Testimony of St. John

 I can't recommend this book enough!  While studying the Testimony of St. John, I was surprised how many times Jesus refers to our fallen world, and the heavenly realms located above our fallen state.  The Testimony of St. John is an exceptional read!

page 52 for example: Jesus teaches "I am here as the light of the world to enable anyone who believes on me to escape from the darkness".

Amazon link: https://a.co/d/ewvzFgZ

In my book (Rupert's Engagement) a good explanation is received concerning our fallen earth, including how and why our planet was sent into darkness. We are dwelling upon a dark world, a fallen state, a realm of death and decay, where glory does not exist!

Rupert's Engagement

 available via Amazon:  Rupert's Engagement

Venus Resurrects to Testify of Jesus

In the book of Revelation, this interesting description is offered, “I am the bright and morning star”.

Location: The Island of Patmos

Who was present? John and Jesus

Jesus taught John that even the planets in their motion, testify of Him. Did you know that Venus resurrects?  The Mayans did, and their famous Mayan Calendar is based on the 584 day Venus cycle. 

Right now, during the writing of this post, Venus is appearing after sunset each evening above the western horizon.  After nearly nine months of this behavior, Venus will die (disappear below the horizon) and then resurrect as a morning star in the east.  Venus will begin rising before the sun each morning for the next nine months.  

When will Venus resurrect this year? Approximately August 22, 2023  

During Jesus’s life, he often taught about signs of his pending death and resurrection.  Jesus mentioned the temple being destroyed and raised again after three days.  He also compared Himself to the lesson of Jonah (being buried under the waters, in the belly of the whale for three days).  Jesus taught his followers that His body would be buried in the Earth for three days.  

The lesson that Jesus taught John on the Island of Patmos, involved the planets and their respective movements through space.  Jesus taught John that Venus testifies of Jesus and His mission, by resurrecting every 584 days.

Happy Easter and Glory to God!

  

Events in the Heavens

Around the first of March, Venus and Jupiter will appear to narrowly pass each other in evening sky.  Both planets are lighting up the western sky each night as they journey towards each other.

The earth rolls upon her wings, and the sun giveth his light by day, and the moon giveth her light by night, and the stars also give their light, as they roll upon their wings in their glory, in the midst of the power of God.

Unto what shall I liken these kingdoms, that ye may understand?

Behold, all these are kingdoms, and any man who hath seen any or the least of these hath seen God moving in his majesty and power.

Glory to God!

www.earnestmormon.com

the gift of Eternal Life

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all thy ways honor Him (surrender to Him) and He shall make your paths straight.

How does He make our paths straight?   What does it mean to pray continually?

How do we give our hearts to Him?

We check in with Him multiple times during each day.  

What are we asking Him, during these special moments (when we offer a tiny prayer, while remembering Him)?  

We ask Him to lead us.  We ask Him, “how should I proceed?”  

Questions like: “I was thinking about doing the following…  what do You think Lord?”

Why do we ask Him these questions?  

We ask Him these questions, because we wish to learn His will.  We wish to learn how He would handle this specific situation, and then we follow His guidance.

As we continue asking and following Him, we become like Him.  We also begin walking the path with Him, “the way”, “the straight path”, “the narrow gate”.

Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the path that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  However, small is the gate and narrow the path that leads to life, and only a few find it.

He will lead us all the way there..  if we are wise enough to diligently seek His guidance, and humble enough to follow the path that He is setting before us.  Once we reach our destination, He will offer us the gift of Eternal Life, life with Him.

He is the giver of all good gifts.  Merry Christmas

Glory to Him!

www.earnestmormon.com

Removing the Hedge

How to receive guidance and direction from Heaven? 

How to have His spirit flow through you like rivers of living water?

Believe in Him and follow the righteous promptings He sends you. 

Believe in who? Jesus!

Jesus is the Way. We can do nothing without Him and everything with Him.

His Gospel is simple - the Gospel that was delivered by the Savior to His followers (in the scriptures) is simple! His followers are required to follow Him, they must strive to be like Him. In other words, following His examples, living their lives in the same manner that He lived His life (patiently, kindly, with long suffering and grace towards others, even enemies). Yes, His Gospel is simple and His yoke is easy.  

Common mistakes we perpetuate in this day of enlightenment: 

1. Allowing learned men, patriarchy, rules, laws, opinions, and lesson manuals to define Christ’s Gospel.

2. Assuming everything associated with religion, is “the Gospel”.  

During the time that Christ shared His sermons in person (AD 30-33) and again in our time (2022), a false doctrine corrupted the religions of the day. The false doctrine goes like this.. “a man or a group of men are needed for salvation”. Back in AD 30-33, the Jews falsely claimed they possessed the truth and authority to save. John the Baptist was sent to them, to prepare the people for the long awaited arrival of the Messiah, even Jesus Christ (the One who actually has authority to save).

The predominant patriarchal order of that day (the priests) hedged up the way, causing many church going folks to miss the mark and miss their opportunity for salvation. Many people were so focused on priestly authority, temple worship, and religious tradition, that they missed their chance to adore their Savior, to believe in and receive Jesus.

In our day, we also have groups of men claiming authority. We have organized religion with popes, priests, presidents and prophets. Once again, a false doctrine has corrupted the religions of the day. The false doctrine goes like this.. “a man or group of men is needed for salvation”. The Truth is this, Jesus is the Way! There is no president or pope that can save. There is only Jesus, He is the Savior. He Saves!

Don’t miss your chance to receive and believe in Jesus, just because a group of men want to hedge up the way, and put themselves Between you and your Lord - Between you and your Savior. The scriptures are clear on this, we are instructed to follow Jesus, and only Jesus. We are to follow Jesus, as He follows His Father in Heaven.  

In this life, there are many paths and many choices, however, there is only one Way, Jesus. If we want to arrive where He is (where Jesus dwells), there is only one path to follow, His path (His will for us). How do I learn of His will for me? Ask Him!  

Matthew 7: Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it, but small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life and only a few find it.

From John 7:38.. In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink! He that believes on me as the scripture has said: Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water - but this spoke he of the spirit which they that believe on him should receive.

From John 15.. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

From Jeremiah.. For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.

From John.. Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."

From John 14.. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

www.earnestmormon.com

The Chosen

Have you seen the new series about Jesus, “The Chosen”?

The show is all about Jesus and follows the New Testament very closely.  I truly enjoyed experiencing each episode from the first two seasons. 

This wonderful show is available for free via:

https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen

www.earnestmormon.com

Upcoming Venus Phases to watch for..

Venus is currently located in the morning sky (Northeast) rising just before the sun.  Venus has been a morning star for the past eight months.

Upcoming phases:  Venus will become absent from view around Oct 5, 2022.

Venus will be born in the evening sky in the Northwest around Nov 24, 2022.

Prime, the phase when Venus shines the brightest, begins around July
10, 2023.

Death, the phase when Venus plunges into the underworld, leaving the
evening western sky, begins around August 13, 2023.

Venus will remind us of Jesus and His important mission (of overcoming
death) on August 22, 2023.  Resurrection is the phase when Venus lives
again!

After eight days in the underworld, Venus resurrects, bright and
brilliant in the morning sky, in the Southeast, on August 22, 2023.

Glory to God!

www.earnestmormon.com

Jesus Calling

Each morning, I've been reading messages from Jesus in this wonderful book, and revisiting the meaning throughout the day, and again before bed.

The title of the book is: "Jesus Calling"

The author has written insightful messages for each day of the year.  Each message is supported with scripture.  I love the delivery, as each important lesson is received with power, as the reader receives instruction directly from Heaven.

Each message helps center and ground the reader in Jesus, to focus on Him, instead of the world.   An excellent spiritual resource by Author Sarah Young.

Here is a portion of the lesson from June 24th:

“Hold My hand and trust Me.  So long as you are conscious of My Presence with you, all is well.  It is virtually impossible to stumble while walking in the Light with Me.  You find the deepest fulfillment of your heart in Me alone.  Depend upon me.  In the world, dependency is seen as immaturity.  But in My kingdom, dependence on Me is a prime measure of maturity.”  

Available via Amazon: Jesus Calling: Large Deluxe Edition https://a.co/d/aSRI2U7

www.earnestmormon.com

Misplaced Trust in the arm of flesh

Within organized religion, worship and reverence meant for God, is often misplaced as leaders (presidents and priests) receive endless praise and adoration from each other, and their flock. Praise and worship are sacred.

Psalm 146:  Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, oh my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them, the Lord, who remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The Lord reigns forever, your God, oh Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord. 

 

The scriptures are clear about praise and glory, both are meant for God!  Men are not supposed to lift themselves up, but are instructed to raise up God.  Men setting themselves up, or men promoting another man (a leader), as necessary, or required for salvation, is false doctrine!  Jesus is the way.  Jesus is the only One able to offer salvation! 

Man is expected to humble himself and to elevate God.  Many men elevate themselves, instead of God.  Those who exalt themselves, will be brought low.  Those who humble themselves and elevate God, shall be exalted. Worship is to be directed toward the heavens, towards God.  Worship is not for showering upon men or a man.  

Isaiah explains the rest... 

Soon the tribulations will begin and some people will find themselves turning to God as nations, not a few, are destroyed.  This final world war will be the war of all wars.  Many of the wicked will be destroyed by the king of Assyria as he conquers nation after nation and covers the earth like a flood.  Survivors will begin turning to God.  Eventually this wicked ruler will have taken the whole world by force, except for Zion, and the few survivors heading for Zion.

Zion is the place where God dwells on earth.  Zion is a sacred city, that is safe from the wickedness of the king of Assyria.  At that time, which is not far distant, the survivors will be heading for Zion, and trying to gain entrance into the city for safety.  These survivors will be known as “believers in God”.  There will only be two groups of people remaining, those who trust in God to save, and those who believe a man will save (the king of Assyria).  We already know which group will win the final battle, the people who trust in God, and wait for His return in Glory.

Putin’s war against Ukraine may be laying the groundwork for the king of Assyria to begin making his false treaties and taking over countries.  The world will learn the king of Assyria’s identity, once he begins consolidating his power among the wicked nations of the North, while destroying nations, not a few.  

 

www.earnestmormon.com

Happy Easter Glory to God!

 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, for He lives again!

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 2021

earnestmormon.com

His Name is Jehovah

What does Jesus mean when He says, “Follow Thou Me?”

Jesus is asking us to follow the many living examples that He provided during His mortal life. He was humble and kind. He was patient. Jesus fasted and prayed for guidance from his Father in Heaven. Jesus healed others. He helped the poor. He helped the widows and the fatherless. Jesus followed the will of His Father in Heaven. Jesus asked John for baptism, and was washed clean in the river Jordan. 

Jesus taught each living soul the importance of baptism, by entering the water with John and receiving of the ordinance for Himself. John baptized Jesus, meaning John buried Jesus under the water, laying His body down, and then brought Jesus back out of the water. 

The actions John and Jesus performed within the water were symbolic of what would occur three years later. Jesus would lay down his life, the Father of this Heaven and Earth, would sacrifice Himself, and die for all. 

After Jesus died and was buried within the Earth, Jesus triumphed over death and was resurrected back to life. Jesus appeared to many and explained that “He is the way”. In order to be saved, we must each follow Jesus and His will for us.  

If we desire to walk with Him, along His path, we must follow Him and His examples. We must live our lives, like Jesus lived His life. For how knowest thou the master whom thou hast not served?

He asks: follow me and honor my will.

He teaches: I am the way, the truth, and the life. I am the First and the Last.  My name is Endless and Eternal.

His name is Jehovah. Glory to God!

www.earnestmormon.com

Isaiah Explained

 "And now behold, I say unto you that ye had ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently, for great are the words of Isaiah. For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel. Therefore, it must needs be that he must speak also to the gentiles (you and me). And all things that he spake hath been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake".

Up until now, very few have been able to understand the words of Isaiah and honor the commandment above, received from Jesus.  Avraham Gileadi, has devoted his life to studying and explaining Isaiah.  I have really enjoyed spending time studying and learning from Avraham's website.  The written text comes to life, coupled with insights from Avraham, as he shares the warnings and messages contained within.  

Isaiah highlighted events from long ago, to explain future events.  The time has finally arrived and the events are no longer future, but current events, beginning to take place, all around us.    

http://www.isaiahexplained.com/

All 66 chapters of Isaiah are listed, each containing extensive explanations and detailed historical background. There is so much information here, Be sure to check this out! 

There are four tabs in the menu, located above the 66 chapters of Isaiah. By clicking on the "Apocalyptic Commentary" tab, a wealth of information is available in analytical commentary format (each verse is broken down and explained in written text).  A voice recording is also available with insightful additional cultural and period background information, by clicking on the play button. 

We are rapidly approaching the glorious end times, and return of Jesus Christ as outlined within the scriptures!  There is wisdom in learning from the words of Isaiah, as we attempt to prepare ourselves and our families for the coming challenges and triumphs.   

www.earnestmormon.com

Venus Lives Again!

Venus has been hidden in the underworld for the past few weeks.  In December the planet Venus was shining brightly each evening, after the sun had set in the western horizon (an evening star).  

Near the end of December, Venus died and plunged into the underworld.

January 12, 2022 Venus was resurrected back to life! Venus now shines brightly in the east, each morning, before the sun rises (a morning star).

I find it truly wonderful that Jesus described Himself as the “Bright and Morning Star” and Venus follows an endless track through space, forever testifying of Jesus and His important mission.

A full Venus cycle as viewed from Earth takes 584 days to complete.  Said another way, every 584 days, Venus will return to the same place in its orbit as seen from Earth.  Some of the phases that Venus will travel through during the long journey include Birth, Death, and Resurrection.  To view Venus each morning, look towards the eastern horizon, Venus will appear to travel from the southeast to northeast for about 9 months, while rising before the sun.  

Eventually, Venus will shift and become an evening star.  Venus will become visible above the western horizon just after sunset.  The planet will appear to travel from the northwest to the southwest for about nine months, while setting each night after the sun.

Currently, Orion and Sirius are easy to locate each evening, rising from the east and the planet Jupiter is setting each evening in the west.  One of my favorite verses found in Job: Can you bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loosen the bands of Orion?

I like this one too from the D&C: The earth rolls upon her wings, and the sun gives his light by day, and the moon gives her light by night, and the stars also give their light as they roll upon their wings, in their glory, in the midst of the power of God.

www.earnestmormon.com

New Star in the Heavens

The planet Venus is shouting out Merry Christmas each evening with brilliant, sparkling light.  Located in the southwest skies, Venus chases the sun into the horizon fairly quickly each night, so be sure to watch for Venus right after sunset.  

Venus is brightest during the phase known as “Prime”, which is underway right now!  Many star gazers will be reminded of the new star that appeared and testified of Jesus Christ and His birth, two thousand years ago.  

Merry Christmas!  Wise men and wise women still seek Him today.

www.earnestmormon.com

Heavenly Offences

Jesus condescended (left His throne of Glory above and lived in flesh upon our fallen Earth).  During His time here, Jesus provided a lifetime of examples for each of us to follow.

Throughout the scriptures, Jesus outlined His instruction manual on how to become a saved man or saved woman.  As we study about His life and also develop personal relationships with Jesus, we draw closer to Him, and get to know Him better.  We learn from His examples in the written word, and more importantly, we receive of His guidance and instruction, which is available all day long, each and every day.  

Jesus is consistent and patient.  His message remains the same, He asks us to follow Him.  While living in the flesh, Jesus constantly sought for and followed His Father’s will!  Jesus set aside His glory, to save our fallen Earth, while also attaining to His resurrection by following closely the direction from His Father in Glory.  

Jesus becomes our Father in Glory, once we decide to follow Him, once we decide to follow His will for us.  Jesus saves!  He is the only way to salvation! 

Of the many living examples Jesus provided for us, I’ll mention a few..

While living here, in the flesh, Jesus made sure to always promote His Father in Heaven.  Jesus never made Himself the focus.  It’s hard to imagine Jesus creating a social media account for Himself.  Instead, Jesus taught others with His example of directing the praise and accolades towards Heaven, while remaining humble.

Jesus, held power over death.  His miracles were many, including healing a man born blind.  Jesus literally, walked on water.  He commanded the winds and waves.  He was patient, kind, long suffering and generous, while finding time to serve and teach all of humanity.

Jesus reminds each of us that self promotion didn’t work back then, and doesn’t work today.  He remains ever humble, patient and kind.  As we explore the individual direction that we receive from Him, we learn just how involved and concerned Jesus is with the details of our lives.  Glory to God!  Glory to Him!

A popular woe generating mindset from the time of Jesus, is prevalent again today, found in the practice of worshiping idols.  There is so much wealth and material available today, finding oneself entrenched in worshipping the wrong things (anything but Him) is an easy mistake to make and perpetuate.  

It was common back then (and now) for priests to elevate themselves, however, Jesus taught and teaches us, that all people are precious to God and to remember the importance of being meek, humble and teachable.

While photographs and selfies were not available two thousand years ago, the worship of idols was popular via different methods (statues and dolls).  

Today, the availability of potential idols for us to worship is staggering, while wealth and prosperity have become the norm.  Within the realm of social media, participants have an endless supply of photos and written text designed for the promotion and elevation of self.  

Even worse and more offensive than worshiping ourselves..  pictures adorn the walls of homes and churches, offering worship to leaders of religious organizations (the pope, the first presidency).

The following spiritual offense regularly happens..  a large gathering of believers are assembled together, awaiting instruction.  Parish members are sitting comfortably, waiting for the meeting to begin.  All of the sudden, their religious leaders begin to enter the room and everyone stands up, in an act of reverent adoration.  This awful scene is accepted and practiced within the culture of organized religion.

The act of worshipping a man or men is offensive in the sight of God!  This grave mistake involves misplacing one’s trust and worship, away from God, and directing it towards a man of flesh.  There are warnings located within the scriptures, in very clear language, concerning this offensive behavior. 

It would be dreadful if the folks who found themselves standing up, in adoration of a church leader, also find themselves forgetting to kneel in respect and reverence for the Lord of Hosts, the Father in Glory, during their personal prayers.   

Oh, what the heavens must be mourning about our culture.

www.earnestmormon.com

        

Lost Sheep Remnant on This Land

In September of 2017, specific instruction was given to folks interested in becoming His people (children of Christ)

“..Seek to recover the lost sheep remnant of this land and of Israel and no longer forsake them. Bring them unto me and teach them of my ways, to walk in them.”       T&C 158:11

May I ask..  what is being done to recover these two important groups?

www.earnestmormon.com

Venus @ Prime

Tonight, while gazing at Jupiter, Saturn and Venus, I witnessed the biggest shooting star of my life!  It was beautiful, bright and wonderful, Glory to God! The meteorite streaked across the night sky, in the same area occupied by all three planets.

Right now, and for the rest of 2021, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter will be easy to spot in the evening sky, shortly after sunset.  Venus is easy to locate in the southwestern sky, because its so bright!  Jupiter and Saturn are close by, while looking to the south. 

A post earlier this year (August) describes some of the phases of Venus.  

During December, Venus will continue growing in brightness and will remind many people of the new star that appeared and testified of Jesus and His birth just over two thousand years ago.  

Prime is the phase of Venus, when the planet is brightest.  At the age of thirty, Jesus was baptized by John, and spent the rest of His mortal life teaching people how to live.  For three years Jesus would grow in popularity as He shared His Father’s message, while performing many miracles and healings. And then, the unthinkable occurred, as Jesus, the One with power over death, surrendered Himself, a sinless offering, to satisfy the demands of justice.  Jesus died, and on the third day attained to the resurrection, and conquered death for all.

Venus, after reaching its brightest, and most brilliant phase, known as “Prime” will die and disappear from the night sky (in January of 2022).  Venus will hide in the underworld for 8 days, and will resurrect, as a morning star.  How interesting it is, that Jesus described Himself as the Bright and Morning Star, and Venus follows an orbit that testifies of Jesus and His mission here on Earth.

In January after becoming a morning star, Venus will continue rising each morning before the sun, while moving further north each day, for about 9 months.  Venus is a special planet, that will be forever linked with Jesus!

www.earnestmormon.com

 

 

 

 

Mother and Father in Heaven

Within the first few chapters of the Book of Mormon, father Lehi, shares his experience of “seeing” into the spiritual realm. Lehi’s vision of "the Tree of Life” is well known among the many splintered versions of the Church of Christ. A church that was restored and organized by Joseph Smith, in the year 1830.

Nephi, pondered and prayed concerning the “tree which his father had seen” as Nephi was interested in learning the meaning contained within his father’s vision. While praying, Nephi is taken into the spiritual realm, where he sees and learns much. Nephi records some of his experience with the spirit and expounds upon his father’s vision in great detail. 

Some helpful examples are shared as Nephi asked in faithful prayer “to see” what his father, Lehi, “had seen”. Fortunately for readers of the Book of Mormon, Nephi asked for and received the same wonderful vision as his father. Glory to God!  During our personal discussions with Jesus, if we are asking similar questions, in faith, we may expect to receive similar results. 

* Lehi and Nephi should be considered true “Seers” as they were able to witness events including the birth of Christ, (that would take place, 600 years later).

Nephi explains… And it came to pass that the spirit said unto me, Look. And I looked and beheld a tree, and it was like unto the tree which my father had seen; and the beauty thereof was far beyond, yea, exceeding of all beauty, and the whiteness thereof did exceed the whiteness of the driven snow. And it came to pass after I had seen the tree, I said unto the spirit, I behold thou hast shewn unto me the tree which is most precious above all. And he said unto me, What desireth thou? And I said unto him, To know the interpretation thereof.  

And it came to pass that he said unto me, Look. And I looked as if to look upon him and I saw him not, for he had gone from before my presence. And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth, and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceeding fair and white. And it came to pass that I saw the Heavens open, and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me, Nephi, what beholdest thou? And I said unto him, A virgin most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.

And he said unto me, “knowest thou the condescension of God”? 

In other words, the spirit was asking, “Nephi, do you understand this? The Father of this Heaven and Earth is going to condescend His glorious position above. Jesus is going to come down from the Seventh Heaven and save this fallen creation, by sacrificing himself, a perfect, sinless offering, to satisfy the demands of justice. Jesus will attain to the resurrection and lift this fallen creation, including everyone who will follow Him, out of the darkness and into eternal life.”

Nephi did not yet understand that Jesus, the Father of this Heaven and Earth, the Great Jehovah, would be laying aside His Glory, and descending into our fallen creation, His mission to save our fallen Earth.  

Nephi responded with…  I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things. And he said unto me, Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the Mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh. 

And I looked and beheld the virgin again bearing a child in her arms. And the angel said unto me, Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father. 

Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw? And I answered him, saying, Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things. And he spake unto me, saying, Yea, and the most joyous to the soul.

And after he had said these words, he said unto me, Look. And I looked, and I beheld the Son of God a going forth among the children of men; and I saw many fall down at His feet and worship Him. And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron which my father had seen was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life, which waters are a representation of the love of God. And I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God

* Important to notice - Nephi saw the “Tree of Life” standing above the “Fountain of Living Waters” and both of them representing the love of God. How does a beautiful tree and fountain of water represent the love of God? 

Jesus and Miryam rule and reign together, They are known as Elohim, God, The Great Spirit, (Mother and Father in Heaven).  Jesus is Jehovah, Father, Peace, Alpha and Omega, The Great I Am, The Messiah. *Jesus describes Himself in scripture as “the Fountain of Living Waters”.  

Mary from Magdalene was known by Jesus as “Miryam”.  She was called “Miryam the Migdalah, the Beloved Companion”.  She is “the Tree of Life” and is described by Jesus, as “Tower of Strength” in the Gospel of Miryam (Gospel of The Beloved Companion).  Some meanings behind the symbol of the “Tree of Life”:  Mother, Wisdom, Love, Peace, Strength, Purity, Desirable Fruit, Eternal Life, Worlds Without Number. 

Together, Jesus and Miryam are Father and Mother of our Heaven and Earth. They reign in the High Heavens. They receive and answer the prayers that we offer, when we communicate with the Heavens. 

After Nephi’s wonderful experience, he returns home and explains the important symbolism contained within the vision to his family.

Miryam, also known as Mother in Heaven, is the wife of Jesus. She is mentioned in earlier posts (January of 2021 and December of 2020).  The Fall of our Heaven and Earth is mentioned in July of 2020.

* From Jeremiah: For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.

From John:  … Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."

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Endurance in following Jesus

There is a difference between "waiting around" and "enduring to the end".  

Getting older and retiring should also include continued learning and personal growth.  Simply enjoying ourselves during retirement, while waiting around to die, is not enduring to the end!    

"Enduring to the end" is constantly working to overcome the natural man or natural women, within each one of us.  Learning to elevate the natural or carnal side of our humanity is the challenge.  How are we to obtain mastery over self?  Follow the Master!

In Nephi's farewell address, he teaches about the Doctrine of Christ (the straight path, narrow gate, and only way to eternal life).  There are three requirements for entrance into the gate or way of eternal life:

1 Repentance (turning towards God)
2 Baptism
3 Following Jesus

Nephi defines "enduring to the end" as constantly following the behavior of Jesus".  What are some of the examples that Jesus shared with humanity, by the way He lived His life? Patience, kindness and longsuffering.  Jesus also taught us how to follow the will of our Father in heaven.  These are the personal behaviors we should be attempting to exemplify. 

Let us find ourselves truly "enduring to the end", while drawing nearer and nearer to Jesus Christ.  He is the only way.  He is the One who is mighty to save.    

And now my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved.  Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, this cause have they been shewn unto me: that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter.

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