1 Nephi 1:6-8

In yesterday’s post I mentioned that I thought the pillar of fire spoken of in verse 6 was actually a visit by the Lord. I’m going to be so bold as to say that the message of the Book of Mormon (and other standard works) is that we can have a personal visit by the Lord Jesus Christ. I think by the end of First and Second Nephi you will agree with me.  Let’s take a look at the scriptures the footnotes verses 6,7, and 8 refer us to:

1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. 2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. 4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 ¶Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. 6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: 7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Isaiah 6:1-7

5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: 6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. 7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. 9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. 10 ¶And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. 11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. 12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. Daniel 10:5-12

So these footnotes tell us that both Isaiah and Daniel saw the Lord. It is further confirmed in Alma 36:22-23:

22 Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God; yea, and my soul did long to be there. 23 But behold, my limbs did receive their strength again, and I stood upon my feet, and did manifest unto the people that I had been born of God.

This one is Alma speaking of his conversion and seeing the Lord, confirming that Lehi saw the Lord.

Ezekiel

1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. Ezekiel 1:1

Stephen

 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Acts 7:55-56

 Joseph Smith

1 The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell. 2 I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire; 3 Also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son. D&C 137:1-3

As we read the Book of Mormon together we will discover that Lehi saw him, Nephi saw him, Jacob saw him, Enos saw him, King Benjamin saw him, Alma saw him, the brother of Jared saw him, the other Nephi saw him, Mormon saw him and Moroni saw him. This is the reoccurring theme of the Book of Mormon. It is the whole point of the endowment… to converse with the Lord through the veil. There are people today that testify they have seen him. Two have written books on the topic, I recommend both of them: “The Second Comforter, Conversing with the Lord through the Veil” by Denver Snuffer, and “Following the Light of Christ into His Presence” by John Pontius. Both books changed my life forever.

Wheat and Tares

I was really struck by a simple phrase that I read this morning. I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. The sentence is this: “When the wheat is fully ripe, the Lord will return.”(The Second Comforter, Denver Snuffer). I’m not quite sure why this phrase had such impact on me, but it has. I hope to be able to share my thoughts on this topic.

In Matthew 13 we read the parable of the wheat and the tares. It reads as follows:
“24¶Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”

I have obviously read this parable many times in my life. I feel like I have even understood what it says, but I guess I never really understood my role as being the wheat.

I have always known that we live in the last days, and that Christ will soon come. Somehow, however, I have confused the events that would actually lead to the second coming. When we read about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, it came because of the wickedness of these two cities. The Book of Mormon is full of stories where the wicked were destroyed. I have always believed that Christ would come when the world was so wicked that He would destroy it. I think that perhaps I have misunderstood this until now.

The parable tells us wait until the harvest, gather the tares and burn them, then gather the wheat. Obviously the wheat must be ripe before it is gathered. So what do we need to do, as the wheat, in order to become ripe?

We often hear the term “the Stakes of Zion” and that Zion is “ the pure in heart”. Section 97 of the Doctrine and Covenants says the following:
18And, now, behold, if Zion do these things she shall prosper, and spread herself and become very glorious, very great, and very terrible.
19And the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say: Surely Zion is the city of our God, and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there;
20And he hath sworn by the power of his might to be her salvation and her high tower.
21Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART; therefore, let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn.
22For behold, and lo, vengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly as the whirlwind; and who shall escape it?
23The Lord’s scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof shall vex all people; yea, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come;
24For the indignation of the Lord is kindled against their abominations and all their wicked works.
25Nevertheless, Zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her.
26But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works, with sore affliction, with pestilence, with plague, with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire.

If Zion is indeed defined as “the pure in heart” then it seems quite clear what we must do to establish Zion in our own lives: We must become pure in heart! A statement undoubtedly easier said than done. In John Pontius’s book “The Triumph of Zion”, one of the most influential books I have read, he states that Zion is an “individual matter” and can be achieved long before the actual city of Zion is established. Related to this, President Spencer W. Kimball said “When Satan is bound in a single home – when Satan is bound in a single life – the Millennium has already begun in that home, in that life.” Zion must be established before the Second Coming.

The pure in heart (D&C 97:21). Zion also means a place where the pure in heart live. The city built by Enoch and his people that was eventually taken to heaven because of righteousness was named Zion (D&C 38:4; Moses 7:18–21, 69). In the latter-days a city named Zion will be built near Jackson County, Missouri (United States of America), to which the tribes of Israel will gather (D&C 103:11–22; 133:18). The Saints are counseled to build up Zion wherever they are living in the world. A few scriptures on the topic:

• The city of David was called Zion, 1 Kgs. 8:1
• Out of Zion shall go forth the law, Isa. 2:2–3 (Micah 4:2; 2 Ne. 12:2–3).
• The Redeemer shall come to Zion, Isa. 59:20
• I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you
to Zion, Jer. 3:14
• In mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, Joel 2:32 (Obad. 1:17).
• Blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion, 1 Ne. 13:37
• The daughters of Zion are haughty, 2 Ne. 13:16 (Isa. 3:16).
• Wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!, 2 Ne. 28:19–25
• Seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion, D&C 6:6 (D&C 11:6).
• Him have I inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good,
D&C 21:7
• The New Jerusalem shall be called Zion, D&C 45:66–67
• Independence, Missouri, is the place for the city of Zion, D&C 57:1–3
• A scourge remaineth upon the children of Zion until they repent, D&C 84:58
• The Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and
one mind, Moses 7:18–19
• Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent,
A of F 1:10

Denver Snuffer also makes the following comments: “The Millennium will happen as people prepare themselves for it.It would do little good to have the Lord return if there were not people prepared for His presence awaiting Him. If that were to occur before people are prepared, the whole earth would be wasted at His coming.”

In my own life, as I have earnestly tried to change my life, and to allow the Spirit to bring about “the mighty change” spoken of in the scriptures, I have been drawn to people with similar interests. From my perspective I see Zion being established in the hearts of people everywhere. I see an increase in spirituality and in people striving to do what is right. At the same time I see the ways of the world going in the opposite direction. I am offended by things I see on television and on the internet.

A dear friend told me he had lunch with a former Bishop and recently released Stake President. The Stake President told him that out of 22 missionaries that went out in recent months, 8 are home prematurely because they lied about their worthiness. This same president said that affairs and immorality were increasing in his stake. I am sure they are in mine and others as well, but righteousness and goodness are as well. It appears the Wheat and the Tares are growing together, even in the church. God’s promises are sure, Zion will prevail. It is our duty to choose which side we will take. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15) May we all strive to establish Zion in our own lives!

The Second Comforter

Roughly 14 years ago, while living in Maryland, I had the wonderful experience of being an ordinance worker in the Washington D.C. Temple. For roughly two years I spent Thursdays from 2 pm till closing (10pm) in the temple. This was an experience I will always treasure. It was here that I really began to love the House of the Lord. Spending many hours in the temple at a time increases the rate of personal revelation. I felt great power there and was given strength to choose the right. It is on the topic of personal revelation that I would like to write tonight.

As I fulfilled various responsibilities in the temple, great moments of inspiration would come over me. I would ponder things I see and hear and the “eyes of my understanding” would be open to wonderful things. On afternoon while pondering some of the temple clothing, a light went on in my mind and I suddenly understood the ( one of the)meaning(s) of this particular piece of clothing. It was so clear to me that I felt a desire and excitement to share it with others. When given an opportunity to talk to another brother that I really respected, I told him of my revelation. He responded in a way that through me for a loop. He said “that’s hogwash, it doesn’t mean that at all. It only means exactly what it says it means.” I was really taken back. How could anyone question something I received from personal revelation? I really struggled with this question for a couple of weeks. Then while once again in the temple, and asking the Lord why such an important thing could be so minimized by someone I truly respected, the voice of the Lord into my mind and said “I told this to you, don’t you think I could tell him also?” I was taught an important lesson that minute. The Lord tells us certain things that are simply for us. It is not our job to discuss it to anyone else.

For nearly two years now I have been holding something like this very close to my vest. The Lord told me it was not my place to discuss it with others. Recently, however, this has changed. I have been prompted to write on a topic that is very sacred and very dear to my heart.

I have mentioned in multiple blog posts over the past couple of years that I read a book that changed my life forever. It is called “The Second Comforter: Conversing with the Lord through the Veil” by Denver Snuffer. This wonderful book is the story of Denver Snuffer, his conversion to the church as a young man, and ultimately his declaration that he has received the Second Comforter, or in other words he has had a personal audience with Jesus Christ. I know this sounds perhaps a bit fantastic to some, but I know that it is true. Let me explain my experience of coming to this knowledge.

In January of 2009 I was packing for a business trip to Florida and was looking for something to read while I was gone. I noticed a book on a cabinet in our entryway that I had never seen before. It was “the Second Comforter.” It had about 100 colored tabs attached to the pages by the previous reader. I called out to Ann to ask her where the book had come from. When she told me Yvonne Bent had given it to me I literally rolled my eyes and said to myself “Oh Brother.” I made a quick judgment in my mind. I asked myself “who does she think she is reading a book like this (Yvonne and I have since laughed about this), and who does this Denver Snuffer think he is to write on a topic like this?” I was of the opinion that only “The Brethren” were capable of writing about the gospel and especially on a topic like this. Despite these thoughts, I took the book anyway thinking I would get a good laugh out of it.

Several years ago the church magazine the Ensign had a section titled “I have a question.” Members of the church were allowed or encouraged to write in and ask questions about the gospel and usually a General Authority would write the response. I remember reading a particular question about 15 years ago that formed my opinion on this topic. The question was written by a bishop and went something like this; “In my first interview with a recently returned missionary I asked him about his goals for the future. He told me he had a goal of having his calling and election made sure by the time he was 30. How should I respond to this young man?” The person responding to the question went on to give an answer that made me believe that “Calling and Election made sure” simply doesn’t happen; or if it does, very rarely: Maybe the Prophet and maybe the Apostles. For the next 13 years or so I believed this.

As I began to read “The Second Comforter” I became enthralled. I couldn’t put it down. I read the entire flight. I also read every spare minute on my busy trip. I finished it on the return flight. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Actually I could believe it… but how could it be? Christ does appear to just regular people today. How could I get this blessing in my own life?

I read “The Second Comforter” four times that year. I read as many other books on the topic that I could find as well. Come to find out there are multiple books on the topic. Another great one is “Following the Light of Christ into His Presence” by John Pontius. The greatest books on the topic however (besides the scriptures) are the Messiah series by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. Without a doubt I learned more from these books than I can express in words. He makes it very clear that seeking a personal audience with the Savior is something we can all strive for.

So what does it mean to me and how has it affected my life?

The past two years have been a whirlwind and my life has been turned upside down… in a remarkably good way. I have learned so much by the whisperings of the Spirit. I feel like every part of my world has changed. I have been prompted not only to forgive others, but to pray for my enemies. Although not really having any enemies I have had amazing experiences by praying for those I don’t particularly care for. I posted a blog on one of these experiences a couple of years ago.

I have had many experiences that have taught me about humility. I’ve learned what kind of husband and father the Lord wants me to be. I’ve learned these from very difficult experiences. I’ve learned much about charity and kindness. I’ve learned that material things mean nothing. I’ve learned about the Law of Consecration and I’ve learned volumes about the House of the Lord.

Very importantly I have learned that I am nobody. In the beginning this was very difficult for me to accept. For most of my life I felt I had an important mission to accomplish. My pride made me believe that this mission would put me in the spotlight. I have learned over time that this simply just is not meant to be. I justified my actions in many ways by doing the right thing, but making sure that others knew I did the right thing. I have learned how convoluted this thinking is. I am learning that the Lord wants me to draw no attention to myself. This should have been a no-brainer but is something I had to be taught through experience.

I now know that I do indeed have a mission: This mission is to build faith in Christ in others. I have learned to do this without any thought for recognition. I simply want others to feel the love of the Savior that I feel. One way of filling this mission is by sharing this blog, and by sharing this important topic with others.
I’ve not yet received the Second Comforter in my life but I know I will one day. Conversing with the Lord through the veil is the thought that guides nearly every decision in my life. It should have been obvious all along that conversing with the Lord through the veil is the very purpose of the temple. When I read the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, I recognize that the only message is to lead us to Christ. Lehi saw Him, Nephi saw Him, Jacob saw Him, Enos, Alma, the sons of Mosiah, The Brother of Jared, Mormon, Moroni and others all saw Him. They all testify of Him. I am striving to add my name to this amazing list.

I want to end this post by quoting the prophet Joseph Smith "The other Comforter spoken of is a subject of great interest, and perhaps understood by few of this generation. After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the saints. . . .

"Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; and this is the sum and substance of the whole matter; that when any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even he will manifest the Father unto him, and they will take up their abode with him, and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will teach him face to face, and he may have a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God; and this is the state and place the ancient saints arrived at when they had such glorious visions—Isaiah, Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of Patmos, St. Paul in the three heavens, and all the saints who held communion with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn." (TPJS 149-151)

Since first reading Denver Snuffer’s book “The Second Comforter” I have given away roughly 30 copies. Everyone who has read it has been moved by its message; some of them profoundly. One dear friend put it this way “I am now on a path that I didn’t know existed. I have stepped through a door by which there is no turning back.” Another friend said “It has become the handbook of my life.” I encourage all who are reading this, and are ready to truly follow the Savior, read this wonderful book. I know it is available on Amazon but it is also available at Benchmark books in Salt Lake City. Or, if you feel inspired, call me and I will get you a copy myself.... this is one way I can lead others to Christ.

Faith and Belief

Once again I have been really taken by a wonderful book by author John Pontius titled “The Triumph of Zion.” This book is definitely in the top five of the best and most influential books I have ever read. It has caused me to think of things I have never thought of before and it has helped me understand the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants better. It seems to make the entire Plan of Salvation make more sense and has helped me understand what is meant when we hear that the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the gospel.

The topic I would like to write about today is found toward the end of the book and is a small section titled “Faith and Belief.” He explains the difference between faith and belief and then goes on to explain how our beliefs have a tendency to squash of faith. I hope to be able to explain.

“Faith is a result of exposure to the Spirit of the Lord and is a gift of God. Faith does not naturally reside in man. When we obey some principle of truth, a commandment of God, or any whispering of the Spirit, the Spirit of the Lord touches our souls with a tiny increase of faith regarding that principle.

One can only have faith in things that are true (Alma 32:21). We can’t have faith in a falsehood. Only to the extent that a principle contains truth can we exercise faith in it. For this reason, faith is always centered in Christ, because all truth flows from Christ.

Unlike faith, which is always pure, our belief structure includes both elements of truth and impurities of human assumption, tradition, false conclusions, and out-and-out lies. Most of what we believe comes from the experience of our lifetime, all of which occur in the natural world, and most of which are in some way tainted. Such false beliefs are hostile to our progress unless overridden by revealed truth.”

I will give a personal example of how belief squashes faith. For most of my adult life I believed that it was not possible or perhaps unlikely that faithful members of the church were able to have a personal visit by the Savior while in this life. I believed this blessing was only reserved for Apostles and Prophets… and I wasn’t even sure about all of them. This was my belief! However, over the past 18 mos. or so, my belief has totally changed. I was introduced to Denver Snuffer’s “The Second Comforter” and had a very powerful witness born to me that this great blessing is indeed available to all who seek it. Since that time I have read several books on the topic including very clear teachings from Elder Bruce R. McConkie in “The Promised Messiah” and “The Millennial Messiah” that have taught me the truth of this matter. The Book of Mormon teaches this topic abundantly. I now have overwhelming faith in the matter that Christ will appear to each of us if we are faithful and as we “seek His face.”

Brother Pontius goes on to write “Our every act is driven by a belief. Whether that belief is based upon truth, or upon misconception, determines whether the act is righteous or evil. Often, faith can be profound, while our belief about how that faith applies to us can limit, or even eliminate, our enjoyment of the fruits of our faith. Such faith-opposing believing is called “unbelief” in the scriptures. It is not necessarily an absence of faith and can coexist with faith quite companionably. But it is nevertheless an effective and often long-lived damnation of our faith.

An example might be: We may have faith that Heavenly Father loves us and has the power to heal an illness or disease we may have. But we simultaneously believe (or assume because of what others have taught us) that Heavenly Father wants us to learn some lesson through our suffering, or that we must seek a medical solution first, only turning to Him as a last resort. Or, we may conclude that since we haven’t personally seen this magnitude of healing with our own eyes, He may just not be doing healings of this degree nowadays, and thus, we doubt the will of God to heal us—not His power, but His intention to do so. We have great faith He can, we just don’t believe He will, and thus uninspired belief (unbelief) smothers our faith.

Another example may be: We read the scriptures and have complete faith that the brother of Jared (or any other righteous figure) truly experienced the profound blessings, visions, revelations and angelic visitations they record. And, even though the same prophet records that God is no respecter of persons and liberally grants the same blessings to all who righteously seek them, we believe that the scriptures are largely for our education and not a prototype of our personal spiritual potential. We may conclude that such things do not happen in this day, or if they do, that would happen to someone more highly placed or more obedient. We thereby doubt, not God’s power, which is a by-product of our faith, but His will to grant us a place within His promises. Such doubt by definition is unbelief.

We extinguish the fire of faith with the cold rains of unbelief. The Lord told Moroni 4:

7 ‘And in that day that they shall exercise faith in me, saith the Lord, even as the brother of Jared did, that they may become sanctified in me, then will I manifest unto them the things which the brother of Jared saw, even to the unfolding unto them all my revelations, saith Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of the heavens and of the earth, and all things that in them are.’

This verse contains one of the most incredible pronouncements of promise this dispensation has ever been given.” In fact, I personally believe (Scott Webb speaking) that this is part of what is meant when we hear that the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the gospel. Pontius goes on to write “It is saying when—notice that it doesn’t say if, it implies when—we rend the veil of unbelief and develop faith like the brother of Jared’s, God will unfold unto us all of His revelations, which means that we will know all things, which would enable us to part the veil in many places and lay hold upon all promised blessings. This promise isn’t being made just to the Quorum of the Twelve. This is a promise that is held out to every person who chooses to seek and obtain it. We have access to the same gifts in this day, in this priesthood, in this Church, as the brother of Jared used to rend the heavens in his day, which lit up sixteen stones and his eternity.”

I encourage all who are reading this blog to look at your own life… find the places where belief is overpowering your faith, then go to the Lord in earnest prayer and ask for His help in overcoming your unbelief. I have experienced this in my own life and testify of its efficacy. May we all seek His face.