Fire: Fiery Ones: Pillar of Fire

The scriptures are full of dual meanings. One symbol can point to multiple meanings. Therefore it can point one where they are currently at to a higher path, or spiritual awakening. Therefore the Lord can teach all using the same words, which represent different understandings depending on we perceive it until our mind is quickened entirely by the frequency or light that the writers of the book of mormon had to be able to perceive and understand exactly what they are trying to say.

Scriptures on Fire:

Mosiah 17:15
Book of Mormon
Behold, even as ye have done unto me, so shall it come to pass that thy seed shall cause that many shall suffer the pains that I do suffer, even the  pains of death by fire  ; and this  because they believe in the salvation of the Lord  their God.

I want to point out here off topic, that they suffered death by fire BECAUSE they believed in their Lord. The Lords people suffer pain. It is not a sign of righteousness because one is well off or rich. Infact the scriptures tell us otherwise. The lords people are the ones who endure the most punishment in behalf of the wicked. They are both poor and meek. They suffer the loss of all earthly things. Therefore looking at the world, we might assume that those who bare the most loss, grief, dissarray, diseased and ill stricken may be the most trusted by the Lord to endure it. Perhaps the least deserving homeless, widows, poor in spirit, in our minds are the greatest in the Kingdom of God.

Mosiah 19:20
Book of Mormon
And the king commanded them that they should not return; and they were angry with the king, and caused that  he should suffer, even unto death by fire .

2 Nephi 30:10
Book of Mormon
For the time speedily cometh that the Lord God shall cause  a great division  among the people, and the wicked will he destroy; and  he will spare his people,  yea, even  if it so be that he must destroy the wicked by fire  .

 1 Nephi 22 17
 17 Wherefore, he  will & preserve the righteous by his power & , even if it so be that the fulness of his wrath must come, and the righteous be preserved,  even unto the destruction of their enemies by fire  . Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; for thus saith the prophet,  they shall be saved, even if it so be as by fire  .

Alma 5:52
Book of Mormon
And again I say unto you, the Spirit saith: Behold, the ax is laid at the root of the tree; therefore  every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewn down and cast into the fire, yea, a fire which cannot be consumed, even an unquenchable fire

3 nephi
 20 And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit,  him will I baptize with fire  and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.

Joseph Smith
 I may believe that Jacob conversed  with holy angels and heard the word of his Maker. that he  wrestled with the angel until he prevailed and obtained a  blessing I may believe that Elijah was taken to Heaven in  a chariot of fire with fiery horses

1 Nephi 1:6
Book of Mormon
And it came to pass as he prayed unto the Lord,  there came a pillar of fire  and   dwelt upon a rock before him  ; and he saw and heard much; and because of the things which he saw and heard he did quake and tremble exceedingly.

Helaman 5:43
Book of Mormon
And it came to pass that when they cast their eyes about, and saw that the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadowing them, behold, they saw that they  were encircled about, yea every soul, by a pillar of fire  .

Exodus 13
21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

 22 He took not away the  pillar of the cloud by day, nor the  pillar of fire by night,  from before the people.

JSH 24 However, it was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. I have thought since, that I felt much like Paul, when he made his defense before King Agrippa, and related the account of the vision he had when  he saw a light  , and heard a voice.

Last I want to point out that the Doctrine of Covenants mentions that the Seraphim are the "fiery ones" in heaven. The rest I leave to ponder.

Fruits of the Lords Commision: Fellowships & Zion

As the Lord prepares the earth for his return in the final stages and winding up scene He has asked us to organize into fellowships to gain practical experience. We can all envision ourselves to be Zion but it is only through experience where we learn to set aside the very things that caused Zion to fail in the early days.

I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances. (D&C 101:6)

They were "moved out of their place" as they had no inheritance. Their failures brought cursings, wrath, indignations, and judgments (D&C 124:45-48). This day is the last time that the Lord shall nourish his vineyard (Jacob 5:71) In this day He has invited us to form fellowships to gain practical knowledge to fulfill the admonition to have "no poor among" us (Moses 7:18). The prophecies are being fulfilled before our eyes and who has eyes to see? Who believes the signs that are being manifest?

Fruits of Fellowships

I've heard people saying that the people who are involved in the restoration movement are no better than the LDS they're coming out from.

Their absolutely right. There are many LDS who are more virtuous than many involved in the restoration movement. I personally know a number of LDS people who would give you the shirt of their back, who would serve others until they're exhausted, and who live most every rule with exactness. They are models of virtue.

And yet...and yet, somehow the fellowship that I contribute to has managed to provide long-term help (1 year so far, and only strengthening) to several widows (divorced single moms are the modern equivalent of widows in the bible), which the church is unable to do under the welfare system. So a bunch of admittedly imperfect people have somehow accomplished something that seems impossible.

I personally know many people in the LDS church who would do this better than we do in the fellowship I belong. It's just that they won't, because they don't believe it's possible! It doesn't fit their pattern, or their paradigm, so they don't even try! If they tried, they'd be great at it! 

It turns out that it's not nearly as hard as you'd think. Because when you start giving to people that you actually know, who really need it, you find that your heart changes, and you want to give. It's not hard once that change happens. Realizing God gives both to the just and the unjust so why shouldn't you?

So I don’t think Zion requires models of virtue. It requires righteousness. It just requires people who are willing to put aside beliefs that are blocking them (i.e. unbeliefs) so they can begin to repent.

Moses commanded you to circumcise your sons. But it wasn't really Moses who gave you this command. It was your ancestors..." (John7:22)

So it is true once again today. We take the tradions of our fathers as truths that were not given by God or given to us by Joseph whom God vouched for. We have turned unto fables.(2 Timothy 4:4)

It's not about who's more perfect at living the rules and laws and commandments. The restoration movement people lose that contest. But it's not relevant. The Lord doesn't need us to be 100% home teachers, or to stop completely yelling at our kids, or whatever else, before he can use us to build Zion. God only requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit that we may yield up our spirits, our will, to Him. We're focused on the wrong thing if we're caught up in that race to perfection. 

It’s an endless pursuit that everyone who tries it realizes is impossible. And we use our inability to live up to all the rules as the justification for why we’re not receiving the ministry of angels, or witnessing miracles, or receiving Christ. 

It’s a perfect trap.

If you have seen the Les Miserables movie there is a single mother who is forced by a corrupt government into prostitution to support their family. Are we today any different when we turn them away?

Our group donates thousands, monthly, to support two single mothers with children. Watching the sacrifices of these people donate what little they have, forgoing their own needs for the needs of others begins to restore that faith that there can be no poor among us and create situations where we can learn through practical experience to remove envy, jealousies, and selfishness. Only by managing our own money, by using tithing for the poor, can we learn what is required to build Zion.

Tithing has not been used for the poor for a long time its time to return to the scriptures.

[Melchezidek] whom God had appointed to receive tithes for the poor (JST Gen 14:38)

In the last days we are told the prophecy of Joel would be fulfilled "your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:" The Lord told Joseph it had not yet been fulfilled but soon will be. These gifts are once again being manifested in abundance. The gifts of the Spirit are being are being experienced as the Lord continues to gather an army of witnesses that KNOW Him in the flesh.

Practical experience is absolutely necessary. Theories and pretensions are not going to get us anywhere. The gospel requires hard won virtuous experience and not just theoretical or imaginary virtues. Everyone can theorize the virtues that are necessary to gather people together and live together in harmony.  

Everyone can envision themselves as one of the residents of the City of Peace. But the practical experience required to iron out our selfishness and competitiveness so that we can actually live in peace is another order of magnitude harder.  (Interview with Denver Snuffer by Tim Malone, here) 

"This gathering will require a kind of social order we are unprepared to live. We cannot be “one” in the sense required for Zion in our present social, political, economic and educational systems. It requires a kind of inter-dependence and cooperation we find repulsive." (http://denversnuffer.com/2012/02/zion)

Symbols or Types: Law of Moses

Do the ordinances in and of themselves provide any type of salvation or are they just symbolic? If they are just symbolic, then does it matter if they get changed (wording, wine to water, etc.) or does it matter if someone gets baptized? If the Israelites were given the lesser portion of the gospel, which includes the outward ordinances (See D&C 107) did it include a symbol of the fulness of the gospel? 

Fulfillment of the Law of Moses: 

For behold, the covenant which I have made with my people is not all fulfilled; but the law which was given unto Moses hath an end in me. (3 Nephi 15:8)

Many believe the Law of Moses was not about the fullness of the gospel. But the law of Moses which was full of symbols, types, and other things was to point the people to Christ. It did not bring about salvation. Thus the Lord proclaimed that it had "an end in me" or that it was fulfilled. But what does that mean?

Given Due to Wickedness:

14 Yet the Lord God saw that his people were a stiffnecked people, and he appointed unto them a law, even the law of Moses.
15 And many signs, and wonders, and types, and shadows showed he unto them, concerning his coming; and also holy prophets spake unto them concerning his coming; and yet they hardened their hearts, and understood not that the law of Moses availeth nothing except it were through the atonement of his blood. (Mosiah 3:14-15)

The Law of Moses had a higher purpose. It was to point to Christ. They did not understand it, thinking it was all about outward ordinances thus it didn't save them. They ignored what it was meant to do. Point to Christ. That is what all types and symbols are given for. They point the way or path back to the presence of God. We are not meant to get "stuck" on the symbols but learn what they portray.

Law of Moses: "An End in Me"

Read the following four verses about the Law of Moses. A symbol or type of Christ.

But Jesus said unto them, Ye keep not the law. If ye had kept the law, ye would have received me, for I am he who gave the law. (JST, Matthew 9:19) 

And now ye have said that salvation cometh by the law of Moses. I say unto you that it is expedient that ye should keep the law of Moses as yet; but I say unto you, that the time shall come when it shall no more be expedient to keep the law of Moses. (Mosiah 13:27) 

Yea, and they did keep the law of Moses; for it was expedient that they should keep the law of Moses as yet, for it was not all fulfilled. But notwithstanding the law of Moses, they did look forward to the coming of Christ, considering that the law the law of Moses was a type of his coming, and believing that they must keep those outward performances until the time that he should be revealed unto them.(Alma 25:15) 

For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments. (2 Nephi 25:25)

What I want to point out in these verses is that the people still kept the law of Moses notwithstanding that salvation did not come through it. The Lord warned them, however, that it was a type of His coming. They needed to view it with that purpose. That its end was in Him. What does that mean? When He came he said it was fulfilled. He was teaching them that the laws purpose was to be a symbol on how to come unto christ. It was that the LAW was pointing to Him. It was a type of Him and His coming. If they saw PAST the rituals and outward observance they would know that if they followed what it was a symbol and type of they would "come unto Christ." Thus he says it has a "end in me" because that was why it was given, to bring you into the presence of God. It included the "higher law" as some call it in the new testament in symbol and form. Those same commandments are seen in the OT such as love thy neighbor. (ie. See Deuteronomy 6:5) So as we see in the Book of Mormon the people kept the law even though it did not bring about salvation. But it also pointed to what was required for them to be Saved. Those who followed that type and symbol were the ones who would "keep the law." Those who merely just obeyed the outward ordinance of the law were identified with those who "keep not the law."

Ordinances Are Symbolic:

If they were just symbolic, why did Christ have the people get re-baptized when he visited the Americas, certainly if they didn't matter and were just symbolic it seems that he wouldn't care to have them all be re-baptized. I talked about this briefly. You can see in 3 Nephi 7 that the people were baptized with authority (including Nephi). Than after they were given power after the appearance of Christ they were AGAIN ALL baptized. This is re-baptism. It was commanded by Christ himself to the people who were present one which was Nephi, the same individual who had baptized in 3 Nephi 7.

Changing Symbols or Ordinances:

If symbols and signs are changed and diluted, they lose some ability to point to the real thing. They may even begin to mislead those who are trying to interpret them. For example, using water instead of wine makes us miss the fact that wine is bitter, which is another symbol of Christ's sacrifice. In another example, removing the blood penalties from the LDS endowment have made it that much more difficult for an entire generation to understand that cutting and the shedding of blood is a key part of making covenants. Imagine if you decided to change the color of the stop sign on your street? Or remove a couple of the letters from the street name sign? Changing the symbols makes it more difficult to follow them to the intended destination.

We are told that water is acceptable for the sacrament. However, the Lord uses wine for a purpose. It is both bitter, as a symbol of his bitter sacrifice, and makes the heart glad. (See Psalms 104:15) Its such an important symbol that it was included as one of the miracles of Christs day. It can be read in John 2:1-11. 

7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Its such an important symbol that it was called the "beginning of miracles" by Christ as a type of his coming bitter sacrifice. That he would trodden the wine press alone. The beginning of his ministry. Certainly the Lord says it mattereth not what we eat or drink if we have an eye single to the glory of God (See D&C 27:1-4) but when He comes He uses wine. And He promises He will come to you if you will just hear His voice and open the door.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.(Revelation 3:20)

In both the Book and Mormon and the D&C the word wine is used. If we bless the sacrament use the word wine, even if were not using wine. At the least we can use red grape juice, the pure symbol and color of his atoning blood and sacrifice.

All things have become new
The Lord remarked upon his appearance that all things again had been fulfilled. It did that by stating all old things had been done away and all things have become new. Anytime the Lord begins something new baptism is required as a sign you have faith in what's being given thus Nephi was rebaptized as a sign of the old things being fulfilled. Today the Lord is once again starting something new to finish the restoration that he long ago promised He would do. The book of Mormon is so relevant in our day that we should take it seriously. 

46 Therefore those things which were of old time, which were under the law, in me are all fulfilled.
47 Old things are done away, and all things have become new.
48 Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect. (3 Nephi 12:46-48)

Shadows

I have been pondering about shadows and how all things typify of Christ. Is there a symbol hidden within an animal whose shadow is cast upon the earth or the Lords footstool?

I was pondering over a few questions which I don't have answers to. Why does the sun reflect the light off the living creature and create a lesser light or shadow on the ground? The animal which is alive and animated, kind of like a higher self, is reflecting lesser light onto the earth due to the sun. Is this a symbol of the Lord dividing the Light from the darkness (moon, the lesser light)? Is dividing a form of creation or a creative act? Could it be possible that the Holy Ghost, a higher self or light, reflects and animates something like a lesser light? That which maketh alive all things? Why do these things get their animation from the Son? Why is the Son like the Word of God, or Light and Truth? Why is the shadow below the bird, where it seems like it becomes "asunder" (or below), being divided?

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Is this a symbol of this verse? Why would the word of God need to divide asunder both Soul and Spirit? Why does God need to do this? What is it purpose? What is a soul? How is that different than a spirit? Can you divide something that is inseparably connected?

29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—
30 And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out. (Helamen 3:29-30)

Why would the Lord need to cut asunder all cords? (See Psalms 129:4) What is a cord? What does it come from? What does it cause us to do or become? Is this similar to the chains of hell? (See Alma 11:9-11) Again does the word of God relate to knowledge? Can you speak the word of God if you don't have knowledge of what the word of God is? Does the Lord tell us to first seek to obtain my Word than shall ye declare it? Does declaring the Word of God bring power? Does this tie into the Doctrine of Christ?

3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. (2 Nephi 32:3)

Why do angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost? Why do they speak the words of Christ? Why do the words of Christ tell us all things what ye should do? Why does the Holy Ghost manifest the truth of all things unto us? Does the shadow represent something here on earth? Does the Holy Ghost represent something higher, the true and living creature? What does it mean to receive the Holy Ghost? Why does the telestial word receive its ministration from the Holy Spirit, or angels, or the terrestrial world?

How do all things below represent things above? Does the shadow give us a representation of the bird above?

He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth; (D&C 88:6)
And he lifted up his voice to heaven, and cried, saying: O, how long, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that thy servants shall dwell here below in the flesh, to behold such gross wickedness among the children of men? (Alma 31:26)

How is 'below' tied into "in the flesh" or tabernacle. What is above? What is below? Is one a greater light, things as they were, are, and to be? The lesser light something that is temporary given (ie. a tabernacle; see Lectures on Faith) from the greater light that moves and has life? The lesser portion moves and behaves based off the original greater light. Again what does it mean to cut asunder both spirit and soul? How is cutting asunder related to dividing? (See 3 Nephi 8:6) Is this part of the creative act of the 7 days? God spoke the word of god, and it was done? Why does the 7 days continuously talks about dividing different elements?

My Journey Through The LDS Church

When you pass through all the rites of the LDS Church it begins and ends at almost the same point. The starting point is believing Joseph Smith, inspired by James 1:5, asked God and received an answer--and you can too. The ending point involves an ordinance which promises you further light and knowledge by conversing with the Lord through the veil. Both at the beginning and the end of the LDS journey you are told to speak with God and expect an answer.

[T]hough we cannot claim these promises which were made to the ancients …we can approach the Father in the name of Christ as they approached him, and for ourselves obtain the same promises. These promises, when obtained, if ever by us, will not be because Peter, John and the other apostles, with the churches at Sardis, Purgamos, Philadelphia, and elsewhere, walked in the fear of God and had power and faith to prevail and obtain them; but it will be because we, ourselves, have faith and approach him in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, even as they did; and when these promises are obtained, they will be promises directly to us, or they will do us no good; communicated for our benefit; being our own property, (through the gift of God,) earned by our own diligence in keeping his commandments, and walking uprightly before him.  (Joseph Smith Papers, Documents, vol 3, pp. 483-484)

A Question and Answer

I have been struggling trying to obtain the greater portion of the word and obtaining great knowledge and understanding of the gospel.   I am conflicted. I am unsure as to the worth of books written of doctrinal teachings of latter-day Prophets and apostles after Joseph Smith, or if I should just delve into the scriptures and focus solely on them? I don't have time to do both.   The Lord tells us to rely on the things which are written, but then we are told a living prophet is more valuable then the scriptures. Why do I need their interpretations and insights, especially when many of them aren't all correct?   Is not scriptural interpretation and understanding given by the Holy Ghost? Is the Prophet the only one to interpret scripture? Seems false to me. I have learned the most from the scriptures when I have gone outside of our leaders books and teachings. None of them seem to understand Isaiah for example. Even Nephi said that in order to understand Isaiah one needed the spirit of prophecy and revelation.   Maybe I am answering my own question, but just wondering what you think. Thanks!

*******
Here is my thoughts.

To write the words of Eternal Life requires one who has the promise of Eternal life. They can be mortal but they must have received and been sealed up by the Holy Spirit of Promise. Can you elevate those if you are not on higher ground? Can you lift someone up a mountain at the bottom of it? Can you know how to get to a destination you have never been to without a guide? Where would I spend my time? In the book of Mormon. The LDS church was put under condemnation because they took lightly that book (See D&C 84:55). Now, today, that book is hardly mentioned, hardly understood, and the mysteries contained therein are still "sealed". If I was told that it contains the fulness of the gospel. If I was told and believe it to be true; that it contains the covenants of the fathers that we may not be utterly wasted at His coming than I would spend my time understanding that book. (See the title page https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/bofm-title). That book is sufficient for our day. I value the Words of Joseph Smith because he has expounded those scriptures to us in such a way that it hard to error. The Lord also vouched for Joseph Smith and what was give to us through him. Don't learn from others opinions of what he said. Go to the source. For if they are wrong and you believe it, it could hinder your progression.

Here is my thought process. Joseph calimed to be a witness of the Father and the Son. The book of Mormon gives us witness after witness of those who have also seen and heard Him. I just read 3 nephi 27 today here is what the Lords disciples teach. "The disciples of Jesus were journeying and were preaching the things which they had both heard and seen". (vs 1). The duty of a "high priest' is to do one thing. They teach. Don't confuse this with the office in the LDS church. That office is not found therein. They used to have an office of Church Patriarch which Jospeh declared to be the "highest office". It was put into Emeritus status in 1979 and with the passing of Eldred G Smith it has been abandoned. Now I'm getting side tracked :).

Alma 13 tells us what High Priests after the Holy Order of the Son do, "priests were ordained after the order of his Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption." (vs 2). They have received a "a preparatory redemption for such." They "teach his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might enter into his rest—" (vs 6). This is what Moses did as seen in D&C 84:23-25.

23 Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might [also] behold the face of God;
24 But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his angerwas kindled against them, swore that they should notenter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory.
25 Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;

It is a struggle. I struggle daily. I have my own doubts and weaknesses. But I have learned to know that my weaknesses were given to me by Him. I have begun to learn to accept them as gifts. THEY will NOT prevent you from rising up. Ask Him to remove that anvil from you, and in his time He will do it after you learn what is required. Whatever place you are at in your progression he can lift you and succor you and give you the knowledge you need to remove those doubts. What I used to doubt has now been replaced by things I didn't think were issues (because the Lord has replaced doubt with knowledge but also showing me "what lack I yet?" causing other doubts). I don't doubt the truths of the book of mormon, the restoration, or whats happening here and now. In our day. The signs are before us and the people can't even see the scriptures being fulfilled before their eyes. It makes my heart ache. I do struggle to determine what was given by God and what was given by Men however, including the voices that come daily to me in my heart/head, thus you need the holy ghost to guide you.

The doctrine of Christ is as follows.

"20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day." (3 Nephi 27)

The Holy Ghosts job is to sanctify you and make you clean. It will manifest the truth of all things unto you (2 Nehi 32:1-7). Trust in it. Even if it contradicts what others have "stated". You must learn to distinguish between "good and evil". You must learn how to govern yourself. For only the "righteous can deliver their own souls" (See Ezekial 14). You may choose wrong. But if you continue to call upon God, he can teach you through it and you can eventually learn truth from error in all things. He will correct you if you allow him to in due time.

The Lords servants teach you to rise up that you may receive the Holy Ghost and eventually enter into the rest of the Lord. They point TO Christ. NOT to themselves. I would avoid anyone who claims you should follow them. The Holy Ghost will lead you to eternal life. Sometimes we need a messenger to teach us how to "walk" but once we learn that we cannot "depend upon the prophet" else our minds will be darkened. You must learn to walk and walk the path. You do that by relying upon God and He alone. For He will guide you. The Israelites failed because they wanted Moses to talk to God, give them good doctrine, know whats right and wrong, etc... Theres a story of Laman and Lemuel going to nephi and they ask him a question regarding God. Nephi says, why are you asking me? Go ask God! Than he answers them. It shows the pattern. While he was willing to answer, to help them learn of God, that hopefully the light in the words would allow them to go to God and get their own answers, he really wanted them to stop asking him and go straight to God. So a messenger will teach you to gain your own relationship with God.

Measure everything against the Book of Mormon. Its sufficient for our day. When the Lord "added" the Law of moses he did not fulfill it until the dispensation had ended and a new one had ushered in. The Lord at this time is willing to usher something in again, anew, but first we must remember what he has already given us. Interesting how one of the few commandments given out of the saviors own mouth was to study the words of Isaiah. Like you said few understand it. I certainly don't understand it. Isaiah used old revelation to tell "new revelation" of what was about to happen to us today.

If you want to understand God, you will have to accomplish that in the same way as all who went before. Take Enoch and Abraham as examples. They studied everything they could find before asking God to show them more. God refused to move their intelligence upward until after they had first obtained a sound understanding, by study and by faith, of what He had previously revealed to the fathers. (See Abr. 1: 28, D&C 107: 57, for example.) These past saved men were not merely simpletons like us, surfing the web and looking to the blogosphere to provide them shortcuts, or waiting for some "president" to reveal whats required for them. It requires sacrifice, service, and the timing of the Lord. Wait upon Him to teach you, he knows when we are prepared. Trust in Him.

There is a great lecture by Joseph Smith. I would read it even if you have before. Heres the link to the Joseph Smith papers. I copied an excerpt at the bottom.

http://josephsmithpapers.org/paperSummary/letter-to-silas-smith-26-september-1833#!/paperSummary/letter-to-silas-smith-26-september-1833&p=1

" I may believe that Enoch walked with God <and by faith was translated. And I may [believe] that Noah was a perfect man in his generation & also walked with God.> I may believe that Abraham communed with God and conversed with angels. I may believe that Isaac obtained a renewal of the covenant made to Abraham by the direct voice of the Lord. I may believe that Jacob conversed with holy angels and heard the word of his Maker. that he wrestled with the angel until he prevailed and obtained a blessing I may believe that Elijah was taken to Heaven in a chariot of fire with fiery horses I may believe that the [p. 231] saints saw the Lord and conversed with him face to face aft er his resurection I may believe that the Hebrew Church came to Mount Zion and unto the city of the living God the Heaven ly Jerusalem and to an inumerable company of angels. I may believe that they looked into Eternity and saw the Judge of all, and Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant; but will all this purchase an assurance for me, or waft me to the regions of Eternal day with my garments spotless, pure, and white? Or, must I not rather obtain for myself, by my own faith and dilligence, in keeping the commandments of the Lord, an assurance of salvation for myself And have I not an equal priviledge with the ancient saints? and will not the Lord hear my prayers, and listen to my cries, as soon [as] he ever did to their’s if I come to him in the manner they did or is he a respecter of persons?"

A Day of Burning & Desolation

3rd Nephi 29:4

4 And when ye shall see these sayings coming forth among you, then ye need not any longer spurn at the doings of the Lord, for the sword of his justice is in his right hand; and behold, at that day, if ye shall spurn at his doings he will cause that it shall soon overtake you.

Doctrine & Covenants 38:13-14
13 And now I show unto you a mystery, a thing which is had in secret chambers, to bring to pass even your destruction in process of time, and ye knew it not;
14 But now I tell it unto you, and ye are blessed, not because of your iniquity, neither your hearts of unbelief; for verily some of you are guilty before me, but I will be merciful unto your weakness.
D&C 38:28-30
28 And again, I say unto you that the enemy in the secret chambers seeketh your lives.
29 Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land.
30 I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.

3rd Nephi 14:15-23

15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shallenter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day: Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them: I never knew you;depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

D&C 64:32

32 But all things must come to pass in their time.

D&C 64:38-39

38 For it shall come to pass that the inhabitants of Zion shall judge all things pertaining to Zion.

39 And liars and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they who are not apostles and prophets shall be known.

3rd Nephi 27:8-12
8 And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.
9 Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name; therefore if ye call upon the Father, for the church, if it be in my name the Father will hear you;
10 And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it.
[11 But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return.]
12 For their works do follow them, for it is because of their works that they are hewn down; therefore remember the things that I have told you.

Deuteronomy 18-20
But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
2 Corinthians 6:16-18
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Mathew 5:33-37

33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Ether 8:14-26 14 And it came to pass that they all sware unto him, by the God of heaven, and also by the heavens, and also by the earth, and by their heads, that whoso should vary from the assistance which Akish desired should lose his head; and whoso should divulge whatsoever thing Akish made known unto them, the same should lose his life.

15 And it came to pass that thus they did agree with Akish. And Akish did administer unto them the oaths which were given by them of old who also sought power, which had been handed down even from Cain, who was a murderer from the beginning.

16 And they were kept up by the power of the devil to administer these oaths unto the people, to keep them in darkness, to help such as sought power to gain power, and to murder, and to plunder, and to lie, and to commit all manner of wickedness and whoredoms.

17 And it was the daughter of Jared who put it into his heart to search up these things of old; and Jared put it into the heart of Akish; wherefore, Akish administered it unto his kindred and friends, leading them away by fair promises to do whatsoever thing he desired.

18 And it came to pass that they formed a secret combination, even as they of old; which combination is most abominable and wicked above all, in the sight of God;

19 For the Lord worketh not in secret combinations, neither doth he will that man should shed blood, but in all things hath forbidden it, from the beginning of man.

20 And now I, Moroni, do not write the manner of their oaths and combinations, for it hath been made known unto me that they are had among all people, and they are had among the Lamanites.

21 And they have caused the destruction of this people of whom I am now speaking, and also the destruction of the people of Nephi.

22 And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed; for the Lord will not suffer that the blood of his saints, which shall be shed by them, shall always cry unto him from the ground for vengeance upon them and yet he avenge them not.

23 Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.

24 Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.

25 For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning.

26 Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness 

and be saved.

Doctrine & Covenants 1:33-39

33 And he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts.

34 And again, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants of the earth: I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto all flesh;

35 For I am no respecter of persons, and will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion.

36 And also the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst, and shall come down in judgment upon Idumea, or the world.

37 Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

39 For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen.

Doctrine & Covenants 45:24-35

24 And this I have told you concerning Jerusalem; and when that day shall come, shall a remnant be scattered among all nations; 25 But they shall be gathered again; but they shall remain until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 26 And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth.27 And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound.28 And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a lightshall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel; 29 But they receive it not; for they perceive not the light, and they turn their hearts from me because of the preceptsof men 30 And in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 31 And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowingscourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land. 32 But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and curse God and die. 33 And there shall be earthquakes also in divers places, and many desolations; yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the sword, one against another, and they will kill one another. 34 And now, when I the Lord had spoken these words unto my disciples, they were troubled. 35 And I said unto them: Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled.