June 4 — Rising Above the Noise. Matthew 22:41-42 “Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, 42 saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.””
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The world has dramatically changed in the past four months. In January who could’ve imagined we’d all be in an extended quarantine, or witnessing the killing of an innocent black man, and the subsequent events taking place here in the US?
Sadly, those events weren’t the first time we’ve witnessed jarring changes. It was beyond comprehension that two months before Mr. Oaks gave a talk seen below, planes were deliberately flown into high rise buildings in downtown NYC, killing thousands. In the aftermath of such atrocities, the Church didn’t miss the chance to demean God by slamming His Holy Word.
During such horrific events one would think anyone calling themselves Christian would encourage others by reminding them they can rely on God’s word for strength, and comfort. Alas, such was not the case in Oaks’ talk. It’s tragic indeed Mr. Oaks didn’t take the time to read Hebrews 11:6 —
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Remember beloved, our sweet Lord is right here with us in all the turmoil. It’s up to us to rise above the noise, and turn to Him who is ever faithful!
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Ensign, ‘Teachings of Jesus’, November 2011 ““What think ye of Christ?” (Matthew 22:42). With those words Jesus confounded the Pharisees of His day. With those same words I ask my fellow Latter-day Saints and other Christians what you really believe about Jesus Christ and what you are doing because of that belief. Most of my scriptural quotations will come from the Bible because it is familiar to most Christians. My interpretations will of course draw on what modern scripture, notably the Book of Mormon, teaches us about the meaning of Bible scriptures so ambiguous that different Christians disagree on their meaning.” — Dallin H. Oaks [emp. added]
What does he mean “Modern Scripture” as it relates to the Word of God. God is not modern, he doesn’t change, He is the same yesterday, today and forever more.God was the beginning and he will be the end. Nothing “modern” about God or His Word. The idea that the BOM is modern and therefore, more relevant, is nonsense. What God said yesterday applies to today. His thought are absolute, they don’t need modernizing.
Excellent point!!!