The Branch Newsletter

Transcription

1 he Branch Newsletter Zion s Outpost Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ Whoso reasureth Up My Words, Shall Not Be Deceived March 2005 We Shall Live By Every Word From God he Branch Newsletter is a monthly publication of Zion s Outpost. Its serves to relay news of the branch and its members to inform members and friends of events and as a means to teach the principles and doctrines of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. his publication is copyrighted by Zion s Outpost, Inc. Brief quotations in other publications are permitted if accredited to he Branch Newsletter. Otherwise please seek permission by writing to: Zion s Outpost Publications, 6300 arrytown, Park City, KS or contacting us at zionsoutpost@aol.com. he human body is a marvel of design and function. For all of this wonderful engineering, the body is not capable of maintaining its functions without a regular supply of food. he daily diet is the source of raw materials that supply the many needs of the body. With a balanced diet, the body and its mind is able to build civilizations and all of the required infrastructure. he average adult requires between grams of protein per day, 8-10 glasses of water and a variety of minerals and vitamins. hese requirements vary for different activity levels, health conditions, age and gender. he proper diet is essential to the health of the body and the mind. Life consists of more than just the needs of the physical body (Matthew 6:28). Restoration scripture explains that man is composed of a physical and a spiritual nature. And I, the Lord God, formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul; the first flesh upon the earth, the first man also; (Genesis 2:8 I.V.) In life, these two elements are combined under the guidance of God, our Creator. Without the spirit, our temporal life ends. However, in the last day, every physical body will be raised to new immortal existence, reunited inseparably to the spirit. In this status, we will either enjoy the blessings of God s saving grace or the eternal pains of damnation. We are told by the Lord that the spiritual nature of man is predominant for man is spirit (Section 90:5d). At death, it is the spirit that departs and returns to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7) while the body degrades to its original dust. 1

2 he quality of a diet may prolong the life of the physical body. However, every body will eventually die. he physical body is the temporal housing of the spirit. When first created, Adam and Eve were designed to live forever in the presence of God. Sin changed all of those plans and the curse of death came upon every person. he carnal nature became predominant in our lives because sin reigns in our nature. his is called the fall of man. By the word of God s justice, mankind was doomed to eternal death. Yet, God provided a way back to life. And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; Wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; (2 Nephi 1: ) Jesus, who first made mankind out of the dust of the earth and breathed life into them of his own spirit, now began a plan to revive his creation again. Now the task was to take that which was dead and make it alive again. Only by his own life could this be accomplished. his is the plan of salvation. hat as man died through the sin of Adam, by Christ all may live again. Every man will be raised to immortality. With the question of everlasting life settled at the cross, the new question for each of us is, what kind of everlasting life shall we live? Jesus came to set his life in us. his is shown in baptism as the old man is laid to rest and a new creation is raised up in Jesus. It is seen in Paul s words when he exclaims: I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) he natural man seeks the things of the flesh. o be carnal, the natural man feeds his spirit on things which are carnal, i.e., sin. For the reborn man or woman, the flesh is put away and we are to walk after the Spirit (see Romans 8:1-14). We must feed ourselves on those things which strengthen the inner man and permit us to live spiritual lives being yoked together with Christ through the gift of his Spirit (1 Nephi 3:24; John 14:15-18). Since the time of the fall, this world has not provided for man the living water or the bread from heaven which is capable of sustaining and growing us into the likeness of Christ. herefore, the Lord in his mercy and infinite wisdom has, from the beginning, granted us his word as our food and water. Isaiah uses the analogy of the word of God being like the rain that allows crops to grow by which we are nourished (Isaiah 55:10, 11). Jesus described himself as being the living water (John 4:15, 16; 7:37, 38) and as the living bread (John 6:53-58). If we eat this bread of his body and drink his blood (another analogy pointing to the body or bread of Christ) and the living water (the Spirit), we will have eternal life. It is imperative then, if we are to become healthy spiritual beings, that we consume a diet designed for spiritual growth. he word of God is that diet. he Lord distributes to all of us daily such as we need. he word of God is suitable for all ages and every situation. Paul said the word of God comes in milk and a meat form. hus, it is good for anyone of any age or maturity. he Holy Spirit is the chief chef. He prepares the food to be just right for our level of spiritual maturity. here are other chefs, the ministers of the Lord, who are to work under the direction of the Spirit to prepare the food for the welfare of God s children. If we give heed to the Lord s word, we will grow up to maturity in Christ and inherit the Kingdom of God. [GRW} 2

3 Scripture Quiz answers for February 2005 questions: Book of Mormon 1. 1 Nephi 6:4,5 to persuade them to believe in the Lord, their redeemer Nephi 7:18 Gentiles taking the gospel to the Israelites Nephi 1 4. Jacob and Joseph 5. We would become subject to the devil. (2 Nephi 6:19-24) Doctrine and Covenants 1. Joseph Smith (Section 19:1a) 2. Pray vocally and in his heart in public and privately (Section 18:4a). 3. Man is nothing (Section 22:7b) 4. o bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (Section 22:23b) 5. Emma Smith, wife of Joseph Smith. Inspired Version of the Bible 1. he people had returned to idol worship of the golden calf (Exodus 32). 2. He removed the holy priesthood (Melchisedec) from them and gave a carnal law instead (Exodus 34). 3. Shows the pattern of priesthood calls. In Leviticus the original call of Aaron that is referenced in the passage in Hebrews. 4. Matthew 22: It is a special year of liberty, held every 50 years. It is a special year after the pattern of a sabbath (see Leviticus 25) Vacation D&C School ake a step back into time! Plan to join us for this summer's exciting Vacation D&C School! he theme for our adventure is Qualified to Serve and will be based on the principles of D&C Section 4: "If ye have desires to serve God, ye are called to the work, for behold, the field is white already to harvest...and faith, hope, charity, and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualifies him for the work." A pioneer theme will help set the stage as we learn from our common past. Men and women who have left us a heritage of faith will present "Portraits from the Past." We'll engage in Pioneer Pasttimes, enjoy great refreshments from the Chuckwagon, and create Heritage Handiworks. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend this summer's annual branch event. Before long a sign-up sheet will be available. Be sure and mark your calendars for June 27-July 1. It's an adventure you won't want to miss! Easter Shoe Box Drive Dear Friend, Many of you who packed shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child in past years have asked how you can help children left suffering or grieving by the tsunami that struck South Asia In response to their desperate plight, Samaritan's Purse is sponsoring a special Easter collection of shoe box gifts to be distributed in the hardest-hit areas as part of our extensive relief work. Government officials and church leaders have requested this outreach to bring comfort and hope to hurting children as quickly as possible. Easter is a time for celebrating the resurrection of our Lord the triumph of life over death and hope over despair. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3, NIV). What better way to celebrate the Easter season than by giving a box of hope to a hurting child!... he needs are urgent, so please mail your completed box directly to our headquarters by April 4 [2005] so we can deliver it without delay. (Our nationwide collection centers are not open for this special effort.) Remember to pray for the child who will receive your shoe box gift. With your 3

4 help, we can introduce many children and families to the gracious love of God. Franklin Graham President, Samaritan s Purse (his letter was excerpted from a brochure prepared by Samaritan s Purse and has been slightly edited for this publication. GRW) he Restoration Patriarchs have called for a special series of worship services for the people of the church. his assembly of the saints is for the purpose of presenting our selves before the Lord for repentance and to gain the word of the Lord. his is designed to be a worship service. here are no plans for any legislative sessions or any type of business meetings at this gathering. he services will be held at the Auditorium in Independence, MO from April 6-8, Specific information about the meetings is not yet available. All are invited who are willing to present themselves honestly before the Lord. Suggested scripture readings for preparation have been copied and made available at the church. O n April 3, the branches of the church in Independence will be holding a Sacrament service at 10:00 4 am. his service will be held at the Auditorium. Priests and Elders planning to attend are invited to assist in the administration of the emblems. If you wish to assist, please see Gary Whiting to sign up. he Conference of Restoration Elders will meet at the Waldo church/center-place Restoration School beginning April 4, 2005 at 8:00 am. Registration forms are available in the idings of Zion magazine or from Gary Whiting. A n audio edition of the Book of Mormon is again available. hese are read by Harold Whitehead. he original audio recordings on cassette tape have been digitally re-mastered and placed on 22 CD s. hese can be purchased for approximately $50.00 a set. Contact Gary Whiting if you wish to order a set. A primary election for Park City, Wichita and Kansas is scheduled for March 1, Please remember to vote. he General election is set for uesday, April 5. here are many important issues to consider in this election. If you have not registered to vote, there is still time. Beside elections for many city government positions, the voters of Kansas will have the opportunity to vote for the Marriage Amendment. his would amend the Kansas Constitution by defining marriage as between one man and one woman. his basic definition would stabilize the institution of marriage in the state. his has important spiritual, economic and legislative considerations. It is very important for you to vote in this election. You can make a tremendous difference for good in the state. If you are going to go to Independence for the Elders Conference you will need to request an advance ballot if you wish to vote on April 5. his form can be picked up at local Quickrips.

5 Scripture Knowledge Quiz Book of Mormon 1. o what are chapters 9 and 10 of 2 Nephi devoted? 2. How did Nephi say that he and his people were made alive in Christ? 3. How are we kept from perishing in the land? 4. How are we to press forward after baptism? 5. Jacob wrote that he labored diligently among his people, why? Doctrine and Covenants 1. Section 27 gave Oliver Cowdery a new assignment. What was it? 2. Where do we learn that all of the Lord s commandments are spiritual? 3. What kind of people does the Lord call to preach his gospel among the nations? 4. Section 36 is a revelation about Enoch. Where else can this revelation be found? 5. o whom was Section 39 addressed? Inspired Version of the Bible 1. he Lord gave the Levites 48 cities. Six cities had a special use. What was their purpose? (Numbers 35) 2. Why did the tell Israel not to fear other nations? (Deuteronomy 3) 3. What key did the Lord give Israel to ensure their longevity in the land of Promise? (Deuteronomy 4) 4. How does the fall of Jericho link to the birth of Jesus Christ? 5. Why did the Lord trim Gideon s army to 300 men? All the answers can be found in the passages covered by following the daily reading portions (See A One Year Reading Plan for the Restoration Scriptures) for the month of March. Answers next month) Zion s Outpost 6300 arrytown Park City, KS O: 5