A Framework for Personal Revelation: Dale G. Renlund - Oct 14, 2022
Attention Activity - Drone, Electrical Circuit, Drivers License... etc.
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How does an Electrical Circuit Work
What is a Framework?
A framework is a structure or organizational pattern used to facilitate order, and behavior, as well as consistency and strength in a society.
Just as frameworks and societal norms and myths are used to provide structure in society so also do these frameworks provide structure in the laws of reality, and the kingdom of God.
Brother Renlund then provides us a framework that he uses in his life that correlates and matches with the framework of revelation.
"Well-trained airplane pilots fly within the capacity of their aircraft and follow directions from air traffic controllers regarding runway use and flight path. Simply stated, pilots operate within a framework. No matter how brilliant or talented they are, only by flying within this framework can pilots safely unleash the enormous potential of an airplane to accomplish its miraculous objectives.
In a similar way, we receive personal revelation within a framework. After baptism, we are given a majestic yet practical gift, the gift of the Holy Ghost. As we strive to stay on the covenant path, it is “the Holy Ghost … [that] will show [us] all things [that we] should do.” When we are unsure or uneasy, we can ask God for help. The Savior’s promise could not be clearer: “Ask, and it shall be given you; … for every one that asketh receiveth.” With the help of the Holy Ghost, we can transform our divine nature into our eternal destiny."
This is the framework of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:37-40, Article of Faith 4
It is the pattern and practice by which a specific event occurs - that event is the receipt of the Holy Ghost - and the corresponding power, influence and effects that are brought into a persons life through that influence.
Remember what the Holy Ghost is - he is a member of the Godhead - and when one has him in his life he is partially redeemed and has entered into the presence of God - what an amazing GIFT.
When we follow this practice, this framework, and this pattern the results/consequences will naturally flow from it, without compulsory means, they will just happen.
Frameworks can be instituted by many different things...
What other frameworks do we have in our life.
Who instituted these frameworks? Are they changeable? If so How?
Frameworks instituted by God - the plan of salvation, the path of redemption, physics
Frameworks instituted by Families - family traditions, practices, patterns
Frameworks instituted by Nations - economics, litigation, laws, punishments
Frameworks instituted by Societies - Gender Identity, Gender Roles, Racism
You will note that some of these frameworks cross groups, and some do not.
You will note that frameworks that are created by a group, can be changed by that group without issue. But if another group tries to change the framework of another group there is always problems.
#1 - The Scriptures - are the basis of doctrine
"The scriptures form the first element of this framework for personal revelation. Feasting on the words of Christ, as found in the scriptures, stimulates personal revelation. Elder Robert D. Hales said: “When we want to speak to God, we pray. And when we want Him to speak to us, we search the scriptures.”
The scriptures also teach us how to receive personal revelation. And we ask for what is right and good and not for what is contrary to God’s will. We do not “ask amiss,” with improper motives to promote our own agenda or to fulfill our own pleasure. Above all, we are to ask Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, believing that we will receive."
#2 - The law of stewardship - we only receive revelation in our own realm of influence
"A second element of the framework is that we receive personal revelation only within our purview and not within the prerogative of others. In other words, we take off and land in our appointed runway. The importance of well-defined runways was learned early in the history of the Restoration. Hiram Page, one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon, claimed to be receiving revelations for the entire Church. Several members were deceived and wrongly influenced.
In response, the Lord revealed that “no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith … until I shall appoint … another in his stead.” Doctrine, commandments, and revelations for the Church are the prerogative of the living prophet, who receives them from the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the prophet’s runway."
Church Revelation - Prophet
Family Revelation - Parents Mother/Father equally
Individual revelation - Individual
#3 - Personal revelation will be in harmony with the commandments of God and covenants we have made
"A third element of the framework is that personal revelation will be in harmony with the commandments of God and the covenants we have made with Him. Consider a prayer that goes something like this: “Heavenly Father, Church services are boring. May I worship Thee on the Sabbath in the mountains or on the beach? May I be excused from going to church and partaking of the sacrament but still have the promised blessings of keeping the Sabbath day holy?” In response to such a prayer, we can anticipate God’s response: “My child, I have already revealed my will regarding the Sabbath day.”
When we ask for revelation about something for which God has already given clear direction, we open ourselves up to misinterpreting our feelings and hearing what we want to hear. A man once told me about his struggles to stabilize his family’s financial situation. He had the idea to embezzle funds as a solution, prayed about it, and felt he had received affirmative revelation to do so. I knew he had been deceived because he sought revelation contrary to a commandment of God. The Prophet Joseph Smith warned, “Nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit, when they think they have the Spirit of God.”
Revelation Generally speaking does not break commandments, or previously restored information.
Story about bringing forth new scripture
Do we know of any exceptions to this rule? Nephi, Abraham, Law of Kinsman Redeemer, Law of Retribution in Law of Moses, etc. All of these supposed "Exceptions" actually have valid explainations and reasons for them. We need to be VERY careful if we think we are in an exception case - and in general DO NOT GO THERE.
#4 - What God has already revealed to you - he does not need to do so again.
"The fourth element of the framework is to recognize what God has already revealed to you personally, while being open to further revelation from Him. If God has answered a question and the circumstances have not changed, why would we expect the answer to be different? Joseph Smith stumbled into this problematic scenario in 1828. The first portion of the Book of Mormon had been translated, when Martin Harris, a benefactor and early scribe, asked Joseph for permission to take the translated pages and show them to his wife. Unsure of what to do, Joseph prayed for guidance. The Lord told him not to let Martin take the pages."
The loss of the 116 pages - etc.
If there is time:
My framework of revelation...
PPPRRRR
Prepare, Ponder, Pray, Record, React, Repent, Repeat
Prepare:
Prepare for revelation - expect it, put yourself in a state by which it can be received. Remember preparation proceeds power.
Thus instead of relying on the arm of the flesh - and our weak logic/reason - we are taught to rely upon the arm of the spirit, and the receipt of revelation by which means we can understand the proper intent, and interpretation of scripture. Thus we do not deny the power of God to reveal his word unto us... we just don't.
Moroni 10:5-8
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
6 And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is.
7 And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever.
8 And again, I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God. And there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by pondering the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them.
I However also consider reason/logic to be a useful tool and helpful to my understanding during the ponder phase so I do the following. Matching the above pattern in reliance upon revelation, but having a more strongly logical pattern when pondering before praying...
Ponder: Study/Ponder it out in your mind
Ponder - God does not give to us what we can by our own capability come to an understanding of. Think about your question, research it, come to your own initial conclusion. Then ask if it be right.
#1. Confirm the historical context of the speaker/audience.
What question is being asked... or answered.
Who is the speaker - audience - and their background.
#2. Confirm the context of the doctrine or principle
Ponder upon the meaning of the scripture in context.
Don't just read the verse read the whole chapter.
Don't just read the whole chapter but rather the whole section wherein the verse is contained. (confirm the context.)
Is this concept taught elsewhere in the scriptures if so - compare...
#3. Is there a method of speech/rhetoric involved or Hebraic Parallelism in play?
#4. If it is Paul's words - is he using Platonic, Neo-platonic, Stoic, or other philosophic terms and meanings in his words?
#5 Look for proper language meaning - via concordance or other comparison (validate translation...)
#6 Look for any modern day interpretations by men in authority to speak in the name of God. Compare my understanding to what they have to say on the matter.
Pray: Come to a conclusion in one's mind - then ask: Pray
Pray - Ask God - exercise your faith in him, believe that he is, that he is a rewarded of those who diligently seek him. Actually Do it
#1. Pray with an understanding/conviction that an answer will come
#2. Do not be dogmatic - or deterministic - I can be wrong.
#3. Pray with the intent that I will change my mind if the answer is I'm wrong.
#4. Be patient when expecting the answer - write the question down and wait - it could be well... a while... and answered in unexpected ways
#5. When the answer comes recognize it and react.
Record: Document your answer so you remember what it was - you don't need to ask again!
Record - Write down the answer, record your thoughts, feelings and impressions so that you can "Remember" that you received an answer. So that you can iterate - and ponder your impressions of the moment.
Remember patriarchal blessings and other documents of revelation to you
React: Do it
React - Act upon the result, Do what you were told, actually respond in a manner according to your answer. (No one likes to be ignored - neither does God!)
Repent: When the spirit of the Lord is Grieved
Amen to the priesthood the authority, and the revelations of that man... D&C 121:36-39
Revelation comes through the Holy Ghost -
Repeat... the process
This is an iterative process - repeat this pattern. Improve your capability to receive answers to prayers. Do this during the good times - not just the bad times!! Grow into the gift of revelation. Become a Prophet! An individual who has a testimony of Jesus Christ and through revelation knows that it is the "Truth"
Appendix:
What is a SIGN?
How does the Scientific Method work together to determine truth? Does it?
Some have said that the scientific method is the best tool ever devised to discriminate between true and false patterns, to distinguish between reality and fantasy, and to detect baloney.
D&C 93:24
Notice the difference here - instead of disbelieving first and having it proven via empirical evidence he wants us to believe first because of the testimony of angels and testimony of others, and then gain additional witnesses and evidence.
Why does God want us to believe first?
I think its a matter of agency - he wants us to choose to believe and then he will confirm that belief and not condemn us. If he were to prove that it was true, and we refuse to believe/obey it we would be under a greater condemnation.
D&C 93:30-32
Religious faith comes through a trial of faith - then evidence is presented to the individual to strengthen their faith. This is not empirical evidence that can be used to prove to another that what has occurred is true. If it were it would destroy their opportunity to live by faith - learn by faith, and eventually partake of eternal life through the trial of their faith.
The difference between a sign and evidence of faith is the time in which the evidence is given. A sign is given before the individual has exercised faith and passed through his trial of faith - thus leading to his/her condemnation.
Why do we not believe that spiritual evidence is just a form of Expectancy Bias?
As an individual becomes more experienced receiving revelation he an develop to the gift of revelation - whereby information/knowledge is placed in the mind that was unknown before hand. - Thus proof of an external source.
This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God. It is the time for men to "Prove" themselves. This means to show to themselves that they are who they thought they were. God already knows.