Truth and the Plan

President Dallin H. Oaks - When we seek the truth about religion, we should use spiritual methods appropriate for that search. - www.lds.org/ge...
October 2018 General Conference.

[@TheOrganicCookingTwins]

So essential NOW and for the future, TIMELESS WORDS, only true men of God can put together such beautiful and essential, just LOVE IT!

[@Boogenhagenn]

I'm not Mormon - never will be. But a friend pointed out this sermon as a good example of how clear Mormons are on gender and sexuality. Their clear confession and willingness to stand up for natural law, albeit within a very different doctrinal framework than I operate under, is refreshing indeed!

[@montymangum8839]

So grateful for the men who hold the keys. Grateful for their courage to speak the truth. If this talk offends, repent. Truth always offends the guilty and if we feel offended, it is time to look within. You can't protest against the Lord and get what you want.....it'll never happen. Either you serve the Lord, or you serve the adversary, but you can't do both.

[@talie6236]

Thank-you, President Oaks. 🙏🏼☺️

[@hollywright1094]

I love these leaders! They deliver the messages God wants us to hear, not what is popular or politically correct. I am not perfect and heard many things from these wonderful leaders that I need to improve in my own life. I follow because I know this church is true. Following their counsel has brought more happiness to my life than I can describe. We love you President Oaks! Good day to you all!

[@zztop3564]

❤

[@JT-zt7uq]

I like President Oaks! This is the type of teaching you can raise your kids on.

[@serenamg]

Amen! 🙏🏻

[@loganmclean6510]

YES. No beating around the bush.

[@mormonchick19]

Beautiful! Thankful for the Gospel!

[@MrXemrox]

Remember in 2014 a talk from Neil L. Anderson, many members had different mindset from the ways of the world, unlike some being got up in the whirlwind of the world as spoken in his talk on spiritual whirlwind, you can look up the full talk, however I will share a part in regards to this: President Thomas S. Monson has said, “Where once the standards of the Church and the standards of society were mostly compatible, now there is a wide chasm between us, and it’s growing ever wider.” This chasm, for some, stirs strong spiritual whirlwinds. Let me share an example. This past month the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve published a letter to leaders of the Church across the world. In part it read: “Changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has established. God expects us to uphold and keep His commandments regardless of divergent opinions or trends in society. His law of chastity is clear: sexual relations are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife. We urge you to review … the doctrine contained in ‘The Family: A Proclamation to the World.’” As the world slips away from the Lord’s law of chastity, we do not. President Monson said: “The Savior of mankind described Himself as being in the world but not of the world. We also can be in the world but not of the world as we reject false concepts and false teachings and remain true to that which God has commanded.” While many governments and well-meaning individuals have redefined marriage, the Lord has not. In the very beginning, God initiated marriage between a man and a woman-Adam and Eve. He designated the purposes of marriage to go far beyond the personal satisfaction and fulfillment of adults to, more importantly, advancing the ideal setting for children to be born, reared, and nurtured. Families are the treasure of heaven. Why do we continue to talk about this? As Paul said, “We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.” As Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have the responsibility to teach our Creator’s plan for His children and to warn of the consequences of disregarding His commandments. Recently, I spoke with a Laurel from the United States. I quote from her email: “This past year some of my friends on Facebook began posting their position on marriage. Many favored same-sex marriage, and several LDS youth indicated they ‘liked’ the postings. I made no comment. “I decided to declare my belief in traditional marriage in a thoughtful way. “With my profile picture, I added the caption ‘I believe in marriage between a man and a woman.’ Almost instantly I started receiving messages. ‘You are selfish.’ ‘You are judgmental.’ One compared me to a slave owner. And I received this post from a great friend who is a strong member of the Church: ‘You need to catch up with the times. Things are changing and so should you.’ “I did not fight back,” she said, “but I did not take my statement down.” She concludes: “Sometimes, as President Monson said, ‘You have to stand alone.’ Hopefully as youth, we will stand together in being true to God and to the teachings of His living prophets.” Of special concern to us should be those who struggle with same-sex attraction. It is a whirlwind of enormous velocity. I want to express my love and admiration for those who courageously confront this trial of faith and stay true to the commandments of God! But everyone, independent of his or her decisions and beliefs, deserves our kindness and consideration. The Savior taught us to love not only our friends but also those who disagree with us-and even those who repudiate us. He said: “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? … And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others?” The Prophet Joseph Smith warned us to “beware of self-righteousness” and to enlarge our hearts toward all men and women until we feel “to take them upon our shoulders.” In the gospel of Jesus Christ, there is no place for ridicule, bullying, or bigotry. If you have a question about counsel from the leaders of the Church, please discuss your honest concerns with your parents and leaders. You need the strength that comes from trusting the Lord’s prophets. President Harold B. Lee said: “The only safety we have as members of this church is to … learn to give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through His prophet. … There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may not like what comes. … It may contradict your political views … your social views … interfere with … your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord Himself, … ‘the gates of hell shall not prevail against you … and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you …’ This is true then and still is today, it's wasn't hateful either time either, God's commandments never changes on the whims of the world.

[@MrXemrox]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5iUmYB9mr6chq8 Here's the talk in full.

[@MrXemrox]

And many members have forgotten he had a similar talk, and the same ones who were wroth received the talk in 2013 a lot better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGWpp6udYqugfJo God's standards don't change with the world's. 8 Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways. *And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God.* _~Jacob 4:8_ These values aren't hatful then, nor is it today. Don't get swept up in the current of the world. 16 And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the fountain of filthy water which thy father saw; yea, even the river of which he spake; and the depths thereof are the depths of hell. 17 And the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost. 18 And the large and spacious building, which thy father saw, is vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men. And a great and a terrible gulf divideth them; yea, even the word of the justice of the Eternal God, and the Messiah who is the Lamb of God, of whom the Holy Ghost beareth record, from the beginning of the world until this time, and from this time henceforth and forever. ~1 Nephi 12:16-18

[@MrXemrox]

Free speech needs to be protected, so the words of God through His messages would be unrestrained. It should be protected by the 1st amendment, as well as 2nd, 3rd and the rest that doesn't contradict others.

[@MrXemrox]

Free speech needs to be protected, so the words of God through His messages would be unrestrained. It should be protected by the 1st amendment, as well as 2nd, 3rd and the rest that doesn't contradict others.

[@SingerGuy59]

My heart rejoiced to hear eternal truths spoken with plainness and authority. Hurrah for Israel! 👍

[@mrlds3202]

Awesome speech. Elder Oaks lays down the law!

[@evaknievel4449]

He is so awesome!!!

[@katherinedinkelman2338]

Anthony LDS I don't like the way he does his talks and I don't really like him as a person. His talk made me very angry and more confused. I even showed my friends this talk and they agreed.

[@lightscenters111]

TRUTH IS ETERNAL.. so grateful that someone has the courage to speak it. Though we live in troubled times, we still can set and reset our own compasses towards God and eternity and bypass that which is not the fullness of truth.. So grateful for prophets to help us set our compasses when we get off here or there a little bit or a lot. We all wander.. we can all reset our course..

[@hollyodii5969]

I love President Oaks.

[@louisemcbeath9818]

Amazing man. I really feel this general conference emphasises that time is running out. Time to "stand in holy places, and be NOT MOVED!".

[@michellehidalgo8486]

The words of President Oaks, the same that my mother taught me in my tender childhood. I remember that my mother used to tell me that before coming to this earth I lived in the presence of my Heavenly Father as a woman, who had come to this world to obtain a body of flesh and bone and to be proved, that after a long life I would get death and that finally at the second coming of the Savior I would be resurrected. When I resuscitated my body would be perfect, I would have no defects, I would be healthy. I always knew that the bodies did not resurrect with any plastic surgery, and now I see many people offended by an eternal truth that will not change even if society demands it. This is their plan and their plan is full of love although many do not believe it .

[@MrXemrox]

26 Yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost! 27 Yea, wo be unto him that saith: We have received, and we need no more! 28 And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall. 2 Nephi 28:26-28

[@riogreene5628]

AD70 fulfillment of Daniels 70 week prophecy!

[@johnmartinez178]

Like many of you I had a lot of thoughts regarding President Oaks talk yesterday that lingered throughout the night. While not surprised of his words, I was surprised that after years of the same message those words could still cause pain, sadness, and frustration. This pain built up and boiled over as I repeated his words over and over in my head until I just turned off conference and walked away. With trepidation I turned on this morning’s session and Elder Holland’s talk came on about forgiveness. I’m still a little choked up about how timely his message was and how much I needed to hear it. For me the blessing of forgiveness is moving forward. For some of our lgbtq brothers and sisters that means moving away from the church and finding a joyful path with a loving and fulfilling relationship. For others, forgiveness allows them to stay in the church, serve, and find peace in the gospel. While a third group may find theirselves somewhere in between, still searching for that promised land. To all paths, forgiveness is a gift that allows us to release the baggage of hurtful and harmful talks from our leaders, freeing us to move forward and listen to those uplifting talks that help us be more like the Savior. Forgiveness doesn’t make the wrong right. It doesn’t make excuses for what was said. It simply empowers each individual to not let pain and anger become resentment and bitterness. It allows those emotions to be replaced with the Savior’s infinite love. I’d be mistaken to miss this opportunity to implement Elder Holland’s teachings. With that I’d like to ask my trans brothers and sisters for your forgiveness. For too long I was too silent to stand up for you. Often because of my lack of understanding, I’ve made jokes at your expense. I pray that with your forgiveness we can move forward and find ways to lighten each other’s burdens, serve one another, and find ways to be better disciples. I’m sure you have a lot to teach me about how to be more Christlike. I also feel impressed to offer my forgiveness to President Oaks. I forgive you and pray for you that the future offers endless opportunities to make right the wrongs of the past. The atonement allows everyone that blessing. Young and old, leaders and followers, gay, straight, and everything in between. We all are imperfect and blessed with the opportunity to ask for and to offer forgiveness.

[@jaredshipp9207]

President Oaks doesn't need your forgiveness. He simply taught true doctrine, as it's his duty to do as an apostle.

[@lancenaylor3624]

Here is a thought for you. He is stating some truths bluntly. I know its sensitive. I used to think his purpose is mainly to indirectly chastise but I know that's not so. There are a few important parts of this. One critical part is to offer clarity about the base that needs to be looked to. That is a major thing he is providing and it's for it's own purpose. Now, often we dont all speak of it, but it is his role to mention the standard in clarity. It's not just to chastise. And yes, he is a prophet and is aware that such a thing can be difficult (and can be years of trials and there are complications. Neither is he denying that our Elder Brother loves us unconditionally along the path. But it's not wrong every time to mention what needs sought. Should we lose sight of it? And, the big sin isnt to have a struggle, but it is (in the process) to fight against His ways and ideals. This man tries to help by lovingly offering clarity. But in this situation only knows to be direct. He's not hating or putting down.

[@IIIJT]

@@lancenaylor3624 "In the end only kindness matters" Jewel

[@ResidentKlinton]

There is perhaps but one thing I disagree with in this talk: That spiritual truths cannot be learned through scientific means. We already use a scientific method to learn the truth: See D&C 9:7-9. Perhaps Elder Oaks refers here to scientific methods not backed by spiritual methods, as well. But I have personally come to know important truths through science, truths I could not see without it. These truths may seem small compared to the large, soul-stretching truths of the Gospel...yet these truths follow those truths and are a part of them.

[@saucesgalore]

thank you

[@shamojj]

So brave to say this! Kudos to elder Oaks For THROWING down the gauntlet!

[@benjamintorrie]

AMEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNN

[@JohnnyQuestFishing]

So after listening to this, I have a question. Brother Oaks says that we can ONLY achieve exaltation in the celestial kingdom, ONLY by an eternal marriage between a man and a woman. I don't believe that is scriptural. The Scriptures say that St John was a virgin his whole life, in fact it is the only apostle that I can confirm was not married and referred to as the beloved of Christ, and James was just assumed by some to be but nothing concrete. Yet, John represents one of the first 12 candle sticks in the celestial kingdom of God, so how can Brother Oaks say, it is the ONLY way to be exalted in heaven. Should this not be the interpretation of man to say ONLY? I believe the main eternal marriage is first to our God and not "just" Husband and Wife. I agree that eternal families are important and a main factor of God's plan, but I also believe according to scripture that we are to seek first the kingdom in which John surely did and still does. I refuse to not merit my brother in Christ John with anything less than exaltation in the celestial kingdom, just because he never married. I just don't find that in scripture. I am not discrediting Brother Oaks, but I do pray this is clarified a little better and if I have made a mistake, that it would be made clear enough, through scripture so that I can comprehend. In Jesus Name. AMEN!

[@mhmangum]

Where in the Bible does it say that John was not married?

[@aprilgriffin7126]

I appreciate your sentiments, I love John and as we know, the Savior loved him a tremendous deal. However, the only person who can merit us eternal life is our Father in Heaven, through the grace of Jesus Christ and by following his laws and ordinances. I trust in what Elder Oaks teaches us and the scriptures say. They are congruent.

[@samantha-tl3qg]

didn’t really agree with his word .

[@Zack-oq3du]

What did you not agree about it?

[@nevets2371]

That's OK, he wasn't trying to say things that most people would agree with. Actually knowing president Oaks he was probably trying to say things that most people would not agree with.

[@tamarajessup1398]

My truthful, thoughtful, reasoned post questioning whether President Oaks intended to condemn people who identify as transgender, who typically have no more choice in the matter than people with same-sex attraction, was deleted. I'm not speaking ill of the Lord's anointed, I'm doing my best to interpret this message in the most positive way possible because I don't think he intended to condemn people for being who they are, especially since the alternative for many is deciding to no longer be.

[@IIIJT]

My comment was also censored. In fact I think I have been censored in general or flagged in some way. I have said nothing to tear down individuals or disparage any specific person. I've only challenge the efficiency of certain ideas. I do not believe in tearing down people . I don't think my comment was wild or inflammatory. It was quite data-driven and not inflammatory in my silly opinion. I was surprised and had no idea they could censor people out in a way that gives them the feeling of "being heard" while withdrawing their free-speech from the platform. I can totally understand if the comment is inflammatory, violent, or deceptively inaccurate. I can see the comments that I've made but no one else logging in can. Except for, maybe, the specific thread that I've commented though and the people within it, that it's specifically addressed to. Giving a pretense of being open to the public where all are welcome to discuss issues in good faith and exercise free thought on important matters is deceptive when we distort the reality of the Observer. It is a lie in the truest sense. When we are manipulating the reality of the Observer in a way that is deceptive, it is called a lie .

[@MrXemrox]

1 Nephi 16:1-4 1 And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had made an end of speaking to my brethren, behold they said unto me: Thou hast declared unto us hard things, more than we are able to bear. 2 And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I had spoken hard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the righteous have I justified, and testified that they should be lifted up at the last day; wherefore, the guilty* taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center. 3 And now my brethren, if ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it, that ye might walk uprightly before God, then ye would not murmur because of the truth, and say: Thou speakest hard things against us. 4 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did exhort my brethren, with all diligence, to keep the commandments of the Lord. *In the footnote it's linked to another scripture in the New Testament John 3:19-21 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Oaks is a messengers of God, teaching about traditional marriage, and speaking about repentance and in other talks, that no matter the sin, people can find repentance and understand the words spoken. These are messengers of God, Jesus has commanded to feed his sheep. 9 ¶ And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. 10 ¶ And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? 12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Luke ch. 13 (in the King James version) teaches about repentance to be save from from eternal misery, and come to eternal life and happiness.

[@AlpineAlien]

Why let someone give you direction? Why not find direction for yourself? Why is there only one way to live? There is many.

[@Amulek293]

Joseph Smith prophesied over 187 years ago that the book of Enoch would be testified of . That book has been publicly available for over 75 years. It’s hard to feel you have agency , when great information and truth is hidden from us .

[@sambryner6466]

The church opposed “traditional marriage” for years through its practice of polygamy

[@Santanaa26]

Sam Bryner right but if you talk about them being polygamist they will tell you that’s not them it’s the reformed Mormons.

[@coalhouse1981]

@@noskalborg723 tell the truth. The man speaking believes he will be married to both his wives in heaven.

[@nevets2371]

@Joi Guidry No it was us, we haven't practiced it for over 100 years but we did before that. We only did it because we believed that God had commanded us to do it. And as much as I may not like it, if I was commanded to take more than one wife by God I would do it.

[@tamarajessup1398]

It was traditional in the Old Testament, where it was practiced by about 2-3% of the population - the same percentage called to practice in in the early years of Church history. The same United States government that did nothing as persecution turned deadly whenever the saints tried to live in peace, then drafted men who were to have fought in the Mexican-American War, responded to the ignorant opposition to plural marriage by people who drove the saints into virtual exile by passing laws prohibiting plural marriage for the express purpose of enabling the government to seize Church assets and attempt to destroy the Church as a institution by making men, many of whom were Church leaders, who practiced plural marriage subject to imprisonment. The Lord revealed His will to His prophet - to end the practice of plural marriage - and it ceased being a feature of Church doctrine over 150 years ago. Some men who wished to engage in the practice for lascivious reasons without proper authority (in contrast with those who had practiced it by appointment for the benefit of the many widows with young children who needed the assistance and support of combined families) became laws unto themselves and set up corrupt communities that were, and are, offensive to God and man and which violate the laws of the land and civilized, decent society. Kindly refrain from identifying these sick, selfish individuals, the majority of whom were NEVER members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with members of that faith. ANY Church member found practicing plural marriage or anything like unto it must either cease and desist or be relieved of their Church membership - NO exceptions.