Thoughts About my Missionary

As my days as a Missionary mama come to a close, I just want to say how blessed I have been and how blessed as a family we have been.  While Jared has been gone, 2 babies were born and Kylee had her back surgery.  I know with every fiber of my being, that having 2 of my boys serve a mission at the same time, has brought tremendous blessings.

   As I have watched Jared over the course of 3 years, I have seen how much he has changed.  He has used the atonement and I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus are so very proud of him.  Jesus did this for us, so that we could use it to progress in our mortal existence.

    I have watched Jared struggle all of his life with learning disabilities.  This young man has proven 10 fold that you can overcome obstacles.  His letters have been so inspiring and spiritual, he has a beautiful testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Although he still has struggles and is far from perfect, (as we all are) He has shown me that our trials are just stepping stones and to welcome each and every trial and know that they are for our good.
   
    Heavenly Father doesn't give us the trial, but he allows them to happen so that we can grow and become closer to him.

  I love each and everyone of you for all that you have done to help Jared accomplish his mission.  It is a group effort and you will be blessed beyond comprehension.

    Having him return home is a bitter sweet.  We have loved the blessings we have received from him serving, but also know that we and he will be continually blessed as we learn and grow in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

   Thank you all for all that you have done.  May God Bless and keep you.


Love,

DelMarie (Jared's mommy)

My Final Letter

Dear Friends and Family, 

I cannot put into words my feelings at this time, my heart is full. I feel much like Ammon "my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God." (Alma 26:11) There are many wonderful blessings that come from serving a mission. But one of the most rewarding blessings I have ever experienced is outline perfectly in the Book of Mormon  "And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon [me]"...being an "instrument in the hands of God to bring about this great work" (Alma 26:3) I apologize ahead of time for the length of this letter. 

I have witnessed the Atonement of Jesus Christ change the hearts and countenances of those I have been able to teach. It is a 4th hand experience. I am the instrument, the Holy Ghost the teacher, the Lord Jesus Christ the refiner, and the broken heart and contrite spirit being the recipient of a cleansed soul. I asked one of my dearest friends how he felt about the things we were teaching him. He replied in a rather profound way. "Elder, It is like you are taking a sponge and wiping the dirt away from my dirty and sin stained soul. Jesus Christ and His atonement being the cleaning solution, the Holy Ghost being the hot water" I have visualized that beautiful image in many other lives, including my own.  

These last 2 years have been the hardest thing I have ever loved. The Lord through His tender mercies has stretched me beyond my imagination. Things that I never thought I would be able to do, have been accomplished through His power. As I have learned to come unto the Lord, as i have  humbled my self before Him, as I have exercised faith on His name, I have witnessed Him truly make "weak things become strong unto" me. "Hath redeemed my soul" in ways that I don't even know how to describe. 

Like never before I can truly tell you that I know where i'm supposed to be. Like the disciples of old I say "to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life." There is no other place on earth that I would rather be than in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Many will say that we do not need to attend church in order to be saved. But I testify that the Restored church of Jesus Christ has the fullness of the everlasting gospel.  As Dale G. Renlund noted "The church is the Atonement delivery system." We cannot access the redeeming power of the Atonement of Christ without obeying His commandments, attending His Church, and following His ordained prophets. Those prophets will point us to Christ.  Good Christian living will not do it, being "spiritual" will not do it. Only through the Restored church of Jesus Christ can we receive the ordinances necessary for salvation. Only this church has that priesthood authority. "For the edifying of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-14) 

I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in that sacred grove. It happened exactly the way Joseph said it happened. Upon praying about the first vision, I received a witness from the Holy Ghost that it was true, and because I know it's true, I cannot deny what the prophets have said henceforth. They are all prophets of God, and I have come to know every one of them! I had the wonderful opportunity to meet 3 of them out here. Elder Renlund, Elder Stevenson, and Elder Anderson. As I looked into their eyes, I could tell that they were special witnesses of Christ. I could see it in their countenance. I know that they were sent forth to teach this gospel to all the world. Because I witnessed these men stand and bare testimony of the Savior, I know of a surety that the Priesthood of God is on the earth today. Thomas S. Monson holding those sacred keys. 

The Book of Mormon was indeed written for our day. It is a "record of a fallen people" (D&C 20:9) The Nephite nation fell because of their pride. It "hath proven their destruction" (Moroni 8:27) What is the plague of today? It is indeed the sin of pride. The substance of all enmity toward God and our fellowman is the great sin of pride. It is the substance of all evil. So if pride is the plague of our day, and the Book of Mormon is a "record of a fallen people" and "written for our day".  

Then what must we do to humble ourselves? We must begin "feasting upon the words of Christ" and "liken" those words to our lives. Those words are contained in the Book of Mormon For Nephi testifies of that in this manner "...hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good" (2 Nephi 33:10)

In order to destroy enmity between God and our fellow man we must apply the doctrine contained in the Book of Mormon. For Joseph Smith testified "that a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book"  Enmity between God and man can be swallowed up by the precepts taught in the Book of Mormon.  It can be swallowed up between our fellow man as we "are in the service of our fellow beings, we are only in the service of our God" (Mosiah 2:17)

Thus the Book of Mormon teaches us of the fallen Nephite nation, so that we can know that a broken heart and a contrite spirit is required in order to gain salvation in the kingdom of God. By relying wholly upon the merits, mercy and grace of the holy Messiah. This testimony of Christ will refine the wicked. It will tug on our very heart strings. It will make "weak things become strong" unto all those who seek humility and faith on His name. 

The Book of Mormon is true. It is the most correct of any book on the earth. I have personally benefited from abiding by its precepts, and I continually get nearer to God each day I drink from its waters. It is the most Christ soaked book on the earth, every page is covered in the doctrine of Christ. My prayer is that I will always apply this doctrine into my life, and thereby continue to seek humility from its teachings. 

Finally, I would like to make one thing very clear. My work is not finished. I am not departing from my mission to a destination of "RM status". Rather, I am commencing to another field of the same work. "I have desires to serve God" and there for the Lord will continue "to call me to His work." When I signed my call letter, I signed it for eternity. "seek ye first the Kingdom of God" has been burned into the fleshy tables of my heart, along with the Doctrine of Jesus Christ. My progression does not stop when I get off the plane. Indeed it continues, even further than it did here. 

This great work will continue to roll forth until every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ. His influence has penetrated my heart. It has brought me to my knees. It has caused me to ponder who I really am, and who I must become. May Heavenly Father shower you with His richest blessings. 

I'm coming home! 

Elder Jared M. Greenburg 

Missouri Independence Mission 

Mound City Kansas Area

It's Kinda Cold

Hello! 

It's freezing out here, just so you know. It snowed, and church got cancelled. I haven't missed church a day in my mission until now...I feel weird about that. 

I'm trying really hard to endure to the end out here. It gets harder and harder every day. But, i know that the Lord must know what that's like. "Let this cup pass from me" he can "succor" me on this. 

We have found ourselves doing a lot of service lately. It seems to be the only thing we have calling on us lately. I don't mind. I love doing service, it brings about a special spirit. 

I've learned a great deal about the scriptures this week. In a lot of ways our testimonies are formed based on the application of the scriptures in our lives. We look back from time to time on the personal experiences we have with them, and sometimes our hearts will swell, and tears will wet our cheeks as we ponder "that moment was a tough time in my life, but this scripture pierced my heart". Those moments and patterns create an anchor to bind the doctrine of Christ to the fleshy tables of our hearts. 

I recall many instances when I have recognized when God has shown forth His tender mercies through the scriptures. Without the recall of those experiences and patterns, we can hardly see the hand of God in our lives. 

Elder Jared M. Greenburg 

Missouri Independence Mission 

Mound City Kansas Area

#Webelieveinmiracles!

Hello! 

This week was an event. We went and visited an excommunicated person. She was apprehensive about meeting with us, but then we got on in! It was amazing what happened. She's been away from the church for 13 years and has been wanting to return. Her set backs are that she feels too guilty, and thinks that Christ has given up on her. We bore witness of the Atonement of Christ and His grace. She started to recognize that guilt is no excuse to not come to church, in fact is every excuse TO come to church. She said she felt amazing, (the spirit). The cool thing about that moment was that her non member family joined in on the lesson. 

As we approached this holiday season, I reflect on the birth of our Savior. What kind of symbol can we reflect on from the Book of Mormon? When Nephi wished to know the meaning of the  tree that his father saw in his dream (1  Nephi  11:9–24), the angel showed him a vision of the  birth of Christ. The angel then said to Nephi, "Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of  

the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?"  (1  Nephi  11:21). To this Nephi responded, "It  is the  love of God"  (1  Nephi  11:22). Jesus is the "love of  God"  (John  3:16) and the "tree  of  life." 

In order for us to partake of the tree of life-the love of God-the Atonement of Jesus Christ we must hold firmly to the iron rod. We must first keep the commandments. As we keep the commandments we are blessed with protection from evils around us. With the birth of our savior, we know by what means we can enter into the kingdom of God. 

Have a good week! 

Elder Jared M. Greenburg 

Missouri Independence Mission 

Mound City Kansas Area

"Things to act"

Good afternoon! 

Today has already been eventful! We needed to make some contact with one of our investigators. We were worried something had happened. We prayed and asked the Father to lead us to her, or lead her to us. Went to the store, and sure enough there she was! She lost her phone and was meaning to contact us, but didn't know how! Miracles happen even on P-Day? 

It has been pressing upon my mind and heart lately concerning things to act, and things being acted upon.  As children of God we are blessed to know these things. They are en-grafted into our eternal nature. Even from the beginning when we lived with the Father as spirits we had such a choice. 

The Father presented a plan, that plan was not pressed upon us, but presented. The presentation limited us to 2 choices. Follow Lucifer and be acted upon, or follow Christ and act for ourselves. The purpose of Lucifers plan was to have glory to himself, the purpose of the Fathers was to give us opportunity for exaltation. We chose to follow Christ (the Fathers plan) ,and now we are here. If you have flesh and bones, and an ability to choose, you followed the Fathers plan.  We may have had the faith to come here, but we now need to develop the faith to be successful.  

That is why we are gifted the opportunity to act while in the flesh and not be acted upon. Sometimes we falsely believe that we cannot choose. That we cannot escape hard things, or that our circumstances cannot change. We are lead to believe that "if god wanted to save me, he would pull me out of this mess and I can start new". Sometimes we find our agency working against us. We quickly learn that we were not educated in our desires, and therefor walked down a path that seems hard to get out of. 

I want to testify that circumstances, though hard, can be changed. You may not be able to change someone, but you can choose to respond in a constructive loving way. The trials of life may be upon you, and you may feel weak. But you can choose to respond, and call upon the father to strength your feeble knees. 

The opposition in life can act upon you, and it will destroy you if you choose to let it. But I know that as you act in response to that opposition in a positive way, you will find new strength. If you just go, the Lord will help you do. If you choose not to go, you will succumb to whatever comes your way. 

I have a testimony of this great plan. The plan of salvation. It was provided for you and for me to grow. I love experiencing the joy that comes from knowing who I am, why I'm here, where I'm going, and who is at the helm of all of it. 

Hello From Mound City KS!

This week has been the best week of my mission so far. I love change that causes me to improve and become a better disciple of Christ. 

I've been transferred to the Mound City Branch. I've never served in a branch before. We have 60 members, and 35 are active (that's including kids) we cover 13 small towns stretched over a huge geographical area! 

I'm also starting this program called "my plan" its interesting...it's like taking a recap of your mission, putting it on paper, and then setting it as a foundation for a plan for when you return home. Opening and closing the "trunk" of trunkyness. 

We have a potential family of 7 we are working with. That family is prepared and solid! They are my priority for the next 6 weeks. The Lord knows where to call me, and what I am to do in the area I've been placed in. I love that aspect. I've seen in throughout my entire time here. 

Well, that about caps my week. 

Love ya,

Elder Jared M. Greenburg 

Missouri Independence Mission 

Mound City Kansas Area

Just a regular ole Missionary

The baptism of fire!

This week we worked hard. I feel like it's hard to keep going, yet I feel an overwhelming desire to do so. Stay obedient, and no matter what, you get out and serve and you will be happy. That's about the sum total of this week. 

"To gain salvation every accountable person must receive two baptism. They are the baptism of water and of the spirit (John 3: 3-5) The baptism of the spirit is called the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost. (Matt 3:11; Luke 3:16; 2 Neph 31:13-14) By the power of the Holy Ghost-who is the sanctifier (3 Nephi 27:19-21)-dross, iniquity, carnality, sensuality, and every evil thing is burned out of the REPENTANT soul as if by fire; the cleansed person becomes literally a new creature of the Holy Ghost. (Mosiah 27:24-26) He is born again." Bruce R. McConkie 

The baptism of fire is not something in addition to the receipt of the Holy Ghost; rather, it is actual ENJOYMENT of the gift which is offered by the laying on of hands at the time of baptism. "Remission of sins" the Lord says, comes "by baptism and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost". Those who receive the baptism of fire are "filled as if with fire." Everything that we do in this life. Everything we do in life depends on getting and keeping the Holy Ghost. EVERYTHING depends on that. When we get the Holy Ghost we enjoy it's companionship. When we enjoy its companionship we are baptized by fire. 

You see, it's not about having the Holy Ghost that sanctifies you. It's about being comfortable with it being there, and enjoying its presence rather than cringing at the guilt you feel with its presence. It's the same feeling that those will have at final judgment. Those who have lived a life of sin will not want to be in the presence of the Father and the Son, it will be uncomfortable for them. But those who are clean will enjoy it. Those who are not clean, will feel the weight from it until they repent and become clean. 

Elder Jared M. Greenburg 

Missouri Independence Mission 

Warrensburg Missouri Area

Becoming Epistles of Christ

Becoming Epistles of Christ 

                                                 Elder Jared M. Greenburg 

                                           Zone Training November 4, 2016

There are many strange things in life that go through a 19 year olds mind. As John Bytheway put it "if young Elders physically turned into what they thought about all the time, they would've turned into girls along time ago". 

There is a a godlike attribute that you and I possess. That attribute is the ability to create a vision of what we want, and execute a purpose to arrive there. This vision is created from our desires. The thoughts and intents of our hearts. Therefor, we must needs have a purpose behind our vision. Our purpose is the action. Our vision, is our desire. 

Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." 

Q: As missionaries, what is "the Law" concerning our vision? It is our purpose. 

When we become distracted or blinded from our vision. We float, we drift through life, we become only what society makes of us. That is what I define as a moral coward. One who cannot commit to their vision, no longer sees the need to execute their purpose, and therefor are afraid to "reprove betimes with sharpness when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards and an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved." (D&C 121:40) 

Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee." 

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you are right!" Henry Ford

As a 19 year old young adult I was in need of a car. My current vehicle was showing signs of dying, and I felt the need to buy a new one. I looked for a dealer that could get me what I needed. As I talked with them, they said "oh yes, we can get you approved for a loan with no problems" 

Having no vision in mind of what I wanted, and a purpose that was not specific, i walked away with a Mini Cooper. A 9.4% interest rate, and now $7,800 dollars in debt. 

Let's think about this for a minute. 

1.) I'm 6'3 why in earth did I buy such a small car, for such a big man. 

2.) I like trucks, I don't like cars. Why did I buy something I didn't like? 

3.) The debt Im in was not fair. The vehicle was way over priced for its mileage and year. 

What was the real problem? I did not go to the dealership with my vision in the forefront of my mind and heart. I did not have a specific purpose, and therefore settled for anything that caught my mind. 

If I had entered with specific price ranges, gas mileage, and repair costs, along with values and life span. I would have left with a different result. 

If i would have known Chapter 8 of Preach my gospel, i would have set those items listed above as my "key indicators" lesson learned. 

Do we understand that chapter 8 of preach my gospel is not just numbers? It is the doctrine of Christ. It is a means whereby we can act in faith, repent daily by choosing challenging goals to become better, honoring our baptism covenants to morn with those that morn with those focus key indicators, calling upon God to guide us by the power of the Holy Ghost and acting on that guidance so we can receive the baptism of fire, and then to repeat that process every day till the end. 

The focus of this training. 

I will attempt to communicate clearly and simply the difference between our missionary vision, and our missionary purpose, and as a result expand what we must do to execute our purpose unto the fulfilling our Fathers vision of where our areas need to be. 

Our Vision 

"God sent His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, into the world so that all of God’s children would have the possibility of returning to live in His presence after they die. Only through the Savior’s grace and mercy can we become clean from sin so that we can live in our Heavenly Father’s presence. Becoming clean from sin is being healed spiritually" (PMG page 60) 

So why are you here? 

"all people will be brought back into the presence of the Lord to be judged according to their works and their desires.....The Savior satisfied the demands of justice for those who repent of their sins and endeavor to keep all of His commandments when He stood in our place and suffered the penalty for our sins. This act is called the Atonement. Because of this selfless act, Christ can plead with the Father on our behalf. Heavenly Father can apply mercy, withhold punishment from us, and welcome us into His presence. Our Heavenly Father shows mercy when He forgives us of our sins and helps us return to dwell in His presence." (Pmg page 60-61) 

D&C 82:14 For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness; her borders must be enlarged; her stakes must be strengthened; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments.

As a missionary there are three objectives that we must have in our sights in order to be effective. These three things are the definition of our vision established in the scriptures. They are the Fathers plan. And we are apart of it. We are living epistles, not written with ink, but written by the spirit of the Lord. 

1.) We want to Gather Scattered Israel 

2.) We want to seal scattered Israel in the holy temple 

3.) We want to prepare the world for the coming of the Lord. 

This is our vision. This is what we came for. We want to see families knelt at an alter, being sealed for eternity in the presence of the Father. We want them to be faithful to those covenants, so that they can be baptized by fire, and exalted in the celestial kingdom. 

How do we make that vision a reality? 

Recognize how urgent the Lord feels about his work. 

D&C 6:

"1 A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men.

2 Behold, I am God; give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my words.

3 Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God.

4 Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God.

5 Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

6 Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion;" 

Maintain the Lords quickened pace. Fasten your seatbelt. Do your best, and expect him to be there for you. 

Our Purpose 

Our purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and his Atonement, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving The gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. 

Our purpose is the action steps to making that vision a reality. Only we can do that. We are living epistles, not written with ink, but written by the spirit of the Lord. 

We hold this "this greater priesthood" that "administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God." 

"Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest." 

 "And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;" D&C 84:19-21

D&C 8:2 "Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart."

If we stop listening to the spirit, soon it will stop talking to us. 

D&C 123:12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it--

We are not sales people. We are on our journey to becoming more like the savior. 

Comprehend the plan of salvation and recognize that the doctrine of Christ is the only way.

D&C 123:17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

Our calling is noble. We enable people to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. When they apply His Atoning blood, they are changed into creatures of the Holy Ghost. 

"Your success as a missionary is measured primarily by your commitment to find, teach, baptize, and confirm people and to help them become faithful members of the Church who enjoy the presence of the Holy Ghost." (PMG page 10) 

Elder Jared M. Greenburg 

Missouri Independence Mission 

Warrensburg Missouri Area

Why is Christ referred to as Infinite? How is His divine role so real?

First and foremost, we must recognize that he is One sent forth. Which means he's an apostle. "Here am I send me....I'll send the first" . As Jefferey R. Holland defines it "He is the chief apostle, the great high priest of good things to come".

So how is his divine role as the infinite Savior so real? 

He "has all power, all wisdom, all understanding; he comprehendeth all things" (Alma 26:35) making him Omniscient. Jacob confirmed this truth: "There is not anything save he knows it" (2 Nephi 9:20) How does Christ master every law? I have wondered in my own mortal and imperfect mind how this can be done. I have come to realize that i am an infant in my knowledge of the Savior as I read what Tad R. Callister said about how this is done. "He mastered each and every law. He is poly-lingual; there is no such thing as a foreign language to him. He knows the cure for every virus, every disease, and every ailment. He has created worlds without number. Nothing escapes his grasp" 

As David declared: "His understanding is infinite" (Psalm 147:5) But that still did not help me understand as to HOW the Lord is so infinite. I then read a quote by McConkie that put reality into my heart, and humility into my spirit. "By obedience and devotion to the truth he attained that pinnacle of intelligence which ranked him as a God, as the Lord Omnipotent, while yet in his pre-existent state...and he was then chosen to work out the infinite and eternal Atonement". He was qualified long before he was chosen. 

Jesus Christ being not only obedient to the truth, but devoted to it, qualified to be One sent forth. "Here am i send me" takes on a whole new meaning. One of the grand reasons why lucifers plan was not sufficient was because he was not as obedient and devoted to the truth and will of the Father. He had an ulterior motive to try and dethrone God. There had to be trust built long before one could be chosen. Our Savior was faithful, and by so doing, was deemed worthy to go down and perform an infinite Atonement. 

 How did he "go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind.."?

And how  "will he take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."? 

It is my personal belief that he learned in the pre-existence those very things. He learned how to master obedience and faithfulness. He knew that if he would follow the father exactly, that those things that came to him in his mortal probation would be overcome. He was faithful to his Father, because he knew that his father had all power, and that through humility and obedience and faithfulness, it would be granted unto him. 

There are no limits to His omniscience, there are no limits to his love and power. As an imperfect human, i thought that there was. But "this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ; whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3) When i know and come to a knowledge of his infinite love and power, i then realize that through that love and power i can overcome weaknesses through "humbling myself before (him), and have faith in (him)" (Ether 12:27) 

Elder Jared M. Greenburg 

Missouri Independence Mission 

Warrensburg Missouri Area

October 24, 2016

"Every attempt to reflect upon the Atonement of Christ, to study it, to embrace it, to express appreciation for it, however small or feeble it may be, will kindle the fires of faith and work its miracles towards a more christlike life. It is an inescapable consequence of so doing. We become like those things we habitually love and admire. And thus, as we study Christ's life and live his teachings, we become more like him." Tad R. Callister 

There was a misconception that i had believed before I understood this principle. That is, one cannot understand the Atonement of Christ if he has not sinned so grievously as to use its redemptive power. This concept is not untrue. We all need to use the Atonement, and by so doing will gain a testimony of it. But what about reflecting upon it, or studying it, embracing it and expressing appreciation for it? Do these attempts also require our attention? That is an unequivocal yes! If we do not study it, embrace it, and express appreciation for it. We become self entitled to it. We begin to disassociate Christ from it. 

As we study the Atonement of Christ we not only understand how it feels to be redeemed, but we now comprehend why we are redeemed, and we eventually "have no more disposition to evil; but to do good continually". We can gain that motivation to forsake our favorite sins. To put off the "natural man and becometh a saint through the Atonement of christ". Because we know Him and his Atonement, and by so knowing those things, we become them. We become merciful, compassionate, charitable, faithful, long-suffering, and every other glorious thing that is associated with it. 

It is not just a study to desire for more confession. Rather it is a study to desire eternity. To be clean and worthy, and to gain a relationship with him who performed such a task. Nephi seeing our day prophesied that the believers "shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer and the very points of his doctrine, that they may know how to come unto him and be saved" (1 Nephi 15:14) That is our task. To come to a knowledge of him. So that we know HOW to come unto him and be saved. 

Elder Jared M. Greenburg 

Missouri Independence Mission 

Warrensburg Missouri Area

October 17,2016

This week I had the opportunity to give a presentation to the Mission Leadership Council. The topic was on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The discussion consisted of the relationship between the Father and the Son. I never thought about it this way until now. The reality that the Father suffered as His Son was in agony On many occasions. 

I copied a bit of the presentation here. 

I have recently been pondering about, and observing spiritual weakness, and decay in connection to the embrace of sin. As we embrace each new sin, we perhaps lose our capacity or will to absorb light and truth. Perhaps like an injured muscle, we lose strength and resiliency to confront each new temptation. 

Whatever the mechanics, spiritual death seems to result in a form of spiritual degeneracy or entropy. As with physical death, there needs to be a power to reverse the decaying process, to heal our spiritual wounds, to strengthen our spiritual fiber. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the source of reversing power, that fount to which men "may look for a remission of their sins" (2 Nephi 25:26) 

The Saviors healing is Divine and real. As the psalmist sang of the Saviors healing "He restoreth my soul" (Psalms 23:3) Helamen testified, "He hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins" (Helaman 5:11) The Savior himself said "is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver?" (Isaiah 50:2; Alma 7:13) He then later answers His own question: "The Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins" (Matthew 9:6) With that power "he quickened" those "who were dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1) Such quickening was a healing of our spiritual being. In the Savior's own words, he said "return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you" (3 Nephi 9:13) 

Through this healing process he "delivered us from the power of darkness" (Colossians 1:13) Truly, Satan was overcome by the "blood of the Lamb" (Revelation 12:11) There is no question but that the Atonement of Christ generated sufficient power to restore and cleanse the errant soul. 

Elder Jared M. Greenburg 

Missouri Independence Mission 

Warrensburg Missouri Area

Mission Leadership Council 

Warrensburg Zone Training 

Elder Jared M. Greenburg 

Missouri Independence Mission 

Warrensburg Missouri Area

Mortality is the time for men to prepare to meet God

This week was good. We had transfers, and I got a new comp. Elder Sutton from Idaho. Honestly it's my last 12 weeks, and I'm trying hard not to check out. 

We found a new family the other day. The Perry family. They are sweet. Invited us over for dinner on Tuesday. Super redneck, but we love the crap out of them. 

Here's a few rough insights from my studies. 

Many things in life "Doth worry your mind, which ye cannot understand". The family of God-our brothers and sisters-wonder where they came from, why they are here, and where they are going next. Whether it be at the moment of contact they make with missionaries, or a younger time, they have wondered these things, and have pondered them continually. Some have come to a conclusion based on mans understanding, and others still wonder, but have become preoccupied with the things of the world. No matter who it is, they have wondered it. Just like Alma teaching his son Corianton, we have the glorious privilege to do the same. Through the Book of Mormon we can unveil those truths to them, we can enlighten their minds with the wonderful knowledge of the great plan of happiness. It gives me great motivation to know that these things still worry the minds of the people. Whenever I ask someone the 3 key questions, and they respond with "not really" I have a mini freak out with them and say "Really? You have NEVER once thought about that? You have never been in a position to think about that?" They generally respond with "well, yeah. It has troubled my mind before" 

Adam and Eve being cut off from the presence of the Lord became subject to follow after their own will. Heavenly Father was not quick to redeem them from the temporal death, but it was expedient that He redeem them from the spiritual death. This time of probation was given because of the fall, we dwell in our bodies today, so our spirits can receive redemption. This redemption comes by using our will to become redeemed on conditions of repentance. The Atonement of Jesus Christ was given as a gift to all. Those who partake of that gift, become fully subject to the blessings of standing in the presence of God, and entering into His kingdom. Those who do not, but remain in their sins, and harden their hearts, will suffer. It's like being given millions of dollars to pay for an impossible debt that could not be balanced, and then using it to get into more debt.  Our "Impossible" debt has been paid through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He asks us to turn to Him in humility, and repent so he can cover us in His everlasting, and infinite sacrifice. "For except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of Justice" 

Being in the grasp of Justice, and being consigned to be cut off from God, we must needs have a means whereby the plan can be fulfilled. "The plan of mercy could not be brought about expect an Atonement should be made, therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of Justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also." As mortal and carnal men it is hard for us to comprehend a well rounded individual as this. Who is "just, perfect, AND merciful". There was no side step in His plan, no cut corners, Justice was satisfied and the children of men go free. 

How could a man repent except he should sin? The Law was given, so that man would have a remorse of conscience, and desire repentance and relief from the punishment affixed.

How could he sin if there was no law? If there was not law given against sin men would not be afraid to sin. 

How could there be a law save there was a punishment? There would be no claim for Justice, or mercy upon the sinner if there was no punishment given. 

The trouble we face, is the trouble that comes from sinning. That trouble is called guilt, it is meant to bring us down so that we will repent, and become strong again through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. That trouble however, is not meant to play in our heart forever. For when we feel the pains of anguish and regret, the only intelligent thing to do is to repent. But, Satan knows that guilt will come if the man sins. Guilt will come, and because guilt comes that means Satan can play on that guilt. He can twist that guilt, and make a man feel like he is at the point of no return. He will make one feel unloved by God, by acquaintances, family members, and so forth. If Satan can twist words in the scriptures and can justify every day matters, what makes you think he will not try and claim guilt? it is his play ground. He thrives off of make men more miserable than they have to be. Knowing that guilt is an essential role in Gods plan, I can now understand that anything further than that guilt, is not of God. When repentant, I am fully submerged again in the will of God, and redeemed and forgiven. There is not need to play the shame game that the adversary loves to play. Men were not made to be unhappy forever, but to experience eternal happiness in the end. This happiness is achieved by recognizing the need for repentance, and humbly submitting to those conditions which were affixed by a loving God. He wants us to repent, because he knows that if we do not, the adversary will have an eternal hold upon our souls. That hold is not the end of Gods plan, that is not where he wants us to be. But we must choose where we want to be. Thank goodness we have a choice, and a time appointed to figure that our for ourselves. If I didn't know misery, I would not know happiness. I would not be able to govern myself, and recognize truth and error without this probationary state. 

Love ya! 
Elder Jared M. Greenburg 

Missouri Independence Mission 

Warrensburg Missouri Area

Busy October 3,2016

Hello everyone!

This one will be short. I'm on a time crunch, we have 2 appointments. 

Here's some insights from this week I've pondered.

Baring testimony prepares people to accept commitments you will extend. With this concept the progression cycle is applied. Missionaries give them Witness A, so the investigator can receive Hope, then Act, and receive Witness B. The challenging and testifying missionary executes this well, when he seals truths by baring testimony of them. Those truths are sealed by the presence of the Holy Ghost carried unto the hearts of the people. 

Thus, baring testimony is like a little radar that can be used to determine who is prepared. For the man that is prepared will allow the Holy Ghost to enter into his heart and will act because of the hope he received from the spirit. The missionaries should then invite. Upon extending that invitation to act,  the listening and prepared heart will gain a fresh view of God, and will see the way that is prepared by the Lord. Is this the principle of repentance? Yes it is.

My conversion experience echoes this very concept. As my bishop would bare testimony of the next step I needed to take for my return to activity, I would see a greater light of my potential as the the Holy Ghost entered into my heart. He would simply say "Do you understand what you need to do?" To which I would reply "yes bishop". He would then say "what is that?" I would then repeat back to him what the spirit taught me. "That is exactly right Jared. Are you ready to go to the next level?" In that moment the commitment was extended, and I would follow the guidelines established by the Lord in order to be worthy of that next step. I went from Priest to Elder, received a calling, turned in my mission papers, and received my endowment all based on receiving a witness of such act by the power of the Holy Ghost. The commitments he extended were not hard, because he was able to teach clearly the truth. He gave me witness A, which gave me a hope, I acted, and received witness B.  When all was said and done, he bore testimony that the will of the Lord was working with me, thus his testimony sealed the truthfulness of my actions, giving me greater confidence to act for myself. My mind was illuminated and my soul was filled with light, glory, and immortality. I was encircled about by them, and I knew for myself that the testimony of that man was true. 

This is identified in the confounding of Sherem. Jacob having been filled with the spirit of the Lord, was able to confound all of Sherems words. Because Jacob had gained a witness by the Holy Ghost that the scriptures are true, and that they testify of Jesus Christ. His conviction was sure because he was taught from the Holy Ghost that Jesus Christ shall come, and an atonement should be made. Sherem also read the scriptures, but did not have the same results, because he did not comprehend them by the spirit, but used his own logic and worldly wisdom. Sherems words did not have conviction, because they were not a testimony given by the spirit. But Jacob was able to confound Sherem by the conviction he had because of his dealings in the spirit. (Jacob 7:7-12) 

Elder Jared M. Greenburg 

Missouri Independence Mission 

Warrensburg Missouri Area

Spirit of Conviction September 26,2016

Hello! 

This week was saweet! 

Wednesday was when it really started to get good! We went and planted trees for a family in our ward. Missouri clay is much easier to dig! Still sweat my butt off though cause it was hot! Anyway, we got back to our phone and realized that we had received 4 referrals from the sisters. We were so happy that we went to the store to get them some cookies. Upon leaving I saw a man sitting in his SUV. The spirit spoke clear to me "go back, and talk to that guy" so I did. He was so prepared! We discussed many different subjects. When the Book of Mormon was presented, and we invited him to read it, he said "NO I WONT! Cause I already know it's the words of Christ" we said "how do you know?" He said "because I feel it in my heart, and only the spirit can do that, I've been looking for that feeling for quite sometime." We invited him to baptism right there and he is on date for October 22nd. 

That night at about 1205am we received a text from one of our former investigators. We had scheduled several appointments with this kid. We set up 2 church tours, but nothing came of it. He wouldn't show, and when we would call him he would have some sob excuse. Well, we hadn't heard from him in 2 weeks. But finally he sends us a text "Elders, sorry I haven't been able to get in touch with you. I have been in jail, but I would really like to talk to you. I have had some time to think" We scheduled a church tour, and he desired to repent and be baptized. He is also on for the 22nd! 

Friday we had an amazing experience! One that I will never forget! I learned what it means to be led by the spirit. We were in this place called Knob Knoster (IDK why it's called that...what kind of name is that?) anyway. it's out in the boonies of our area. We had an appointment fall through. But as I was sitting there i had an impression to go see someone in Leeton that kind of trip would cause us to back track 15 minutes, and the drive another 20. But it was so distinct that it could not be questioned. Off we went into the boons! We accidentally passed the home we were looking for, so my companion pulled into the drive way of a secluded country home. We looked on it, and decided to knock it. A women answered and said "we study all 5 of your standard works. My husband holds the priesthood, we believe that Joseph smith restored the truth, and we have church in our home every Sunday." We asked her if we could back and teach them a lesson this Sunday. She gladly accepted. Her husband was nice, and we sat down and began to discuss the gospel. This guy does not hold the priesthood, because his ordination was not under the keys of the prophet of the church. We ripped up and down their concerns for 2 hours! Each concern was resolved, or brought to a point where he had nothing but faith to rely on.  After each one of those concerns there was a moment of pausing and reflection on his part. We could tell that he was chewing on something. We invited him to pray about this stuff. He asked me how I knew it was true, and I gave him Moroni 10:3-5 and bore testimony of the prophet Thomas S. Monson. I then invited him to do what I did. He said he will ponder these things, and we will meet in a week. GOD LEAD US TO A FAMILY. MIRACLES HAVE NOT CEASED!!! 

The adversary will do anything and everything to get you to stay put. He knows that you recognize the Lords charge to open your mouth and declare this gospel. He knows that you have a conviction on your lips about Jesus Christ that will turn bad men good, good men great, and in the end great men perfect. In the words of Jack R. Christiansen "the devil don't kick dead dogs" if he didn't try and put fear into your heart before you go out for the day, you did not prepare with sufficiency, because the adversary is happy with those that lay down, and do not seek anymore. 

Missionaries that are full of zeal preach the gospel no matter who's watching, who's in their path, or the effort it takes to testify to the next living soul they see. They "Go...in the power of the ordination wherewith [they] have been ordained, proclaiming the gospel with tidings of great joy, even the everlasting gospel." The Lord leaves this promise "I will send upon him the comforter, which shall teach him the truth and the way whither he shall go"  

The adversary may tempt you to say "oh, he's mowing his lawn" or "they're getting unto their car" or "we are in a public place with too many people, isn't the gospel supposed to be personal?" Denying the fact that the Holy Ghost speaks to the mind and heart of all men. We can be completely silent on the outside, yet screaming with joy from within. Remember this simple promise that the Lord has given us in many different instances, it is a pattern all over in the scriptures. If you just Go, then the Lord will help you Do. "Go forth in the spirit, from multitude to multitude, declaring the word of God, even until [you] declare it unto them all" (Helaman 10:17)  "and it shall be given you by the comforter what you shall do" (D&C 31:11)

 

"And I was led by the spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do" (1 Nephi 4:6) Was Nephi led? Yes. Did he know exactly what he needed to do? No. It was unfolded by the spirit as he followed each and every prompting without stubbornness. As the charge is stated in 2 Nephi 32:5 "if he will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye shall do" if you have ever wondered what you need to do, you should first ask "did I enter in by the way" if you do not enter in, you will not receive the Holy Ghost, and you will be lost and discouraged. "It shall be given thee from the time thou shalt go, until the time thou shalt return what thou shalt do" D&C 28:15 if we are "faith unto me [the Lord], it shall be made known unto them what they shall do" D&C 52:4 it is when we place our confidence and faith in the Lord, that we are able to preach by His spirit, and know what we are to do. When we place confidence in our own talents, we will fall ever short of the daily tasks we need to perform. But if we place our faith in Christ, we will see miracles, and we will not under work. 

Something will come into every missionary that learns to recognize, and rely on the spirit. That is the spirit of  prophesy. Alma and Amulek knew the thoughts and intents of zeezroms heart because they "were given power that they might know of these things according to the spirit of prophesy" Alma 12:7 When we identify this style of teaching, we will be able to observe, listen, discern, and speak. We will not speak at them, but we will speak to their hearts. The things they yearn for are far more important to them, than anything else you could say.  

I have made it appoint to leave in the morning fully resolved that before my head hits the pillow at night, that someone, ANYONE will hear my charge to baptism. Each person I meet will know and feel my conviction of the Savior by the power of the Holy Ghost. One must be worthy and willing in order to have such a conviction. My goal in the gospel of Jesus Christ, is to have such a conviction, such a knowledge of the doctrine, that when I speak, it will go far beyond the words I say. But will be a conviction that can be felt to those who are seeking. The patterns we find in the scriptures are the anchors in which the Doctrine of Christ can be stitched to the fleshy tables of our hearts. 

I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!! 

Peace! 

Marshall District

Missionary Funeral