p51-mustang wrote:Wow, that is an nteresting quote there. Over the years I have been praying to know what my duty was to my country and family in regard to the freedom issue. Should I fight to retain freedom, or spend my time warning neighbors of whats coming and preparing them to be ready? On thursday I was at a movie with some ward members. I was mentally making note of the generally sad spiritual condition of the people portayed in the movie (bondage of sinful, godless lives). Then I had the very distinct impression that our country was about to be destroyed and that I should do all I can to get my friends to repent and accept Christ and his church. I had the impression that I needed to be bold and just tell people outright that the only chance that they had to remain safe was to turn with full intent to the Savior.Zowieink wrote:Also, my next door neighbor's son left the mtc about 3 weeks ago. He told his parents that there was a VERY short talk by one of the apostles, he couldn't remember who, but that it was only a "couple" of minutes. This talked revolved around the future of way missionaries taught the gospel to investigators. He (the speaker) stated that soon we will no long teach the gospel with lessons, but that the missionaries will warn in the same manner as spoken about in the D & C: "Let every man warn is neighbor" and to warn of the coming calamities, etc. etc. etc. Don't know if its the same talk? If you need more facts I'll email this missionary and get them.
This revelation that Packer is teaching this same sort of boldness in teaching, confirms to me that the impression I had on thursday was indeed from a source higher than myself.
I hope to hear more specifics about Pres Packers brief missionary talk. On a side note, Elder Bowen came to our recent stake conference and also said that persecution and suffering was coming that would be worse than what early saints experienced.
A shift to Abinadi type preaching is certain to lead to terrible persecution of the saints, IMHO
Okay p51 and Z you got me thinking. (Very dangerous I know) Think about the sacrifices of the early Priesthood Brethren as they were called into the world to go out without purse or script and teach the gospel to all the world. They left their families for 3 plus years to go spread the word and warn of the calamities coming.
Now what if we found ourselves in that same situation because of the Lord opening the doors to many nations that have not yet accepted missionaries within their boundries. Just think of the many Islamic or communist nations like China opening their doors to the preaching of the gospel. How many missionaries would be needed to satisfy the needs? What kinds of sacrifices would be needed on our part to satisfy those needs?
What if western economic situations became dire because of all the debt and shenanigans going on? Would the Lord expect us to step up to the plate and serve wherever called even if it meant tremendous sacrifice on our part or on our families who may become destitute financially? So many possibilities..