Please note that beginning with this post (41x) I will publish a new post every Tuesday morning. This will allow me to better accommodate the relatively large number of those (as Google Analytics informs me) who view my posts on Saturdays and Sundays. I have been publishing a new post every five days for some time now. Please also note, at the regular end of this post 41w, I have added a (final) response comment to the Comment submitted by BOMC (Arlin Nusbaum) found in the Comments at the end of my Post 41v.
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TODAY'S THEME:
559-545 B.C.2 Nephi: 29: 6 Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews?7 Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?
8 Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also. (Emphasis Added)
The Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon
As TODAY'S THEME states there are those in our day who, upon being told of the Book of Mormon, cry out: "We have Got a Bible and We Need No More Bible."
Those highlighted words are from a prophecy made by the Book of Mormon prophet, Nephi, son of Lehi. They are quoted from something that the Prophet, Nephi prophetically wrote in 2 Nephi 29:3-10 (sometime between 559 and 545 B.C.) He wrote about the attitude of many in our day and age, regarding scriptures other than the Holy Bible.
Again, those highlighted words refer to a commonly held religious bias held by many in our day in the world's history. How did Nephi know this truth? He knew it because he possessed the spirit of prophecy and revelation that allowed him to speak the words of Jesus Christ that had been revealed to him. Jesus knows all there is to know about past, present and future thoughts and actions of all mankind. That is scriptural (Latter-day scripture): Doctrine and Covenants 88:
41 He comprehendeth all things, and all things are before him, and all things are round about him; and he is above all things, and in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things; and all things are by him, and of him, even God, forever and ever._____________
My (Neil Birch's) Comment on Exchanges of COMMENTS at the end of recent blog posts of mine:
As far as I am concerned the Blog Comments exchanged between Arlin Nusbaum, a self-proclaimed "Book of Mormon Christian", and me, Neil Birch, will not continue. Some, and perhaps many of his perspectives of the Book of Mormon and its teachings are ill-construed in my opinion! He is obviously unwilling to accept many of the truths that are taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Neither does he correctly interpret key parts of the Book of Mormon. (i.e. 1 Nephi 14)
However, I will copy in here the last exchange made between Arlin and me. I do this primarily because part of what I said in my response to his most recent End of Post Comments does not read the way I intended it to for some unknown reason. It actually appeared that a change had been made in it that wasn't of my doing!
Here is Arlin Nusbaum's comment in his most recent Blog Comment followed by my fully accurate and somewhat expanded reply:
Arlin said:
Arlin said:
"Neil, you may contact me via my web sites if you want. Feel free to post responses on your blog.
I understand it's near impossible for you to see old verses in a new light and I don't wish to be the cause of consternation in your final days.
If the day comes that you respect the Book of Mormon, without prejudice, and need to reconcile your Mormon heritage with the Book of Mormon, by all means, stop by.
Arlin (December 2, 2010 6:26 PM
In case you readers of my blog posts are wondering about why Arlin N. said above:
"I understand it's near impossible for you to see old verses in a new light and I don't wish to be the cause of consternation in your final days." (emphasis is mine)
Here is my response to the above statement made by Arlin:
I'm afraid Arlin's surety in supposing he and those who believe like him, interpret the Book of Mormon correctly while the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not, caused him to write to me that he doesn't ("want to be the cause of consternation in your final days.")
It has been easy for me (Neil Birch) to see the falseness of Arlin Nusbaum's Book of Mormon Christian doctrine, at least that which he has shared with us. I've read enough of it! I hope I've been able to help you other readers of my blog see that too. If you have any issues about that please feel free to e-mail me (My e-mail address can be found near the end of this post.)
Along with essential physical exercising and taking care of our home and yard, I keep busy in a very special church assignment (along with my wife) at a local hospital visiting LDS patients there Sunday mornings and one evening each week, and keeping on top of my blogging and in being in contact with our many children and grandchildren, and eating wisely, that I may possibly live another twenty years! I also am one of the regular teachers in our LDS ward's High Priest Group!
Even though I'll turn 79 in February 2011, I could live another twenty years. I'm healthy enough to possibly do that because of 9 hours of strenuous exercise each week at a gym spread out over six days. I am never sick (I can't remember when sickness (counting colds and headaches) got me down last or came close to doing so, and that was a number of years ago. I'm five feet nine inches tall and weigh 165 pounds.
I've just let you other blog readers know about my health because I didn't want you to think from reading Arlin Nusbaum's statement that he had some inside information that I wouldn't be living much longer and therefore not be able to continue this blog!About eighteen years ago I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. With the help of a book my doctor suggested, I was only on diabetic medicine just two weeks. By always choosing foods that are higher in protein than in carbohydrates and exercising as described above, two years ago my primary physician informed me that my name was no longer on his list of diabetic patients! I won't let myself slip backwards! There is still much to be done in life!
I'm afraid Arlin's surety in supposing he and those who believe like him, interpret the Book of Mormon correctly while the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not, caused him to write to me that he doesn't ("want to be the cause of consternation in your final days.")
It has been easy for me (Neil Birch) to see the falseness of Arlin Nusbaum's Book of Mormon Christian doctrine, at least that which he has shared with us. I've read enough of it! I hope I've been able to help you other readers of my blog see that too. If you have any issues about that please feel free to e-mail me (My e-mail address can be found near the end of this post.)
Along with essential physical exercising and taking care of our home and yard, I keep busy in a very special church assignment (along with my wife) at a local hospital visiting LDS patients there Sunday mornings and one evening each week, and keeping on top of my blogging and in being in contact with our many children and grandchildren, and eating wisely, that I may possibly live another twenty years! I also am one of the regular teachers in our LDS ward's High Priest Group!
____________Anyway, Arlin, thank you for desiring to save me from "consternation" in my final days (perhaps many more years.) I guess you are a caring soul! (Neil Birch, December 7, 2010)
The Comment I, Neil Birch made at the end of my Post 41w on Dec. 3, 2010 4:45 PM needed corrections and additional brief explanations which I have provided in this next portion of Post 41x which will be published, Dec. 7, 2010) I believe this correctly written response by me makes several matters more clear!
("BOMC") Arlin,
In my blogging and in my comments to you I seek only to portray Book of Mormon verses in their true (glorious) light.
I earnestly seek the light given by Jesus Christ to his true followers to clearly understand each verse of scripture, be it from the Bible, Book of Mormon or any other book of scripture, just as He would have us do.
Without that divine guidance, individuals are prone to interpret scriptures according to their own prejudices, for instance: the following quote is from the comment you, Arlin, made at the end of my Post 41v."I will bring to light my gospel (Book of Mormon) ... yea, the only doctrine which is in me." D. and C. 10:62 (Arlin added the three words in parenthesis.)Your definition of "my gospel" therefore is: the Book of Mormon. It is indeed, one of the most important books in which the true Gospel of Jesus Christ is taught and is testified of, over and over again in great clarity. However, the Book of Mormon itself is not His Gospel!
The Savior of Mankind, Jesus Christ -Painting: Heinrich Hofmann
In 3 Nephi, Chapter 27, the Resurrected Savior of Mankind, Jesus Christ, taught clearly just what His Gospel is. One thing for sure his Gospel is not a book, according to him! The following is what the Savior taught in verses 13 through 22 (of Chapter 27 of 3 Nephi):
13 Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.
14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—
15 And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works.
16 And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.
17 And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the Father.
18 And this is the word which he hath given unto the children of men. And for this cause he fulfilleth the words which he hath given, and he lieth not, but fulfilleth all his words.
19 And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.
20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.
21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do;
22 Therefore, if ye do these things blessed are ye, for ye shall be lifted up at the last day.Arlin Nusbaum also made an identical error in another part of the Comments he has made.
"Whoso shall declare more or less than this (Book of Mormon) and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil." (3 Nephi 11:40) (Arlin Nusbaums' mistaken interpretation is parenthesized)Again, the Resurrected Savior was not speaking of the Book of Mormon in the 3 Nephi 27: 13-22 passages which I quoted above, He was speaking of the doctrine of His eternal Gospel.
By the way, over the years, that passage (3 Nephi 27: 13-22) has become my most favorite of all scriptures! It really gets to the heart of what we each must understand about what we must strive with all our "hearts, mights and minds and souls", to achieve individually and collectively! Strictly following His counsel found in 3 Nephi 27: 13- 22 will assist us to be prepared when we individually meet Him on that Great Day of Judgement, which is surely coming!
Arlin, your portraying the Book of Mormon itself as Jesus Christ's Gospel is where you have really gone off way wrong in criticizing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members when they, like I have done, stand up for and live by, the revelations given to Jesus Christ's modern day prophets which guide His (Jesus Christ's) church in all of the important (crucial) details (for example, as you mentioned, in baptizing children only after they have turned eight years of age.)Again, regarding the LDS Church setting a rule that age eight is when children reach the age of accountability, and that they should not be baptized until that age. Shouldn't Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus, know when their children here on earth actually become accountable? They are our creators! They reveal these matters to their representatives here on earth, the Prophets and Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!
Jesus Christ, as a Spirit Being, under His Heavenly Father's guidance created the Earth and everything in it and on it. I believe knowledgeable scientists would agree about the age of eight being the time when children reach the "age of accountability!" However, I don't know of any of them who have tried scientifically to determine what "accountability" is.
The Book of Mormon does indeed contain many glorious and essential comments regarding the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the doctrine associated with it, which is very extensive,but that marvelous book itself is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
as you (Arlin Nusbaum) would have us believe.I also stand firmly behind the true interpretation I have made very clear in recent posts that the many passages from the Book of Mormon which refer to the Lord's Latter-day Church (without mentioning the Church by the name it actually goes by now; only by the name used by the inspired Nephi: the Church of the Lamb of God)
In those many inspired verses (of I Nephi, Chapter 14 and in other places in I Nephi and II Nephi, Nephi, son of Lehi, prophesies accurately regarding the Lord's work being accomplished in our day, through the instrumentality of the ("The Church of the Lamb of God!"), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
As I have said in other posts recently, there is only one church in this time of the history of the world that is accomplishing that which according to Nephi's prophecies would actually come to pass in the "Latter-days. There is no other church which is spread throughout the earth and believes in and uses the Book of Mormon. Although the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints now has fourteen million members world-wide, compared to the huge total population of the world its numbers are relatively few as the Prophet Nephi pointed out.
Again, I have listed world-wide accomplishments of the LDS Church (using its often used short name) in assisting people all over the world in helping people recover from natural disasters in the first part of my post: 39p. (please click on this link:) 39p to read about those world-wide accomplishments. Those are the kind of things one would expect Nephi to know that the Church of the Lamb of God was to accomplish in our time on earth, the Latter-days.
Neil Birch
P.S. Arlin, please don't leave this post yet, I invite you to scroll down and view the special LDS Christmas video I've provided! This is my Christmas gift to all of my blog viewers including you!____________
Mormon Messages Video:
By viewing the video I have for you now, you will find yourselves really feeling the Spirit of Christmas on a world-wide basis, (the basis which Nephi prophesied (In I Nephi 14: 12) would be the case with the Church of the Lamb of God). (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
(Christmas is only 18 days away) This video is entitled: "A Light Unto All: A Christmas Gift" (Note from Neil: I shed tears all the way through this video which is not very common for me when watching a video.) This video is only 5 minutes and 41 seconds long!
A Light Unto All, A Christmas Gift
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DISCLAIMER
This website is not owned by or affiliated with the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon or LDS Church). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the position of the Church.
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TO ACCESS NEIL BIRCH'S BLOG INDEX To Either Read the Full Index Item Which Refers To This Blog Post, (Or An Item Which Refers To Any Other Blog Post You May Desire To Access): After Reading All of This Paragraph Please Click on the Following: (The) Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ - Post 41x. When You See the Picture of Our Savior Jesus Christ Sitting Next To a Little Boy, Please, Scroll Down To Your Target Item (Or Use The Alphabetic Scrolling Device when It Has Been Installed.)
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I deeply appreciate your readership and hope you found very beneficial, that which was presented to you in this blog post.
If you have any questions about what you have read or viewed in this post or in any previous posts of mine, or if you even have a curiosity about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and or its teachings, please e-mail me. I'm Neil and my e-mail address is: jneilmelva@gmail.com. If you contact me I'll get back to you just as soon as possible.
I invite you to let your friends and relatives know about this blog if you think they would be interested. Please be advised that I also have an additional blog. It is in Spanish: Its content is translated from the English in this blog.
Neil Birch
