LAST TO FIRST
As the year began I did not plan to write about end time events, and only wanted to find a chronology that aligns with the Bible and historic dates for this year's New Testament studies. I started with the Bible Chronology table on lds.org and discovered that this is an area where there is an apparent intentional distortion of the begetting age of ancient patriarchs by Hebrew sacred text translators after Jesus Christ in order to prove that Jesus could not be the Messiah.
In looking back, it's difficult to piece together every step that led to the round Astronomic Calculator model in the new Astronomic Synchronicity blog, however, it is the reason for the focus of the Seeds of Faith blog in 2019: Priesthood Dispensations, Covenants, and Prophecy: Last to First.
Why start with the last? Mainly because that is the time that we are living in, and fulfillment of end time prophecies are moving very quickly. In fact, there is even an end times observations app: Prophecy Watchers.
One could say that the world is in the transition phase of labor. In God's time of 1,000 years per day and 2,000 years per age, 10 minutes which is the beginning of full-on birth contractions is about 7 years. In following the news headlines every day for some time now, it is obvious not only to me but to the world at large that there is a steady stream of catastrophic and horrific events and that advancements in technology are quickly leading to the birth of an entirely new age of human existence.
It's no wonder that living in today's world is so stressful, yet amazing! We are all experiencing the prophesied severe pains of transition!
Introduction: "Both good and evil spoken of among all people" JS-H 1.33
Beginning with Adam, no patriarch, prophet or king living on the earth has been without fault in following the commandments of God, except Jesus Christ. Were it not so, the blood atonement and gospel of Jesus Christ would not be needed.
Nevertheless, even Jesus Christ learned obedience by experience and did not begin his ministry until fully mature, at age 30. In writing of Jesus Christ to the Hebrews, the apostle Paul taught: "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec." Heb. 5.8.
Moses and Aaron were not allowed to enter the promised land because at one point they disobeyed God in the wilderness. Jonah spent three days and nights in the belly of a whale because he did not want to obey the command of God to preach to the city of Nineveh. Many other examples of patriarchs, prophets, kings and people who erred and repented, and those who did not repent are found in scripture.
As prophesied by the Angel Moroni to Joseph Smith, both good and evil have been spoken of Joseph among all people. From a young age and throughout most of his life Joseph suffered much tribulation and persecution.
Whether or not one agrees with something that Joseph Smith said or did, much has been distorted and blown out of proportion.
1. Plural marriage: It is known that Joseph Smith was sealed to women married to other men. What is generally not told is that such sealings were spiritual. In the 2018 movie Jane and Emma, an account is given of the invitation by Joseph and Emma for Jane Manning, a black church member, to be sealed to them. "Modern DNA testing of potential Joseph Smith descendants from wives other than Emma has been negative." Another little told aspect of the early Church practice of plural marriage is that it was not readily accepted and even abhorred by Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. Yet, plural marriage served a practical purpose in the early pioneer days of the church, and the Lord used this commandment to test the obedience and patience of members of the early Church.
While I am grateful to have missed out on this part of early church history, the practice of polygamy and of concubines has been common in world civilizations from the time of the early ancient patriarchs and is lawful according to scripture when sanctioned by God. Even so, that the common practice of plural marriage was foreign and difficult to accept by the majority of early and modern church members is understandable. Ironically, the scripturally unlawful practice of mistresses, largely among the elite, and other extramarital or premarital sexual relations has been and is commonly accepted among the societies of Europe and the United States. In light of this, how strange, unjust and hypocritical before God it must be for any society to reject the lawful, authorized and consensual marriage of a man to multiple wives. Isa. 29.16.
2. Boastful statement made by Joseph Smith concerning Jesus Christ in History of the Church, Volume 6: The history was originally published in 1897, 53 years after the martyrdom of Joseph Smith in 1844. Therefore, the history was neither reviewed nor sanctioned by Joseph Smith.
3. Book of Abraham translation: The translation is inspired by the Egyptian papyrus given to Joseph Smith, and is not a literal translation. Joseph's inspired translations of the Book of Mormon and Bible were of a similar nature as Joseph's education was very limited. He was not trained as a translator of ancient languages, nor was he a skilled writer. This was attested by Emma Smith. For that reason, a scribe assisted Joseph.
My personal witness of Joseph Smith after reading the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price which includes his personal testimony, and studying the history of the church, was an overwhelming feeling in my heart of the great tenderness and love that God has for Joseph Smith and for his family. That Joseph and his brother Hyrum were martyred, and the entire Joseph Smith Sr. family, Emma Smith and the children of Joseph and Emma, Hyrum and Mary, suffered so much and did not deny either Joseph or the Church that he restored, should be sufficient for any to give serious and sincere consideration to the life of Joseph Smith and the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
One could write volumes on this topic. It is well for any who lack wisdom to cut through the rehashed rhetoric and go to the source - study and then ask of God with a sincere heart, as did Joseph Smith, then listen to the thoughts that come to mind and patiently wait for his answer.
Index: Priesthood Dispensations, Covenants, and Prophecy: Last to First
VIII. Aquarius-Leo: Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, Church of Jesus Christ Restored, Twelve Apostles, Brigham Young to Russell M. Nelson, A New and Everlasting Covenant: Gathering and Sealing of the Living and Dead of the Household of God in Holy Temples through the Tribe of Ephraim; Apostle Orson Hyde Dedicatory Prayer Mt. of Olives, State of Israel Restored, Worldwide Mission and Temple Building Expansion, Jerusalem Center, Rome Italy Temple (April 2019)
VII. Pisces-Virgo: Jesus Christ, Twelve Apostles, Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), Presidency (Peter, James, John), Apostle Paul, A New Covenant (End of Blood Sacrifice, Circumcision, Dietary Restrictions): Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Confirmation of Holy Spirit (Pentecost), the Body (Church) of Christ, Sacrament, Gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12.1-12), and a Chosen Generation, a Royal Priesthood, An Holy Nation, a Peculiar People (1 Peter 2.9), Revelations, Fall of Rome, Rise of Islam, Crusades, Fall of Roman Church/Protestant Revolution: Wycliffe, Hus, Tyndale, Luther (May 2019)
VI. Aries-Libra: Isaac, Jacob (Israel), Moses, Aaron, Torah (Law), Tabernacle, Passover, Rash Hashanah, Dietary Restrictions, Twelve Tribes, Judah (ruler), Joseph: Ephraim (birthright), Levi (priests), Solomon's Temple Dedicatory Prayer/Acceptance, Divided Kingdom, Judges, Kings, Assyrian Scattering of Ten Northern Tribes, Jerusalem Captivity: Babylonians, Persians, Greek Hellenist, Roman, Prophets: Daniel, Isaiah, Malachi, Ezekiel, Monasteries and Schools of Astronomy, Mathematics, Philosophy, Arts, Sciences expansion: Gautama Buddha, Socrates, Plato, Pythagoras, etc., 13 Generations from Isaac to David the king, 42 Generations from Nathan son of David to Mary, 77 Generations from Eve through Adam to Jesus through Mary (Luke 3.23-38) (June 2019)
V. Taurus-Scorpio: Thirteen Patriarchs: Lamech, Noah (deluge), Shem, Arphaxad, Kainan, Shelah, Heber (Hebrews), Peleg (division of language), Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, Abraham, Covenant of Rainbow, Covenant of Circumcision, Melchizedek, Tower of Babel, Divided Civilizations and Lands, Great Pyramid of Giza, Shem Son of Noah (pure branch), Giants and Nimrod from Ham, Seafaring Peoples from Japheth, Chaldees, Egypt, Canaan, Sodom (July 2019)
IV. Gemini-Sagittarius: Eight Patriarchs: Adam, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch (translated), Methuselah, Fall-Death-Birth of Mankind, Seed of Woman and Seed of Serpent Covenant, Gospel of Jesus Christ, Covenant of Blood Sacrifice, First Fruits Offerings, Prophecies of Adam and Constellations, Visions and Writings of Enoch, Angelic Ministration, Fallen Angels (Watchers) and Giants (Nephilim), Corruption of Flesh (August 2019)
In looking back, it's difficult to piece together every step that led to the round Astronomic Calculator model in the new Astronomic Synchronicity blog, however, it is the reason for the focus of the Seeds of Faith blog in 2019: Priesthood Dispensations, Covenants, and Prophecy: Last to First.
Why start with the last? Mainly because that is the time that we are living in, and fulfillment of end time prophecies are moving very quickly. In fact, there is even an end times observations app: Prophecy Watchers.
One could say that the world is in the transition phase of labor. In God's time of 1,000 years per day and 2,000 years per age, 10 minutes which is the beginning of full-on birth contractions is about 7 years. In following the news headlines every day for some time now, it is obvious not only to me but to the world at large that there is a steady stream of catastrophic and horrific events and that advancements in technology are quickly leading to the birth of an entirely new age of human existence.
It's no wonder that living in today's world is so stressful, yet amazing! We are all experiencing the prophesied severe pains of transition!
Introduction: "Both good and evil spoken of among all people" JS-H 1.33
Beginning with Adam, no patriarch, prophet or king living on the earth has been without fault in following the commandments of God, except Jesus Christ. Were it not so, the blood atonement and gospel of Jesus Christ would not be needed.
Nevertheless, even Jesus Christ learned obedience by experience and did not begin his ministry until fully mature, at age 30. In writing of Jesus Christ to the Hebrews, the apostle Paul taught: "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec." Heb. 5.8.
Moses and Aaron were not allowed to enter the promised land because at one point they disobeyed God in the wilderness. Jonah spent three days and nights in the belly of a whale because he did not want to obey the command of God to preach to the city of Nineveh. Many other examples of patriarchs, prophets, kings and people who erred and repented, and those who did not repent are found in scripture.
As prophesied by the Angel Moroni to Joseph Smith, both good and evil have been spoken of Joseph among all people. From a young age and throughout most of his life Joseph suffered much tribulation and persecution.
Whether or not one agrees with something that Joseph Smith said or did, much has been distorted and blown out of proportion.
1. Plural marriage: It is known that Joseph Smith was sealed to women married to other men. What is generally not told is that such sealings were spiritual. In the 2018 movie Jane and Emma, an account is given of the invitation by Joseph and Emma for Jane Manning, a black church member, to be sealed to them. "Modern DNA testing of potential Joseph Smith descendants from wives other than Emma has been negative." Another little told aspect of the early Church practice of plural marriage is that it was not readily accepted and even abhorred by Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. Yet, plural marriage served a practical purpose in the early pioneer days of the church, and the Lord used this commandment to test the obedience and patience of members of the early Church.
While I am grateful to have missed out on this part of early church history, the practice of polygamy and of concubines has been common in world civilizations from the time of the early ancient patriarchs and is lawful according to scripture when sanctioned by God. Even so, that the common practice of plural marriage was foreign and difficult to accept by the majority of early and modern church members is understandable. Ironically, the scripturally unlawful practice of mistresses, largely among the elite, and other extramarital or premarital sexual relations has been and is commonly accepted among the societies of Europe and the United States. In light of this, how strange, unjust and hypocritical before God it must be for any society to reject the lawful, authorized and consensual marriage of a man to multiple wives. Isa. 29.16.
2. Boastful statement made by Joseph Smith concerning Jesus Christ in History of the Church, Volume 6: The history was originally published in 1897, 53 years after the martyrdom of Joseph Smith in 1844. Therefore, the history was neither reviewed nor sanctioned by Joseph Smith.
3. Book of Abraham translation: The translation is inspired by the Egyptian papyrus given to Joseph Smith, and is not a literal translation. Joseph's inspired translations of the Book of Mormon and Bible were of a similar nature as Joseph's education was very limited. He was not trained as a translator of ancient languages, nor was he a skilled writer. This was attested by Emma Smith. For that reason, a scribe assisted Joseph.
My personal witness of Joseph Smith after reading the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price which includes his personal testimony, and studying the history of the church, was an overwhelming feeling in my heart of the great tenderness and love that God has for Joseph Smith and for his family. That Joseph and his brother Hyrum were martyred, and the entire Joseph Smith Sr. family, Emma Smith and the children of Joseph and Emma, Hyrum and Mary, suffered so much and did not deny either Joseph or the Church that he restored, should be sufficient for any to give serious and sincere consideration to the life of Joseph Smith and the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
One could write volumes on this topic. It is well for any who lack wisdom to cut through the rehashed rhetoric and go to the source - study and then ask of God with a sincere heart, as did Joseph Smith, then listen to the thoughts that come to mind and patiently wait for his answer.
Index: Priesthood Dispensations, Covenants, and Prophecy: Last to First
VIII. Aquarius-Leo: Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, Church of Jesus Christ Restored, Twelve Apostles, Brigham Young to Russell M. Nelson, A New and Everlasting Covenant: Gathering and Sealing of the Living and Dead of the Household of God in Holy Temples through the Tribe of Ephraim; Apostle Orson Hyde Dedicatory Prayer Mt. of Olives, State of Israel Restored, Worldwide Mission and Temple Building Expansion, Jerusalem Center, Rome Italy Temple (April 2019)
VII. Pisces-Virgo: Jesus Christ, Twelve Apostles, Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), Presidency (Peter, James, John), Apostle Paul, A New Covenant (End of Blood Sacrifice, Circumcision, Dietary Restrictions): Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Confirmation of Holy Spirit (Pentecost), the Body (Church) of Christ, Sacrament, Gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12.1-12), and a Chosen Generation, a Royal Priesthood, An Holy Nation, a Peculiar People (1 Peter 2.9), Revelations, Fall of Rome, Rise of Islam, Crusades, Fall of Roman Church/Protestant Revolution: Wycliffe, Hus, Tyndale, Luther (May 2019)
VI. Aries-Libra: Isaac, Jacob (Israel), Moses, Aaron, Torah (Law), Tabernacle, Passover, Rash Hashanah, Dietary Restrictions, Twelve Tribes, Judah (ruler), Joseph: Ephraim (birthright), Levi (priests), Solomon's Temple Dedicatory Prayer/Acceptance, Divided Kingdom, Judges, Kings, Assyrian Scattering of Ten Northern Tribes, Jerusalem Captivity: Babylonians, Persians, Greek Hellenist, Roman, Prophets: Daniel, Isaiah, Malachi, Ezekiel, Monasteries and Schools of Astronomy, Mathematics, Philosophy, Arts, Sciences expansion: Gautama Buddha, Socrates, Plato, Pythagoras, etc., 13 Generations from Isaac to David the king, 42 Generations from Nathan son of David to Mary, 77 Generations from Eve through Adam to Jesus through Mary (Luke 3.23-38) (June 2019)
V. Taurus-Scorpio: Thirteen Patriarchs: Lamech, Noah (deluge), Shem, Arphaxad, Kainan, Shelah, Heber (Hebrews), Peleg (division of language), Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, Abraham, Covenant of Rainbow, Covenant of Circumcision, Melchizedek, Tower of Babel, Divided Civilizations and Lands, Great Pyramid of Giza, Shem Son of Noah (pure branch), Giants and Nimrod from Ham, Seafaring Peoples from Japheth, Chaldees, Egypt, Canaan, Sodom (July 2019)
IV. Gemini-Sagittarius: Eight Patriarchs: Adam, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch (translated), Methuselah, Fall-Death-Birth of Mankind, Seed of Woman and Seed of Serpent Covenant, Gospel of Jesus Christ, Covenant of Blood Sacrifice, First Fruits Offerings, Prophecies of Adam and Constellations, Visions and Writings of Enoch, Angelic Ministration, Fallen Angels (Watchers) and Giants (Nephilim), Corruption of Flesh (August 2019)
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