A Gospel Perspective

Christian Symbolism in the Planet Venus The Planet Welcome to part two of Christian Symbolism in the planets. In this section, we’ll discuss the planet Venus, related scriptures, and what it can tell us about Jesus Christ. For some background let’s first go over a few characteristics of this planet. Covered in thick, reflective clouds, Venus is the brightest object in the night sky, after to the moon. It’s often called earth’s sister planet because it is similar in size, mass, and composition. Because of it’s position between earth and the sun, it has a unique motion across the sky never straying too far from the sun. It is usually seen for a few hours before sunrise or after sunset. This is why was labelled anciently as the morning and evening star. Bright and Morning Star Regarding the term “morning star,” Revelation 22:16 reads “I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” Just as Venus shows up as a bright and morning star, which heralds a new day ...

Christian Symbolism in the Planet Mercury Mercury is named after the Roman God Mercurius, their god of commerce, the messenger of the gods, and the mediator between gods and mortals. That last description stands out to me the most because it suggests that Mercury could represent Jesus Christ as the Mediator. Let’s explore some reasons why this may be the case. The planet Mercury is known for a few unique characteristics. First, it is the planets that is closest to the sun and consequently it can be difficult to see, often being consumed in the light of the sun. Second, it is the planet that has the fastest orbit. What can we gleam from these 2 characteristics? The Mediator If the sun represents God or divinity, Mercury can represent a nearness to God. That nearness to God, of course, a good representation of Christ who “[dwells] in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see” (1 Timothy 6:16). While no man can behold God in the flesh, I would argue ...

Our Environment Shapes Our Thoughts What does it mean to stand ye in holy places? Today during a walk to my neighborhood park and back, I had time for my thoughts to wonder. I was able to focus on a concern of mine and think through the best course of action for me. Quiet time is very important to me because it's an opportunity to think without distractions. When I returned from my walk, I was suddenly aware of how our environment shapes our thoughts. Immediately after crossing the threshold and closing the door, a flood of new thoughts entered my mind. Most of them were connected to visual stimuli. Objects and memories from my living room brought back thoughts. Some of them were simple and unobtrusive, while others encouraged choice and action, such as seeing the couch and remote. I could just sit down and watch TV, I thought. I'm glad I was in a state of conscious awareness of my thoughts because it allowed me to take control. I had decided before returning that I would draf...

What are the pros and cons of diversity? When a team, organization, or community has members of different backgrounds and perspectives they can generate new ideas and accomplish new things. Diversity is a place where creativity thrives. On the other hand, if you have too much diversity, then it becomes easier to focus on differences than similarities. Unity suffers, paving the way for conflict. Diversity has to be balanced with unity in order for the synergy and creativity to lead anywhere productive. Too much diversity can lead to varying and even opposing ideals, processes, and goals. Differing goals, then lead people apart in different directions. Chaos and order A little bit of chaos is a good thing, as long as it is tempered by order. Chaos brings growth and increased strength if handled correctly. In this way, diversity is akin to chaos, as unity is to order. Diversity and unity must be balanced in the same way chaos and order should be. Like a little bit of chaos, diversity can ...

[SCRIPT DRAFT] “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years” (Gen. 1:14). The stars have a special purpose as stated in Genesis chapter 1. God tells us they are both signs and they are a calendar. Throughout history they’ve not only served these purposes for farmers, navigators, astrologers, and stargazers, but for God too. The stars testify of Christ, his birth, resurrection, and second coming. In the words of David, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.” (Psalm 19:1-4) We can learn of God and his message when we look up at night and see the stars. The constellations are, in a way, God’s hieroglyphs; a st...

How do we stay happy in an unhappy world? Today, I got caught up in the news, which almost inevitably brings with it an overwhelming sense of despair at the state of our world. My mind swirled with thoughts like "I don't trust our politicians," "why do so many people do and say things that hurt themselves and other," and "is there any hope for humanity?". This is why I tend to avoid news lately, but it's really hard to do, and sometimes I feel like I shouldn't. Ignorance is bliss, but it's also dangerous too. Book of Mormon Parallels to the Latter-Days Needless to say, I was feeling like I needed an extra dose of the peace that only my God can provide. My thoughts turned to the Book of Mormon because it's a powerful parallel for our day. In the middle and latter parts of the book, we read of wars, contentions, and of people doing bad things to gain power and influence. In spite of it all, the christian characters in the book generally m...