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"Science" is saying that the native inhabits of tis land got here many different ways. There have been studies finding that many of the Native Americans have Asian ancestors. Many ill-informed critics of the Church try to use this as evidence that the Book of Mormon is not true. They neglect to mention that DNA research is also finding that some Native Americans have primarily Near-Eastern and Israeli heritage (interesting article on this topic), which actually supports the claims in the Book of Mormon.

As far as science goes though, it has been my experience that science usually catches up with the Church, and not the other way around. For instance, when the "Word of Wisdom" (no alcohol, tobacco, tea, etc...) was given 170 years ago, many people actually thought tobacco was good for you. They had no clue what kind of horrible effects these things had until science snailed behind 150 years and figured out these things really weren't good for you.

That's one reason I'm not alarmed when reports come out about something that might shake someone's faith. Just give it a little while, and it will get straightened out.

Best Wishes,
Rusty

truthisrestored.blogspot.com

Tags: Book Of Mormon Native Americans DNA Indians

Imagine my shock yesterday when I discovered that people were linking to my site via CNN! I checked out what was going on and found out that they posted an article about Mitt Romney and his faith, and used my blog as one explaining the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

How's that for a slap on the back? More like a conk on the head actually.... This means I probably have to be responsible about what I say.

Here's the link (scroll to the bottom and click on "from the blogs"): CNN links to Truth is Restored

The point is neighbors, that we can make a difference. Lets add to or current efforts by putting our shoulder to the keyboard too.
I hope we done the Lord and you proud Elder Ballard!

Best Wishes,
Rusty

truthisrestored.blogspot.com

Tags: Share The Gospel Blog Mormon Beliefs Missionary Work Mitt Romney

Why do Mormons have another book? Doesn't the Bible say there is "no other gospel?"

-Though it is true that there is only one true gospel, the scripture referred to, that is often misunderstood, doesn’t say there is no other gospel. What Paul said to the fledgling Galation church was,
“As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” –Galations 1:8
Now, I assume that by you stating that we have “another gospel” you are referring to the Book of Mormon and/or our other scripture.
First off, gospel doesn’t mean book. It means good news. I would also say that “gospel” encompasses true doctrines and principles.
We teach the same good news, doctrines, and principles that Paul did. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that God would never give additional light and knowledge to the world.
In fact, it says many times that revelation would continue (see Joel 2:28, Rev 14:6-7).

The glorious news is that in these days or turmoil and upheaval, The Lord is still speaking to his children. He has not left us alone.

Best Wishes,

Rusty

truthisrestored.blogspot.com

Tags: Book Of Mormon Golden Bible Mormon Bible Golden Tablets Golden Plates

Great question. I'll do my best to answer you're question briefly. To start, I will mention that my dad is Jewish, I have a great friend that was jewish who converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and I myself am I convert to the Church (though I was not Jewish) and have studied Hebrew.
The wearing of symbolic garments has been a practice in Jewish culture for a very long time. Orthodox Jews today still wear "tzit tzit" (pronounced tseet tseet). These are frays or tassels that are attached to a tallit gadol, which is a garment Jews wear that have tzit tzit on the corners (Numbers 15:38, Deuteronomy 22:12).
Now here is the commandment God gave to Israel, the covenant people:
"Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their GARMENTS throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:
‘And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and REMEMBER all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:
‘That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.” –Numbers 15:38-40
Wearing of the garments serves as a reminder to faithful Latter-Day Saints to keep the commandments and promises they make to God.
Wearing of these garments was a commandment, and wearing/seeing them was a reminder to do the commandments (or mitzvot).
We know that Jesus was perfect and kept ALL of the commandments. We just read that wearing these garments was a commandment. *So to those of you who mocked the garments are mocking a commandment that the Lord gave AND kept.
Nowhere in the New Testament, is this commandment revoked, but to the contrary, it is reinforced (See Matt 22:11-12, Rev 7:9, 13-14 –referred to as robes, also called raiment). The garments are sacred and symbolic, and not magical in and of themselves. Blessings are given to those who keep the commandments, follow the savior, and keep their garments spotless (spiritually). Again, they are not to be treated lightly.
As for those who commented on Masons, you should know that the masons copied the temple ceremonies from the temple of Solomon.
The temple ceremonies were practiced in ancient Israel by commandment. Yes Joseph Smith was a mason. He corrected (by inspiration) their corrupted form of the temple rites. Again, if anyone mocks them, they are mocking the Lord.
Washings and anointings took place at the ancient temple also (Exodus 29:4-7). Anointing with oil was still in effect after Christ’s resurrection (Matt. 6:17, James 5:14). Also, Christ MEANS anointed one. The Lord restored these sacred things in their purity today

Best Wishes,
Rusty

truthisrestored.blogspot.com

Tags: Mormon Mormon Underwear Magic Mormon Underwear Jesus Christ

Question:
What do Mormons believe?

Response:
Many have wondered and asked what Mormons really believe in. We hear all sorts of horror stories from people of other churches trying to explain what Mormons believe. The fact is that you don’t go to A Chevy dealership to learn about Fords.

I myself was curious about what Mormons believed in. Then I took the time to find out. I discovered that the Church wasn’t made up of the crazies that people of other faiths said it was. I was always suspicious of all those pastors and preachers that fought against any church or organization so aggressively (Of course they’re going to fight against something that takes church member away from them, the bottom line is that is their source of income). I love that the Mormon Church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) has an unpaid ministry. That in itself is so comforting. Even those missionaries that you see riding around on their bikes aren’t paid. In fact, THEY pay about $10,000 to go on their missions and share what has brought them so much joy. Think about that next time they knock on your door. They don’t get anything out of it when you or a friend joins the Church, just the joy of seeing someone find true happiness in life.

You’re probably thinking at this point that I have to be a Mormon. Great guess! I am. But, I have not always been. I grew up in Las Vegas. Most of you know enough about the world to know that Vegas is a crazy place. I was exposed to many different religions and many different life philosophies, but none of them ever seemed to answer the deep questions of my soul: Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? Questions that you have probably pondered. I found that the Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) had the right answers.

So what do Mormons believe? In short, A lot! The most important and fundamental belief is that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and the Savior of the world. Not what you expected? Many say erroneous things about the founder of the Church, Joseph Smith. These are words from his own mouth:

“The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”
–Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 121

Mormons also believe that if someone goes to heaven, they do a lot more than just strum a harp and sing all day. They continue to progress and grow. We believe that we are children of God. Surely, God would want his children to accomplish more than practice music all day, for ETERNITY.

Mormons believe that there is an essential purpose in life. All of Gods children gain experience here that they could gain in no other way. Sometimes life is a school of hard knocks, sometimes it’s a little easier, but in the end, it always has a purpose.

There are many, many other things taught in the Church. I will give you a list of 13 short, main Mormon beliefs, called The Articles of Faith. Joseph Smith wrote them in response to questions like yours:

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

If you have any more questions about Mormons, try visiting the official website at mormon.org.

If it is more comfortable for you, you can visit my site: Truth is Restored.

Best Wishes,
Rusty

truthisrestored.blogspot.com

Tags: Mormon Beliefs Joseph Smith Jesus Christ What Do Mormons Believe

Question:
Did God pick Jesus’ plan of salvation over Lucifer’s plan?

Response:
Another great question, Ken. First off, there were not two plans presented in the pre-mortal council. God the Father (Elohim) presented the plan of salvation (that’s what we call the overall plan and purpose of this life). Jesus offered to fulfill the plan by being the savior of mankind in the Father’s plan. Satan also volunteered, but demanded the throne of the Father in return. He also wanted to pollute Father’s plan by taking away the agency (ability to choose) of mankind. This way no one would sin and none would be lost.

This might sound like a good thing, until one truly recognizes the importance of agency. Our omniscient Heavenly Father did. Father chose our elder Brother Jesus Christ to fulfill the plan. Satan rebelled and convinced a third of the hosts of heaven to do the same. This was the foundation for the “war in heaven.” Most of the account can be found in Moses 1:1-4 (Found in the Pearl of Great Price, additional scripture revealed by the Lord to Joseph Smith):

“1 And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.
2 But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.
3 Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down;
4 And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice.”

Best Wishes,
Rusty

truthisrestored.blogspot.com

Tags: Jesus Christ Lucifer Plan Of Salvation

What is the Adam God Theory?

Hello everyone. I hope everything finds you well. I got a great message (in my lds.net account – it’s great) from a new friend from Pennsylvania named Ken. Ken has a sister that converted to the Church, and he now has some questions about the Church. He asked some good, honest questions about the church’s history and teachings. My next four posts will consist of his questions, and my responses.

Ken’s Question:
What do you know about the Adam-God theory? Was Adam a God? Will he become a god in heaven?

This whole fiasco comes from one misquoted Brigham Young statement found in the Journal of Discourses (a 26 volume collection containing discourses of some of the early leaders of the Church). I’ll quote it for you so you can see exactly what I’m talking about:

“When our father Adam came into the garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body…. He helped to make and organize this world. He is MICHAEL, the Archangel, the ANCIENT OF DAYS! About whom holy men have written and spoken—HE is our FATHER and our GOD, and the only God with whom WE have to do.”
-Journal of Discourses, vol. 1, pg. 50

So that’s the quote, Ken. What many “anti’s” have said regarding this passage is that Mormons believe Adam is God the Father. Absurd, right? Yes, it is. These nay-sayers don’t bother quoting anything else Brigham Young intentionally, or out of ignorance. And honestly, how many average people will go out and read a 26 volume series to put everything in context? Here is the very next paragraph following this last statement:

“It is true that the earth was organized by three distinct characters, namely, Eloheim, Yahovah, and Michael….”

Here, in the very next verse Brigham identifies these individuals as separate. –Meaning that Heavenly Father and Michael/Adam were not the same being. President Young was not dumb. -Through his leadership most of the western states were settled and developed.
President Young is simply saying that Adam is the Father of our race, he has become a God (I discuss this topic here: Do Mormons teach that we can become gods?
), and he is whom we will be familiar with instead of those from other of God the Father’s creations (we believe Heavenly Father has created many other worlds besides ours).

To summarize: Adam (or Michael) is not Eloheim. Eloheim is God, our Heavenly Father. Adam is the father of the human race, not our spirits, and has become a God.

Best Wishes,
Rusty
truthisrestored.blogspot.com

Tags: Mormon Adam God Brigham Young

Accusation:
Mormon’s say that feelings signify the Holy Ghost is telling you something is true. This is not biblical.

Response:
Proof-texting is the term used for “proving” something by supporting your stance with “authoritative” quotes; e.g., God loved the world for “God so loved the world” (John 3:16). This is a popular practice amongst the religious debaters of the world. The reason I mention it is to point out a flaw in it. Many people can be passionate about a certain aspect of the gospel and quote one or several scriptures to support their belief in it. The rub is that so can many others on the same subject, and reach a totally different conclusion. They think they are just as positive and sure as the other guy. See the problem?

So, how does one discover the real spiritual truth of a matter? Here’s something interesting to do: Ask a evangelical “Christian” why he believes in Jesus Christ. You will probably get one of two answers, and one of them, if you ask again, will probably end up being the same as the other answer. So really, you’ll usually get the same answer: “I just know it in my heart.” That sounds a lot like feelings, doesn’t it? It is incredibly ironic that other Christians claim that Mormons teach an unbiblical method of recognizing truth.

Let’s explore a couple New Testament examples, and keep it short so you don’t comatose with boredom. This is where one needs to quote sources that are commonly accepted as legitimate (at least in Christian circles).

1. How did the early disciples truly know that Jesus was the Promised Messiah/Christ? Was it through a cognitive process? That was definitely part of the picture for some, but let’s look closely at Simon Peter. Many others were with Peter when they witnessed Jesus performing mighty miracles, yet many stopped following him when they did not understand Jesus’ teachings (John 6:66). Why did Peter believe and know that Jesus was the Christ when others saw the same miracles? Jesus answered this question himself:

“Blessed are thou Simon Bar-jona [Peter]: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” –Matt 16:17

How does the Father “reveal” things to his children? Through the Holy Ghost:

“But the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things….” –John 14:26

The Holy Ghost is the great teacher and converter. His whisperings are usually not audible, but are recognized as thoughts, impressions, or feelings in the heart. The Bible is replete with examples of this concept. When impressions are made by the Holy Ghost, they do not soon leave. Before accusing Peter of Denying Christ three times, remember that earlier in the same night he proved that he would fight to the death for Jesus (Matt 26:51). I don’t think believe that Peter was scared to claim discipleship of Christ because he already proved he was not. I believe that he knew he was the leader of the fledgling Church and had to carry it forward. This strong “testimony” was born of the spirit and feeling that he felt in his heart.

2. Two disciples were walking on the road to Emmaus after the death of Christ discussing the recent events. Jesus appeared to them and they did not recognize him by sight. Christ taught them from the scriptures, and broke bread, at which time “their eyes were opened, and they knew him….” They recognized the savior at this point, but confirmed it when they said, “Did not our heart burn within us…?” –Luke 24:13-32

Remember, many hundred people saw Jesus perform miracles and yet turned away. Miracles and signs don’t convert. Can we say “Judas Iscariot?” It is a combination of mental learning and confirmation in the heart/feelings.

In the Doctrine and Covenants, a book of scripture containing the revelations of the Lord to his prophets in recent history, we find this enlightening description of revelation:

“Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.
‘Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation….” –D&C 8:2-3

I know that Jesus lives and is my savior not because I have seen him or have taken a recent trip to heaven, but because I have 1) read of him and pondered his life and teachings and 2) the Holy Ghost has born witness of the truthfulness of these things to my
heart and mind. By this same process I have come to know the Book of Mormon and Bible are true, that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Church established by Jesus Christ himself.


Best Wishes,
Rusty

Truthisrestored.blogspot.com

Tags: Mormon Jesus Christ Holy Ghost Truth

Hey Everyone!

I already have another blog ( truthisrestored.blogspot.com ). It would take me too long to post all my blogs to my account on lds.net, so check out my blog at the link above if you'd like to see it.

Also, I'd LOVE it if you suggest topics or questions for me to write a blog entry about. I'm fairly young, but I'm a gospel geek and love talking about the gospel. Just write a comment or email me.

Tags: Mormon Jesus Christ Joseph Smith

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