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[Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 12th, 2015, 5:28 pm
by Zathura
This poll is to see what people generally believe a "true witness by the power of God" to be.

What do Missionaries teach?
They always read you Moroni 10: You can know the truth of all things by the power of the Holy Ghost
They always read Galations 5:22: Fruit of the Spirit , love , joy, peace etc.

They then explain to investigators that IF you read what we are teaching and pray about it, they will know it is true. How will they know?

"If you feel Happy after praying, that's a fruit of the spirit, therefore it's an answer that you know this is true!"
"If you come to church and and you cry because the lesson was JUST for you, that's an answer from the spirit that this is all true!"
"If you feel good inside, a warm feeling in you chest and you feel light, that's the answer by the power of the Holy Ghost!"
"If you feel peace in your home after praying about this, that's an answer from the Spirit!"


I have heard explanations like this on my mission from other missionaries, and at sunday school/Gospel Principles my whole life.

Are these true witnesses by the power of God?
Are these actual answers by the power of the Holy Ghost, the type of answer that Moroni promises?

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 12th, 2015, 6:38 pm
by marc
I didn't vote, but I have received answers by the power of the Holy Ghost multiple times on separate occasions in two ways:

1. Burning in the bosom/consuming of flesh confirming an answer.
2. The voice of the Lord speaking to my mind.

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 12th, 2015, 6:53 pm
by Jonesy
marc wrote:I didn't vote, but I have received answers by the power of the Holy Ghost multiple times on separate occasions in two ways:

1. Burning in the bosom/consuming of flesh confirming an answer.
2. The voice of the Lord speaking to my mind.
I get the same, and sometimes both at the same time. But lately I've been getting the first but with an obvious false voice. This is what's making my discerning especially difficult right now.

I will say that those warm fuzzies I had growing up in the Church led me back to being an active member again when I first began to repent. If it brings you to Christ then...

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 12th, 2015, 6:58 pm
by Zathura
marc wrote:I didn't vote, but I have received answers by the power of the Holy Ghost multiple times on separate occasions in two ways:

1. Burning in the bosom/consuming of flesh confirming an answer.
2. The voice of the Lord speaking to my mind.
1st one I'm familiar with.. 2nd one I haven't begun to understand yet.

Would you mind voting on the poll based on the examples given? I just want to be able to see the general belief in regards to those examples :)

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 12th, 2015, 7:32 pm
by marc
Those examples don't necessarily apply to me. I don't equate a happy/joy/warm-fuzzy with the powerful burning in the bosom. I have felt the peaceful joy that comes from the Lord's Spirit being with me, but it's not the same as the burning in the bosom or consuming of my flesh that I experience. It has been so strong before that it felt like the room was on fire. It's just not the same thing to me.

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 12th, 2015, 7:36 pm
by diligently seeking
Maybe a year ago or more while pondering on the desire to more readily hear and know the voice of the Lord --I sincerely petitioned the Father for this request and immediately heard the Lord say "yes, you can. abide in me and I will abide in you". I bear wittness to the extent that we are willing to be reconciled and consumed in Christ, this will determine how clear the reception of receiving that most desired voice will be for us....

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 12th, 2015, 7:42 pm
by Melissa
Maybe it's just me or I'm a small minority but feelings pale in comparison to actually having truth of something revealed or shown to you. To me...truth is a perfectly flowing musical tune, I can tell when a note is off and that is where lies something incorrect. It's is night and day to me. God speaks a language of truth and it flows. When you are in tune with His language (at least the level us mortals are allowed to experience) then you just know. Feelings can definitely help though.

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 12th, 2015, 7:52 pm
by Jesef
That's a beautiful description, Melissa. Thank you. So what did you feel about Snuffer and his message? Was it perfectly flowing music or was something off? Just curious. Thanks.

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 12th, 2015, 7:55 pm
by h_p
I voted yes. I've had similar experiences that marc mentioned, but they've been extremely rare. And probably for good reason, knowing myself and my wretched, sinful state.

But D&C 6:23 says:
Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?
I think the smaller and quieter answers come first and more frequently, and as the dross gets burned away by repentance and the cleansing power of the Spirit, it opens the door for the greater witnesses. At least, that's been my experience. I dunno, I'm not married to this answer, and could very well be wrong.

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 12th, 2015, 7:57 pm
by diligently seeking
Illumination/pure iintelligence is the tree/ body and compelling signifcance of the reception of the Holy Spirit. The fruits that are born of that main wittness --are the feelings of wholeness that attend through joy, peace, longsuffering, patience etc... :)

often times these feelings of wholeness are what is dicerned the most In our lives because of its abiding influence....

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 12th, 2015, 7:58 pm
by Melissa
Jesef wrote:That's a beautiful description, Melissa. Thank you. So what did you feel about Snuffer and his message? Was it perfectly flowing music or was something off? Just curious. Thanks.
I had an answer here stating that I haven't read through Snuffer's teachings and then I re-read your question and felt like asking you what message you are referring to.

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 12th, 2015, 9:18 pm
by butterfly
I used to think it was warm-fuzzies because that is what I was taught. But then I started having real revelation - I get pictures in my mind, it's like watching a movie. I've heard voices, very clearly, those are unmistakable, but they don't happen as often for me. And other times it's like chatting with someone. I understand what is being taught to me, I ask a question, He replies, etc. Sometimes I talk out loud to Him, which probably looks weird.

My point is - I don't rely so much on the warm fuzzies anymore because those come with other situations, too, like music or being with my family, etc.

I know it's revelation when I receive information that I didn't have before.

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 12th, 2015, 9:43 pm
by creator
Joseph Smith wrote:The Holy Ghost has no other effect than pure intelligence. It is more powerful in expanding the mind, enlightening the understanding, and storing the intellect with present knowledge...
I think that explains it well... I think the accompanying "burning" feeling can be a witness of the truth of the intelligence that was given.

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 12th, 2015, 11:00 pm
by Zathura
BrianM wrote:
Joseph Smith wrote:The Holy Ghost has no other effect than pure intelligence. It is more powerful in expanding the mind, enlightening the understanding, and storing the intellect with present knowledge...
I think that explains it well... I think the accompanying "burning" feeling can be a witness of the truth of the intelligence that was given.
My same thoughts.

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 12th, 2015, 11:48 pm
by deep water
I have felt the presence of the HG subtly moving me to do things.
I have had the HG subtly change the direction of self destruction that was at the door.
I have been baptised.
I have been anointed, unless I do not truly understand the anointing.
I have had pure intelligence flow from a funnel into the back of my head.
I have laid my hands on my brother in law, when he was faced with divorce for adultery, and he swore that the scriptures were a picture show for three days. his testimony not mine.
I have seen a vision.
I have been awakened and given an 11 page single spaced typed revelation, and was prompted to post it upon church bulletin boards around the area.
I have heard the voice of the HG as an audible voice several (many) times.
I have heard the voice of the HG speak to my mind.
I have opened my mouth and prophesied and had the prophecy come true 2 1/2 weeks later.
I have been warned of imminent danger that would most likely have cost me my life and the life of my co workers.
I have talked face to face with a man that would not reveal his identity to me, but I could feel his presence 30' away both coming and leaving.
I have been healed two times of serious health issues.
I have been filled with the spirit many times as I prepared to pray, and spoke with the tongue of Angels.
I have heard the audible voice of Christ talk to me one time, he spoke 8 words.
I have sinned and lied to Christ and as far as i know i have lost much.

I think of myself as no better and probably the worst ever invited through the gate.
People this is what awaits you if you will just follow and believe in Christ.

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 13th, 2015, 2:58 am
by cyclOps
I'm interested in the 11 page revelation, do you still have it and would you mind sharing it?

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 13th, 2015, 5:07 am
by diligently seeking
This explanation has and still best describes how the Holy Spirit works for me.


"The gift of the Holy Ghost...quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates, and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings, and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness, and charity. It develops beauty of person, form, and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation, and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being."

Parley P. Pratt

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 13th, 2015, 10:10 am
by Zathura
JaredBees wrote:Maybe a year ago or more while pondering on the desire to more readily hear and know the voice of the Lord --I sincerely petitioned the Father for this request and immediately heard the Lord say "yes, you can. abide in me and I will abide in you". I bear wittness to the extent that we are willing to be reconciled and consumed in Christ, this will determine how clear the reception of receiving that most desired voice will be for us....
Please explain what it means to be "reconciled and consumed in Christ"

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 13th, 2015, 12:50 pm
by diligently seeking
Moroni 10

30 And again I would exhort you that ye wouldcome unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing.

31 And awake, and arise from the dust, O Jerusalem; yea, and put on thy beautiful garments, O daughter of Zion; andstrengthen thy stakes and enlarge thy borders forever, that thou mayestno more be confounded, that the covenants of the Eternal Father which he hath made unto thee, O house of Israel, may be fulfilled.

32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may beperfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.


Mosiah 5

15 Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who createdall things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.

2nephi 32



Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost—Men must pray and gain knowledge for themselves from the Holy Ghost. About 559–545 B.C.1 

And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts?

2 Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?

3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

4 Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye asknot, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark.

5 For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.6 Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do.

7 And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and thestiffneckedness of men; for they will not searchknowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them inplainness, even as plain as word can be.

8 And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spiritwhich teacheth a man topray, ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray.

9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he willconsecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.


Jacob 3
1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in yourafflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.

2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.

Enos 1
3 Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart.4 And my soul hungered; ......

2 nephi 31

Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.

18 And then are ye in thisstrait and narrow pathwhich leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.

19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him,relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with asteadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall haveeternal life.


2 nephi 4
6 Behold, my souldelighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heartpondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.

D&C 109

7 And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best bookswords of wisdom, seek learning even by study and also by faith; 

8 Organize yourselves; prepareevery needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God; 

9 That your incomings may be in the name of the Lord, that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord, that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High—

2 nephi 9

49 Behold, my soul abhorreth sin, and my heart delighteth in righteousness; and I willpraise the holy name of my God.

50 Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price.

51 Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your laborfor that which cannotsatisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feastupon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.

52 Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice.

53 And behold how great the covenants of the Lord, and how great hiscondescensions unto the children of men; and because of his greatness, and his grace and mercy....


https://www.lds.org/general-conference/ ... t?lang=eng" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 13th, 2015, 3:04 pm
by deep water
LDScop wrote:I'm interested in the 11 page revelation, do you still have it and would you mind sharing it?
Look up The stoning of prophets, here on ldsff.

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 13th, 2015, 5:33 pm
by Jonesy
I just want to add one more experience I had that I hope is beneficial.

During my second change of heart, I had intense studies of the scriptures. Sometimes I would just sit back in my chair and just take a break and relax. Sometimes I would ponder. I experienced visions and experiences during these times. During one point I was pondering on how I would know when I felt the Spirit (or something along these lines). Then I began to feel (physical sensation) an electric static (I don't know how to describe it) through my whole body. Then I felt it subside. Upon noticing that it was going away, I asked in my mind that it come back...and it did. The feeling increased again. This happened a few more times, each accepting my plea to experience the feeling.

This was a witness to me that there is a physical sensation that can sometimes accompany the Spirit; something I knew, but know now more fully. I think the scriptures testify of this as well.

I will also say that there can be deceptive, mimicking spirits. After I turned away from Denver Snuffer, I've learned more perfectly the necessity of knowing the will of God. There had been a great battle of voices and feelings in me that I had a subtle knowledge of. I thought I knew the will of God different from my own desires. Lately, I've had to step back and realize that I know nothing...again. I've had to empty my cup again and reassess where my heart is. I will testify that constant criticism against the Church invites a bad Spirit. The consistency of this mentality can prevent one from aligning one's own will to God's. It will bring a pride that one's own views are superior to another's, and it is corrosive. It's a pride that is almost undetectable while you are in it. I would have continued in that spirit if it wasn't for my wife and talking with the bishop. It was such a lame thought to do that, because I was too good to talk to the bishop back then. Everything is between the self and God, but I forgot that we are all here to become one in the body of faith. Priesthood keys are real. I also later received a witness that Denver Snuffer is not someone to associate with. I've learned to find the doctrine he teaches that are found right in the Church. Just not his brand of it. I hope to express love when I say these things. My testimony of the Church is coming back. There is another side, and I can say I've experienced both and back again. It can be regained. That trial almost did me in.

Those warm fuzzies that bring happiness, joy, etc., are not bad things. I don't see how we can dismiss them. I remember thinking as a child about the Gospel, the temple, the General Authorities and having these feelings. But like others have said, I don't know if they are confirmations. I think they are the effects of being "led of the Spirit". It gradually changes who you are over a period of time being led of the Spirit. You become more full of charity, love, and peace in your own spirit and outwards towards others. I know sometimes I overuse these examples, but doesn't John Pontius exemplify these positive effects as opposed to Denver Snuffer?

The manifestations of the Spirit are many! Serving a mission has allowed me some of that experience, and I hope to experience as many as I can.

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: November 13th, 2015, 5:58 pm
by creator
Jonesy1982 wrote:...I thought I knew the will of God different from my own desires. Lately, I've had to step back and realize that I know nothing...again. I've had to empty my cup again and reassess where my heart is. I will testify that constant criticism against the Church invites a bad Spirit. The consistency of this mentality can prevent one from aligning one's own will to God's. It will bring a pride that one's own views are superior to another's, and it is corrosive. It's a pride that is almost undetectable while you are in it...
We definitely need to be aware of the possibility of what happened to Korihor.. it can happen to any of us..
Alma 30:42 & 53 wrote:(Alma to Korihor:) ..thou art possessed with a lying spirit, and ye have put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place in you; but the devil has power over you, and he doth carry you about, working devices that he may destroy the children of God..

(Korihor said:)..the devil hath deceived me; for he appeared unto me in the form of an angel, and said unto me: Go and reclaim this people, for they have all gone astray..

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: May 8th, 2018, 11:15 pm
by Zathura
this whole thread was great, no contention , very uplifting and informative. here’s a bump to see if others add to it

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: May 9th, 2018, 5:22 am
by Dave62
When I was a child I would regularly see a glowing light around the speakers at sacrament meetings. This was not all the time, but most of the time. I thought it quite normal and considered that all other people could see it as well. I don't see it now that I'm an adult which is a little bit sad, but I'm ok with that. I also think that we "get used" to the Holy Spirit and how He feels and affects us. I have a dear friend who was excommunicated who mentioned to me that he was never quite as aware of the Spirit as when he had lost His influence. We truly are a peculiar people.

Re: [Poll(Vote)]Are these true answers by the power of the Holy Ghost?

Posted: May 9th, 2018, 5:38 am
by gardener4life
Jonesy wrote: November 12th, 2015, 6:53 pm
marc wrote:I didn't vote, but I have received answers by the power of the Holy Ghost multiple times on separate occasions in two ways:

1. Burning in the bosom/consuming of flesh confirming an answer.
2. The voice of the Lord speaking to my mind.
I get the same, and sometimes both at the same time. But lately I've been getting the first but with an obvious false voice. This is what's making my discerning especially difficult right now.

I will say that those warm fuzzies I had growing up in the Church led me back to being an active member again when I first began to repent. If it brings you to Christ then...
The spirit does affect people in different ways. I've met several people that felt like it was hard for them to feel it except in Church hymns. Others I know feel the spirit in other ways like when helping others before themselves.

I think it's worth recognizing that people who have bad habits have a hard time recognizing and feeling the spirit because if you don't have your life in order then how would that person distinguish pleasure from 'fulfillment'? (I am not saying anyone here is like that but it was a thought I had in observing people recently.) Also people need to try to distinguish between entertainment and fulfillment of living a good life. So...it goes without saying also that we need to be trying to not have our lives all about the heat of the moment and entertainment and getting the next adrenaline thrill or other things...that makes it harder to recognize the spirit also.

Hope that helps. Thanks.