Current Lesson No. Eighteen
Living Prophets Warn Against False Messages from the Enemy
False signals and authentication procedures – Military pilots must be able to distinguish between authentic communications from authorized sources and false signals from the enemy.
In the 1970’s and 1980’s, during the Cold War, I was one of many US Air Force pilots who flew missions in support of West Germany. During this time the Soviet Union would regularly broadcast false navigational signals or other communications with the intent of luring our aircraft off course and into enemy territory. If we were lured into East German air space we could be shot down.
To make sure we did not get into enemy territory we followed authentication codes and procedures. In this way we verified all in flight communications to insure we were not led into hostile airspace.
We are at war and Satan is our great enemy and the master deceiver – Satan continuously sends out false signals and deceptive messages which may seem to be true. It is his purpose to get us into his territory so that he can make us miserable and destroy us. He is experiencing great success as people are lured, or follow willingly, enemy communications on the internet or from other sources.
The First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve Apostles warn against false messages – As prophets, seers, and revelators, they help us determine if the messages we receive can be relied on or if they are false signals from the enemy which will make us miserable and destroy our lives. If we harken to their counsel we will be able to stay on the Lord’s side and out of Satan’s territory.
Guidance from living prophets is readily available – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a significant presence on the internet and with social media. People with questions would be wise to visit authorized sites sponsored by the Church rather than getting their information from hostile sources.
The Family – A Proclamation to the World was given by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in September 1995. It address the issues the world struggles with and its prophetic importance becomes more obvious every year. It proclaims:
“Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God…”
Each person “is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents…”
“Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose…”
“In the premortal realm” we accepted our Father’s plan to make us “heir of eternal life.”
“Temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.”
“God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.”
“The sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
“We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and its importance in God’s eternal plan.”
Parents “have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.”
“Children are entitled to be born within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.”
“Fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaption. Extended families should lend support when needed.”
“Individuals…who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God.”
“Responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere should promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”
The importance of living prophets – Our Prophet will never lead us astray. The Lord said:
“Wherefore…give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;
“For his word ye shall receive, as if from my own mouth, in all patience and faith.
“For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his names glory” (D&C 21:4-6).
I testify that if we give heed to the counsel of the Prophet and stay in the mainstream of the Church he will lead us to eternal life.