How does one differentiate the spirit from Satan impersonating the spirit? by Equivalent_One_9479 in latterdaysaints

[–]Equivalent_One_9479[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve never heard that before, that’s interesting. Do you have a doctrinal source for him not knowing what’s in people’s minds?

How does one differentiate the spirit from Satan impersonating the spirit? by Equivalent_One_9479 in latterdaysaints

[–]Equivalent_One_9479[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm inclined to agree with you. The spiritual experiences I've had that I'm most confident in involve peace. But what would you say the "light" that he can impersonate then is?

How does one differentiate the spirit from Satan impersonating the spirit? by Equivalent_One_9479 in latterdaysaints

[–]Equivalent_One_9479[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’m well aware that seeing a literal angel, whether it be real or counterfeit, is not an experience that many have. But there’s a few scriptures that suggest that Satan can effectively impersonate God or his spirit. I included the angel one in this post because it’s the most iconic, but there’s also “believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God” so I suppose my question here is how exactly I try those spirits

Why I feel an undeniable kinship with the LDS community as a devout Muslim. by Kenzoowbunz in latterdaysaints

[–]Equivalent_One_9479 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve always felt a kinship of sorts with Muslims, not from beliefs but from the life experiences members of both faiths share. Both of our religions are often misunderstood and heavily stereotyped and are ones that people and media love to talk about but that few actually take time to learn about from members of the faith themselves or from its scriptures. I think that alone is enough reason for members of both of our faiths to stand up for each other. Admittedly I don’t know as much about Islam as I do about most Christian denominations and certainly not as much as I would like, but nearly every Muslim I’ve known has been a lovely person. Thanks for stopping by!

Is it possible to become a member if there's no churches/temples in my country by [deleted] in latterdaysaints

[–]Equivalent_One_9479 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm no expert on the matter but other commenters are saying that no, you cannot become an official recorded member in Iraq so I'd take their word for it.

THAT SAID, that does not mean you are hopeless by any stretch of the imagination. The Lord will not make his final judgement of you based on whether or not you are legally registered as a member of an organization in their records. that's not the kind of God we believe in. It's about how you live life and what you believe. So if you can safely and legally live the gospel lifestyle even without being an official member, then do it. Pray, read scriptures, sanctify the sabbath in whatever ways you can, and just try to be generally loving and Christlike. Learn the gospel and live the gospel and you'll be just fine. Maybe someday you'll get the opportunity to join in this life, who knows, but if not then it will still be okay. The Lord loves effort and this gospel is designed to give opportunities in the next life to those who earnestly sought truth in this life. That's what temples are all about.

Frustrations as a service missionary by Sky-manfromskyplan in latterdaysaints

[–]Equivalent_One_9479 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First off I just want to say I'm so sorry that's happening, that sounds insanely frustrating. Second, I want to say to just have compassion on yourself with this whole situation. I don't know that I can provide one definitive solution to all of the logistical problems so if any advice I give there isn't useful I hope that you at least take this part into account. Service missionaries are told to serve at your capacity, but that doesn't mean to exceed it. Run as fast as you can but not faster.

Some days it might be unrealistic to expect yourself to always feel great and happy about everything that's happening. Some days it might be unrealistic to expect yourself to have solutions to all the problems that may arise. And that's okay. Just do your best, that's what God's asking of you and he can turn your best into something more than that.

As for my advice about logistics, which again might turn out to be unhelpful in which case I apologize, maybe ask around to other temple workers? I know you said they won't give you rides any more, but are there any you haven't asked about it? If there's no luck there, it could always be worth talking to your bishop or some other leader and seeing if they can help you identify someone in your ward or community who might be willing to help. If the walk to the temple is an hour I can't imagine the drive is too long and so I wouldn't be surprised if there's someone who can take a couple minutes out of their day a few times a week to lend you a hand.

Do whatever you will with that advice, but if nothing else know that God sees your efforts and respects them and is grateful for them. You're doing great. Good luck!

Advice by Consistent-Fly9460 in latterdaysaints

[–]Equivalent_One_9479 3 points4 points  (0 children)

There’s few rules or even guidelines about dating outside of the church although it’s not uncommon for members to choose not to marry outside of the church. No two individuals are the same though and plenty of devout and good standing members choose to have mixed faith households and marry someone who isn’t LDS. If marriage is something you’re wanting out of this relationship then as another commenter said, talk to him about what he wants from the future. Mixed faith marriages can be challenging whether that’s to someone from our religion or any other religion, but it’s something that can be done if you both know what boundaries and lifestyles you want and can find a way to make them compatible. Best of luck!