The Words of Christ

Matthew 5:3-16 These verses are ringing out in my ears this morning as a cry for repentance. Alma 60:23 - "...Remember that God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also." Revisiting these brief statements of hope, I paused on "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." The Savior doesn't offer much explanation on how this would happen or why or anything of the sort. But then I cross referenced footnotes until I arrived at Isaiah 60:20 . I went back and read the entire chapter. Doing so, it becomes clearly evident that those who ever had cause to mourn, will -- in some great future day-- never have cause to mourn again. Understanding this also gives pause to lessen the pains of present challenges. -------- This brings us to consider one of the great oxymorons of  Christ's teachings: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and gl...

John 3:19-21 In verse 21, the Savior observes "But he that doeth truth, cometh to the light, that he deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." I am focused on the phrase "He that doeth truth " and there are footnotes on the last two words. Doeth - TG, Good Works 2 Chronicles 15:7 - Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. Alma 9:27-28 - if they have been righteous they shall reap the salvation of their souls, according to the power and deliverance of Jesus Christ; Titus 3:8 - ...that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. Truth - TG, Truth Continue this study, on the point of truth. Truth is not what we think it is, reality through human perception, but rather the reality of things as they really are in the presence by God, whose knowledge, understanding, perception, and love are perfect. There is a difference between eternal truth and perceived fact. ...

John 8:31-32 How often I have heard this scripture used out of context. I believe I've even heard it used by atheists. The full context of the scripture reveals the true power of this statement. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ( verses 31-32 )  There is an even broader context for this discussion which starts at the beginning of the chapter. Jesus is found in the temple, teaching. For Latter-day Saint context, a temple is place where those who have prepared themselves for sacred instruction and to perform ordinances of eternal significance. It is a holy place on all counts where one should prepare both spiritually and physically to enter therein. A major facet of that preparation is the cleansing of sin that one must undertake. Scriptures such as are found in Psalms 79:1 , or maybe even 1 Corinthians 3:17 , help to illustrate the ...