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