Embedding an mp3

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Greek letters

The word “bondservant” is from the Greek word δουλος (doulos). And while “bondservant” isn't really the best translation of the word, it is much better than the KJV’s “servant.” The NASB, ESV, NLT (and even the NIV) actually get the word right. The word means “slave.” The word δουλος refers to one who is in the total service of another, many times voluntarily. Many times a person submitted to becoming a δουλος because they owed a debt they could not pay. And far from being thrown into a cramped shack with little or no food and driven by bullwhips, many times a δουλος was treated pretty well. It wasn’t the best life one could hope for, but it was certainly better than we envision it.

Do Hebrew fonts work?

םשל

Mormon Answers

Another new feature. FAIR (The Foundation for Information and Apologetics Research, not affiliated with the LDS church), has issued their "Answers to 50 Anti-Mormon Questions," their answers to 50 questions about Mormonism, questions posted by Tower to Truth Ministries. Here is the first installment of how to answer these 50 answers.

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FAIR answer:

1. Why does the Mormon church still teach that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God after he made a false prophecy about a temple built in Missouri in his generation (D&C 84:1-5)

This was not a prophecy, but a command from God to build the temple. There's a difference. Jesus said people should repent; just because many didn't doesn't make Him a false messenger, simply a messenger that fallible people didn't heed.

Learn more here: Independence temple to be built "in this generation"

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RESPONSE:

Actually, yes, this WAS a prophecy. Doctrine and Covenants 84:1-5—1 A revelation of Jesus Christ unto his servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and six elders, as they united their hearts and lifted their voices on high. 2 Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church, established in the last days for the restoration of his people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon Mount Zion, which shall be the city of New Jerusalem. 3 Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased. 4 Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation. 5 For verily this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house.

Notice all the times that “Jesus Christ” says “shall.” The city “shall be built beginning at the temple lot…” In verse 4, “New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of saints…” And this temple “shall be reared in this generation…” Verse 5, “…this generation shall not pass away until an house shall be built, and a cloud shall rest upon it…the glory of the Lord shall fill the house.” These are not commands, these are things Jesus Christ Himself is (supposedly) saying shall happen. The one giving the revelation does not say, “build my city…build New Jerusalem…build My temple…” as if he is commanding that it be done. The voice is saying, “It shall come to pass…”

Also notice in verse 1, it is termed a “revelation,” not a “command.” In Doctrine and Covenants 1:37, it says, Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. This (the building of the temple) was a prophecy, one which went unfulfilled, thus making Joseph Smith a false prophet.

Something else to mark: In their response, FAIR says, “This was not a prophecy, but a command from God to build the temple.” Yet if you follow the link Independence temple to be built "in this generation", you find this little tidbit:

Meaning of "shall"
It is unclear from the wording of the 1832 revelation whether Joseph Smith meant it to be a prophecy or a commandment. When he declared the "temple shall be reared in this generation," it's possible that he meant this as a directive. If this is the case, D&C 84 is not actually a prophecy.

Well, which is it? Was this a command, or can we not be sure? Then there’s this:

Meaning of “generation”
If the revelation is meant as a prophecy, the timeline for its fulfillment depends on what Joseph meant by "generation." Typically we consider this to mean the lifespan of those living at the time of the revelation.

Depends on what Joseph meant? Shouldn’t the meaning depend on what the one speaking meant? Or did the fine folks at FAIR just give us another indication that the Doctrine and Covenants was just another 18th century invention of a young man’s imagination?

Smells Like Nirvana

What is the link field?

Is it something like this?

Finally--Proof for Darwinian Evolution

From this site, we finally see the final, convincing proof in favor of Evolution!

Warren Colbert

Just checking text stuff

Moreover, how easily do the business and cares of the world choke the seed which you have sown. And if the truth had no enemy but what is in themselves, how easily will a frozen carnal heart extinguish those sparks which you have been long in kindling! Yea, for want of fuel, and further help, they will go out of themselves. And when you think your work doth happily succeed, and have seen men confessing their sins, and promising reformation, and living as new creatures and zealous converts, alas! They may, after all this, prove unsound and false at the heart, and such as were but superficially changed and took up new opinions and new company, without a new heart. O how many, after some considerable change, are deceived by the profits and honors of the world, and are again entangled by their former lusts! How many do but change a disgraceful way of flesh-pleasing, for a way that is less dishonorable, and maketh not so great a noise in their consciences! How many grow proud before they acquire a thorough knowledge of religion; and, confident in the strength of their unfurnished intellects, greedily snatch at every error that is presented to them under the name of truth; and, like chickens that straggle from the hen, are carried away by that infernal kite, while they proudly despise the guidance and advice of those that Christ hath set over them for their safety! O brethren, what a field of work is there before us! Not a person that you see but may find you work. In the saints themselves, how soon do the Christian graces languish if you neglect them; and how easily are they drawn into sinful ways, to the dishonor of the gospel, and to their own loss and sorrow! If this be the work of a minister, you may see what a life he hath to lead. Let us, then, be up and doing, with all our might; difficulties must quicken, not discourage us in so necessary a work. If we cannot do all, let us do what we can; for, if we neglect it, woe to us, and to the souls committed to our care! Should we pass over all these other duties, and, by a plausible sermon only, think to prove ourselves faithful ministers, and to put off God and man with such a shell and vizor, our reward will prove as superficial as our work.

"He Is"--Aaron & Jeoffrey