Tag: Mysteries of God

He Is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever

~ Richard Rowley

Nephi knew he could obtain the same revelation and knowledge that his father had received based on the following principles pertaining to God’s character and responsiveness to those who seek Him:

“…He is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him. For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.” (1 Nephi 10:18-19)

Questions:

-What is the significance of God preparing the way for all mankind “from the foundation of the world” to come unto Him?

-Do you believe He has prepared the way for you? Are you willing to diligently seek Him in order to have the “mysteries of God unfolded” to you? What would it mean for you to repent and come unto Him?

-Is it possible you could see a vision similar to what Lehi saw? (1 Nephi 8). Or, was Lehi’s vision the kind of exceptional experience that few others would ever have?

-Nephi testifies that revelation from God comes by the power of the Holy Ghost. Does the Holy Ghost work with every individual in the same way? Or, do personal differences, gifts, and circumstances make the witness of the Holy Ghost unique to every individual?

-What does it mean that the “course of the Lord is one eternal round”?

Latter-day Prophets, Seers, and Revelators…

“Living the Lord’s standards requires that we cultivate the gift of the Holy Ghost. That gift helps us understand doctrine and apply it personally. Because truth given by revelation can only be understood by revelation, our studies need to be prayerful” (Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Living by Scriptural Guidance,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 17).

—

“Before the foundation of the earth, the plan of salvation was prepared. It included the glorious possibility of a divine inheritance in the kingdom of God.” (Elder Russel M. Nelson, “How Firm Our Foundation,” Ensign, May 2002, 75)

There Are Many Mysteries That No One Knoweth Save God Himself

~ Richard Rowley

“There are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself.” (Alma 40:3)

Questions:

-Do you believe a person can come to know everything God knows (given the potential of living with Him for eternity)?

-How many unexpected or epiphanic realities will be opened to the person who inherits all the knowledge that God has?

Gratitude: I am grateful there is so much to learn from God the Father, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. I’m grateful to be able to continue to learn about eternal truth in this life and look forward to the greater knowledge that will be added upon God’s children in the eternities.

Unto Such Is Given to Know the Mysteries of God

~ Richard Rowley

Ammon teaches that the combination of…

…brings extraordinary spiritual blessings.

“…He that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance.” (Alma 26:22)

Questions:

-How can one maintain a prayerful connection with God while still going about day-to-day activities?

-Is it always possible to maintain a repentant demeanor toward God?

-How meaningful would our works be without Christ’s Atonement? How meaningful are they through Christ’s Atonement (when one is moving forward with a repentant demeanor and a sincere prayer is always in one’s heart)?

He That Will Not Harden His Heart, to Him is Given the Greater Portion of the Word

~ Richard Rowley

Alma teaches about the potential for spiritual growth versus the consequences of spiritual atrophy.

“It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full. And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.” (Alma 12:9-11)

Questions:

-Based on the above verses, how important is it soften one’s heart in relation to God and His Spirit?

-Why do some harden their hearts against God and reject His word and His Spirit?