Professional Writer
Dec 11th, 2009 by larrybarkdull
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: Continue Reading »
Dec 11th, 2009 by larrybarkdull
There is a vast difference between being in love and being loving. True love is built on the three pillars of complete loyalty, complete sacrifice, and complete trust. Moreover, true love is patient. As we have discussed, patience promises, “I will wait for you; I will wait with you; I will wait upon you.” True love is being loving, which is being charitable, and charity is the “pure love of Christ.” Charity is not so much a feeling as it is a principle of power that can lift and save. Continue Reading »
Nov 25th, 2009 by larrybarkdull
This article was adapted from my new book, The Three Pillars of Zion. Click here to receive a free sample.)
The journey to Zion is like what Elder Maxwell called “the trek of treks.” 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. Continue Reading »
Nov 17th, 2009 by larrybarkdull
When we are beset by a complex challenge, the natural man part of us often searches his environment for methods, cures and experts that match his anxiety. But this thinking is contrary to the plan of salvation, which Nephi and Alma described as “easy.” Continue Reading »
Nov 14th, 2009 by larrybarkdull
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.” Continue Reading »
Nov 4th, 2009 by larrybarkdull
As we work to reclaim our wayward children, we are not alone. Often angels are dispatched to help us. These angels include our ancestors, whose love and concern for the child equals ours. Continue Reading »
Oct 28th, 2009 by larrybarkdull
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 becoming Zion people is to receive “commandments not a few.” The pure in heart seek and receive greater commandments that are calculated to align our lives with that of God and those who live in the . Continue Reading »
Oct 28th, 2009 by gospelidea
Nephi declared that faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, feasting on the word of Christ, and enduring to the end are “the doctrine of Christ.” Then he made an intriguing statement: “And there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh.” At first glance, we would interpret this scripture as meaning that Christ would reveal doctrine beyond the first principles of the gospel, and that would certainly serve as an accurate interpretation. But perhaps there is a deeper meaning. We have learned that these principles lead us to perfection, so what doctrine could be greater?
Oct 28th, 2009 by gospelidea
Sometimes the flicker of waywardness can be fanned into a blaze of rebellion by the hypocritical examples of Church members or those who give offense. Whether intended or innocent, such actions can be used by Satan to shove a teetering person over the cliff, then parents or leaders are left to spend years trying to heal a broken soul. Continue Reading »
Oct 22nd, 2009 by larrybarkdull
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? Continue Reading »