Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-022-the-end-is-near
Youtube:
Showing posts with label #second coming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #second coming. Show all posts
Sunday, May 26, 2019
Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 022 - The End is Near
This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum takes us to Matthew 24-25, Mark 12-13, and Luke 21. We study the signs of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and a few parables that help us understand the importance of being prepared.
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-022-the-end-is-near
Youtube:
Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-022-the-end-is-near
Youtube:
Sunday, March 24, 2013
He saved others; himself he could not save...
Easter 2013 video by yours truly:
Transcript:
“He saved others; himself he could not save…” (Matthew 27:42)
I cannot help but wonder if this phrase did not stick in the minds of those early disciples after Jesus died on the cross.
Some of his disciples had been with him for nearly his entire ministry, and believed almost as soon as they saw him. Many went to their friends declaring that they had “found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write…” (John 1:45)
They were there when he boldly instructed multitudes, and quietly taught those that sought him by night. These people were among those that were “…astonished at his doctrine, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Matthew 7:28-29)
They had seen him feed thousands with a few loaves and fishes. They had seen him make lame men walk, deaf men hear, and blind men see. They had followed him when others accused him of blasphemy, tried to kill him, or simply asked him to leave them alone.
Some of them had experienced the terror of being caught in a storm at sea and appealed to him saying “carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:38) In amazement they had watched as he commanded the winds and the waves to be at peace, and saved them.
They had listened to his thunderous condemnation of the scribes and hypocrites, and seen him overthrow the tables of money changers in the temple. They had heard him compassionately stop to help those who desperately sought healing, and to mercifully promise peace and forgiveness even to those who had made poor decisions in their pasts.
They heard him command Lazarus to come out of his tomb, and had watched in shock and awe when he that had died came out alive and whole.
After he had been betrayed by Judas, some of them had seen as Pontius Pilate washed his hands and let his enemies torture him. It had been too late to do anything when they watched the soldiers drive nails into his hands and feet. Even as he died, his enemies declared those hurtful words, “…he saved others; himself he could not save…”
For some of his disciples, there was nothing left to do but pay respects. The man they had believed to be the redeemer of the world had been killed.
After he died, several of the women who had believed in him went to the tomb in which he had been sealed, only to find the stone had been rolled away. To their surprise, they saw two men in shining raiment near the entrance. The men asked them “why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen…” (Luke 24:5-6)
They might as well have asked “did you actually believe what those men said? Did you think he could not save himself?”
Most of the women went to tell the apostles, but Mary Magdalene wept near the tomb, perhaps thinking that an enemy had taken his body to further disgrace him. In her grief, she perceived a man that asked her why she was weeping. Thinking that he was the gardener, she asked to know where the body of Jesus had been taken. As he called her by name, she turned and realized the truth. Standing before her was Jesus Christ himself, alive and well.
Over time, many disciples saw him and came to the same understanding as Mary did on that first Easter morning. The words of the enemies of Christ might have seemed convincing… “he saved others; himself he could not save…” But the truth was that he did save himself. Even death was not sufficiently strong to stop the Son of God.
Though centuries have come and gone, the man that beat death itself is as alive today as he was then. His power has not waned with the passing of time. Though skeptics and enemies of Christ would have Christians despair, especially on Easter, we would do well to remember that the champion of right has not yet completed his plan. Jesus Christ lives… and he is coming to save us all.
Credits:
Narration and recording on a mediocre microphone, done by me.
Artwork:
Various
Video Music:
Epic moving hearfelt beautiful dramatic trailer score by Audiomachine - Helios! 'Like' their official page on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/audiomachine Title: Apollo's Triumph Artist: Audiomachine Composer: Paul Dinletir (ASCAP) Album: Helios Genre: Epic Beautiful Intense Dramatic Orchestral Trailer Score Image: http://dinesiac.deviantart.com/galler... Website: http://www.audiomachine.com/ Buy Audiomachine's public music here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/audiomachine http://itunes.apple.com/de/artist/aud... http://www.amazon.de/s?ie=UTF8&se...
Friday, May 25, 2012
Can you see him?
I am a big fan of USC football. I have watched the Trojans since I was young. I was a fan in the dismal days under Paul Hackett, and under the glory days of Pete Carroll.
For those unaware, one of the greatest linebackers ever to come out of USC, Junior Seau, shot himself a couple weeks ago. (http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/5/2/2994310/breaking-police-respond-to-gunshot-report-at-junior-seaus-house , http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/5/2/2994973/junior-seau-my-rememberance) This was a terrible tragedy, and though I never met the man, as a loyal Trojan fan, I felt especially saddened when I learned of it. On the football field, he had been a fierce competitor. He seemed to personify the theme of USC: Fight on to victory!
I obviously don't know what demons he faced in his personal life, and I will probably never know the circumstances that led him to take his own life, it seems that the burden of despair is weighing down on an increasing number of people. It is not difficult to become discouraged if attention is paid to current events. There does not seem to be a day that goes by without someone being wronged, without some disaster striking, or without fear of war and violence permeating some corner of the world.
Even in the middle of the United States of America, where most people live in relative safety and security, deceit and dishonesty are used to plunder and malign. Scams exist that target trusting people, identity thieves seek to exploit security vulnerabilities, and wealthy princes of Nigeria seem to be emailing everyone to acquire bank account information.
On top of the willful malevolence, reports of natural disasters from tsunamis to hurricanes to earthquakes come from all over the world. It seems there is no safe place left on earth.
There seems to be an increasing number of people that feel the burden of depression when looking at the world around them. Hopelessness abounds in places that not long ago were vibrant and filled with optimism. There are those who point to the events of our times and ask where God is. They wonder why they are not spared from such burdens. There are those that conclude God must not exist, or if he does he has abandoned mankind.
While I am no stranger to sadness and even depression, nor am I some kind of expert on how to deal with these emotions, I do know of something that has changed my perspective.
Jesus Christ taught his disciples that these things would happen in the last days. He prophesied that there would be "wars and rumours of wars" (Matthew 24:6). He told them that "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places" (Matthew 24:7) He fortold that "because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matthew 24:12). He said that "then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another" (Matthew 24:10).
While the tribulations of the end times are accepted by many Christians, it is sometimes forgotten that these are more than simple happenings that coincidentally occur. These are signs. Jesus said "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors" (Matthew 24:32-33).
The implication is profound. Where some see a world forsaken by God, the Christian sees God approaching it. Where some see despair, the Christian sees the hope of Christ's coming. Where some see problems too big for any person to solve, the Christian sees Jesus more clearly as the solution.
What is it that you see? Can you see him?
Humanity is approaching the climax of the greatest drama that will ever unfold. Of course things are bad. Of course things will get worse. For many, the despair will be overpowering, but for those that endure there is opportunity to witness the return of the King.
The words of John the divine depict what scene awaits:
"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
"His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
"And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
"And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
"And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
"And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." (Revelation 19:11-16)
He is coming... and when he comes he will make everything right. Good will triumph over evil. Humanity will find its purpose. The earth will be renewed. Peace and happiness will reign everywhere.
No wonder the prophets today seem so optimistic. Joseph Smith was murdered by a mob in cold blood, even when he had been promised the protection of the Govenor of Illinois. He was able to see the truth of Christ, and he taught with confidence: "Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!" (D&C 128:22, emphasis added).
Jesus Christ is coming to save us all... and that is an encouraging thought.
For those unaware, one of the greatest linebackers ever to come out of USC, Junior Seau, shot himself a couple weeks ago. (http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/5/2/2994310/breaking-police-respond-to-gunshot-report-at-junior-seaus-house , http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/5/2/2994973/junior-seau-my-rememberance) This was a terrible tragedy, and though I never met the man, as a loyal Trojan fan, I felt especially saddened when I learned of it. On the football field, he had been a fierce competitor. He seemed to personify the theme of USC: Fight on to victory!
I obviously don't know what demons he faced in his personal life, and I will probably never know the circumstances that led him to take his own life, it seems that the burden of despair is weighing down on an increasing number of people. It is not difficult to become discouraged if attention is paid to current events. There does not seem to be a day that goes by without someone being wronged, without some disaster striking, or without fear of war and violence permeating some corner of the world.
Even in the middle of the United States of America, where most people live in relative safety and security, deceit and dishonesty are used to plunder and malign. Scams exist that target trusting people, identity thieves seek to exploit security vulnerabilities, and wealthy princes of Nigeria seem to be emailing everyone to acquire bank account information.
On top of the willful malevolence, reports of natural disasters from tsunamis to hurricanes to earthquakes come from all over the world. It seems there is no safe place left on earth.
There seems to be an increasing number of people that feel the burden of depression when looking at the world around them. Hopelessness abounds in places that not long ago were vibrant and filled with optimism. There are those who point to the events of our times and ask where God is. They wonder why they are not spared from such burdens. There are those that conclude God must not exist, or if he does he has abandoned mankind.
While I am no stranger to sadness and even depression, nor am I some kind of expert on how to deal with these emotions, I do know of something that has changed my perspective.
Jesus Christ taught his disciples that these things would happen in the last days. He prophesied that there would be "wars and rumours of wars" (Matthew 24:6). He told them that "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places" (Matthew 24:7) He fortold that "because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matthew 24:12). He said that "then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another" (Matthew 24:10).
While the tribulations of the end times are accepted by many Christians, it is sometimes forgotten that these are more than simple happenings that coincidentally occur. These are signs. Jesus said "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors" (Matthew 24:32-33).
The implication is profound. Where some see a world forsaken by God, the Christian sees God approaching it. Where some see despair, the Christian sees the hope of Christ's coming. Where some see problems too big for any person to solve, the Christian sees Jesus more clearly as the solution.
What is it that you see? Can you see him?
Humanity is approaching the climax of the greatest drama that will ever unfold. Of course things are bad. Of course things will get worse. For many, the despair will be overpowering, but for those that endure there is opportunity to witness the return of the King.
The words of John the divine depict what scene awaits:
"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
"His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
"And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
"And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
"And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
"And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." (Revelation 19:11-16)
He is coming... and when he comes he will make everything right. Good will triumph over evil. Humanity will find its purpose. The earth will be renewed. Peace and happiness will reign everywhere.
No wonder the prophets today seem so optimistic. Joseph Smith was murdered by a mob in cold blood, even when he had been promised the protection of the Govenor of Illinois. He was able to see the truth of Christ, and he taught with confidence: "Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!" (D&C 128:22, emphasis added).
Jesus Christ is coming to save us all... and that is an encouraging thought.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Satan Bound
"And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And case him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season." (Revelation 20:1-3)
There is a debate that exists among many Christians regarding what exactly the idea of Satan being bound means. Latter Day Saints are not united in the interpretation of this either. When speaking on the subject of the millennium, a member of my class commented that Satan would not literally be bound, but that this was figurative since the people that would live under the personal reign of Jesus Christ would not give place to Satan. A citation of the following passage was added as evidence: "And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan haas no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth." (1 Nephi 22:26)
There are other passages that indicate this binding may be figurative rather than literal. Personally however, I do not subscribe to the figurative binding for several reasons.
First, a literal binding is possible. Satan is not just a concept, or an idea, he is a literal individual that is filled with hatred and malice toward men. God did in reality cast him out of heaven. God does have power to bind any individual since he is omnipotent.
Second, if it is people that are not giving into temptation, why not say that? Why use the wording that places Satan as the direct object. And if at the end of the thousand years people begin doing evil, why not say that they forsake God as was so frequently said of the children of Israel in the Old Testament? Why say that Satan shall be loosed? It makes the most sense that Satan is the direct object of binding and loosing when the binding and loosing is literal.
Finally, and particularly for LDS scriptorians, if modern revelation is the key to our understanding and the Book of Mormon tends to point to a figurative binding, why would the Doctrine and Covenants indicate a literal binding? "For Satan shall be bound, and when he is loosed again he shall only reign for a little season, and then cometh the end of the earth." (D&C 43:31) "And so on, until the seventh angel shall sound his trump; and he shall stand forth upon the land and upon the sea, and swear in the name of him who sitteth upon the throne, that there shall be time no longer; and Satan shall be bound, that old serpent, who is called the devil, and shall not be loosed for the space of a thousand years." (D&C 88:110)
I believe that people underestimate the power of Satan. He has accumulated ages of experience, and he knows very well how to manipulate men. There really is only one person that can best him every time, and that is Jesus Christ. He is the one that redeems men that have enough faith in him from the grasp of the devil. He is the one that saves us from Satan's power. Because of him we pray to God for deliverance from evil. He is not just saving us from a concept, a philosophy, or an idea... Christ saves us from a literal threat, from a real villain that plots against us with malice and disdain. If we trust in him, he will save us all.
There is a debate that exists among many Christians regarding what exactly the idea of Satan being bound means. Latter Day Saints are not united in the interpretation of this either. When speaking on the subject of the millennium, a member of my class commented that Satan would not literally be bound, but that this was figurative since the people that would live under the personal reign of Jesus Christ would not give place to Satan. A citation of the following passage was added as evidence: "And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan haas no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth." (1 Nephi 22:26)
There are other passages that indicate this binding may be figurative rather than literal. Personally however, I do not subscribe to the figurative binding for several reasons.
First, a literal binding is possible. Satan is not just a concept, or an idea, he is a literal individual that is filled with hatred and malice toward men. God did in reality cast him out of heaven. God does have power to bind any individual since he is omnipotent.
Second, if it is people that are not giving into temptation, why not say that? Why use the wording that places Satan as the direct object. And if at the end of the thousand years people begin doing evil, why not say that they forsake God as was so frequently said of the children of Israel in the Old Testament? Why say that Satan shall be loosed? It makes the most sense that Satan is the direct object of binding and loosing when the binding and loosing is literal.
Finally, and particularly for LDS scriptorians, if modern revelation is the key to our understanding and the Book of Mormon tends to point to a figurative binding, why would the Doctrine and Covenants indicate a literal binding? "For Satan shall be bound, and when he is loosed again he shall only reign for a little season, and then cometh the end of the earth." (D&C 43:31) "And so on, until the seventh angel shall sound his trump; and he shall stand forth upon the land and upon the sea, and swear in the name of him who sitteth upon the throne, that there shall be time no longer; and Satan shall be bound, that old serpent, who is called the devil, and shall not be loosed for the space of a thousand years." (D&C 88:110)
I believe that people underestimate the power of Satan. He has accumulated ages of experience, and he knows very well how to manipulate men. There really is only one person that can best him every time, and that is Jesus Christ. He is the one that redeems men that have enough faith in him from the grasp of the devil. He is the one that saves us from Satan's power. Because of him we pray to God for deliverance from evil. He is not just saving us from a concept, a philosophy, or an idea... Christ saves us from a literal threat, from a real villain that plots against us with malice and disdain. If we trust in him, he will save us all.
Monday, October 10, 2011
God Hates You And Probably Wants To Kill You
I recall a time as a high school student when I was not feeling very happy. I was running an errand at a local Wal Mart, and some random woman stopped and asked if I was OK. I was kind of surprised, but I said that I was fine. Then she surprised me further by saying, "Well just remember... God loves you..." I nodded and continued on. I recall thinking to myself, 'so what? God loves everyone... That puts me in the same category as Hitler, Stalin, and Woodrow Wilson.'
Since that time, I noticed how many times religious leaders and teachers emphasized that point. "God loves you." It seems a particular area of emphasis when it comes to lessons and talks directed toward women of the LDS church. I frequently hear comments about lessons that point out subjects such as individual worth and divine nature from reports on Relief Society.
Perhaps I have a slightly different perspective for a couple of reasons.
One session of our General Conference is dedicated to priesthood holders, which are all men. While these subjects are mentioned to the men, it many times feels as though the emphasis is on obedience and repentance, and the tone is in the spirit of 'quit playing for the other team.' For example, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said during his talk in the aforementioned session "You cannot travel down what Lehi called “forbidden paths” and expect to guide others to the “strait and narrow” one—it can’t be done." It represents a contrast with the "God loves you" that is found in Relief Society talks.
Another reason comes from my own personal study of the scriptures. I find that there is an abundance of quotation in manuals and lessons for the scriptures that emphasize the love of God, the promise of forgiveness, or the hope of mercy. A more in-depth study of the scriptures finds that there are many scriptures of a somewhat darker tone that seem to be intentionally omitted by almost all Christian curriculum.
Some passages that portray God in a less benevolent light include the following:
"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch." (Malachi 4:1)
"The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land." (Zephaniah 1:14-18)
Although these passages clearly describe the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, there may be those who dismiss these verses as harsh because they come from the Old Testament. Examine the following from the New Testament:
"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household." (Matthew 10:34-36) (I might add these are the words of Christ himself.)
"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great." (Revelation 19:11-18)
There may be those who are quick to dismiss the intense style of ancient scripture. Modern revelation however is not all lollipops and rainbows:
"But, behold, I say unto you that before this great day shall come the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall be turned into blood, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and there shall be greater signs in heaven above and in the earth beneath; And there shall be weeping and wailing among the hosts of men; And there shall be a great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of the earth. And it shall come to pass, because of the wickedness of the world, that I will take vengeance upon the wicked, for they will not repent; for the cup of mine indignation is full; for behold, my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not. Wherefore, I the Lord God will send forth flies upon the face of the earth, which shall take hold of the inhabitants thereof, and shall eat their flesh, and shall cause maggots to come in upon them; And their tongues shall be stayed that they shall not utter against me; and their flesh shall fall from off their bones, and their eyes from their sockets; And it shall come to pass that the beasts of the forest and the fowls of the air shall devour them up." (D&C 29: 14-20)
The scriptures are indeed full of passages that promise death and destruction to the enemies of God. Since all men are guilty of some sin or another, it might be easy to conclude that God does not love people. In fact, it might not be unreasonable in this light to say "God hates you, and probably wants to kill you."
The truth behind this lies in context. When we incorporate the scriptures that promise reward and mercy with those that threaten death and destruction, we begin to see more clearly the nature of the Most High.
God does not hate us, nor does he desire our demise. The effort he invested in creating the world, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ are proof of this. That having been said, it is also totally inaccurate to only emphasize the love of God and pretend that his wrath and power do not matter. The warnings and prophecies of prophets in all generations are evidence that God is not simply there to make people feel good. We need more than love. We need power to overcome the problems that confront us.
In my youth, it was easy to misinterpret the phrase "God loves you". I was thinking in terms of "God loves you" or "God loves you". Neither of these forms are unique. Many people love. Some people can be very helpful, but there are some things that no other man or woman can heal with their love. You may have significance in a small circle of influence, but in the end, there are so many people, and you are only one.
The more valuable emphasis is "God loves you". It is not some idle sympathy of a stranger at Wal Mart... not the empathy of a friend... not even the bond or affection of a parent or sibling... it is the same one before whom thousands of people have fallen... it is the same one that sent the great plagues upon Egypt to free his chosen... it is the same one that personally defeated death and hell... There is no problem that is to difficult, no task to great, no person beyond his knowledge and strength... If God loves you... that makes all the difference.
Since that time, I noticed how many times religious leaders and teachers emphasized that point. "God loves you." It seems a particular area of emphasis when it comes to lessons and talks directed toward women of the LDS church. I frequently hear comments about lessons that point out subjects such as individual worth and divine nature from reports on Relief Society.
Perhaps I have a slightly different perspective for a couple of reasons.
One session of our General Conference is dedicated to priesthood holders, which are all men. While these subjects are mentioned to the men, it many times feels as though the emphasis is on obedience and repentance, and the tone is in the spirit of 'quit playing for the other team.' For example, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said during his talk in the aforementioned session "You cannot travel down what Lehi called “forbidden paths” and expect to guide others to the “strait and narrow” one—it can’t be done." It represents a contrast with the "God loves you" that is found in Relief Society talks.
Another reason comes from my own personal study of the scriptures. I find that there is an abundance of quotation in manuals and lessons for the scriptures that emphasize the love of God, the promise of forgiveness, or the hope of mercy. A more in-depth study of the scriptures finds that there are many scriptures of a somewhat darker tone that seem to be intentionally omitted by almost all Christian curriculum.
Some passages that portray God in a less benevolent light include the following:
"For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch." (Malachi 4:1)
"The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land." (Zephaniah 1:14-18)
Although these passages clearly describe the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, there may be those who dismiss these verses as harsh because they come from the Old Testament. Examine the following from the New Testament:
"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household." (Matthew 10:34-36) (I might add these are the words of Christ himself.)
"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great." (Revelation 19:11-18)
There may be those who are quick to dismiss the intense style of ancient scripture. Modern revelation however is not all lollipops and rainbows:
"But, behold, I say unto you that before this great day shall come the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall be turned into blood, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and there shall be greater signs in heaven above and in the earth beneath; And there shall be weeping and wailing among the hosts of men; And there shall be a great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of the earth. And it shall come to pass, because of the wickedness of the world, that I will take vengeance upon the wicked, for they will not repent; for the cup of mine indignation is full; for behold, my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not. Wherefore, I the Lord God will send forth flies upon the face of the earth, which shall take hold of the inhabitants thereof, and shall eat their flesh, and shall cause maggots to come in upon them; And their tongues shall be stayed that they shall not utter against me; and their flesh shall fall from off their bones, and their eyes from their sockets; And it shall come to pass that the beasts of the forest and the fowls of the air shall devour them up." (D&C 29: 14-20)
The scriptures are indeed full of passages that promise death and destruction to the enemies of God. Since all men are guilty of some sin or another, it might be easy to conclude that God does not love people. In fact, it might not be unreasonable in this light to say "God hates you, and probably wants to kill you."
The truth behind this lies in context. When we incorporate the scriptures that promise reward and mercy with those that threaten death and destruction, we begin to see more clearly the nature of the Most High.
God does not hate us, nor does he desire our demise. The effort he invested in creating the world, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ are proof of this. That having been said, it is also totally inaccurate to only emphasize the love of God and pretend that his wrath and power do not matter. The warnings and prophecies of prophets in all generations are evidence that God is not simply there to make people feel good. We need more than love. We need power to overcome the problems that confront us.
In my youth, it was easy to misinterpret the phrase "God loves you". I was thinking in terms of "God loves you" or "God loves you". Neither of these forms are unique. Many people love. Some people can be very helpful, but there are some things that no other man or woman can heal with their love. You may have significance in a small circle of influence, but in the end, there are so many people, and you are only one.
The more valuable emphasis is "God loves you". It is not some idle sympathy of a stranger at Wal Mart... not the empathy of a friend... not even the bond or affection of a parent or sibling... it is the same one before whom thousands of people have fallen... it is the same one that sent the great plagues upon Egypt to free his chosen... it is the same one that personally defeated death and hell... There is no problem that is to difficult, no task to great, no person beyond his knowledge and strength... If God loves you... that makes all the difference.
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