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Jesus Christ: The Great Reconciler

Jesus Christ: The Great Reconciler …For the love of Christ constrains us because we thus judge: that if one died for all, then are all dead, and that he died for all, that they who live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him who died for them and rose again. Wherefore, henceforth live we no more after the flesh.   Yea, though we once lived after the flesh, yet since we have known Christ, now henceforth live we no more after the flesh. Therefore, if any man live in Christ, he is a new creature (old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new), and receives all the things of God , who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation — to know that God is, in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them — and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation . 2 Corinthians 1:17b-18  RE With the recent discussion in our fellowship about constraints in an eco...
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My Response to "The Perfect Mousetrap" --Final Thoughts

My Response to "The Perfect Mousetrap" --Final Thoughts - Part 3 Several years ago, I emailed Denver and asked “do we really have an opportunity for Zion”.  He has subsequently made it clear that the hope for Zion was very real and possible in his lifetime. In this talk he has reiterated that hope. “… there is no other group with a present hope for Zion”. But a hope is not a promise and although the semester isn’t over, at present, we are receiving a failing grade. I based that on these statements: “We are awful people. (there’s an important distinction between people and persons).  We are filthy”.  “… we are so far a field from where we need to be that the devil rejoices…”.  “…the vanity, foolishness and pride of these people!” I hear in these words, righteous judgment of the whole group (the people) yet refraining from judging any individual person.  “our fears, jealousy, shame, guilt separate us from God and each other”. Holy Order 2. “Maybe the current gener...
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My Response to "The Perfect Mousetrap" -- Part 2 - McKay Platt

My Response to "The Perfect Mousetrap" --- Part 2 This talk and a portion of the Holy Order Pt2 talk appear to give opposite messages to what we have previously been given. The seemingly contradictory messages startled me . The message of “blessed are the peacemakers” is juxtaposed to “speak(ing) directly to one another” even if it results in a  “spirited disagreement”. In the minds of many the difference between a “spirited disagreement” and a “fight” is a difference without a distinction. “Choosing not to dispute” is contrasted with engaging each other in “loud and lively debate”, even with yelling and cursing obscenities. (I know I am wresting Denver’s words somewhat but this is not a quote. It’s my initial reaction of the talk.) Are these precepts incompatible or are the seemingly absurd incongruities a paradox that when investigated prove to be true.   Sorting this out is not an an intellectual exercise but critical to the community of peace we all desire. I believe ...
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My Response to "The Perfect Mousetrap" -- Part 1 - McKay Platt

My Response to “The Perfect Mousetrap” – Part 1 I have heard a good deal of reaction to this talk. Some reacted viscerally to the message, including me. Having had 2+ weeks to read and re-read the transcript, I have come to realize that what I originally thought was being said is quite different from what was actually taught. I want to share my understanding of the message in the hopes that it might help some of you.  In part 1, I will review what was taught, what wasn’t taught and what was behind my visceral reaction about the interchange between Cpt. Moroni and Parhoran. There is plenty more in the talk to critique and evaluate later but not in Part 1. “The Perfect Mousetrap” speaks in glowing terms about some aspects of the communication of Cpt. Moroni but barely addresses his anger, unrighteous judgement, threats of violence and death.  The talk specifically endorses… “reason(ing) through … great conflict” “tremendous example of a forthright, spirited and difficult exchang...
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"The Accuser" vs. "Like Him" [Christ] - Scott Roderick

 "The Accuser" vs. "Like Him" [Christ] - Scott Roderick
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TREES The Fulfillment of Zenos’ Prophecy

TREES  The Fulfillment of Zenos’ Prophecy  Evan Lloyd Eastley May 11, 2025 Provo, Utah
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Beauty and Communion – (reflections and thoughts re: Provo conference. Guest Submission -Khaden Pettingill)

Beauty and Communion
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A Matter of Prophetic Context Understanding where we stand prophetically so we may act accordingly. Point of consideration prior to the proposals vote. (A. Scott Roderick)

A Matter of Prophetic Context Understanding where we stand prophetically so we may act accordingly. Point of consideration prior to the proposals vote.
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Considering Our Canon

Considering Our Canon  
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Many Crickets and One Elephant

Many Crickets and One Elephant   Ishmael, the son of Abraham, is a more interesting character than first meets the eye. In fact, for Gentiles, he is perhaps a more important figure, a more central figure, than even Jacob the grandson of Abraham. Consider these questions that arise from the scant details that we have of Ishmael’s life.   1-Ishmael was named by God before he was born. (OC Genesis 7:26) That is exceedingly rare in scripture and puts Ishmael in the company of men like John the Baptist and the Lord Himself. And of course the name Ishma-el suggests that he is part of the El. Even Abraham had to go through, and pass, certain earthly trials before being given a name by God. But Ishmael came pre-named. Does this suggest that he had already achieved a certain standing or relationship with God in a previous cycle of existence?   2-Both Jacob and Ishmael had twelve sons. Nowhere else in scripture do we read of a man thusly blessed. But both the son and grandson of Ab...
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