What's Going On?

[Dusty52]

It's remarkable the changes that are occurring in the church, I cannot remember experiencing anything like this before
I'm trying to make sense of it all? What does it mean?
Here the changes I know about:
1. Introduction of Teaching in the Saviors Way
2. The Concept of Ministering
3. A New Direction for Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society Meetings
4. Restructuring of Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums
5. The Introduction of a completely New Curriculum for 2019 - Come Follow Me
What's going on?
Is it part of something I'm missing?

[Lyster]

The general idea behind all of those is "hopefully you guys will do stuff by the Holy Ghost instead of doing it because that's how it's written in the manual".

That's all.

[Dusty52]

The general idea behind all of those is "hopefully you guys will do stuff by the Holy Ghost instead of doing it because that's how it's written in the manual".

That's all.

I don't think it's as simple as that!

[ShockHouse]

The general idea behind all of those is "hopefully you guys will do stuff by the Holy Ghost instead of doing it because that's how it's written in the manual".

That's all.

I don't think it's as simple as that!

I do believe the major reason can be as simple as that. In President Nelsons last conference talk he said, "If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn to receive revelation." https://www.lds.org/general-conference/ ... s?lang=eng
I honestly believe the Lord right now just wants the members to be better at receiving revelation. Everything is changing to give members that opportunity to learn and grow through revelation.

[XEmilyX]

it's preparing us for zion!
Learning to stand on our own two feet.
Christ trusts us with the people around us.

[Lyster]

There's one of those beautiful Nelson quotes.

Amazing how many there've been to focus on the need to be led by the Spirit, even to saying that it will be impossible to survive coming troubles without it.

And, as evidence, here are your changes. I really do think it's as simple as all that. If you don't, Dusty, please let us know what you think is going on.

[The Airbender]

It's remarkable the changes that are occurring in the church, I cannot remember experiencing anything like this before
I'm trying to make sense of it all? What does it mean?
Here the changes I know about:
1. Introduction of Teaching in the Saviors Way
2. The Concept of Ministering
3. A New Direction for Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society Meetings
4. Restructuring of Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums
5. The Introduction of a completely New Curriculum for 2019 - Come Follow Me
What's going on?
Is it part of something I'm missing?

I guess I just don't see what the big deal is. Even the lowering of the age for missionaries included, it's not that big of deal. It's just some policies. Gimme a real revelation and then lets talk.

[Hie'ing to Kolob]

Modernization. Things are happening for the better. It won't happen overnight but I predict a very different Church over the next 10 - 15 years. The Church is on a collision course with some uncomfortable truths, and I'm optimistic we'll deal with them and be much stronger as a result.

[Hie'ing to Kolob]

It's remarkable the changes that are occurring in the church, I cannot remember experiencing anything like this before
I'm trying to make sense of it all? What does it mean?
Here the changes I know about:
1. Introduction of Teaching in the Saviors Way
2. The Concept of Ministering
3. A New Direction for Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society Meetings
4. Restructuring of Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums
5. The Introduction of a completely New Curriculum for 2019 - Come Follow Me
What's going on?
Is it part of something I'm missing?

I guess I just don't see what the big deal is. Even the lowering of the age for missionaries included, it's not that big of deal. It's just some policies. Gimme a real revelation and then lets talk.

I agree with you. These were mostly obvious administrative changes. I don't think we should confuse this with revelation - though E. Holland described it as a "rush of revelation."

[Dusty52]

I do think something is going on
a shift of some sort
A reliance upon our own spirituality and not on others
The necessity of living a life that qualifies us to have the Holy Ghost as our constant companion
In the times ahead we may not survive without this, it is the only way!

[Thinker]

It's remarkable the changes that are occurring in the church, I cannot remember experiencing anything like this before
I'm trying to make sense of it all? What does it mean?
Here the changes I know about:
1. Introduction of Teaching in the Saviors Way
2. The Concept of Ministering
3. A New Direction for Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society Meetings
4. Restructuring of Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums
5. The Introduction of a completely New Curriculum for 2019 - Come Follow Me
What's going on?
Is it part of something I'm missing?

I guess I just don't see what the big deal is. Even the lowering of the age for missionaries included, it's not that big of deal. It's just some policies. Gimme a real revelation and then lets talk.

Some examples of real revelations?....
Maybe:
*Stand up and defend free speech & religious rights before they’re taken from you!!

*All need to actively defend marriage between a man and a woman - to repeal a law that was undemocratically & unconstitutionally decreed.

*Forget Zionism - it’s been corrupt to suggest all policies of war from Israel are of God. Israel was created in 1948 - not by God - but be people in high places with evil designs. People who actually practice Judaism are so so few compared to the many who call themselves Jews to be part of such an exclusive club. Real Christines are not war hungry.

*Defend those who have no voice! We don’t hear their many cries but there is a genocide going on right under our noses. Abortion murders are discrimination based on age - and goes against our national claim that “all are endowed by their CREATOR with rights of life...”

*The church will now sell all its assets except the bare minimum to focus efforts on helping those in need. Tithing collected will go mostly to the poor, as Christ commanded. Missionaries who now proselytize 90% and serve 10% will now serve those in need 90% while ocassionally teaching as they serve - when prompted by the spirit. Finances will be open - and all can see how every oenny is spent: members and the encouraged to give their tithes to the many (almost 1,000,000,000) in desperate need.

*Scriptures are not history or science lessons - but spiritual lessons full of parables to be likened to us. The letter kills - stop spiritually dying by literal interpretations.

Many are hungry - starving - for someone to lead them in those ways, but there is none in upper leadership of the church. As a result, many are looking elsewhere - like Jordan Peterson. He’s technically not a prophet - doesn’t claim to be - and yet, like Martin Luther King Jr., has acted as one.

[Lyster]

Are we steering this into "revelation vs. policy change"? Why? Revelation is such a simple word that gets so overworked it's silly.

Revelation: the process or act of "revealing". Reveal: to make known, or to bring out of hiding.

Not all revelation has to be "here is this great and glorious DOCTRINE!"; we already have all the doctrine we need (see 2 Nephi 31). Anything in addition to the gospel of Jesus Christ (including the mandate to keep His commandments) is just appendage.

Can it be revelation that someone is sick and in need of help? Yep. Can it be revelation that it's time to change up some programs? Yep. Can it be revelation that a piece of scripture is true in nature? Yep.

Yeah, it's policy change. It's not really "that big of a deal" - I agree that there's been some "hype" over the things (oh, WOW LOOK AT HOW MUCH CHANGEZ GEYEZ), but still, it's entirely possible that all these changes are coming into play because of revelation.

[Gage]

Many are hungry - starving - for someone to lead them in those ways, but there is none in upper leadership of the church. As a result, many are looking elsewhere - like Jordan Peterson. He’s technically not a prophet - doesn’t claim to be - and yet, like Martin Luther King Jr., has acted as one.
[/quote]

Those that do not understand the role of the Prophet may be hungry and starving for someone.

[Hie'ing to Kolob]

Many are hungry - starving - for someone to lead them in those ways, but there is none in upper leadership of the church. As a result, many are looking elsewhere - like Jordan Peterson. He’s technically not a prophet - doesn’t claim to be - and yet, like Martin Luther King Jr., has acted as one.

Those that do not understand the role of the Prophet may be hungry and starving for someone.
[/quote]

What is the role of a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator? I honestly don't know despite having spent my life in the Church. It seems we have inspired administrators but I don't see prophecy being offered, or evidence of a seer or evidence of a revelator.

[BackBlast]

I guess I just don't see what the big deal is. Even the lowering of the age for missionaries included, it's not that big of deal. It's just some policies. Gimme a real revelation and then lets talk.

Revelation is intelligence received by the spirit. It does not need to be a signed publication ala proclamation on the family or the living Christ. Or one that begins with 'Thus saith the Lord'. Real revelation can, and certainly does, happen within our current patterns and traditions as a church. Potentially including the looked down upon policy change.

I too think it would be interesting if we were regularly adding to cannon scripture, perhaps via more D&C sections or some other publication. It doesn't have to work that way though.

I believe the ultimate fruits are more important than the color or configuration of the box the information arrives in.

I find the current shifts to be quite inspired. I don't think it's going to stop here either. Looking forward to the future with anticipation.

[BackBlast]

What is the role of a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator? I honestly don't know despite having spent my life in the Church. It seems we have inspired administrators but I don't see prophecy being offered, or evidence of a seer or evidence of a revelator.

I urgently plead with each one of us to live up to our privileges as bearers of the priesthood. In a coming day, only those men who have taken their priesthood seriously, by diligently seeking to be taught by the Lord Himself, will be able to bless, guide, protect, strengthen, and heal others. Only a man who has paid the price for priesthood power will be able to bring miracles to those he loves and keep his marriage and family safe, now and throughout eternity.

Sounds remarkably similar to, repent or you may be destroyed, to me. Which was a common theme among prophets among ripening peoples. And this was given directly to the priesthood.

Prophecy also tends to piss people off, like say the proclamation on the family. As it's typically oriented towards poor behaviors and their consequences rather than signs and wonders for followers to consume. The proclamation on the family was given to a people who, it seemed to me, responded with "well... duh.", and here we are a bit over 20 years later with some of the original drafters still alive and a significant percentage of active members believe it is antiquated and past it's time.

When the scourge is present in full swing the time to act on these cautions will be much more pressing than in our relatively comfortable present lives.

[Hie'ing to Kolob]

What is the role of a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator? I honestly don't know despite having spent my life in the Church. It seems we have inspired administrators but I don't see prophecy being offered, or evidence of a seer or evidence of a revelator.

I urgently plead with each one of us to live up to our privileges as bearers of the priesthood. In a coming day, only those men who have taken their priesthood seriously, by diligently seeking to be taught by the Lord Himself, will be able to bless, guide, protect, strengthen, and heal others. Only a man who has paid the price for priesthood power will be able to bring miracles to those he loves and keep his marriage and family safe, now and throughout eternity.

Sounds remarkably similar to, repent or you may be destroyed, to me. Which was a common theme among prophets among ripening peoples. And this was given directly to the priesthood.

Prophecy also tends to piss people off, like say the proclamation on the family. As it's typically oriented towards poor behaviors and their consequences rather than signs and wonders for followers to consume. The proclamation on the family was given to a people who, it seemed to me, responded with "well... duh.", and here we are a bit over 20 years later with some of the original drafters still alive and a significant percentage of active members believe it is antiquated and past it's time.

When the scourge is present in full swing the time to act on these cautions will be much more pressing than in our relatively comfortable present lives.

I think that's a pretty low bar for prophecy. I was very aware of the POTF, and at the time my parents generation was certain that the culture and family was going to help in a hand basket. To predict those cultural conditions would persist and intensify is a pretty reasonable assumption. I'm not saying the brethren aren't doing what they should, just that the generally accepted definition of Prophet in the Church, doesn't have much if anything to do with prophecy.

[BackBlast]

I think that's a pretty low bar for prophecy.

What is your expectation?

[friendsofthe]

Here’s what’s going on…

Anyone who has listened to President Nelson’s worldwide youth devotional is aware that he believes the 12 to 18 year olds in the church have been given a very special mission, he told them:

“the Lord is hastening His work to gather Israel. That gathering is the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty”…

My dear extraordinary youth, you were sent to earth at this precise time, the most crucial time in the history of the world, to help gather Israel. There is nothing happening on this earth right now that is more important than that. There is nothing of greater consequence. Absolutely nothing.

This gathering should mean everything to you. This is the mission for which you were sent to earth.”

Question:
What is it about the gathering of Israel that would make it “the most important thing taking place on earth today”? Why does nothing else compare in magnitude, importance and majesty? Why is this “the most crucial time in the history of the world”? Why is there “nothing of greater consequence. Absolutely nothing”?

Answer:
It’s because nothing else compares to the magnitude, importance and majesty to the Lord’s Second Coming!!! And there is very little if any separation between the Lord’s coming as the Bridegroom and the gathering of Israel… For example, D&C 133:

25 And the Lord, even the Savior, shall stand in the midst of his people, and shall reign over all flesh.
26 And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence.
27 And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep.
28 Their enemies shall become a prey unto them,
29 And in the barren deserts there shall come forth pools of living water; and the parched ground shall no longer be a thirsty land.
30 And they shall bring forth their rich treasures unto the children of Ephraim, my servants.
31 And the boundaries of the everlasting hills shall tremble at their presence.
32 And there shall they fall down and be crowned with glory, even in Zion, by the hands of the servants of the Lord, even the children of Ephraim.
33 And they shall be filled with songs of everlasting joy.

So when “the Lord, even the Savior, shall stand in the midst of his people… their prophets (prophets among the ten tribes) shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence”.

Just as you can’t separate the Second Coming and the return of the ten tribes, neither can you separate the mission of our youth to gather Israel from the reality of the Second Coming! The Lord’s coming and the return of the ten tribes set the stage for our youth being able to fulfill their mission! Could it be more obvious?

[friendsofthe]

What we learn about the connection between the gathering of Israel and the Second Coming in D&C 133 above is reaffirmed in 3 Nephi 21 where we read:

25 And then shall the power of heaven come down among them; and I also will be in the midst.
26 And then shall the work of the Father commence at that day, even when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people. Verily I say unto you, at that day shall the work of the Father commence among all the dispersed of my people, yea, even the tribes which have been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem.

When Christ comes, the way shall be opened for the gathering of Israel…

[Z2100]

It's remarkable the changes that are occurring in the church, I cannot remember experiencing anything like this before
I'm trying to make sense of it all? What does it mean?
Here the changes I know about:
1. Introduction of Teaching in the Saviors Way
2. The Concept of Ministering
3. A New Direction for Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society Meetings
4. Restructuring of Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums
5. The Introduction of a completely New Curriculum for 2019 - Come Follow Me
What's going on?
Is it part of something I'm missing?

I have a hunch as well. My mother even said that they are getting us ready for something. I believe that all of these new and combined programs are getting us ready to be one in Zion when the cleansing comes. Just my 5 cents.

[Dusty52]

You make an interesting point
We know that in our early history Brigham Young was also interested in establishing Zion

In D&C 97:21 it talks about Zion is the pure in heart
Do you think that part of all these changes is that the Lord wants the same for us?
Enoch must have done something similar also
When the second coming arrives, we are told that Zion will return to the earth we need to prepare for that time

For me especially the new emphasis on the family it is for each family to try and create Zion in their home!, before this both parents need to sanctify themselves

I'm wondering if we can learn anything from our history that is comparable to the situation we find ourselves in today?

[Todd]

.... both parents need to sanctify themselves

Yes. I believe you are correct Dusty. We live in a time where it will be nearly impossible to survive spiritually without continual personal revelation. And step one to qualify for that channel of guidance is sanctification.

With all the misdirection, philosophies of men, half-truths, oversimplifying complex issues, taking events out of historical context while applying a 21st century lens to it, and flat out lies that float around us via our hyper connected world, it is very difficult to build and keep our faith in Christ without personal revelation to find the truth.

[lundbaek]

Mostly just a guess, but I think the changes we are concerned about may be to enable us to better cope with the "cleansing" that has been prophesied to occur. The details of that cleansing are probably best given in certain passages in the D&C, although statements attributed to President John Taylor and Patriarch Charles Evans may provide additional light on the subject.

For whatever reason, I find myself concerned more with the recovery of civilization after the cleansing, when, it seems to me, many people will have been "swept off" the American continent and replaced with others of more righteous persuasions and intentions, and ultimately the "Kingdom of God" will be established. But maybe I'm getting ahead of myself for now.