King James Version Mathew 5:40-41
And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat,
let him have thy cloke also.
And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile,
go with him twain.
Joseph Smith Translation
And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have it;
and if he sue thee again, let him have thy cloke also.
And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him a mile;
and whosoever shall compel thee to go with him twain,
thou shalt go with him twain.
1. The Gospel of JESUS CHRIST is difficult, but now we see it is less difficult than before. There will still be trials and persecution to test whether we really love GOD or not. However, Joseph Smith is telling us that the Gospel is even easier than the King James translators would have us believe. Twice as easy.
2. If someone sues us and wins $1,000, we do not have to give them $2,000 just to show everyone we are disciples of CHRIST. We do however have to pay the $1,000. JESUS is advocating justice under the law, and not some ridiculous cosmic test, to see who HIS true followers are.
3. If we have to do something for our job, family, church, etc. then we should do exactly that...no more and no less. "Going the extra mile" is not scriptural. It is used by religions to get their followers to provide excessive free labor under threat of guilt and shame, while the priestly class lives off the other members. This is priestcraft. This idea has been a tool of Satan to try and make the teachings of CHRIST absurd. Why align yourself with a Being who wants to make your life twice as hard? In reality JESUS can make how we deal with the traumas of our life better. HE usually does not take the problem away, but he will bring peace and comfort to those who truly trust HIM.
4. This correction by Joseph Smith is monumental. I do not always agree with Bruce R. McConkie, but his statement that the JST is "1,000 times the best version of the Bible that we currently have" is spot on.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Friday, December 23, 2016
Day 14- More light on the Sermon on the Mount
King James Version of Matthew 5:3-6
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:
for they shall be filled.
Joseph Smith Translation
Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit, which cometh unto me; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
And again, blessed are all they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
And blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
And blessed are all they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness:
for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.
1. Being poor in spirit is not sufficient for entering the Kingdom of Heaven, you have to come to CHRIST as well. I believe this is literal and not just a statement acknowledging that JESUS is the Savior.
2. Basically no significant changes to verse 4 and 5. There are two comforters who are members of the GODHEAD. The HOLY GHOST is the first comforter. I presently agree with Margaret and Paul Toscano that this GOD is our Heavenly Mother. What better Being to comfort us than our Eternal Mother. JESUS is the 2nd comforter. No church controls the receipt of this kind of divine comfort.
3. We may want to figure out what being meek really is if we want to inherit a celestialized Earth.
4. Hungering and thirsting after righteousness leads to being filled with the HOLY GHOST, not just being filled. Fasting is probably part of this. Knowing we know nothing compared to GOD, and desiring to know more is definitely a piece of this idea.
5. Usually Joseph did a better job with relative pronouns (that,which, and who). My only quibble with this passage is with the phrase "which cometh unto me". It is not grammatically correct. "Which" is used for non-human nouns, and "who" is the preferred pronoun for referring to people. In many other places in the Bible Joseph changed "which" to "who", so maybe this was just an oversight. He was constantly running for his life for most of the time from 1830-1844. One of the signs to me of Joseph's divine commission was the fact he makes the Bible not just clearer, but more linguistically correct. Tough to do if you are just going off a few years of education. Easy to do with GOD's assistance.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:
for they shall be filled.
Joseph Smith Translation
Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit, which cometh unto me; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
And again, blessed are all they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
And blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
And blessed are all they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness:
for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.
1. Being poor in spirit is not sufficient for entering the Kingdom of Heaven, you have to come to CHRIST as well. I believe this is literal and not just a statement acknowledging that JESUS is the Savior.
2. Basically no significant changes to verse 4 and 5. There are two comforters who are members of the GODHEAD. The HOLY GHOST is the first comforter. I presently agree with Margaret and Paul Toscano that this GOD is our Heavenly Mother. What better Being to comfort us than our Eternal Mother. JESUS is the 2nd comforter. No church controls the receipt of this kind of divine comfort.
3. We may want to figure out what being meek really is if we want to inherit a celestialized Earth.
4. Hungering and thirsting after righteousness leads to being filled with the HOLY GHOST, not just being filled. Fasting is probably part of this. Knowing we know nothing compared to GOD, and desiring to know more is definitely a piece of this idea.
5. Usually Joseph did a better job with relative pronouns (that,which, and who). My only quibble with this passage is with the phrase "which cometh unto me". It is not grammatically correct. "Which" is used for non-human nouns, and "who" is the preferred pronoun for referring to people. In many other places in the Bible Joseph changed "which" to "who", so maybe this was just an oversight. He was constantly running for his life for most of the time from 1830-1844. One of the signs to me of Joseph's divine commission was the fact he makes the Bible not just clearer, but more linguistically correct. Tough to do if you are just going off a few years of education. Easy to do with GOD's assistance.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Day 13- The Sermon on the Mount Is Missing a Beatitude
King James Version of Matthew 5:2
And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Joseph Smith Translation
And he opening his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Blessed are they who shall believe on me;
and again more blessed are they who shall believe on your words
when ye shall testify that ye have seen me and that I am.
Yea, blessed are they who shall believe on your words
and come down into the depth of humility and be baptized in my name;
for they shall visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost,
and shall receive a remission of their sins.
1. 85 words versus 9. I had to look up the KJV twice before I could believe it.
2. Most of the Christian world thinks the sermon begins with "blessed are the poor in spirit", but Joseph adds life-changing and salvation-changing information.
3. "Believing in Christ" is the first step toward GOD.
4. Being humble enough to be baptized is step two. According to Paul Toscano (a vastly better writer than I), the narcissist will not recognize he or she needs a Savior.
5. Correct baptism of water leads to the baptism of fire, which is when the HOLY GHOST purifies you.
6. A remission of sins follows the baptism of fire, not the baptism of water. There are a lot of baptized people walking the earth who do not have their sins remitted, because they are not yet baptized with fire (myself included). If this is the case, you may want to try rebaptism.
7. If I were a false prophet and had the audacity to fix the Bible, I would not add 76 words to one verse of the Sermon on the Mount. Joseph Smith is a true prophet and had GOD's authorization to restore what was lost from the world's best known discourse. Do not take my word for it, ask GOD yourself (James 1:5).
And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Joseph Smith Translation
And he opening his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Blessed are they who shall believe on me;
and again more blessed are they who shall believe on your words
when ye shall testify that ye have seen me and that I am.
Yea, blessed are they who shall believe on your words
and come down into the depth of humility and be baptized in my name;
for they shall visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost,
and shall receive a remission of their sins.
1. 85 words versus 9. I had to look up the KJV twice before I could believe it.
2. Most of the Christian world thinks the sermon begins with "blessed are the poor in spirit", but Joseph adds life-changing and salvation-changing information.
3. "Believing in Christ" is the first step toward GOD.
4. Being humble enough to be baptized is step two. According to Paul Toscano (a vastly better writer than I), the narcissist will not recognize he or she needs a Savior.
5. Correct baptism of water leads to the baptism of fire, which is when the HOLY GHOST purifies you.
6. A remission of sins follows the baptism of fire, not the baptism of water. There are a lot of baptized people walking the earth who do not have their sins remitted, because they are not yet baptized with fire (myself included). If this is the case, you may want to try rebaptism.
7. If I were a false prophet and had the audacity to fix the Bible, I would not add 76 words to one verse of the Sermon on the Mount. Joseph Smith is a true prophet and had GOD's authorization to restore what was lost from the world's best known discourse. Do not take my word for it, ask GOD yourself (James 1:5).
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Day 12- Matthew 4:19-20 JESUS invites James and John to HIS ministry
King James Version of Matthew 4:19-20
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
Joseph Smith Translation
And he said unto them, I am he of whom it is written by the prophets;
follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
And they, believing on his words, left their net, and straightway followed him.
1. "I am he of whom it is written by the prophets" JESUS announces clearly that HE is the great I AM, the self-existing GOD. I am not sure, but my suspicions are that some scribe at some point under the influence of Satan, decided to remove this vital information.
2. "The prophets" refers to the Old Testament writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Malachi, etc. It can also means the Old Testament in general, which is full of references to CHRIST.
3. It is important that James and John are responding to the fact that JESUS is telling them HE is GOD, rather than just responding to a simple request to follow a man.
4. "They believing on his words" means the two brothers recognized the truth of CHRIST's words. You would not leave your livelihood based on a guess. James and John knew they were in the presence of something divine.
5. As an English teacher, I love the fact that "fishers of men" was not changed into some grammatically correct "fishermen of men". The LORD is probably using a play on words here. HE knows they are fishermen, but HE also knows that "fishers of men" will be more memorable to them, and to anyone reading about this event.
5. This is just another two verse example of the Prophet Joseph Smith shedding greater light on the greatest light, JESUS CHRIST.
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
Joseph Smith Translation
And he said unto them, I am he of whom it is written by the prophets;
follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
And they, believing on his words, left their net, and straightway followed him.
1. "I am he of whom it is written by the prophets" JESUS announces clearly that HE is the great I AM, the self-existing GOD. I am not sure, but my suspicions are that some scribe at some point under the influence of Satan, decided to remove this vital information.
2. "The prophets" refers to the Old Testament writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Malachi, etc. It can also means the Old Testament in general, which is full of references to CHRIST.
3. It is important that James and John are responding to the fact that JESUS is telling them HE is GOD, rather than just responding to a simple request to follow a man.
4. "They believing on his words" means the two brothers recognized the truth of CHRIST's words. You would not leave your livelihood based on a guess. James and John knew they were in the presence of something divine.
5. As an English teacher, I love the fact that "fishers of men" was not changed into some grammatically correct "fishermen of men". The LORD is probably using a play on words here. HE knows they are fishermen, but HE also knows that "fishers of men" will be more memorable to them, and to anyone reading about this event.
5. This is just another two verse example of the Prophet Joseph Smith shedding greater light on the greatest light, JESUS CHRIST.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Day 11- Matthew 4:12 JESUS sends angels to John the Baptist
King James Version Mathew 4:12
Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee.
Joseph Smith Translation
And now Jesus knew that John was cast into prison, and he sent angels, and behold, they came and ministered unto him. And Jesus departed into Galilee;
1. JESUS did not "hear" that John was in prison, JESUS knew. JESUS knows all things. HE is smarter than all of the rest of us put together.
2. JESUS sent heavenly messengers to comfort and minister to John, instead of apparently doing nothing like whoever changed the original manuscript would like us to believe. JESUS is a GOD of action and will do whatever HE can, short of violating free agency to help those who help HIM.
3. CHRIST did not run off to Galilee to avoid prison himself like the KJV makes it possibly appear. JESUS is fearless. After seeing to his servant's relief, HE went where he planned to go all along.
4. JESUS does not rescue John from prison...that one you need to work out on your own.
Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee.
Joseph Smith Translation
And now Jesus knew that John was cast into prison, and he sent angels, and behold, they came and ministered unto him. And Jesus departed into Galilee;
1. JESUS did not "hear" that John was in prison, JESUS knew. JESUS knows all things. HE is smarter than all of the rest of us put together.
2. JESUS sent heavenly messengers to comfort and minister to John, instead of apparently doing nothing like whoever changed the original manuscript would like us to believe. JESUS is a GOD of action and will do whatever HE can, short of violating free agency to help those who help HIM.
3. CHRIST did not run off to Galilee to avoid prison himself like the KJV makes it possibly appear. JESUS is fearless. After seeing to his servant's relief, HE went where he planned to go all along.
4. JESUS does not rescue John from prison...that one you need to work out on your own.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Day 10- December 13, 2016 Matthew 4:1-2 - JESUS in the wilderness
King James version of Mathew 4:1-2
Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
Joseph Smith Translation
Then Jesus was led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be with God.
And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, and had communed with God, he was afterwards an hungred, and was left to be tempted by the devil.
1. The Spirit of GOD did not lead JESUS into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. The Spirit led HIM there to commune with the MOST HIGH GOD. No member of the Godhead would lead anyone anywhere for the devil's purposes. The Godhead grants Satan a small amount of power to test us. However, reality is not like modern films with GOD and Satan having relatively equal power. GOD has all power. Satan is allowed by GOD to have limited power for a limited time.
2. Joseph did not change the number of days JESUS fasted. HE really did fast for 40 days. He was obviously hungry, but curiously no mention of thirst. This points to the probability that true fasting is abstaining from eating, but not drinking. GOD knows better than anyone how quickly someone can die or suffer irreparable harm from becoming dehydrated. Modern churches always want to make things harder on their members, so some today require abstention from eating and drinking. JESUS and Joseph would obviously disagree. Fasting is a principle of spiritual power, but do not make it harder than it has to be by failing to hydrate.
3. Fasting led to communion with GOD. JESUS was perfect, why would HE need to fast? In order to show we imperfect beings how to connect with GOD. My former faith has made people hate fasting with its 24 hour time requirement and misguided advice to refrain from drinking liquids. If people would follow JESUS' example and fast while staying hydrated, the fast could last as long as needed until some kind of answer is achieved.
4. When GOD left, and the Spirit left, then the devil came to tempt CHRIST. Satan would want no part in dealing with all 3 members of the Godhead at once. He is no match for even one of them at a time. He had to try, because Satan knew that JESUS is the only chance for mortals to avoid death and hell. Funny how Satan knows more than most of the world's people and religions.
Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
Joseph Smith Translation
Then Jesus was led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be with God.
And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, and had communed with God, he was afterwards an hungred, and was left to be tempted by the devil.
1. The Spirit of GOD did not lead JESUS into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. The Spirit led HIM there to commune with the MOST HIGH GOD. No member of the Godhead would lead anyone anywhere for the devil's purposes. The Godhead grants Satan a small amount of power to test us. However, reality is not like modern films with GOD and Satan having relatively equal power. GOD has all power. Satan is allowed by GOD to have limited power for a limited time.
2. Joseph did not change the number of days JESUS fasted. HE really did fast for 40 days. He was obviously hungry, but curiously no mention of thirst. This points to the probability that true fasting is abstaining from eating, but not drinking. GOD knows better than anyone how quickly someone can die or suffer irreparable harm from becoming dehydrated. Modern churches always want to make things harder on their members, so some today require abstention from eating and drinking. JESUS and Joseph would obviously disagree. Fasting is a principle of spiritual power, but do not make it harder than it has to be by failing to hydrate.
3. Fasting led to communion with GOD. JESUS was perfect, why would HE need to fast? In order to show we imperfect beings how to connect with GOD. My former faith has made people hate fasting with its 24 hour time requirement and misguided advice to refrain from drinking liquids. If people would follow JESUS' example and fast while staying hydrated, the fast could last as long as needed until some kind of answer is achieved.
4. When GOD left, and the Spirit left, then the devil came to tempt CHRIST. Satan would want no part in dealing with all 3 members of the Godhead at once. He is no match for even one of them at a time. He had to try, because Satan knew that JESUS is the only chance for mortals to avoid death and hell. Funny how Satan knows more than most of the world's people and religions.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Day 9- Matthew 3:15- JESUS' baptism by John
King James Version of Matthew 3:15
And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
Joseph Smith Translation
And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer me to be baptized of thee, for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And John went down into the water and baptized him.
1. "Suffer" is the middle English version of the words "allow" or "permit". CHRIST is humbly asking John to permit this to happen. John humbly points out that he needs JESUS to baptize him (verse 14). The true GOD of this Earth asking John to baptize him! John is understandably confused.
2. CHRIST is emphatic that this needs to happen, regardless of the disparity between the holiness of the two individuals. Baptism is a requirement for entrance to the kingdom of the MOST HIGH GOD, or GOD the FATHER. Even a perfect being has to be baptized.
3. JESUS later calls John the greatest prophet in history. (Matthew 11:11) John himself recognized his own imperfections compared to CHRIST's perfection, but John was the most qualified person of all time to perform this sacred and vital ordinance.
4. John and CHRIST went down into the water, obviously to do this the correct way, by immersion.
5. CHRIST is probably 30 years old at this point. Joseph Smith called JESUS "the prototype of the saved man." This points to the possibility that people should not be baptized until their brains are fully developed. Better to make an independently based decision about whether to follow CHRIST or not.
And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
Joseph Smith Translation
And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer me to be baptized of thee, for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And John went down into the water and baptized him.
1. "Suffer" is the middle English version of the words "allow" or "permit". CHRIST is humbly asking John to permit this to happen. John humbly points out that he needs JESUS to baptize him (verse 14). The true GOD of this Earth asking John to baptize him! John is understandably confused.
2. CHRIST is emphatic that this needs to happen, regardless of the disparity between the holiness of the two individuals. Baptism is a requirement for entrance to the kingdom of the MOST HIGH GOD, or GOD the FATHER. Even a perfect being has to be baptized.
3. JESUS later calls John the greatest prophet in history. (Matthew 11:11) John himself recognized his own imperfections compared to CHRIST's perfection, but John was the most qualified person of all time to perform this sacred and vital ordinance.
4. John and CHRIST went down into the water, obviously to do this the correct way, by immersion.
5. CHRIST is probably 30 years old at this point. Joseph Smith called JESUS "the prototype of the saved man." This points to the possibility that people should not be baptized until their brains are fully developed. Better to make an independently based decision about whether to follow CHRIST or not.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)