He is Risen!

He Is Risen
Text: Cecil Frances Alexander, 1818 -1895
Music: Joachim Neander, 1650 -1680

"But behold, the angels said unto them, Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen."    https://scriptures.info/scriptures/nt/luke/14

1. He is risen! He is risen!
Tell it out with joyful voice.
He has burst his three days’ prison;
Let the whole wide earth rejoice.
Death is conquered; man is free.
Christ has won the victory.

2. Come with high and holy hymning;
Chant our Lord’s triumphant lay.
Not one darksome cloud is dimming
Yonder glorious morning ray,
Breaking o’er the purple east,
Symbol of our Easter feast.

3. He is risen! He is risen!
He hath opened heaven’s gate.
We are free from sin’s dark prison,
Risen to a holier state.
And a brighter Easter beam
On our longing eyes shall stream.

4. Come with high and holy hymning;
God, our Father lives today.
If we hope to dwell in glory,
Just one path, He is the way.
Honoring His holy will,
Tis, truly how we bear His seal.

5. He is risen! He is risen!
He hath shown us how to live.
Turning to Him and believing,
Are the steps that we must give.
Holy, Holy, Holy Son,
Jesus the anointed One.

4th and 5th verses by a very close friend

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How do I become numbered with His people?

In order for a Gentile to be numbered among His people (His sheep), that Gentile must be righteous, be Baptized, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

from Third Nephi, https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/3nephi/14

.. turn all ye Gentiles from your wicked ways and repent...

.. come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the House of Israel.

1.  stop being wicked

2.  repent

3.  be Baptized in His name

4.  be filled with the Holy Ghost

On the third of February, in a post titled "Baptism of Fire, I explored what "being filled with the Holy Ghost" really means.  

In order for someone to be "filled with the Holy Ghost" effort is required, in addition to following guidance received from Jesus.

To be filled with the Holy Ghost, also known as receiving the "Baptism of Fire", means to have your spirit cleansed and sanctified by God.  The process for cleansing your spirit is similar to the process of washing your body clean in the waters of Baptism.

Mormon repeats the same instruction, during his farewell address, in Mormon chapter three, end of verse five:  

"... and if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are baptized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be well with you in the day of judgement.  Amen".

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/mormon/3

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The Third Book of Nephi in the Book of Mormon

I have been enjoying the study of Third Nephi.  These chapters provide great insight into the kindness, patience and wonders available to all followers of Jesus Christ.  In these special chapters, Jesus expands upon the truths He taught while living in Galilee, during his mortal ministry.  

Within days of His triumph over death, in Jerusalem, Jesus is found teaching a humbled group of survivors in America.  Jesus also mentions going to visit other sheep, in other locations.  One of those visits could have been to Peru, as there are local Peruvian legends describing a white, bearded God, who visited the ancestors of the Andean Indians.  He taught the people, healed their sick and walked on water.  In the legend, the white God arrived and healed the people after a period of great darkness and suffering.

In Third Nephi, when speaking about His other sheep, chapter seven, verse four, Jesus teaches us how to receive answers to our questions.  Jesus said to ask the Father in the name of Jesus, in order to receive knowledge from the Holy Ghost.  Specifically, Jesus said to ask for information concerning the lost tribes.

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/3nephi/7

In chapter nine, verse four, Jesus prays for His disciples, who had received the Baptism of Fire (right after their Baptism in water).  These disciples were also recently purified in Jesus, which purification, engulfed their bodies and their clothes in glory.  

In the same verse, Jesus is praying for His disciples, as Jesus wants to become one with His disciples.  He wants to be in them, as the Father is within Jesus.  

Jesus teaches that becoming one with his disciples, will allow Jesus to be glorified in them.  This is the same process Jesus experienced during his moral life, where Jesus was able to become one with His Father, and receive the Father within Himself, which glorified the Father.

In verse five, Jesus explains the people were blessed to participate in so many miracles because of their great faith.

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/3nephi/9

In chapter twelve, Mormon explains the information given in Third Nephi, describing Jesus visiting the people, is only a small part of what was recorded.  The remaining truths which are much greater, will be given to the descendants of this people, if they accept the truths Jesus provided in the Book of Mormon.  I find these verses interesting as the greater truths are not given to the Gentiles!  

A state of Zion is described, in verse three of the same chapter, which lasted for two generations.  Zion existed from the time Jesus visited the people, after his resurrection, for about two hundred years.  During this period of time, the people shared all things in common and enjoyed miracles from heaven.  About 200 years after the Birth of Christ, the people began to separate into classes and discontinued the practice of sharing with each other, and keeping all things in common.  Hardly anything is recorded in Third Nephi regarding this amazing period of time.  The bulk of this Zion material is waiting to be revealed.  Waiting for members from the House of Israel, to believe in Jesus.   https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/3nephi/12

Next, Moroni is writing the words he received directly from Jesus. Found in the first chapter of Ether, verse nineteen: He that will not believe my words will not believe me, that I am. And he that will not believe me will not believe the Father who sent me. For behold, I am the Father. I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world. Come unto me, O ye gentiles, and I will shew unto you the greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief. Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you because of unbelief. Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you. https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/ether/1

From Moroni Ether chapter five, verse eight:  And now I, Moroni, bid farewell unto the gentiles, yea, and also unto my brethren, whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgment seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood. And then shall ye know that I have seen Jesus, and that he hath talked with me face to face, and that he told me in plain humility, even as a man telleth another, in mine own language, concerning these things. And only a few have I written because of my weakness in writing. And now I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the holy ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you for ever. Amen.

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/ether/5

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Our Humble Hero

All of the ancient prophets looked forward to His day.  The promised time finally arrived, with little fanfare taking place upon this fallen world.  The stars above and the Heavenly Hosts celebrated the special arrival with the shepherds near by, giving Glory to God.  Each year, during the wintertime, we celebrate a special scripture known as the nativity.  You may remember some of these details, a new star appeared in the sky.  Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem and their baby was born in a very humble way.  Jesus was born in a stable, where the animals live, because there was no room for their family in the Inn. 

Why was the birth of Jesus so special?  Because Jesus was sent from the high heavens.  He was sent down to Earth with an important mission.  He was coming to Earth to be the Messiah.

What does Messiah mean?  It means the Savior of the world.   

What was Jesus sent to do?  To save each one of us and our fallen Earth. 

Can I be saved too?  Yes, the scriptures show us the way (be Baptized and believe in Jesus).  

How did Jesus know that he was the Messiah?  Jesus studied the scriptures and was familiar with the messages contained within.  He often prayed and thought about heavenly things.  Jesus was taught by the Holy Spirit and learned important truths from his parents.

Jesus taught the people to be kind and to serve each other.  He performed many miracles, proving that he was the Messiah.  Jesus taught the people and served them, always leading by example.  He elevated not himself but remained humble.  He was full of kindness and compassion.  He truly lived each moment of his life as our teacher and guide for humanity.  The wicked priests did not like Jesus.  They did not like the simple truths that Jesus was teaching the people.  Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice to save our fallen world. 

What does sacrifice mean?  Jesus allowed the wicked priests to kill him, even though Jesus had done nothing wrong.  Jesus suffered for all the wickedness of the world and became a righteous and pure offering for sin.  Jesus fulfilled his mission.  He is the Messiah, the Savior of our world.

You may remember the details from another famous scripture.  On the third day after his death, Jesus arose from the dead.  He came back to life with power over death and saved our fallen earth.  This glorious event is why we celebrate Easter.  After his resurrection, Jesus taught the believers and visited with them until he ascended back into the high heavens.

What is Jesus doing now?  He is helping his Father in Heaven with our salvation.  They work together, offering their help and guidance to us, as we attempt to journey back into their presence.    

Jesus continues to teach us and help us from heaven.  We can learn of him by studying the scriptures.  Each time we pray, we are speaking to Heavenly Father and Jesus.  They respond to our thoughts, prayers and actions with a still, small voice.   

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/nc

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Jesus at Walker Lake, Nevada in 1890

In a book written by Val Brinkerhoff, there is a beautiful description of Jesus visiting a group of Native Americans at Walker Lake, Nevada in the year 1890.  In his book, titled "The Remnant Awakens", Val explains some of what Jesus taught the people:  

"Few know that our Savior has visited our Native American brothers and sisters, doing so a number of times. One of His most widely reported visits was in 1890 in western Nevada. Few are aware of it today, yet it was reported in magazines and newspapers across the country that year. It led to “the Messiah Craze.” The Federal Government sent U.S. Army General Nelson Miles to investigate this “Messiah” and why Native Americans were reacting so strongly to His supposed visit. Reports suggest Christ taught representatives of some sixteen tribes a message centered on spreading brotherhood and love among the Indian people, and with the white man".

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Jesus is the Way, what are the steps along the Path?

Jesus is the Way.  What are the steps along the path?

To come unto the Father, all believers must walk with Jesus.  In the Gospel of Miryam, Jesus teaches, "My words are the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  For My words are given of the Spirit, and no one comes to the Kingdom except through Her teachings".

Jesus also instructs, "Learn of Me, and listen to My words; walk in the meekness of My Spirit, and you shall have peace in Me".  From verse six of part seventeen.

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/tc/jshistory/17.6#6

Step one: Learn of Him.  We need to study His words and His works.

Step two: Listen to Him.  This listening to Jesus, should be happening all of the time.  He is always there and available.  We must remember to include Him in our thoughts and actions.  How do I hear Him?  That voice in your head, the voice that keeps you safe, and helps you to know what is right, that voice, is Jesus.  What does He sound like?  He sounds like you!  Direction from Heaven is usually clear and direct.  His counsel and instruction will always be full of light and truth.    

Jesus lived His mortal life as the perfect example for each of us to follow.  Jesus is truly the prototype of the saved man*.  To walk with Jesus we must be like Him, patient, kind and long suffering.  Keep in mind charity, and meekness, Jesus never elevated Himself, instead, always praising the Father that sent Him.  Jesus served others and shared of His abundance.  *Joseph Smith teaches about how to be saved, and looks to Jesus as the prototype, in the book, Lectures on Faith.

According to the words of Jesus Christ, the way back to Him includes, turning towards Him (repentance), being baptized in His name, and becoming like a little child.  From chapter five, verse nine.

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/3nephi/5

When you are a child, your "will" is wrapped up in following instructions from your parents.  As adults, It takes a great deal of humility, (like a child) for us to follow the will of someone else.  We must be willing to ask Jesus for specific guidance on what we are lacking.  Jesus will respond with areas that must be corrected, if we desire to truly follow Him to where He dwells.  

From the first chapter of Mosiah, verse sixteen, "the natural man is an enemy to God and will be until he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." 

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/1

During the process of becoming like a little child, we will receive instructions from Jesus, concerning how to proceed.  If His instructions are followed, He will lead us to being born of the Spirit, also known as the Baptism of Fire.  

Jesus explains, " I will Baptize you with Fire and with the Holy Ghost".  This is His work and His desire for each of us.  Found In the Book of Mormon, chapter five of Third Nephi, verse ten.

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/3nephi/5

If we continue following His will and guidance, He will lead us to receive the Second Comforter, which is a personal visit, with Jesus.  An earlier post dated July 26, 2020, discusses this personal visit in greater detail.  

The promises of hearing His voice, receiving guidance from Him, receiving the Baptism of Fire, and Second Comforter are available to each person on this Earth, as Jesus is no respecter of persons.  

Whomever follows the path (walks with Jesus) will arrive at the destination (where He dwells).

"And again I say unto you, ye must repent, be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise receive these things".  

Examples from the Book of Mormon of people who "received these things":

Joseph Smith, Nephi, Jacob, Ammon, Moroni, The Brother of Jared, all the survivors who met Jesus in the land Bountiful and many more.

People in the scriptures who "received of these things": Miryam the Migdalah, Saul, Moses, Abraham, Adam, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Melchizedek, all of the followers who witnessed of Jesus after His death and resurrection, and many others.

From chapter one of First Corinthians, verse sixty one, "After that He was seen by over five hundred people at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep".

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/nt/1corinthians/1

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Baptism of Fire

In the previous post concerning Baptism, Jesus teaches an important truth, that is often overlooked.  This is the truth:

Jesus answered, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/nt/john/2

We are all born of the flesh (natural men and women) and hence the Baptism of water, is for our flesh.  The Kingdom of God, however, is Spiritual.  A Baptism of the Spirit is required, if one desires an inheritance where Jesus dwells.  Please keep in mind, being born of the Spirit, or being Baptized by the Spirit requires effort.

One person telling another person to "receive the Holy Ghost", is not quite the same thing as being cleansed by the Spirit, and being made holy.  The Baptism of the Spirit that Jesus is speaking about, is a sanctification process, burning out the spiritual impurities of the recipient.  Being born of the Spirit, has been likened to a "Baptism of Fire".  

In chapter five of Third Nephi, verse nine, Jesus explains what is necessary for us to receive a Baptism of the Spirit, and also to inherit the Kingdom of God.  Three specific things are mentioned, "Repentance", "Baptism in His name", and "Becoming like a little child".  

https://scriptures.info/scriptures/bofm/3nephi/5

Jesus explains if we want to receive "these things" (our Baptism of Fire, to be born again, born of the Spirit), we must follow His instructions:    

1. Repent of our sins, or "turn to Him".

2. Get Baptized in water, in His name.

3. Become as a little child. 

"... ye can in nowise receive these things, unless you become as a little child".

What does Jesus mean when he says "become as a little child"?

I believe what he is saying is this: If we really want to come unto Him, we will need Jesus to tell us exactly how to proceed.  We must listen to our Father, as a little child, and ask Him to lead us back into His presence.  If we will ask Jesus, He will tell us exactly what we need to do, exactly what we need to correct, so that we are no longer missing the mark, and may receive the Baptism of Fire.  The direction that I receive from Him, will be specific for me, and my issues.  The direction that you receive from Him, will be specific for you.  

This really works!  I have asked and I've been given some items to work on.

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