An Apostle's Easter Thoughts on Christ

As many of you know, this week the church released a video entitled 'An Apostle's Easter Thoughts on Christ'. This video single-handedly demonstrates the power of the internet as a means of spreading the gospel. The church released a statement:

"Traffic began to build immediately. Mormons spontaneously posted the YouTube video on Facebook, discussed it on Twitter and sent it by e-mail to thousands of others, including their friends. By Saturday, the number of views passed 100,000 and kept climbing. By Sunday, it was noted as the number 1 video in the Internet “nonprofit” category in Brazil, India and other countries. "

I read some of the comments on the video. People out there are searching. Some wished to know if there really are apostles on the earth again. Many LDS members replied and bore testimony that there are apostles again on the earth.

The work of the Lord keeps rolling forward uninterupted. We will not stop until the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done!

Come And Dine

 

The English word companion comes from the Latin roots com (with) and panis (bread). In John 21, Jesus' invitation to his disciples (and vicariously to each of us) to "come and dine",  beckons us to become companions with our Father in Heaven through partaking of the Bread of Life. In ancient Mediterranean culture, being invited to eat with someone instituted a covenant of friendship and protection between the two parties. Through eating, the host promises to offer protection to his guest, and the guest pledges his loyalty to the host. Each time we partake of the sacramental emblems, we are brought within the protecting arms of the Almighty and we pledge to him our sacred loyalty.

Christ In Art

I attended a tour of the Museum of Art at Brigham Young University. It was a great opportunity to see works of art that centered on Christ. Our wonderful tourguide emphasised the importance of symbols in Christian art. As I have taken time to think more about life, I'm beginning to believe more fully that anything can be a symbol. It would be a worthy life goal to become a master of symbology - be able to use symbols perfecty.

Even when the artists initial intent was not to create symbols of Christ, when a viewer views meaning behind an image, it can bring them even closer to our Lord. I guess it just matters what our intent is when viewing art.

I was attending stake conference and was referred to this amazing discussion on religous faith. This discussion group took place at Harvard University. The program, entitled  "Day of Faith", allowed student panelists to share their beliefs. Below is a video of Rachel Esplin, the president of the LDS Student Association at Harvard. She shared her view on the LDS Church.

My favorite part of this movie is the emphasis on being open minded and respectful of all religions. Dr. Richard Holzapfel, my New Testament professor here at BYU just posted a blog that quoted the prophet Joseph Smith.

“[If the] Presbyterians [have] a truth [we] embrace that. Baptist, Methodist etc. get all the good in the world [and] come out a pure Mormon” (The Words of Joseph Smith [Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1980], 234).

 We have so much to share as Latter-day Saints. Let's also be open to learn from the best of all religions.

My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee

I heard this song earlier in the semester. Tonight as I listened to it, it had a profound effect on me. This revelation was given to Joseph Smith, the Prophet, as he was imprisoned in Liberty Jail. In the midst of this Gethsemane, Joseph received one of the most beautiful promises of comfort that the Lord has given us. I suppose that times like these were what made Joseph the kind of man he was; our hardest times seem to purify us.

There have been times in my life when I have needed to hear words such as these. Each time life gets hard, the words "My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee" remind me that the Lord is mindful of our every care. If a sparrow cannot fall without His knowledge, is it possible that the trials of His sons and daughters escape his notice?

Christ And Socrates

I just watched an intriguing professor deliver a lecture on the similarities of Christ and Socrates on YouTube.com. He painted the two stories side-by-side, comparing and contrasting their basic philosophies. Socrates, he argued, expressed his philosophy very outwardly, talking with his followers in the public squares and making no attempt to remain unseen. On the other hand, Christ often told those he healed to keep the knowledge of what had happened from others. He taught to his disciples and apostles in a more private, intimate way.

I thought that it was interesting to see the simiarities between these two men of truth.

I am currently reading Plato's republic. The entire book focuses on the concept of justice and virtue. The Greek word for virtue used in Socrates' converstaion is Areté. It is the same word that Paul used in his letter to the Philippians.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

- Phillipians 4:6

I suppose that we should not be supprised to find such congreguity between teachers of truth.

He said unto Peter, Simon.

Recently I read the narrative of Christ's death in the gospel of Mark. Some friends and I discussed how Christ addressed Peter as Simon.(Mark 14:37).

Christ always reffered to Peter as Peter, the rock. He never called him Simon. In Mark 14, Christ was showing Simon that he still had growing to do until his faith became completely unshakable.

I thought of Peter, that great leader who ran the affairs of the kingdom when Christ was killed, and then I thought of my own situation. It put my life into a new perspective, a healty perspective. I still have a lot of learning to do. But I know that the Lord is always their to guide me. I am greatful for his love.