it possible that only as ages went on that God realized mankind again needed guidance, or that we have fallen from the superior state that we had in medieval times?
Certainly not. Perhaps more so in the middle ages than in any other age, mankind needed the voice of God.
Then why did God stop speaking to men? If continuing revelation is so critical to humanity, why did he withhold it for more than a thousand years?
Of course, the answer to the question emphasizes another fundamental belief in Mormonism: just because someone died without learning the truth, does not mean they are forever damned.
Jesus himself taught this:
"But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." (Matthew 22:31-32)
Martha thought that Jesus was too late to heal her brother Lazarus because he had died:
"Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die..." (John 11:21-26)
The conclusion is powerful. Not even death can separate God from blessing his beloved sons and daughters. Simply because people lived a thousand years ago (or even many thousands of years ago) does not mean that they are out of God's reach. The answer to the question why did God stop speaking to men? is that he didn't.
The Apostle Peter gave insight as to what Jesus did in the short time between his death and resurrection:
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison... For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." (1 Peter 3:18-19, 4:6)
Modern revelation adds to this truth. President Joseph F. Smith taught the following:
"But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead. And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel. Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets. These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." (D&C 138:30-34)
As indicated above, vital ordinances that require a body can be performed vicariously for those who have died, that they too might have hope to take part in the resurrection of the saints:
"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" (1 Corinthians 15:29)
Jesus will not let little things like thousands of years or death stand in his way of his work. Though there was a lack organization and priesthood power on the earth during the great apostasy, the Lord continued to speak to people via missionaries in the spirit world, and offers to them today opportunity to show the signs of baptism, confirmation, priesthood, and other ordinances through the efforts of his followers today.
Christ has the power and the love to ensure that all people have access to his message. God does send prophets, but not always: those that call themselves Christians also have the responsibility to help ourselves, our neighbors, and those that have gone before us. Modern Christians can help the living and the dead so that when Christ returns, it will truly be to save us all.
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