The Words of Christ

Luke 11:14-26 ; Matthew 12:31-42 (see also Luke 12:9-10 ) There is a passage here that discusses blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and thanks to a Joseph Smith translation, I now understand the connection between that topic and the passages that discuss the effects of an unclean spirit going and coming from a man's house. So here is the doctrine-- Christ in several different places talks of the comparison between blasphemy against himself as compared with blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. For example: Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. ( Matthew 12:31-32 ) The Joseph Smith Translation on Luke 12, also clearly states the difference betw...

Matthew 18:1-11 , Mark 9:33-50 I don't know where to begin, but because the Spirit of the Lord is upon me, I feel I should make record of it. So strong is the witness of what the Savior spoke in regards to our becoming like little children, that I need not to deny it. I've always found it interesting the pattern in which life is set out before us, that we are to end where we begin, and that the love, purity, innocence, hope, faith, friendship, happiness, and every other child-like quality are to be in our possession for us to find entrance into the Christ's kingdom. This is no easy task for an adult to accomplish. And there is great genius (divine inspiration) involved in the programs of the Church that afford us opportunities to work with the children and the youth. I also am brought to realize that I cannot force anyone to accept this way of life, and I can only teach it, point to it by example, and leave it in the hands of the individual to choose for one's sel...

Luke 15:11-32 I have reviewed this video and the associated scriptures, and there are two points that stand out very deeply to me this morning: When the prodigal son returned, his father saw him coming home a great way off and ran to meet him in his return home.  There are those who will (more or less) always be faithful to the cause of the Father.  Theirs is the promise of inheritance. That may not be as readily apparent in this life, as is an immediate celebration for one who has returned.  The outward manifestation of temporal blessings are not an indicator of our progress that we've made or of promises that are still pending.

Matthew 18:21-35 There is an underlying truth with this particular passage's core message that resonates with me. The Savior expresses it here in as many words as well: ...I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? I find myself at that "Mercy Seat" perhaps more often than I should be. Without exception, when ever I have approached the Lord for forgiveness, freely He has extended his love and peace and compassion to me, a sinner. With this knowledge of how willingly and freely my Lord has exercised his grace and goodness towards me, who am entirely unworthy of such compassionate patience, I find it hard to respond otherwise to those around me with anything less. Though,  ironically, it is with family members closest to me that this personal attribute is most frequently tried and tested, and sometime that is difficult to remember.