7/30/2023 0 Comments Lds scriptures for funeral program![]() ![]() We have done this in the past and will continue to do so in the future when basic moral principles are attacked. When issues are in contradiction to the laws of God, the Church must take a stand and state its position. We must not be manipulated or enraged by those who subtly foster contention over issues of the day. There never has been a time when it is more important for us as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to take a stand, remain firm in our convictions, and conduct ourselves wisely under all circumstances. ![]() Ashton, No Time for Contention, General Conference, April, 1978. Conduct yourselves as gentlemen with calmness and conviction and I promise you success.” Elder Marvin J. We only have time to be about our Father’s business. I answered, “To the author of these words, we do nothing. When I finished, they asked, “What do we do now? How can we best counteract such lies?” As I read the pamphlet containing the malicious and ridiculous statements, I actually smiled, much to the surprise of my young associates. The elders sat on the edge of their chairs as I read the slander and false declarations issued by a minister who apparently felt threatened by their presence and successes. They were disturbed by the accusations and were eager to plan retaliation. When I arrived, the missionaries were waiting anxiously to share with me some anti-Mormon literature that was being circulated in their area. McConkie and Ostler, Revelations of the Restoration.Ī few months ago word reached some of our missionaries in a remote South Pacific island that I would soon be visiting there for two or three days. When we forthrightly declare the truths of salvation as restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith, it will generally have a much greater effect on the hearts of men than if we place our focus on refuting the many falsehoods that have been perpetuated against the Latter-day Saints or against our doctrines. Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away” (3 Nephi 11:28-30). ![]() In his instruction to the Nephites, Christ said: “There shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been… For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. The directions given in this verse are understood to be confined to such instances and are not the standard way of presenting the gospel. The circumstances which called forth this revelation are one such instance. Joseph Smith recorded that “from this time until the 8th or 10th of January, 1832, myself and Elder Rigdon continued to preach in Shalersville, Ravenna, and other places, setting forth the truth, vindicating the cause of our Redeemer showing that the day of vengeance was coming upon this generation like a thief in the night that prejudice, blindness and darkness filled the minds of many, and caused them to persecute the true Church, and reject the true light by which means we did much towards allaying the excited feelings which were growing out of the scandalous letters then being published in the Ohio Star , at Ravenna, by the before-mentioned apostate, Ezra Booth.” History of the Church, 1:241.Īs the experience of tens of thousands of missionaries attests, little, if any, gospel teaching is accomplished when we engage in debate or in “scripture bashing.” Nevertheless, in some situations a confrontation may be unavoidable. And again we would ask, should we not hold in suspicion the merchant who will not allow his weights to be inspected? McConkie and Ostler, Revelations of the Restoration: A Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants and Other Modern Revelations, Deseret Book, 2000, p. …did not the apostle Paul counsel us to “prove all things” and hold fast to “that which is good”? (1 Thessalonians 5.21). Knowing that falsehood cannot hold its own against the truth in open display, the ministers of darkness of necessity must first shade or distort the light of heaven. As Christ will have the victory over Satan, so every truth will ultimately triumph over its counterpart, whatever its source may be. Truth stands on its own and carries within itself the evidence of its own authenticity. The most effective way to defend the gospel is to declare it. ![]()
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