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Posted in Adversity, Experience, Faith, Sanctification, Zion on Aug 23rd, 2012
The journey through the Lord’s Wilderness is like what Elder Maxwell called “the trek of treks.”[i] The scriptures are filled with accounts of spiritual journeys. If we were to outline them, we would see that they follow the sequence of the Beatitudes, which are the principles of blessedness.[ii] Before we discuss this outline, however, let [...]
Posted in Abundance, Gospel Definitions, Grace, Safety, Security, Zion, Zion--Characteristics on May 5th, 2010
The word grace, which permeates the scriptures, is often misconstrued or narrowly defined. Once understood, however, grace not only provides us access to the Lord’s enabling power, but it also becomes the central principle of progression, safety, security and the prosperous condition associated with Zion people.
Posted in Premortal Life, Priesthood, Redemption, Zion on Mar 1st, 2010
If Zion is “the highest order of priesthood society,”[i] we can be assured that priesthood authority and power will bring Zion about. Every priesthood holder, therefore, would do well to learn his priesthood duty, as it pertains to the establishment of Zion, and do his best to advance this magnificent cause.
Posted in Caring for the Poor, Consecration, Zion, Zion--Characteristics on Feb 4th, 2010
Imagine a world in which there is no poverty of any kind—neither the impoverishment of financial distress, ignorance, relationship problems, nor emotional, physical or spiritual health. Amazingly, a few civilizations achieved this ideal by applying to a higher law.
Posted in Covenants, Gospel Definitions, Name of Jesus Christ, Zion, Zion--Characteristics on Jan 21st, 2010
The sum of sacred covenants and ordinances coupled with life’s experiences help served to create in us a new and pure heart, one that has “no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.”[i] There remains but one essential step to regain the presence of the Lord: taking upon us fully the name [...]
Posted in Contention, Zion, Zion--Characteristics on Jan 5th, 2010
Frustrated with the Saints’ apathy towards becoming Zion people, Brigham Young said, [We] have been praying to the Lord for…years for that which we might have received in one year.” Was the prophet exaggerating, throwing out a figure on a whim? Do prophets stoop to such tactics when exhorting their people? Were it not for [...]
Posted in Contention, Purification, Sanctification, Zion, Zion--Characteristics on Dec 11th, 2009
Joseph Smith said, “We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object….” What does the word Zion mean? The scriptures list several definitions:
Posted in Covenants, Enemies, Justice of God, Justification, Mercy, New and Everlasting Covenant, Obedience, Plan of Happiness, Premortal Life, Zion on Nov 14th, 2009
The Plan of Happiness is central to becoming a Zion person. Happiness is always associated with Zion: “and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.” The end purpose of our creation is happiness: “men are that they might have joy.”
Posted in Character of God, Consecration, Gospel Definitions, Prayer, Zion, Zion--Characteristics on Oct 28th, 2009
Greater commandments accompany greater revelations. Zion is a greater revelation. We realize the importance of receiving greater commandments when we read that Elder Orson F. Whitney referred to commandments as “sacred patterns,” or, in other words, what we might call God’s revelation of his celestial lifestyle. We recall that one of the crowning blessings of [...]
Posted in Charity & Charitable Service, Consecration, Love, Zion, Zion--Characteristics on Oct 22nd, 2009
Over one hundred years ago, President Lorenzo Snow issued a mandate to the Church: “It is high time to establish Zion.” What has been holding us back all these years?