On September 9th I heard the final lecture given by a servant of the Lord. I cried with joy as he read to us revelation from the Lord. God is moving, He is accomplishing His work, through His strange act. I was bouncing off the walls with joy and being filled with the spirit. I felt the love of God and of all men. I have such a great desire to share the gospel, I feel like a greenie again in the mission field. I strongly desire Zion. I desire to serve and love those around me. I have a long way to go, I know I have many weaknesses. Nonetheless I know that the light has broken forth. (Isaiah 58:8)(D&C 45:28,36). An Ensign has been lifted. (Isaiah 5:26)(2 Nephi 15:26)(2 Nephi 21:12)(D&C 64:42) Every nation, of Israel, will be gathered. The Lord has set His hand the second time to recover His people. (2 Nephi 21:11)(2 Nephi 25:17)(2 Nephi 29:1)(Jacob 6:2) Awake! Arise! Put on thy beautiful garments! (Isaiah 52:1–2)(Moroni 10:30–32)(3 Nephi 20:36–38)(D&C 113). What a glorious day! There is much work to be accomplished, and each of us have the opportunity to be a part of it.

After the lecture was finished many seemed puzzled and there was a bit of “Oh no, now what?” I was so joyful for the things coming our way. During the lecture as he spoke about baptism, I prayed in my heart to know if I should, and if I were worthy to. The spirit began reminding me of all of the miracles that brought me to that point in that seat in that audience. I knew that I needed to follow the Lord into the water and be baptized for the remission of my sins, and to receive the baptism of fire. I have already received the baptism of fire, but I wanted to renew this experience with the Lord. I wrote in my journal, “the Lord will do the heavy lifting Chad, be humble.”

After gathering into regions, I felt so happy to be a part of the Southern Utah region. I wrote: “I have a mission to do there. Many will awake and arise. The groups will be eclectic. They will be the outcasts and the down trodden.” I am happy to serve here, to help those who are seeking God.

I was fortunate enough to stay with those who sought to be baptized. After lunch, we found our way down to the river. I found it interesting that sometime back, the man who baptized me, let me know he had been authorized by God to do so. I pondered that, and it made me consider seeking the authorization for myself. I am seeking it now. With seven signatures, he entered the water and gave a humble testimony of his authorization. It was a little hot and muggy as we all looked on. The first child jumped into his arms and we began. No sooner than he said the first word, a cool breeze rushed through all of us attending. I smiled, and said in my mind, “Ruach, wind, breath, spirit.” Wow! What a witness. That was only one of many signs, that included troubled waters, doves, rain, a fiery sunset, that created fire on the sacred mountain. We saw a double rainbow, and many more signs and wonders followed. It is wonderful to be with a group of believers, many signs might have been passed by without each person noticing something different.

As for my baptism, I recorded, “I made the decision to [be baptized], and went in faith believing that Christ forgives my sins.” Afterward I felt a burning sensation on what I would call my minds eye. It felt as though a branding iron was placed on my mind, and the effect was the burning sensation, throbbing after touching such heat.” Since that time I have seen things more clearly. I have again, had a renewed understanding of the scriptures. As Joseph commented, “Our minds being now enlightened, we began to have the scriptures laid open to our understandings, and the true meaning and intention of their more mysterious passages revealed unto us in a manner which we never could attain to previously, nor ever before had thought of.” Not only are the scriptures becoming more plain, but I can see God’s interactions in my life better. What seemed simple and could be passed off and forgotten so easily is now making sense and standing out as small tokens of light. God has been working with me for some time now. He is quick to forgive, believe Him. I am grateful for His patience with me.

After all of this joyful time with the believers, I had to return home. On the way home I spoke with the Lord about many things. I pondered how wonderful the doctrine of Christ truly is. (3 Nephi 11:31–41) It is so simple. In fact so simple, that many will stumble. It is the new Brass Serpent raised in the wilderness.

I was so thankful that Denver mentioned the idea of placing an add in the paper with the Doctrine of Christ. Saying, in effect, “here is the doctrine of Christ, if you want to be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost, I will be at this place at this time.” He mentioned how wonderful it would be to baptize a gang member and send him back to the “hood” clothed with the Holy Ghost. My mind caught hold on this idea, and I love it! Think about it. If someone desires to repent and come unto Christ, they can receive the Holy Ghost and have all that is needed to return to Him. We have put up so many barriers to entry that it has become an exclusive club. Even still we want to make sure a person “does this,” and “does that,” before we think they should be baptized. The reality is, it’s between them and God. If they come with real intent, acting no hypocrisy before God, they will be baptized with fire and the Holy Ghost” (2 Nephi 31:13)

It doesn’t matter if they even accept the Book of Mormon, or the Bible. They don’t have to accept Joseph Smith, or any man. They don’t need to refrain from coffee, or alcohol. They just need to believe in Christ, repent of their sins, and follow Him into the waters of baptism. After that it’s between them and God. He will baptize them with fire. How profound.

So you say, “well what about after they are baptized, we need to get them into an organization, get them manuals, and teach them the correct way!” Not even close! If you receive the Holy Ghost and become as a little child, inquiring of the Lord all the time, by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (Moroni 10:5) It’s time we trust in God. It’s time we abandon the arm of flesh. The Doctrine of Christ leads a person to Christ! As Nephi tried to make so plain, “For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do.” You see that. Get the Holy Ghost. It will show unto you ALL things what ye should do!” By doing these things, you will be lead into His presence! How profound. How simple. How beautiful.

As I pondered the reaction of this idea to my friends, family, and associates I was so deeply impressed with the Brass Serpent. This idea will revolutionize the world. Yet those who think they already have the truth will reject it because of the easiness of the way. This is my prophecy:

19 Behold, he was spoken of by Moses; yea, and behold a type was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it might live. And many did look and live.

20 But few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of the hardness of their hearts. But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them.

21 O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting about your eyes that ye might be healed, would ye not behold quickly, or would ye rather harden your hearts in unbelief, and be slothful, that ye would not cast about your eyes, that ye might perish?

22 If so, wo shall come upon you; but if not so, then cast about your eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their works.

23 And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will. Amen. (Alma 33:19–23)

And I make an end of my prophecy.