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Read D&C chapter 3, and the Lord "warns" Joseph Smith that if he "boats of his own strength" and "sets at naught the counsels of God" in order for him to satisfy his own lust "thou shalt fall".

D&C chapter Three:

The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught.

2For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he bturn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his ccourse is one eternal round.

3Remember, remember that it is not the awork of God that is frustrated, but the work of men;

4For although a man may have many arevelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own dstrength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him.

5Behold, you have been aentrusted with these things, but how strict were your commandments; and remember also the promises which were made to you, if you did not transgress them.

6And behold, how aoft you have btransgressed the commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the cpersuasions of men.

7For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words—

8Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery bdarts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble.

9Behold, thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall.

Less than a month before he died, Joseph Smith preached a sermon in which he said "no man has done such a work as I. Neither Paul nor Jesus did."

Less than a month later, he was dead.

Indeed, Apostle John Page considered this is what happened, and he ordained a man named Hendricks to be a "Prophet" and he received Revelations saying that Joseph Smith had become a "fallen prophet" because of polygamy. Hendricks founded the "Church of Christ" which is now called "The Church of Christ (Temple Lot) and they have about 10,000 members worldwide.

Will the LDS Church ever teach or infer that Joseph Smith was a "fallen" prophet and sinned in regards to polygamy? NO WAY! They will continue to "hero worship" him, set him up on a pedastal, and thousands, eventually millions, will have their faith shattered to the four winds when they discover that Joseph Smith was not a near-perfect being but a "fallen" man like us. Even Brigham Young once said in meeting of the apostles that Joseph Smith was killed because "he had lost the Spirit before his death". But will LDS Inc. ever teach that? No way! Like the Stalinists who HEROFIED Stalin, they will present the most SINLESS AND BRIGHT picture of Joseph Smith they can!

I have read The Book of Mormon several times, studied it, and came to this conclusion:

1) Whomever wrote it was DEEPLY committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ as he understood it.
2) He "understood" human nature! How the rich dispise the poor, how prosperity brings pride which brings hautiness and other sins and finally a "fall".

Whoever wrote The Book of Mormon had a DEEP commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a deep CARE for the condition of Christianity in the New World, a DEEP urge to want to convert people to the Gospel! It could NOT have been written merely to "make money". NO WAY!

Joseph Smith was not the author of the Book of Mormon. Sidney Rigdon maybe. Ethan Smith more probably, but NOT Joseph Smith! The man or men who wrote the book had many decades studying the Gospel and also "human nature". Many decades.

No "con-man" wrote The Book of Mormon, but a man or men who deeply loved Jesus and His Gospel! I can only hope that future generations of Mormon leaders will GO BACK to the the Book of Mormon teachings of reprentence and "one must be born again" in order to become a son or daughter or God, and once and for all DROP the "Mormon Philosophy" that man is basically good, women never "sin", God had sex with Mary, Exlation comes NOT via being "born again" but via "following the Bretthren", and the "Gospel of Gain" so polular in the Church (i.e. the purpose of the Gospel is to make us rich). One can only hope.

Darrick

I actually quite like the early LDS Church and its teachings. The Book of Mormon is pretty good regardless of who wrote it. I agree whoever did was committed to Jesus Christ and the message of salvation that He brings. For me some of what was brought in from about 1838 to 1844 then some of the BY 19th century stuff is what I cannot except any more. So you make some good points. I have wondered if God really did have his hand in early Mormonism but through some things, and mainly polygamy whether Joseph messed up big time.

I also want to apologize for some of my harsh treatment of you. You are a human being and even though I do not agree with much of what you post at times I have no right to be rotten and nasty to you. I think you have had some real rough times in life especially as a child. My only hopes for you is that you can work out whatever it is that keeps you from joy and happiness. Life is too short and while I hope there is more after this life I do not know for sure so this one we should make the best we can.

You are correct that venting can help and goodness knows I use this place to vent too. But I have also had issues that I have needed to see someone who is a professional therapist. Venting there helped more because he gives me tools to deal with things that bug me and cause me emotional stress outside of our meeting that we have had. If you need help please get it. It does not make you bad or weak or anything. I just makes you human. We all have issues I promise you.


So I hope you can forgive me of the times I have been down right mean about things.

Jason Bourne wrote:Darrick

I actually quite like the early LDS Church and its teachings. The Book of Mormon is pretty good regardless of who wrote it. I agree whoever did was committed to Jesus Christ and the message of salvation that He brings. For me some of what was brought in from about 1838 to 1844 then some of the BY 19th century stuff is what I cannot except any more. So you make some good points. I have wondered if God really did have his hand in early Mormonism but through some things, and mainly polygamy whether Joseph messed up big time.

I also want to apologize for some of my harsh treatment of you. You are a human being and even though I do not agree with much of what you post at times I have no right to be rotten and nasty to you. I think you have had some real rough times in life especially as a child. My only hopes for you is that you can work out whatever it is that keeps you from joy and happiness. Life is too short and while I hope there is more after this life I do not know for sure so this one we should make the best we can.

You are correct that venting can help and goodness knows I use this place to vent too. But I have also had issues that I have needed to see someone who is a professional therapist. Venting there helped more because he gives me tools to deal with things that bug me and cause me emotional stress outside of our meeting that we have had. If you need help please get it. It does not make you bad or weak or anything. I just makes you human. We all have issues I promise you.


So I hope you can forgive me of the times I have been down right mean about things.

A gem of a post! (in my opinion, of course)

:)

Peace,
Ceeboo

No, first you gotta be a prophet.

Joseph Smith is an exceedingly fine prophet of the Most High God. The proof is found in the most difficult aspect of religion to get right. The baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost.

Excerpts from his teachings:

Section Five 1842-43, p.242
Various and conflicting are the opinions of men in regard to the gift of the Holy Ghost. Some people have been in the habit of calling every supernatural manifestation the effects of the Spirit of God, whilst there are others that think there is no manifestation connected with it at all; and that it is nothing but a mere impulse of the mind, or an inward feeling, and that there is no such a thing as an outward manifestation.
Section Five 1842-43, p.242
It is not to be wondered at that men should be ignorant, in a great measure, of the principles of salvation, and more especially of the nature, office, power, influence, gifts, and blessings of the gift of the Holy Ghost, when we consider that the human family have been enveloped in gross darkness and ignorance for many centuries past, without revelation, or any just criterion [by which] to arrive at a knowledge of the things of God, which can only be known by the Spirit of God. Hence it not infrequently occurs, that when the Elders of this Church preach to the inhabitants of the world, that if they obey the Gospel they shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, that the people expect to see some wonderful manifestation, some great display of power, or some extraordinary miracle performed; and it is often the case that young members of this Church for want of better information, carry along with them their old notions of things, and sometimes fall into egregious errors. We have lately had some information concerning a few members that are in this dilemma, and for their information make a few remarks upon the subject.
Gifts of the Spirit
Section Five 1842-43, p.243
We believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost being enjoyed now, as much as it was in the Apostles' days; we believe that it [the gift of the Holy Ghost] is necessary to make and to organize the Priesthood, that no man can be called to fill any office in the ministry without it; we also believe in prophecy, in tongues, in visions, and in revelations, in gifts, and in healings; and that these things cannot be enjoyed without the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe that the Holy Ghost, and that holy men in these days speak by the same principle; we believe in its being a comforter and a witness bearer, that it brings things past to our remembrance, leads us into all truth, and shows us of things to come; we believe that "no man can know that Jesus is the Christ, but by the Holy Ghost." We believe in it [this gift of the Holy Ghost] in all its fullness, and power, and greatness, and glory; but whilst we do this, we believe in it rationally, consistently, and scripturally, and not according to the wild vagaries, foolish notions and traditions of men.
And again:
Section Six 1843-44, p.314
We ask the sects, Do you believe this? They answer, No. I believe in being converted. I believe in this tenaciously. So did the Apostle Peter and the disciples of Jesus. But I further believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Evidence by Peter's preaching on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:38. You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half--that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Section Six 1843-44, p.314
The Savior says, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." Though we or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed," according to Galatians 1:8. (July 9, 1843.) DHC 5:498-500.
Discourse--Burden of the Prophet's Ministry--Friendship
Section Six 1843-44, p.314
I commence my remarks by reading this text--Luke 16:16: "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it."
Section Six 1843-44, p.314
I do not know that I shall be able to preach much; but, with the faith of the Saints, may say something instructive. It has gone abroad that I proclaimed myself no longer a prophet. I said it last Sabbath ironically: I supposed you would all understand. It was not that I would renounce the idea of being a prophet, but that I had no disposition to proclaim myself such. But I do say that I bear the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy.

A prophet is a man who receives the gospel correctly and teaches all men to do the same. Joseph did this better than any man, both in life and in his written testaments.
Where in all that is recorded did those whom so many want to honor with the authorship of the Book of Mormon did they ever rightly preach a single sermon on the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost. The Book of Mormon is filled with it. Yet those fine fellows never spoke a word to it and yet so many crave to give honor to anyone else but Joseph Smith. He would have told you that he never wrote the book but it was given by the gift and power of God.

I defy all to show me my error in proclaiming Joseph Smith taught the only real and true gospel of Jesus Christ that was from the beginning of the world down to today, though the world denies it and through deceit refuse to know the Lord because of pride. The learned and degreed think that they must be the leaders for all their social and intellectual acumen. They will not bow to the scepter of Christ and become meek and as little children knowing nothing until they are taught of God by power and the wondrous gifts of the promise of the Father, if they would, but they would not. The LDS are condemned as the most proud of all nations and people of the whole earth. The Lord himself so declared it in 3 Nephi 16. Now they embitter themselves to accuse Joseph Smith of being a fallen prophet or no prophet at all.
Who is man to say what and so having never taken the steps to know the Lord?
Real all that has been known but forgotten and denied and changed to accommodate the pride of the people. Joseph Smith was set to purge the church and cleanse it to make it true. So the tares got rid of him as they were set to take over the movement to their own ends. Those ends are the apostate whoredoms that oppress today where Satan sits in their hearts to reign.

Dueteronomy 10:16
16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.
Jeremiah 4:4
4 Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.
It is only the pride of man that refuses to know the Lord and uses deceit to mask over their abominations and wickedness in resisting the gospel of salvation.

1 Sammuel 1:14-16
14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.
15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.
16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.

1 Samuel 2:12
12 ¶ Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.

• Ezek. 11: 19
19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
• Ezek. 36: 26
26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Jesus twice plainly taught the gospel:

John 3:3-10
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

And here it is even more specific and the first two chapters of Acts show how a full purpose of heart intent is required to accomplish this great promised event of spiritual rebirth into the kingdom of God. This is the same gospel as the Old Testament gospel of circumcising your heart to receive a new heart from God that you might be filled with his love.
ETA:
1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.
13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

For pride only man refuses to submit to Christ and be healed. Healed of their pride. What else?
This pride is why the world will burn, because the abomination of faithlessness, the wickedness of disbelief shall not reign.

• D&C 64: 24
24 For after today cometh the burning—this is speaking after the manner of the Lord—for verily I say, tomorrow all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, for I am the Lord of Hosts; and I will not spare any that remain in Babylon.

I am not certain whom Jeremiah was talking to but this sounds about right for the people of today who know the truth and refuse it:

Jeremiah 9:4-8
4 Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.
5 And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.
6 Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the Lord.
7 Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how shall I do for the daughter of my people?
8 Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.

Darrick, why do you lace the gospel in your posts? Pick a side man.

Joseph Smith was a fallen prophet the same way Crazy Ed, the street preacher, is a fallen prophet.