Mark 9:40-48, JST
The Joseph Smith Translation of Mark 9:40-48 has our Lord describing the high price which sometimes must be paid for salvation. In extreme circumstances, it is better to lose limbs and even precious sight in order to spare a life. Could you please give me your...
How do Priesthood holders exercise the keys of the Priesthood?
Question Dear Gramps, Could you please provide specific examples as to how holders of that priesthood in this day and age might exercise each of these three specific keys? Also, what limitations on these keys are placed upon those who hold specific offices in...
Priesthood Authority and Casting out Evil Spirits
In Jesus' day, it seemed common for demons or evil spirits to take possession of mortal bodies; and be cast out by priesthood authority. Such incidents seem less prevalent currently; and Church leaders do not refer to such in talks, etc. Seizures, etc., all seem to be...
Saul’s Death
I have a question about Saul's death. His first occurs in 1st Samuel 31 verse 4-5....he fell upon his sword and died. However in 2nd Samuel 1:6-10, it says a young malachite soldier killed him. Please clarify this for me. Courtney ___________________ Courtney, As we...
Cremation/Dedication
Hi, Thank you for replying to my question the last time I emailed you. May I asked a question regarding "cremation and dedication of the grave", actually a question given by one brother during a class which there was no clear answer. His question is with regard to...
Coriantumr
Is Coriantumr a descendant of Jared or of the Brother of Jared? Joella _______________ Dear Joella, It seems likely. In Ether 11:17 we read: 17 And it came to pass that there arose another mighty man; and he was a descendant of the brother of Jared. This is the last...
Is it possible for a person to become perfect?
Question Dear Gramps, In Matthew 5:48, we are given the command to be perfect. My question is: Is it possible for a person to become perfect? There are several things to consider like: 1. Did Abraham become perfect in this life? Do you know if there were...
Bishops and Divorce
Can a man married to a divorced woman (specifically if she was sealed in the temple in her first marriage) be called to be a Bishop? I can't find an accurate answer for that. Thanks! Bernice _______________ Bernice, As I have taken time to research an answer to your...
What is Church policy regarding missions and same-sex attraction?
Question Gramps, My son has SSA (Same Sex Attraction). He does not act upon it. He wants to go on a mission. He has worked on worthiness and feels ready to go. We were told that he couldn't go because he had SSA. In the Church Handbook of Instructions, it says...
Barren
You said only mortals will be able to propagate. I am unmarried and 56 and have never given birth. I want to physically give birth in the millennium. It is my understanding that righteous people won’t be denied any blessings but apparently those of us denied...
More Scripture to be Revealed
Dear Gramps. I have read and studied the Old and New Testaments, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price since I was a kid. I am just wondering about further light and knowledge in other scriptures being revealed. Do you have ideas about...
Why is the April General Conference called annual instead of semiannual?
Question Gramps, Why is the April general conference called "Annual" and the October general conference called "semi-annual?" It happens every six months so both are by definition semi-annual. Brad Answer Hi Brad, Thank you so much for your...
Who were Joseph Smith and people in the Old Testament praying to?
Question Gramps, I’ve been a member of the Church for 12 years. I firmly believe in the distinct personages of God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. I know that the Church teaches us to follow the example of the Savior by praying to God the...
The spirit or is it just me?
Dear Gramps, How can I be certain the feelings I get are from the spirit? I've lately discovered I can cry on command, and generally feel a burning when I do. The same things happen when I conjure up powerful, positive emotions, even if they are not related to...
Holy Spirit of Promise
Dear Gramps, My wife and I were married by our bishop five years ago when I was not very faithful in the church. I have since repented and become devoted with all my heart. Unfortunately, my wife and I do not get along very well---we're very unequally yoked, with much...
Calling and Election
How to make your calling and election sure. Bonnie _______________ Bonnie, In order to answer your question directly, and without writing a short research paper, the answer to your question is found in thoroughly understanding two different passages: 2 Peter 1:5-12...
Is there an official church stance on William Law?
Question Gramps, Is there an official church opinion on William Law? If not, what is your opinion? In reading the Expositor, he strikes me of a man of integrity. Some of his ideals were a little out there, but I couldn't find anything factually inaccurate. He...
Condemnation
How can God condemn the billions who have lived and died throughout history who were truly deceived by Satan? Also the many in isolated places who never even heard the name Jesus Christ,much less what he taught? Please don't use the scripture Romans 1:20. That is a...
Do Mormons believe in the transmigration of souls?
Question Hi Gramps, After doing some research, I found out that the Pharisees believed in the Transmigration of Souls, a belief similar to that of reincarnation. What are your thoughts on this, and how do you interpret this verse? Thank you! Jared Answer...
Trials
My dear friend has been having a lot of trials lately. It seems everytime something is set to go well life pulls back and says "gotcha!" As a result her outlook on life is bleak and I can feel her losing faith. I remember reading a scripture about our trials always...
Should we treat others as mentioned in Matthew 18:15?
Question Gramps, In Matthew 18:15 it says if your brother or sister refuses to listen, we should treat them as a pagan or tax collector. What are your thoughts? Ann Answer Ann, Matthew 18:15-17, provides a set of guidelines for Church members to follow when...
- Be courteous
- Be patient
- Before you ask Gramps, search the site for your answer
- Do some research
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