"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