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On June 16th 1844 Joseph Smith gave what is known as the “Sermon in the Grove.” It was one of the last things we’d ever hear from the prophet and it got cut short on account of the rain. He was only eleven days away from his martyrdom at Carthage and he knew that his time was drawing near. Before the rain ended the sermon, Joseph said something that is as applicable today as it was in 1844 Nauvoo. He said, “I have reason to think the Church is being purged.”
When you combine that statement with a revelation given in Kirtland on July 23, 1837 also known as Doctrine & Covenants 112…you get the feeling that it will not be an easy task to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the last days. The revelation states that “gross darkness” is covering the minds of the people and that “vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation.”
But what’s most interesting is that so many of us assume that it’s the secular world that’s going to take the brunt of these troubled times. That’s not the case at all. In fact, the Lord says that “upon my house (Mormons) shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth…first among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house.” (D&C 112:23-26)
So…I’ve observed 3 types of Mormons in the church these days, but I believe that only the third type will be able to endure the trials of faith that are here now and are coming soon.
1. The Stalwart But Stubborn Mormon
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Dave HallAugust 16, 2016
Nice article and I found some helpful insights. I do think, however, that there will be surprises when people look around at the second coming and see who is actually left. I believe there are some who appear to us to be in the "stubborn" category who, when the chips are down and their faith is tried, will come through. The same with the "furious" category. I think this has happened in the past when the Lord, for example, purged the Church after the martyrdom of Joseph Smith. Some received the witness that Brigham Young was his successor and chose to follow him, while others chose not to. That was the ultimate test at that time, and while I agree that the "stalwart and curious" are probably best equipped to pass those tests, ultimately it comes down to what is inside the person, which is difficult for outsiders to tell.
R G KingAugust 16, 2016
Nice think piece but too simple- the reachable and the teachable are how the Lord chooses to aid them. Certainly most of us haven't "deserved" the special course corrections given. At least i haven't but for which I am eternally grateful. Kind of like that footsteps in the sand poem and Him carrying us?