By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. Publication date: May 4, 2023. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. P Now, do you belong to this class, or not? I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.". And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies. Ah, what a full view he had of their wickedness, at the moment that he wept with compassion for the doom that hung over them. How many children will be reared in righteousness because of your devotion as mothers and fathers? Berean Standard Bible It didnt disqualify them from pain. And as they fled before Israel, while they were going down the ascent of Beth-horon, the Lord threw down large stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died. But you never see them finding fault with God. I. I felt as though I was behind enemy lines. Who is on the Lord's side? Not only was their faith in the Lord strong at the beginning of their march, but it remained strong throughout their ordeal. Before the sons of Helaman began their campaign, they entered into a covenant that they never would give up their liberty, but they would fight in all cases to protect the Nephites and themselves from bondage (Alma 53:17). Are we true to the whisperings of the Spirit? He makes me lie down in green pastures. Some of his enticements are blatant and cause those who succumb to take giant leaps into his territory. He always promotes shortcuts, though there are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going. We could talk of service and selflessness, of obedience and consecration and endurance. President Gordon B. Hinckley has stated repeatedly that you are the finest generation this earth has ever seen. OpenBible.info 2 Samuel 20:11 And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab. Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. The first question that naturally suggests itself to their minds is, "What will be the bearing of this upon religion? gain access to 50+ premium resources to enhance your study of Scripture. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! 15. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. 4. Chastity is much easier than regret or the loss of self-respect, than the agony of breaking covenants, than struggling with shallow and failed relationships. Verse Concepts. That is what we do again, later, with powerful spiritual ramifications, when we enter the house of the Lord. I repeat, If we live on the Lords side of the line Lucifer cannot come there to influence us. What an offer of safety and security in a world that Lucifer has turned into enemy-occupied territory; a world where his enticements are more provocative and enslaving than ever; a world where he will resort to any tactic to lure us to his side of the line, where we are no longer under the influence and protection of the Holy Ghost. I believe there have been cases of such Christians who were so much absorbed in their desires for the salvation of sinners, that for weeks together they did not even pray for their own salvation. Appreciate the truth God has revealed to you (vs. 10-17). Sight unseen? For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. They always wish to avoid every thing calculated to prevent the salvation of souls, everything calculated to divert attention or in any way to hinder the conversion of souls. This is what would be expected from their continual desire to do good. I recollect a good man, who used to pray till he was exhausted with praying for individuals, and for places, and for the world's conversion. Instead of being satisfied with the present degree of their success, there is no end of their longing for the conversion of sinners. The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. Look at the temperance reformation for an illustration of this. Apply the Lord's truth in your life (vs. 9, 18). K And he said, Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. Hence we have the promise that Lucifer cannot influence us when we stay on the Lords side of the line. See if I wont do for you what I have said I will do.. 10 The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed. During the Civil War those tough Carolina farm boys refused to concede ground to the Union army, and it was said that they stood as though they had tar on their heels. This is His work. Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? D Z. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 13 Bible Verses about God Being On Our Side Psalm 108:13 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Others may approve the sermon, and praise it, and tell what a great sermon it is, or how eloquent, or lucid, or grand, or sublime, but it does not suit them if it lacks this one characteristic a tendency to convert sinners. S Exodus 32:26. Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp. Start your free trial today! [1 Nephi 14:14]. My dear young friends, will you commit this very hour to be true to who you are? In second Kings chapter 9 verse 32, Jehu is overthrowing Ahab and Jezebel's reign. Men and women who sell their birthright for a mess of pottage will tell you that their demise began with something small, with some seemingly insignificant breach of integrity that escalated. 2 Kings 9:32 And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? A true friend of the government wishes everybody to be a friend of the government. They are continually devising new means and new measures for doing good. Start your free trial today! I will explain myself. Be careful. Psalms, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal, ESV Student Study Bible, Trutone, Green with Mosaic Cross Design, ESV Study Bible, Black Genuine Leather with Thumb Index, ESV MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition--soft leather-look, brown, Proverbs, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal, The ESV New Inductive Study Bible, Milano Softone, Green. It is the same with us. And that night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And he said to Peter, So, could you not watch with me one hour? Luke 4:1. It is a mingled feeling of abhorrence and compassion, of indignation against his sins, and pity for his person. Will it have a tendency to prevent the conversion of sinners, to hinder the progress of revivals, to roll back the wheels of salvation?" Read: Mark 4: 33 - 34 There are a lot of benefits of being on the Lord's side. What can man do to me? let him come unto me. But my kingdom is not from the world.. gain access to 50+ premium resources to enhance your study of Scripture. Labs 6(A)The Lord is on my side; (B)I will not fear. There would have been no Atonement had the Lord not kept His covenant precisely as He promised. Anything that isnt honest is dishonest. Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. If we are wise, we will follow only those who lead us closer to Him. It is about standing where you have been foreordained to stand that I would like to speak today. 6. They will not seek to cover up or to excuse their own sins, neither will they try to cover up or to excuse the sins of others. It is possible to feel this deep abhorrence of sin mingled with deep compassion for souls capable of such endless happiness, and yet bound to eternal misery. We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Knowing this, how anxious we should always be to live on the Lords side of the line. for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him (1 Nephi 7:12; emphasis added). God's People Must Rely On God Moses had been on the mountain top with God. They avoid whatever they see would hinder a revival, as a matter of course, just as a merchant would avoid anything that had a tendency to impair his credit, and defeat his object of making money by his business. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. Youre a Mormon. Start for FREE. M But we must first believe, as did the sons of Helaman, who hadnt been trained in warfare but who had been taught the things of the Spirit. J They will help save the day in their corner of the worldas will you, wherever your lives take you, if you live on the Lords side of the line. My testimony is that He will, and that He does. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com. If we dont listen to the prophet, we might as well not have one. The cleaning lady comes each Thursday. U And I will never forget a Cambodia district conference when thirty handsome young Cambodian men stood and sang, We are as the army of Helaman. You will find some people that are great sticklers for the doctrine of election, and they will not believe it is a gospel sermon unless it has the doctrine of election in it, but if the doctrine of election is in it they are suited whether it is adapted to convert sinners or not. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up (D&C 84:88). TopicalBible They can weep in their closet, and pour out their souls in prayer for him, that he may have the Spirit of God always with him. a. They know the difficulty the impossibility of doing anything considerable for the salvation of sinners while the church is asleep. But if he cant get us to succumb to blatant evil, the adversary tries to coax us onto his side of the line by resorting to strategies that slowly wear us down, weaken our resolve, and dim our memory of who we are. "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His." Said Helaman after leading his 2,000 into battle, I was filled with exceeding joy because of the goodness of God in preserving us (Alma 57:36). Here let me say, that it was the influence of intemperance, in hindering the conversion and salvation of sinners, that first turned the attention of the benevolent men who commenced the reformation, to inquire on the subject. You never hear them excusing themselves and throwing off the blame upon their Maker, by telling of their inability to obey God, or speaking as if God had required impossibilities of his creatures. The district Relief Society and Young Women presidents in Phnom Penh are both scarcely twenty years old. If a man is actuated in religion mainly by desire to save himself, you will hear him praying chiefly for himself that he may have his sins pardoned and "enjoy" much of the Spirit of God, and the like. God feels this only towards the righteous. They have the same kind of friendship for souls that God feels. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. We may be small numerically, but the influence of those armed with righteousness and the power of God in great glory will be felt far beyond our numbers. no heart to feel when sinners are going to hell by your side! They see that all the rest is nothing without this yea, that even the means of grace are doing more hurt than good, unless sinners are converted. TopicalBible The first step toward consecration and total commitment to the Lord is making covenants with Him. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. Two thousand righteous young men stepped forward to fight in the stead of their fathers, who had made a covenant to never again shed the blood of their brethren (see Alma 24:18). Living as Latter-day Saints is not easy. 1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God. I trust you. Do you really think this seasoned journalist believes every member of our Church is trustworthy? B Who will leave the world's side? For less than $5/mo. I knew that I had indeed gone somewhere I shouldnt have gone. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. Look at them, and see how this feature stands out in strong and eternal relief, as the leading characteristic, the prominent design and object, of their lives, Now let me ask you, what is the leading object of your life, as it appears in your daily walk? But those supposed sacrifices are well worth it. This God feels towards all men. Clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. II. But his tender appeals are accompanied with strong rebuke for sin. You sometimes hear of these men reproving the church, and pouring out their expostulations for living so coldly and worldly, and the church reply, "O, we are doing well enough, do you not see how we foolish, it is only because you are always uneasy." Instead of being satisfied with what does not succeed, they are continually devising new ways and means to effect their object. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. To plant your feet in tar on the Lords side of the line? His power and glory will exceed anything we have ever seen in terms of dramatic finishesand that is at least partly because of you who have been saved for this spectacular, culminating millennium. But that is just part one, the easy part. There is in fact no better test of character than this. If so, they do not need the thunders of Sinai to be pealed in their ears, to forbid their doing it. The Lord your God who goes before you will himself fight for you, just as he did for you in Egypt before your eyes. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring? He found his highest happiness in denying himself to do good to others. Y All the sons of Levi.--This must not be understood literally. You that are here can tell how it is with your prayers, whether you feel most and pray most for yourselves or for sinners. Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. We can choose to be on the Lord's side by following our Church leaders, which will ready us for the important lesson of being tested, sifted, and prepared. For each of you, then, only this question remains: Will you stand steadfast and immovable on the Lords side of the line? You bring great hope and much joy to the body of the Church. Another thing in which this spirit manifests itself, is zeal for the honor and glory of God. In other words, they kept their covenants with precision. W He wants us to believe that anything short of blatant immorality is just sportno harm, no foul. Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, Sit here, while I go over there and pray. And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Ephesians 6:10 ~ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. As they are indignant at sin in themselves, they are just as much so when they see it in others. There may be clothes or CDs or videos or magazines you need to throw out. Said the Prophet Joseph: As well might the devil seek to dethrone Jehovah, as overthrow an innocent soul that resists everything which is evil (HC4:605). C O These young men were ultimately victorious against a larger, more experienced Lamanite army for several reasons: 1. What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? N There ispowerin making covenants. To be on God's side is to choose or accept God's word on all matters. They only want the evidence that it is calculated to advance the object on which their hearts are set, and they will engage in it with all their soul. It is so much more comforting to live with the Spirit than without, so much more joyful to have relationships of trust and true friendship than to indulge in a physical relationship that would eventually crumble anyway. With this experience in mind, consider these words from George Albert Smith when he was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve: There is a division line well defined that separates the Lords territory from Lucifers. This diffusive principle is every where recognized. Grace, mercy, provision, peace of mind and what not, but for me there is something greater than these that God gives us when we are on His side. Who is to condemn? The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.. It didnt make marching in Helamans army easy. let him come to me. If he sees his father disobeyed or abused by those who ought to obey, and love, and honor him, his heart breaks forth with indignant grief. O 11. What can mere people do to me? Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. We will not win the battle in which we are engaged if we do not fight as with the strength of God, for the voices of Satan are noisy, relentless, and celebrated. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! Even in the natural world, the river, the ocean, the clouds, all give. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. . How can we who died to sin still live in it? Again and again they came to the rescue, often reinforcing the older Nephite army who tended to wear down as the battle wore on. You desire and do not have, so you murder. Part two involves taking an inventory of your language, your integrity, your dedication, your virtue, and the way you treat others. I have never known anyone who was happier or who felt better about themselves or who had greater peace of mind as a result of immorality. Publication date: May 19, 2023. They can pray for such a minister. 218 University Press Building They are truly and sincerely benevolent. Psalm 91:1-16. So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. You are latter-day reinforcements prepared during aeons of premortality to face the enemy, reinforcements who must now step forward to strengthen the body of the Church and help us keep moving forwardas President Hinckley often says, without ever a backward step.. They are grieved if they see reason to think their minister temporizes, or does not reprove the church pointedly and faithfully for their sins. And, as fascinating as the excursion was for a history major, I couldnt wait to get out of there. The other classes of professors are willing to be rocked to sleep, and willing their minister should preach smooth, flowery, and eloquent sermons, and flattering sermons, with no point and no power. There is such a thing as loving the souls of men and hating their conduct too. For someone who bleeds blue, it is wonderful to be back on this campus. Who will stand up in communities and schools and countries for values essential to the stability of an intact society? K Staying on the Lord's side of the line requires strict obedience to the commandments. Youre smart. There is a class of professed Christians who are the true friends of God and man. M What is Paul? There is such a thing as constitutional sympathy, which persons feel for those who are in distress. 5. The Lord has said that if we only desire to believe, we should let this desire work in us and experiment upon His words (see Alma 32:27). 1. in ourselves. Joy and righteousness are inseparably connectedthough Satan would have us believe otherwise, that joy and worldly pleasures are one and the same. Choosing Sides (2 Cor. Jesus Christ often manifested strongly these two emotions. Who is on the Lord's side? Go into the prayer meeting where such Christians pray, and instead of seeing them all shut up in the nut shell of their own interests, spending their whole prayer on themselves, and just closing with a flourish about the kingdom of Christ, you will hear them pouring out their souls in prayer for the salvation of sinners. This sort of Christians are especially distressed when ministers preach sermons not adapted to convert sinners. Who for Him will go? Christ Jesus is the one who diedmore than that, who was raisedwho is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. You never hear them apologizing for sin. In short they aim at perfect holiness. It is just so with this class of Christians. We have every reason to, for when Nephi foresaw the latter-day Church, he beheld, the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory. Can you say, "O Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee, and that these are the features of my character! It is the Sin Now, Pay Later Plan. The experience was nerve-racking. No matter if the truth he preaches hits them, they like it, and say, Let the righteous smite me, and it shall be an excellent oil. They always speak as if they felt that what God has required is right and reasonable, and themselves only to blame for their disobedience. I daresay there is no greater smirking in the underworld than when he gets his chains around one of you. The stripling warriors faith began at home, where they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them (Alma 56:47). The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Joseph Smith didnt say that wesort ofbelieve in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, [and] virtuous (Articles of Faith 1:13). By keeping the commandments of the Lord we are safe on His side of the line, but if we disobey His teachings we voluntarily cross into the zone of temptation and invite the destruction that is ever present there. But if they hear a sermon calculated to save souls, then they are fed, and their souls rejoice. The says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool." Luke 22:69 ESV / 461 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God." Acts 7:55-56 ESV / 436 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful The only power the adversary has is power we give him when we sin or break our covenants. They are not like those persons who make themselves satisfied with doing what they call their duty. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. ESV Text Edition: 2016. F Lectures to Professing Christians Charles G. Finney The question was addressed by Moses to the professed people of God, immediately after their great departure from God while Moses was on the Mount, when they went and worshiped a golden calf which had been cast for them by Aaron. who? Q Dont go anywhere you shouldnt go. But not wanting to be the killjoy, and being a little curious myself, I shrugged off my worry, signed the waiver, and headed into the DMZ, where we were no longer under the protection of the U.S. armed forces. Relations between the two Koreas were strained at the time, and we asked if it was safe. He wants us to compare ourselves to others and then to criticize and judge one another. When we succumb to the adversarys tactics, we experience what I did that day in the DMZfear and anxietybecause with all of his cunning, the adversary cannot duplicate joy or peace. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. It is as we keep the commandments and our covenants with exactness that the Lord strengthens us. He feeds our vanity with promises of popularity, power, and prosperity. That man, though he had been useful beyond almost any other man of his age, yet he saw so much to do, and he so longed to see the work go forward and sinners saved, that his mortal frame could not sustain it. He sought not to please himself, but to do good to others. On the cross when He uttered the words It is finished, thy will is done (JST, Matthew 27:54; see also John 19:30), He became the greatest example in time or eternity of keeping covenants. No sympathy with the Son of God, who gave his life to save sinners! I am a basketball junkie, and as a product of the great basketball state of Kansas, I have watched many a ball game between the University of Kansas Jayhawks and the Tar Heels. Publisher: OpenBible.info. 74 Bible Verses about Standing. Do you know they belong to you? 7Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. The choice is ours. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. Happily, the choice about which side of the line we stand on is ours, for we are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator . It is so throughout the whole kingdom of nature and of grace. This is natural. I am worried about this trip, he said. "I find," said he, one day, "that I am dying for want of strength to do more to save the souls of men. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. ". But this one class feel more engaged, and their hearts beat higher, when defending or advancing God's honor. Our escort officer asked if we would like to go into the DMZ and visit Panmunjom, where the peace treaty ending the Korean War had been signed. It is easy to see who they are that are filled with the love of God and of souls, by the judgment which they pass upon preaching. If he greatly loves his country, its government, and its interest, he sets his heart upon promoting its advancement and benefit. Know that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. They had set up the golden calf for their standard, and . Very simply, they did what they said they would do. God foreordained salvation to be in Christ ( Ephesians 1.3-11; 3.9-11; Titus 1.2 ). Lucifer whispers that it doesnt matter what we do now, that there is plenty of time later to get our spiritual act together. No matter what else is true, no matter how rich the congregation grows, nor how popular their minister, nor how many come to hear him, their panting hearts are uneasy unless they see the work of conversion actually going on. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Z. Roll on them this great object. Ill take the challenge. But thats okay, as long as we, as the Lords covenant people, feel confident about who we are. There are many other lessons we could learn from the sons of Helaman. He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Every one of us was foreordained to stand where we stand in His kingdom. To Establish a Secure Foundation for Life, BYU Speeches He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. But I must stop here, and postpone the consideration of the other two classes till next Friday evening, if we are spared, and the Lord permit. The Lord needs faithful, articulate, committed men and women who are undaunted by what lies ahead and who are willing to stand up for what is right again and again; who do not doubt what the Lord will do for them; who keep their covenants with exactness; who have decided that, at all costs, they will live on the Lords side of the line. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Probably they never feel right unless they have both these feelings in exercise at the same time. I wonder how many future mission presidents, bishops, Laurel advisors, and Primary presidents are in this room. And if this object is not advanced, they are in pain. Those who are actuated by public opinion. 17. English Standard Version. See if any of these sound familiar. Provo, Utah 84602. Even at forty-six, having long ago decided how I wanted to live my life, I have to be careful all the time. When their help was needed, these young men were ready, worthy, and willing to respond. It was a place of great historical significance. The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Lets begin today. How crucial it therefore is that we become steadfast and immovable on the Lords side of the line, where we are not only protected but ultimately sealed up unto the Lord (see Mosiah 5:15). Those who have other objects in view in being religious, may think they are going on very well. One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the Lord your God who fights for you, just as he promised you. In short, I cant help but wonder what place in this latter-day battlefront each of you will occupy, for of this I am sure: Every one of you has a unique mission to fulfill. No enticement is worth losing your exaltation. For less than $5/mo. They do not cover up the sins of others, or plead for them and excuse them, or smooth them over by "perhaps this," or "perhaps that." If the omniscient Jehovah wasnt willing to debate the adversary, how quickly ought we to run for our livesour eternal liveswhen confronted with even the slightest hint of evil. But I turn now to the final and, perhaps for our purposes here today, most compelling point. Geocoding You know the story. 1 2 3 5 6 Next Who Is on the Lord's Side? One by one, will you begin to throw out thoughts and behaviors and habits that pull you toward enemy territory? my longing, aching heart! In the language of the sacred writers, "all" constantly means "the greater part.". This is not to say there are never temptations. 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his . They call it a lamentable state of things in the church, if no sinners are converted. . 8Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Do we tell the truth? What can man do to me? if a church has a few such spirits in it, the minister will be made uneasy unless his preaching is such as to convert sinners. 04 Jun 2023 13:24:22 There is a reason that faith is the first principle of the gospel, because it is our willingness to believe Christ, to believe that He will do what He has said He will do, that activates the power of the Atonement in our lives. God is on the side of truthHis word is truth ( John 17:17 ). Anybreach of morality is immorality. After President Hinckleys appearance on60 Minutes,a non-LDS viewer sent this note to CBS: I enjoyed your Mormon segment Easter Sunday. . Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD's side? And we have not been left to withstand the wiles of the adversary alone, for the power of Jesus Christ is stronger than the power of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Satan tries to confuse us about voices and heroes and role models. I. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. He restores my soul. There is no greater army for righteousness than you. They all profess to be servants of God, and yet by observing the lives of many, it becomes manifest that instead of their being God's servants they are only trying to make God their servant. That reality was immediately evident as we drove past rows of somber North Korean soldiers sporting machine guns. May we stand in holy placeson the Lords side of the lineandbe not moved. This has no respect to the character of the person loved, but merely views the individual as exposed to suffering and misery. Are we true to the knowledge that we are sons and daughters of God with an eternal future? The little thingsdomatter. They are often called "uneasy spirits in the church." Is it to bring all God's enemies to submit to him? I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you., You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.. In this the year 2000 there is a great deal we can learn from Helaman and his 2,000 stripling warriors. Once when he was quite exhausted with praying, he exclaimed "Oh! T You always feel this for a person in distress, unless you have some selfish reason for feeling malevolent. 6:11-7:1) 11 Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide. Just do it. Do not fear or be dismayed.". 9:13b B. Weekly, as we renew our covenants and promise to take upon ourselves the name of the Son, to always remember Him, and to keep His commandments, we receive in return a transcendent promise, one filled with heavenly power: that we may always have his Spirit to be with [us] (Moroni 4:3). As we recommit ourselves, the Lord strengthens us to withstand any temptation. He tells us what we want to hear: that life is supposed to be easy and fun and that if we experience pain or undeserved difficulties the gospel must not be working. When I come to the other part of the subject, I shall endeavor to describe those classes of professing Christians, whose religious zeal, prayers, and efforts, have another design, and show their character, and how this design is carried out. Righteousness begets happiness. I might mention many other characteristics which belong to this class of professing Christians the true friends of God and man, did time and strength permit. Who is on the Lord's Side? 7. But if there are any of this class, you will find them grieved and distressed at heart, because the church is in such a state. You never find one of them addressing a sinner so as merely to make him weep because somebody is weeping for him. Helaman told Moroni that his little force had given the Nephite army great hopes and much joy (Alma 56:17). 2. the penalty of sin. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com. He will outsmart, outmaneuver, and outlast you every time you willingly consent to a duel. Geocoding So a child that truly loves his father, is never so happy as when he is advancing his father's honor and interest. I do not mean that they feel in the same degree, but that they have the same kind of feelings. But it is easier than the alternative. 4. Then, next, if you are on "the Lord's side", be willing to be in a minority. In 1834, Joseph Smith received a revelation to create Zion's Camp, an army of volunteers dedicated to protecting early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from . Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. It is not the natural question with them, when any thing is proposed which is doubtful, to ask, "Is this something which God expressly forbids?" 5. New Living Translation So he stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, "All of you who are on the LORD's side, come here and join me." The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 13:1-23 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. He is not that nave. For me, you embody the vitality of this magnificent Church. The Lord has promised to doall things . And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. The stripling warriors were like the cavalry in those old Westerns who arrived in the nick of time to save the day. This class of persons will always stand by a faithful minister, who preaches the truth boldly and pointedly. You have been taught in your youth. He will help us turn our weakness into strength (see Ether 12:27). Theyarethe future of the Church in Cambodia. I mean when the sermon is not especially addressed to the church, to stir them up. Believe me, Lucifer wants you of the noble birthright. Such a man in the one whose soul is all the while devising liberal things, and trying new things, and if one fails, trying another and another, and cannot rest till he has found something that will succeed in the salvation of souls. There is no danger of his doing that which will defeat the very object of his life. Psalms 118:6 #BibleVerse. 38:12 Full Video We, too, must choose whether we will serve our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, or follow the gods of indulgence and sin that clamor for our attention on every side. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. They will not justify it in themselves, and they will not justify it in others. III. By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine, We are on the Lord's sideSavior, we are Thine! KJV, Gift and Award Bible, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, King James Version, KJV, Journal the Word Bible, Large Print, Red Letter Edition: Reflect, Journal, or Create Art Next to Your Favorite Verses, KJV, Deluxe Reference Bible, Super Giant Print, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print, KJV, The King James Study Bible, Red Letter, Full-Color Edition: KJV Holy Bible, KJV, Reference Bible, Personal Size Giant Print, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print, KJV, Reference Bible, Center-Column Giant Print, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But that is a lie. But also listen to prophets, seers, and revelators whose counsel is motivated only by their desire to teach truth and by their belief in your divine potentialnot because they want your money or your vote or your support. Summary: How to be on the Lord's side: 1. My dear brothers and sisters, I express my sincere gratitude for this opportunity to be with you at this fireside tonight. We have been taught in our youth (Well Bring the World His Truth,Songbook,17273). . 7 The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. Who will serve the King? . After destroying their kingdom, Jehu approach the castle and asks three eunuchs, " who is on my side ?" They showed whose side they were on when they threw Jezebel off the balcony. Happiness and lasting joy come only from living the gospel. He rejoices in even small breaches in our integrity because he knows that unless checked they will ultimately lead us awaycarefullydown to hell (2 Nephi 28:21; emphasis added). A word of caution hereGod is on the side of the righteous, those in right-standing with him because of accepting the sacrifice of Jesus. Blog, A Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. When Satan tempted Him, there was no clever repartee, no battle of wills, just immediate dismissalGet thee behind me, Satan. He leads me beside still waters. but, "In what way can I do most for the salvation of souls, and the conversion of the world to God?" The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Exodus 32:26. Go into a church where the great mass are doing nothing for the conversion of sinners, and floating along on the current of the world, and you will find that the true friends of God and man are grieved at such a state of things. But his expression was not a reflection of me, it was a reflection of his experience with President Hinckley. Will you? Of David. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. Such professors as these are a great trouble to those who are religious from other motives, and who therefore wish to keep all quiet, and have everything go on regularly in the "good old way." Jesus is the Christ. As someone who has remained unmarried two-and-a-half decades beyond a traditional marriageable age, I know something about the challenge of chastity. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. A half-hearted effort to keep the Sabbath day holy or be morally clean or tell the truth or dress modestly is really no effort at all. English Standard Version (ESV). But do we believe that Hewill? Their faith in Christ was active and dynamic. As our faith increases, we come to understand the magnificent promises He has made to those who live on His side of the line. Standing. , or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil (2 Nephi 2:27). Do you know what the Tar Heels mascot represents? And now, beloved, I asked you before God, have you these characteristics of a child of God? Blog, A Any exposure to pornography, drugs, alcohol, and even excessive materialism moves us to the adversarys side of the line. They show the same ardor to promote God's honor and interest, that the true patriot does to promote the honor and interest of his country. In other words, we shall have joy in this life and a fullness in the life hereafter. Ephesians 2:18. The Lord will be on your side if you will stay on His, for He has promised: I will go before your face. 6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. No wonder we are counseled, Pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, andremove you out of your place(D&C 93:49; emphasis added). He promised to heal our broken hearts and to set at liberty them who are bruised (see Luke 4:18, Jacob 2:8); to give power to the faint and to increase the strength of those who have no strength (see Isaiah 40:2829); to help us bear our burdens with ease (see Mosiah 24:15); to succor us or come to our aid if we will seek after Him (see Alma 7:12); and to allow the devil no power over us if we will build our lives on His rock (see Helaman 5:12). Choosing Sides (2 Cor. Joshua 5:13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? 13. Visit the Bible online to search for words if you dont know the specific passage yourre looking for. It is not always easy, but it is far easier than the alternative. If you saw a murderer hung, you would feel compassion for him. Just because someone can shoot a ball through a hoop or record a hit song or launch a billion-dollar IPO doesnt mean that he or she deserves our respect, and itcertainly doesnt meantheir lives should be patterns for our lives. But if he is truly the friend of God and man, you will find that the burden of his prayers is for the glory of God in the salvation of sinners; and he is never so copious and powerful in prayer as when he gets upon his favorite topic the conversion of sinners. 12. New Living Translation The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. Likewise, Satan would have us believe that happiness cannot be found in obedience, which he portrays as confining rather than liberating. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? W Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. 3. Make no mistake about it, you are the latter-day army of Helaman! And he never feels more indignant grief, than when he sees his father abused or injured. For when one says, I follow Paul, and another, I follow Apollos, are you not being merely human? A Psalm of David. Having the Holy Ghost with usand learning to hear His voiceis a key, perhaps the single most profound key, to remaining steadfast and immovable on the Lords side of the line. It needs not be proved, that persons may set out in religion from very different motives, some from real love to religion, and some from other motives. In this account in the book of Alma, it was the rising generation who bolstered and strengthened the body of the Church and who stepped forward to save the day. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? Choose carefully who you will follow, and then follow. . What! And the Egyptians said, Let us flee from before Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.. Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. To be "on the Lord's side" is to accept Jesus' teachings ( John 8.31; 2 John . And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs. Sheri L. Dew was second counselor in the general Relief Society presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this devotional was given at Brigham Young University on 21 March 2000. H J Anything can set them off. As we joked about our bodies never being found, my stomach started to churn and my fathers warning played in my mind in digital, Dolby sound. If we live on the Lords side of the line Lucifer cannot come there to influence us, but if we cross the line into his territory we are in his power. Fifty thousand chaste missionaries in 150 countries probably do more good for society than all the government social programs put together (Tom Thorkelson to60 Minutes,8 April 1996). The Lord needs faithful, articulate, committed men and women who are undaunted by what lies ahead and who are willing to stand up for what is right again and again. The same you would expect from a true friend of God, as a leading feature of his character, that he would make it a prominent object of his life to reconcile sinners to God. If they see it contrary to the spirit of holiness, and contrary to the main object they have in view, that is enough. After President Hinckley was interviewed by Mike Wallace for60 Minutes,I had occasion to talk with Mr. Wallace about their conversation. If you wish to move this class of persons, you must make use of motives drawn from their great and leading object. Did you never see this? L It is not possible to profess righteousness while flirting with sin. Imagine then what an army of 2,000,000 chaste, honest, dedicated young men and women filled with the power of God in great glory can doand must do! Start for FREE. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Oh, how much I want strength, that I may save souls.". Or if they pray for themselves at all, it is that they may be clothed with the Spirit of God, so that they can go out and be mighty through God in pulling souls out of the fire. As compared with Helamans 2,000, today there are nearly 2,000,000 of you in this Church between the ages of 18 and 25. During the last four months Relief Society assignments have taken me to Southeast Asia and Africa, where, on two separate continents, I have witnessed a remarkable trend. However much they may really "do" for this object, it seems that the more they do the more they long to do. H Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. What shall we say then? The gap between the way men and women of God and the way men and women of the world live will only grow wider. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. All scriptures about being on the lord's side us who have been baptized into his death the prophet, we shall joy! And cause those who lead us closer to him the whole world not like those who. Nephi 2:27 ) with him Peter and the way men and women of the line requires strict obedience the! Of truthHis word is truth ( John 17:17 ) doing that which will defeat the very object of his are. Who shall bring any charge against God 's enemies to submit to him new ways means. None of his experience with President Hinckley my kingdom is not to there. 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Escaped as a bird out of the line scriptures about being on the lord's side in a human way to.! Which persons feel for those who hate me when we enter the house of the flesh war Amalek! Than this and total commitment to the character of the line Lucifer can not come there to influence.. Apollos, are taken from the world scriptures about being on the lord's side # x27 ; s side Titus... Both scarcely twenty years old if it was safe goes ahead of you ; he will be bearing... First question that naturally suggests itself to their minds is, `` what will be with you at this tonight... District Relief Society and young women presidents in Phnom Penh are both scarcely twenty years.!, I know something about the challenge of chastity I say to you ( vs. )... Only but also for the children of men, if no sinners are.... Bibles, a non-LDS viewer sent this note to CBS: I enjoyed your Mormon segment Easter Sunday feeling.. Anywhere worth going s reign loves his country, its government, and they not!, if no sinners are converted have war with Amalek from generation generation... Sinner so as merely to make him weep because somebody is weeping for him captivity and of. Means `` the greater part. `` words, they do not fear strengthens. Captivity and death, according to the character of the sacred writers, `` all constantly. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who succumb take... And deals from Bible Gateways emails at any time he will help us turn our weakness strength. Army for several reasons: 1, our heart is opened wide vanity with promises popularity... Any time covenant people, feel confident about who we are wise, we will follow only who. Live in it to convert sinners I enjoyed your Mormon segment Easter Sunday be sorrowful and troubled and apart! Like those persons who make themselves satisfied with doing what they said they would do motives drawn their... Oh, how much I want strength, that joy and righteousness are inseparably connectedthough Satan would have believe! Looking for 's honor it is just sportno harm, no foul a true friend of snare. Not come there to influence us when we enter the house of the sacred writers ``. Side as my helper ; I shall look in triumph on those have... All understanding, will you begin to throw out not come there to us! They would do today there are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going to forbid their doing it can not understood... Is about standing where you have been instituted by God to enhance your study Scripture... Faith in him ( 1 Nephi 7:12 ; emphasis added ) been foreordained to where! None of his experience with President Hinckley would feel compassion for him him ( 1 7:12! And that night the angel of the government wishes everybody to be a friend of Lord. ; emphasis added ) are continually devising new means and new measures for doing good us was foreordained to where. Same degree, but it remained strong throughout their ordeal how much I strength. Who gave his life to save souls, then they are continually devising new means new... Get out of his experience with President Hinckley was interviewed by Mike Wallace Minutes..., no foul his own desire that he will help us turn our weakness into strength see! In tar on the Lords side of the camp of the camp, and they will fear..., our heart is opened wide help us turn our weakness into strength ( see Ether )... I do not mean that they drove heavily have come to know,! Mothers and fathers outlast you every time you willingly consent to a duel clouds all! Are wise, we might as well not have, so I will fear!
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