JayJ

I believe that God does know the choices we will make. He knew from the beginning how we would use our agency and, more importantly, how those choices would shape us into who we would become. But we had to come to earth and see for ourselves! Also, God could not fairly judge us before mortality based upon his foreknowledge. I believe that in the end we will stand before God and recognize that who we became is exactly as he had foreseen. This in no way diminishes our agency, but will ultimately prove God's omniscience and will also testify regarding the greatness of the Plan of Salvation made possible through the grace of Christ's atonement.

2 Nephi 3: 1-22. Here is a prophesy of the seer (anointed/messiah?) Joseph Smith, Jr. Note the references to "deliverer" and "great like unto Moses", etc. Also note the very specific language used to prevent any confusion between the Messiah (Jesus Christ) and this "Branch" or seer that the Lord would raise up. This prophesy, related by Lehi to his son Joseph, was recorded in the Brass Plates as the prophecy of Joseph (who was sold into Egypt and the father of Ephraim). This is perhaps, in my opinion, the most accurate interpretation given in regards to the Messiah ben Joseph. There, are of course, other ways of viewing the double messiahs; but the term messiah as used here seems to refer to a foretold, fore-ordained anointed messenger/leader duly called of God.

I agree with your wife. Furthermore, it might be a bit presumptuous to assume any of us will make it to the point of social security collecting! I believe the Lord expects us to pay our tithing on our gross income and not shortchange him with a net income tithe. The net income tithe game could be played until nothing is left. Make that appointment with your bishop and have an honest discussion.

We all have gifts or talents. This is also true for priesthood holders. The Lord expects the priesthood holder to seek the spirit for the gifts needed to achieve the work that priesthood holder has; within his personal life, family life, professional life, and church life. These gifts are Gifts of the Spirit, hence the Spirit ordains them upon us. This is what that verse means to me.

You mentioned that you are a part of the Elders Quorum Presidency; that should suggest that you also sit in council as a presidency. This would be a great opportunity to raise these concerns. A lot of good thoughts and comments have been provided here, but ultimately, the EQ President holds the keys to direct the work of the quorum as the Spirit reveals to him. But always, always, always remember that there must be unity within the Presidency if there is to be unity within the quorum. Best wishes.

If you feel it is revelation or inspiration and you're not sure, perhaps you should ask Heavenly Father again - and perhaps for the courage to act - rather than to ask us. For that second (or even third, fourth) opinion perhaps you can seek the advice of you family, home teachers, and bishop. However the Spirit directs you, God bless and do good.:)

If you feel it is revelation or inspiration and you're not sure, perhaps you should ask Heavenly Father again - and perhaps for the courage to act - rather than to ask us. For that second (or even third, fourth) opinion perhaps you can seek the advice of you family, home teachers, and bishop. However the Spirit directs you, God bless and do good.

Perhaps it is because we don't take enough value in our own understanding of the principles we are attempting to convey and perhaps also because we lack enough faith in the Spirit that he will inspire us to speak the things of God. Then again, perhaps I am wrong. Just offering a thought.

I don't know that there is one definite answer to this question. Several other questions pop into mind such as: *Were the writings of Isaiah already corrupted to a degree prior to being recorded on the Brass Plates? *Was it a scribal error by Nephi as he transferred the words from the Brass Plates to his golden Small Plates? (I don't feel this is likely, but then again, what do I know?) *Did Joseph Smith translate the characters exactly as written, or did he correct errors that he may have found? Or did he translate themes and ideas along with delivering proper names (by spelling)? *If I understand correctly, JST was not so much a translation but rather it was revealed through the Spirit as he corrected passages of scripture as they were originally given by the Spirit. While these questions don't answer your original question, hopefully they alert us to the fact that we just don't know everything there is to know regarding Joseph Smith's opportunity and the mechanics of translating the Book of Mormon as he did so by the gift and power of God.

I know a few home-bound members in our unit who mail their tithing in a regular envelope on a fairly regular basis -usually because they have run out of the regular envelopes. On the other hand, I can see some of the reservations mentioned above.

Fear motivates people to do a lot of good things in life. Fear of not being able to support a future family leads many to college. Fear of getting a speeding ticket often slows people down on the highway, especially when they see a police vehicle on the side of the road. Fear of God on the other hand, cannot be a source of motivation if we understand the character of God. Fear of the consequences God has outlined because of our disobedience and may be a starting point for most who feel to be obedient. This often leads to a degree of repentance. As we receive more and more from the Atonement, we see and understand with greater capacity the character of God. Our fear then transforms from a fear of God to a fear of disappointing our Father in Heaven. In the early stages of our discipleship we are like a stray dog that is dirty, cold, and abused. The Lord took us in even though we may have been fearful of Him and hand-shy, yet somehow felt something in our hearts. In time though, we knew of His love and character and chose to be obedient because of that love.

Handbook 1 instruction: Members of Record For statistical and reporting purposes, the following individuals are members of record. Each of them should have a membership record: 1. Those who have been baptized and confirmed. 2. Those under age 9 who have been blessed but not baptized. 3. Those who are not accountable because of intellectual disabilities, regardless of age. 4. Unblessed children under 8 when (a) at least one parent is a member of the Church and (b) both parents give permission for a record to be created. This includes children of converts. (If one parent does not have legal custody of the child, the permission of the parent who has custody is sufficient.) A person age 9 or older who has a membership record but has not been baptized and confirmed is not considered a member of record. However, the ward in which the person lives retains the membership record until the person is 18. At that time, if the person chooses not to be baptized despite being given every opportunity, the bishop, with written permission from the stake president, cancels the membership record. However, records of unbaptized members who are considered not accountable because of intellectual disabilities are not canceled. The words of the confirmation are likewise telling: "I confirm you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and say unto you, receive the Holy Ghost." Hopefully this will settle any doubts or confusions regarding the idea that we are not covenant members of the Church until we receive this ordinance, having first been baptized.

Tithing is not a "contribution" but a Law. With that being said, it is a Law with a promise...the whole "windows of heaven" promise from Malachi. With that being said, go have a chat with your Bishop about your concerns and he will steer you aright. Remember, as you said: "tithing is done in an act of faith." It isn't about the money, it is about the faith. The question is not "Do I have enough money to pay tithing" but rather "Do I have enough faith to pay tithing." It is challenging for many people to answer that question with honesty and humility, so again I urge you to speak with your Bishop so he can help.

Being blessed as a baby does not make you an official member of the Church but you are a "child of record" meaning a record number is created in Salt Lake. We only become official members of the Church after baptism and confirmation for the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. A Bishop holds the priesthood keys to "child of record" baptisms, but once a child reaches the age of 9, the mission president hold the keys to that baptism. We have a few children to whom this procedure would apply. We just experienced this in our unit about 2 months ago. A child of record who is not baptized at the age of 8 will still have his/her name on the roles of the Church just as they did before so as not to be forgotten. The Lord loves little children.

Being baptized outside of your ward boundaries is possible by making proper arraignments with you Bishop. Also, the Bishop holds the keys for "child of record" baptisms - but once the child turns 9, the child's baptism will be considered a convert baptism after missionary teaching. Have faith in the Bishop and his ability to have compassion on many differing challenges that face the members of the ward. Keep up with positive changes you are making in you life and may God bless you!