Tuesday, February 8, 2011

A long, long time ago, in a land far, far away. . .

Before there was a Mormon 13th Article of Faith,
Before little Mormon kids sang, "Be true, be true, and stand for the right,"
Before the Mormons touted modesty,
Before the Mormons sang, "Who's on the Lord's side, who?"
Before there were even Mormons,

There was a man named Paul.  He taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ, stood up for it, was imprisoned for it, and died for it.

He taught: 
  • "...Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever hings are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philip 4:8).
  • Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ (Colossians 2:8).
  • If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above. . . .  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. . . .  Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. . . .  But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.  Lie not. . . . (Colossians 3:1 - 9).
  • ". . .how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thessalonians 1:9).
  • How ye ought to walk and to please God. . .  For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but to holiness.  He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God. (1 Thessalonians 4:1, 7-8).
  • Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another. . . (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
  • Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.  Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing.  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  Quench not the Spirit.  Despise not prophesyings.  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.  Abstain from the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5: 14-22).
He spoke of persecution:
  • And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:  So that ye were ensamples to all that believe. . . (1 Thessalonians 1:7).
  • "But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God. . . .  But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. . . .  Nor of men sought we glory. . . but we were gentle among you. . . (1 Thessalonians 1: 2-7).
He also taught us how to act toward other people, even those that may not agree:
  • And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence..." (Philippians 1:9-10).
  • And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear (Philippians 1:14).
  • Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27).
  • Stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved (Philippians 4:1).
  • ...but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Phillipians 4:6).
  • Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts. . . (Colossians 3: 12-15).
  • Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man (Colossians 4:6).
  • That ye study to be quiet. . . .  . . .I would not have you to be ignorant.  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober  (1 Thessalonians 4: 11, 13; 5:6).
  • But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:8-9).
  • Let no man deceive you by any means. . . .  . . .stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught (2 Thessalonians 2: 3, 15).
Just wonderful teachings. Let us Christians, and all others who share these values unite for the Right!

Do You Hear the People Sing
Les Miserables
(ironically, not that I'd recommend watching some parts of the musical, 
but the message in this song is mighty powerful)

Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!

Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Somewhere beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?

Then join in the fight
That will give you the right to be free!!

Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart

Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!

Will you give all you can give
So that our banner may advance
Some will fall and some will live
Will you stand up and take your chance?
The blood of the martyrs
Will water the meadows of France!

Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes 

[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/do-you-hear-the-people-sing-lyrics-les-miserables.html ]