Scripture Reading: Mosiah Ch. 2/4:30: "...if ye do not watch yourselves..."

"But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not."
- Mosiah Ch. 2 (4:30/Utah)

SERMON: Satan and His Powers

A Sermon by Matthew P. Gill

In the life of everyone here comes the conflict between good and evil, between Satan and the Lord…Evil and good influences will be ever present. We must all decide what we are going to choose. The scriptures say in The Book of Mormon in Second Nephi “Wherefore, men are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself”

Many of you read newspapers, many of you watch television, some of you these days might still listen to the radio, still some others of you read books and magazines. Much of this media is imbedded into your consciousness, and its only aim is to lead you astray.

Don’t forget that a lot of what you read is scurrilous. It is designed to tempt you. You are all intelligent beings of the Father omnipotent. You have learned in infancy what is right, now you must make your own decisions in determining if it is right or wrong. Let us not forget that if our life decisions are to be responsible and of sound base, we must be prepared and armed with the knowledge concerning Satan’s plan and purpose, his past performances, and his ongoing designs.

With this in mind, our first steps in combating Satan and his evil influence is to recognise that Satan is real - that he actually exists. We live in an age where men not only depersonalise God but also the devil. Their so-called sophistication and error have allowed them to do this. Under this misguided concept, to them Satan is a myth; useful for keeping people straight in less enlightened times, but outmoded and outdated in our supposedly “educated” and “intellectual” age.

But be warned, nothing is further from the truth or reality. The scriptures say in Chapter 12 of the Book of Jeraneck, “A warning I give that all those that stray from the paths of the Almighty Lord of Heaven are in the grip of the evil one and he is waiting to drag you down to hell” (12:48)

Let us not be fooled, Satan is very much a personal, individual personage of spirit, but he does not posses a mortal body. His desire to steal each of us and take us to his own personal eternal kingdom is no less ardent in wickedness than our Heavenly Father’s desire to attract us to his by His righteousness.

However, since Satan’s unsuccessful attempt to rob man of his agency, in the grand council in Heaven, Satan has been, “Going to and fro in the earth, and…walking up and down in it” (Job 1:7) We must remember that at the commencement and opening of every dispensation, he has made a frontal attack against the advent of truth. Let us remember that it was he who led one third of the hosts of Heaven astray and turned them against the Lord, and they are now part of Satan’s unrighteous following even today (see D&C 10:10 (1835)/39:36 Utah version.)

Fortunately for us, the Spirit and our knowledge of truth both help us recognise Satan and his workings. Regardless of Satan’s positive scriptural identification, “the general acceptance of Satan’s declaration, ‘I am not the devil, for there is none’ (2 Nephi) accounts in large measure for the decadence in our deteriorating society today.

As Latter Day Mormons we need not be, and we must not be, deceived by the sophistries of men concerning the reality of Satan. There is a personal devil, and we had better believe it. He and a countless host of followers, seen and unseen, are exercising a controlling influence upon men and their affairs in our world today, this is no time for Latter Day Mormons to equivocate.

Jesus taught, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). We know that to qualify us to prevail against Satan and his wicked hosts, we have been given the gospel of Jesus Christ. We know that the spirit of Christ and the power of his priesthood are ample shield to the power of Satan. We know that there is given to each of us the gift and companionship of the great comforter, the Holy Ghost,  it is this great power of revelation which embraces the gift of discernment by which we may unerringly detect the devil and the counterfeits he is so successfully foisting upon this lost and gullible generation.

Therefore, we must not allow ourselves to be led astray by Satan’s deceptions. We have the gospel of Jesus Christ, the strengthening influence of prayer, and the all powerful priesthood of God. With these as our allies we can avoid Satan’s influence. As we resist Satan, his influence in our lives weakens, and we grow stronger in Christ.

Matthew Gill

Scripture Reading: D&C 36:4 (1835) "wo be unto him that lieth to deceive"

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, wo be unto him that lieth to deceive because he supposeth that another lieth to deceive, for such are not exempt from the justice of God.”
Doctrine & Covenants 36:4 (10:28/Utah)

Scripture Reading: Book of Jeraneck 16:123-124 "...For the people had been warned..."

"I returned to the great temple, and I went unto the holy room of the temple and I cried unto the Almighty. And while I was crying unto him for the sake of my people, the Spirit came upon me and it bore witness to me that the Almighty Jesus the Lord would stretch forth his hand in an instant and save us, but the people would not listen and they would not return to him; and because of this, he is bound by the Almighty law to fulfill that which he had revealed to his many Prophets concerning the destruction of my people. For the people had been warned that if they left the paths of righteousness they would be wiped from this sacred land."

- Book of Jeraneck 16:123-124

Click HERE to learn more about the Book of Jeraneck and the People of the Light!

Scripture Reading: Book of Jeraneck 15:29-32 "...I decided to kneel and ask the Almighty for answers..."

"I, Jeraneck, being thirteen years of age, was led by the spirit of the Lord into a valley and from that valley into a great forest; and while I was in this forest my mind became centred on the things of the Almighty in so much that I desired to know of many things. And it was while I was wondering in my mind that I decided to kneel and ask the Almighty for answers to all the things that I wondered after. It was while I was pouring out my heart unto the Almighty that a great light gathered and I beheld in that light a parsonage and I became afraid and I was about to get to my feet and run when the personage spoke to me and his voice was like thunder and it shook me to my very soul and I stayed kneeling upon the ground and I listened to the personage and he said unto me. ‘Jeraneck, behold I am the Almighty, the Lamb, the Holy One of Heaven.'"

- Book of Jeraneck, Ch. 15:29-32

Click HERE to learn more about the Book of Jeraneck!

Scripture Reading Jacob 2 (2:18-19) “But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God."

“But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good - to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.” - Jacob Chapter 2 (2:18-19 Utah) 

Scripture Reading Book of Jeraneck 14:55-56 "“Now the followers of Christ who were arrayed on the other side of the valley were indeed righteous."

“Now the followers of Christ who were arrayed on the other side of the valley were indeed righteous.  For it was through them that a record of this great war was preserved and it was through them that the records of the people were kept from destruction and it is thanks to them that I do now compile this record, for it was through them that the ways of the Almighty were preserved upon this land.  The armies of Christ were arrayed in great armour and they had weapons. Their weapons were also great and they were met to do battle.”

- Book of Jeraneck, Chapter 14:55-56

On the Value of Honesty: A Statement by the Prophet Matthew Gill

     "We Believe in being honest..." 
- Article 14, Articles of Faith of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ

On the Value of Honesty

A Statement by the Prophet Matthew Gill

Honesty is the glue that holds our civilization together. It helps us remain true to ourselves and makes us men and women of integrity. Honesty builds trust and character in ourselves and in our dealings with others. And it is the thread that, when unraveled, tears human beings apart from one another, destroying families and individuals alike.

In scripture, we learn of many powerful examples of honesty that illustrate honesty's importance and its ability to make our lives more whole and meaningful. The Lord Jesus Christ taught that those are with "an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it," will "bring forth fruit with patience.” (Luke 8:15)

How, then, can we be less than honest, if the Lord commands it?

Heavenly Father tells us that He considers a lying tongue to be "an abomination" (Proverbs 6:19) and that the lips that tell truth are "established forever." (Prov. 12:19)

In ancient Israel, God’s chosen Prophets often spoke honestly to warn of dangers - those that were hazards to both the moral and spiritual well being of God's people.

The people of Nephi, the Book of Alma says, were "numbered among the people who were of the church of God." They were said to be "perfectly honest and upright in all things." (Alma 27:27 Utah)

As Latter Day Mormons, we believe that God has never left us without Prophets - men of God who were tellers of Truth to God's people. These men told the Israelites, the Nephites on the American continent and the People of Light in the British Isles the Truth about God, and the need for God's people to be truthful.

In the Book of Helaman, Nephi said he was an "honest man" sent "unto you from God." (Helaman 9:36 Utah) “And then shall he say unto you, that I, Nephi, know nothing concerning the matter save it were given unto me by the power of God. And then shall ye know that I am an honest man, and that I am sent unto you from God.” The Book of Mormon Helaman 9:36)

To the Gentiles in the Ancient Roman world, the Apostle Paul urged men to hold fast to honesty and honest dealings with men, saying, "Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.” (2 Corinthians 13:7) “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.” Hebrews 13:18) “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.” Romans 13:13)

The Latter Day Prophet Joseph Smith, in Doctrine and Covenants, calls upon us to seek honesty in our dealings with others, and to seek out honest men with which to associate.

The Prophet Joseph calls for us to "let every man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be one, even as I have commanded you.” (D&C 51:9 Utah; 23:2 1835) And: “Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.” (D&C 98:10 Utah; )

Today, in these latter days, I urge you to heed the Prophets and Apostles of old to provide  for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men (2 Corinthians 8:21) and to reflect upon their holy words about the sacredness of honesty.

All things of value are wrapped in honestly and truth. Those who tell the truth revere Heavenly Father and His Prophets. Those who shun truth shun God Himself. Be honest for the sake of Heavenly Father and His people, and blessings will be upon you.

Matthew Gill

Prophet, Seer and Revelator,

Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ 

Scripture Reading: 2 Nephi Ch. 1 "Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which is expedient unto man..."

"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which is expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the mediation of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and the power of the Devil: for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself. And now, my sons, I would that ye looked to the great mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit.”

- 2 Nephi Ch. 1 (2:27 Utah version)

Scripture Reading: Book of Jeraneck 9:5 "Now the children of hte People of Ridnon and Limndon were taught by their mothers..."

"Now the children of the People of Ridnon and Limndon were taught by their mothers and they were taught that they were to be prayerful and to be contrite and be examples to the people around them, and it is from these people that we have learned the value of motherhood, for before we joined ourselves with the People of Ridnon and Limndon we held motherhood in no great esteem."
- Book of Jaraneck 9:5

Scripture Reading: D&C 12:9 (1835 ed.) "..I give unto you a commandment..."

"And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a commandment, that every man, both elder, priest, teacher, and also member, go to with his might, with the labor of his hands, to prepare and accomplish the things which I have commanded. And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness. And go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Even so. Amen.”
D&C 12:9 (38:40-42 Utah)

Scripture Reading: Book of Jeraneck 1:1-2 "..It is from my Mother that I have learnt a greater understanding of humility..."

"My name is Jeraneck, son of Isnah, from the house of Isnah. I have been taught the gospel of the Christ and the Almighty God by my Father and Mother. But it is from my Mother that I have learnt a greater understanding of humility, respect and love and it is to her that I give thanks for the man I am today."
- Book of Jeraneck 1:1-2

Scripture Reading: Book of Jeraneck 1:12-13 "The Prophet Araneck being a mighty man in stature went before the Lord..."

"The Prophet Araneck being a mighty man in stature went before the Lord and offered up a sacred prayer saying. 'Almighty God, Lord of Heaven and of the Earth spare the people, forgive them of their wickedness. Pour out the spirit upon their hearts, that they might have a great and mighty change of heart, that they may kneel before thee in solemn repentance for the wickedness they have done.' As Araneck finished his prayer unto the Lord a great fire appeared before him in which stood the Lord of hosts the very Saviour."
- Book of Jeraneck 1:12-13

Scripture Reading: Book of Jeraneck 16:13-16 "As I write these things, my mind is turned to the Prophets of the past.."

"As I write these things, my mind is turned to the Prophets of the past, the great prophet Zioneck who lived during the unification of the people, the great Prophet Raynon and his wife Morion and the great Golden age of peace and love that they ushered in and how great it would have been to have lived then. My mind is turned to the many great things that they did for the people, their great deeds and works and their wonderful sermons and their preachings unto the people. And I have thought to myself these many days past while I have been camped in the great council chamber with the remainder of the People of Light, what was the need for these sermons and preachings?"
- Book of Jeraneck 16:13-16

Scripture Reading 2 Nephi Ch. 3 "...concerning the prophecies of which my father hath spoken, concerning Joseph"

"And now, I, Nephi, speak concerning the prophecies of which my father hath spoken, concerning Joseph, who was carried into Egypt: For behold, he truly prophesied concerning all his seed. And the prophecies which he wrote, there are not many greater. And he prophesied concerning us, and our future generations: and they are written upon the plates of brass. Wherefore, after my father had made an end of the speaking concerning the prophecies of Joseph, he called the children of Laman, his sons, and his daughters, and sayeth unto them, Behold, my sons, and my daughters, which are the sons and the daughters of my first born. I would that ye should give ear unto my words: for the Lord God hath said, That inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land; and inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments, ye shall be cut off from my presence."
- 2 Nephi Chapter 3 (4:1-4 Utah)