Andrews Mission Farewell Talk

Hi. If you don’t know me YET, I am Andrew Christiansen. Some of the strange faces in the crowd today are here because I’m going to Toronto Canada for two years to speak Mandarin Chinese. And yes, you heard that right, Chinese in Canada. It was odd for me too, until I realized 32% of Toronto is Chinese. That is 278,390 people to teach. They also have one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. But, anyway, today, I was asked by my wonderful father, who is conducting today, to speak. For those of you that don’t know, the usual plan if there is extra time after all the speakers, the person conducting gives a talk. So, I was planning on coming up here and saying, “Yeah, Im going to Canada. See you in two years.” And then sit down, dropping the rest of the time to talk on my dad. But, then I was threatened that if I do that, I may be drawn and quartered.

So, today I am talking about service. Now, for me, when someone says this person needs this done or this person needs this done, unless that person needs an entire lasagna gone inside the next 24 hours, I usually am not the first to jump up and raise my hand. But, I usually put on a happy face when I am asked and go do it. Usually by the end, I have a few cuts and scrapes, but I end up feeling good.

But, that is physical service. I am talking today about spiritual service. The most common scripture for spiritual service is Mosiah 2:17: And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

For the longest time, whenever I wondered if I was going to go on my mission, my thought process was, “If I go on my mission, I am good. If I don’t, I will be an outcast in society and be disowned by my family.” I mean that is how it usually comes out to be like when you start talking about a mission. I’ve known a couple missionaries that have come out to “make their mama proud!” But, when my sister went to college instead of going on a mission, I realized that this is my choice. And so, I started thinking about it. But, as I thought, I became more and more discouraged. I realized that if I go on a mission, I will be two years behind everyone in schooling, that I would leave my family for two years, I would leave my friends for two years or more because some are moving away for college, and the worst of all, I would miss two Star Wars movies. But, then I realized, instead of going and looking for the reasons not to go, I should look for reasons to go.

Just for fun: Here are some reasons I found on the internet to go on a LDS mission (mainly for the wrong reasons):

1. Travel to new places, see new things, have new experiences, meet new interesting people, improve yourself, etc.
In addition your experiences will help you develop critical life skills that most people take for granted such as cooking, money management, scheduling and planning, social skills, cleanliness in appearance and living conditions, street smarts and self defense, event organizing and other useful responsibilities. May I say that the street smart and self defense has me oh so excited.

2. Free college credits!
If you go to a foreign speaking mission and plan to attend school afterwards your new language skills can help you test out of a whole semester worth of language classes!

3. Missions make a resume shine!
•Leadership Experience – Some who serve missions will be lucky enough to hold the position of district leader, zone leader and/or assistance to the president.
•Counseling and Therapy – Every try to help someone stop smoking or overcome an addiction? If you are a missionary your chances are more than likely. You will also help people around the world to cope with tragedies in their lives as you teach them truths of the gospel such as the eternal family, repentance and forgiveness.
•Multi-lingual Skills – I am SPEAKING CHINESE!!!
•Public Speaking – Get over your stage fright before you serve a mission because you will find yourself constantly at the pulpit. The more you do it, the better you get at it. By the time you come home you will be a pro! Did you know that most people fear public speaking more than death? I guess that just one more way the gospel brings peace to our lives.

4. Chicks dig RMs! Ok guys, Mormon or not, possessing the above characteristics will make you a much more eligible bachelor! Not to mention if you did a lot of biking on your mission you will probably be pretty ripped when you get back.
Mostly, I started finding things that negated the reasons for not going. There are plenty of returned missionaries that are employed and didn’t have any problems with school. I shouldn’t worry about my family. They survived while I was gone for two summers. I’d be able to keep in touch with friends through E-mail and see them after. And Star Wars will always survive.
But then I realized that no matter what I do here for people, whether it would be mowing a yard, making dinner for someone, knitting a blanket, I couldn’t help people as much as I would on a mission. ON A MISSION, I can teach people about the three main questions in life: Why am I here? How did I get here? Where am I going? Making Dinner for someone helps them for one or two nights. Mowing a yard helps for a few weeks. Knitting a blanket helps for maybe a couple decades, depending on how good it is. But, for me, going on a mission is helping someone for eternity. That is a blessing that you can only do with a couple things. Think about it. For everything you do in life, how many can you say is helping someone out for the rest of existence. That is the power spiritual service has for people.

In Preach My Gospel, it states that the purpose of a missionary is “invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.”

I believe that it includes one of the greatest pieces of advice ever for anyone trying to help people come to church. To “Invite others to come unto Christ.” It does not say it is our purpose to have people come unto Christ, to make people come unto Christ, to demand people to come unto Christ. It says we should invite others to come unto Christ. It is as the old proverb goes,“You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.” You can invite others to come unto and accept Christ, but you cannot force them to. That is a decision they have to make for themselves.

Elder Gene R. Cook said in a talk titled Inviting Others to “Come unto Christ”, We are commissioned with a purpose to “visit the house of each member,” (D&C 20:47) to:
· To exhort them “to pray vocally and in secret” (D&C 20:47);
· “To stir them up in remembrance” of God (Alma 4:19); and
· “To turn [them] to the Lord with full purpose of heart” (Mosiah 7:33).

We do not visit the active just to “visit,” or the less active just to get them out to church, although that may be part of what happens. In essence, we visit to help the heads of those homes, male or female, to become the spiritual leaders in their homes, to lead their families to Christ, to pray, to fast, and to read the scriptures together. If that happens in our visits, all else will take care of itself. Remember, not only the teacher but the learner must have the Spirit of the Lord. You, as the teacher, must do all in your power to prepare the hearts of men so the Spirit can teach. May I suggest seven scriptural performances (see Alma 31:10) that, if humbly employed, will immediately invite the Spirit into your heart and the hearts of others.

1. Pray. Pray for the Spirit. Ask those you teach to pray for you and for themselves while you are teaching. Ask for discernment to understand the needs of those you visit.

2. Use the Scriptures. They are the words of the Lord to us, and the Spirit of the Lord will speak through them to all, both young and old.

3. Use music. Using recorded hymns or singing the songs of Zion with or to the Saints in their homes, as prompted, will always bring the Spirit of the Lord.

4. Express love and gratitude to God and man. Express love openly for God and for His children, and the Spirit will be felt profoundly.

5. Share spiritual experiences. Spiritual experiences have great impact upon men’s souls. Share them as prompted by the Spirit.

6. Perform priesthood ordinances. “In the ordinances …, the power of godliness is manifest.” (D&C 84:20.) Bless the Saints. Bless the sick. Bless the homes of the Saints. Encourage others to seek for priesthood blessings.”

But this entire time I have been focused on missionaries. What about all of you? That is why we have member missionaries. Member missionaries are anyone willing to help people come unto Christ. Elder M. Russell Ballard said in a talk entitled The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work, “Remember, brothers and sisters, we’re not marketing a product. We’re not selling anything. We’re not trying to impress anyone with our numbers or our growth. We are members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, empowered and sent forth by the Lord Himself to find, nourish, and bring safely into His Church those who are seeking to know the truth.

Viewed from that eternal perspective, what we are to do seems so simple and clear, but I know that member missionary work can be challenging and sometimes frightening. Please allow me to suggest three simple things that we can do to assist in this divinely commissioned responsibility.

First, we should exercise our faith and pray individually and as families, asking for help in finding ways to share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to open the way. President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “It will be a great day when our people not only pray for the missionaries throughout the world, but ask the Lord to help them to assist the missionaries who are laboring in their own ward”.

Second, leaders must lead by example. The Spirit will prompt and guide you in finding those interested in our message. Your personal worthiness will give you the courage and the spiritual power to inspire your members to actively help the missionaries.

Third, member missionary work does not require the development of strategies or gimmicks. It does require faith—real faith and trust in the Lord. It also requires genuine love. The first great commandment is to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. … The second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”.

Professional advancement, increased income, bigger homes, or newer cars and recreational equipment do not bring lasting peace and happiness. Happiness comes from understanding God and knowing that He has a plan for our eternal joy and peace. Happiness comes from knowing and loving the Savior and living our lives in accordance with His teachings. Happiness comes from strong family and Church relationships based on gospel values.

Some members say, “I’m afraid to share the gospel because I might offend someone.” Experience has shown that people are not offended when the sharing is motivated by the spirit of love and concern. How could anyone be offended when we say something like this: “I love the way my church helps me” and then add whatever the Spirit directs. It’s when we appear only to be fulfilling an assignment and we fail to express real interest and love that we offend others. Don’t ever forget, brothers and sisters, that you and I have in our possession the very points of doctrine that will bring people to the Lord. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ has within it the power to bring deep and abiding happiness to the human soul—something that will be valued and cherished for the rest of time and for all eternity. We are not just trying to get people to join our Church; we are sharing with them the fulness of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. But as powerful as our message is, it cannot be imposed or forced upon people. It can only be shared—heart to heart, soul to soul, spirit to spirit—by being good neighbors and by caring and showing love. We need to be watchful for one another and reach out to one another. And as we do so, we will radiate the gospel in our own lives, and it will radiate to the people the blessings the gospel has to offer.

Let us follow the admonition of the Prophet Joseph Smith, “After all that has been said, [our] greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel.”

I know what he said is true. If you go out with a heart full of love and not a heart wanting to get it over with, you will feel the spirit amplify as you visit and teach.

Before I close, I wanted to thank everyone who has helped me get to this point. My primary teachers that helped teach me at an early age who our savior is with songs and games. My awesome Sunday school teachers, who have always had a lesson prepared for us. My young mens leaders and scout masters, who have taught me how to be a man and survive in the real world. My multiple bishoprics, who helped me whenever I needed guidance. The Elders Quorum, you guys are just awesome. My friends throughout the years for being there for me whenever I was bored, needed help, gave me a shoulder to cry on, and relied on me to have a shoulder for you. And my family for putting up with me all these years. I know that many of you have had to deal with me and my active mind and overactive personality. Be glad you didn’t have to live with me. They not only lived with me, but they took care of me and helped shape me into who I am today. And that is a soon missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. And I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Atonement

Today I was asked to speak about the Atonement and what it is.

I would like to begin by sharing a story with you from “Believing Christ” by Stephen E. Robinson called “The Parable of the Bicycle”…”One afternoon after work as I sat reading the newspaper, our  oldest daughter, Sarah, who was then seven years old, came up to me and said, “Daddy, can I get a bike? I’m the only kid in our neighborhood who doesn’t have a bike.” I mumbled some kind of general and nonspecific assent, but Sarah lifted up the paper and looked me in the eye. “How and when?” she asked.

Now it would not have been easy for us financially to buy Sarah a bicycle at that particular time, so I tried to stall her. “I’ll tell you what, Sara,” I said. “You save all your pennies, and pretty soon you’ll have enough for a bike.”

“OK,” she said, and she went away---I was off the hook. A few weeks went by, and I was once again sitting in my chair after work, reading the newspaper. This time I was aware of Sarah doing some chore for her mother and being paid for it. Then she went into her bedroom, and I heard a sound like “clink, clink.”

“Sara, what are you doing?” I asked. She came out of her bedroom with a little jar in her hand. It had once been a maraschino cherry jar, but she had cleaned it up and cut a slot in the lid. On the bottom of the jar were a bunch of coins. Sarah showed me the jar and said, “You promised that if I saved all my pennies, pretty soon I’d have enough to get a bike. And Daddy, I’ve saved every single one!”

Well, she’s my daughter, and I love her. I hadn’t actually lied to her. If she saved all of her pennies, eventually she would have enough for a bike. But by then, she would probably want a car. In the meantime, sweet little Sarah was doing everything in her power to follow my instructions, but her needs were still not being met. I was overwhelmed. “OK, Sarah,” I said, “let’s go downtown and look at bikes.”

We went to every store in Williamsport. Finally, in one of the big discount stores, we found it; the Perfect Bicycle (probably the one she knew in the premortal life). From halfway across the store, she knew it was The One. She ran and jumped up on the bike and said, “Dad, this is it. This is just the one I want.” She was thrilled.

Then he noticed the price tag hanging down between the handlebars, and with a smile, she reached down and turned it over. At first she just stared at it; then the smile disappeared. Her face clouded up, and she started to cry.

“Oh Daddy,” she said in despair, “I’ll never have enough for a bicycle.” It was her first bitter dose of reality.

The bike, as I recall, cost over one hundred dollars. It was hopelessly beyond her means, but because Sarah is my daughter and I love her, I have an interest in her happiness. So I asked, “Sarah, how much money do you have?”

“Sixty-one cents.” She answered forlornly.

“Then I’ll tell you what, dear. Let’s try a different arrangement. You give me everything you’ve got, the whole sixty-one cents, and a hug and a kiss and this bike is yours.’

Well, she’s never been stupid. She gave me a big hug and a kiss and handed over the sixty-one cents.”

This story is a wonderful parable for the atonement of Christ. We all want something desperately and that is to return to our Heavenly Father’s presence. But, the price is perfect performance, and that is completely beyond our means. And that is where the Atonement fits in.

In the simplest of terms “the atonement is the sacrifice Jesus Christ made to help us overcome sin, adversity, and death.” His atoning sacrifice took place in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross at Calvary. He paid the price for our sins, took upon Himself death, and was resurrected. The Atonement is the supreme expression of the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

We all know the story of the Garden of Gethsemane, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. We know that Christ prayed for us, to redeem our sins, and that he bled from every pore of his body during it. We know that he was taken prisoner and brought before Roman leaders and was beaten throughout his ordeal. We know that he carried his cross up to Calvary and then he had his hands and feet nailed to the cross and because the Romans were not sure of the weight they also placed nails in his wrists. We know he suffered on the cross for about six hours until his frail human body could not take it anymore and then he was brought back into His Fathers presence. We know that he was taken and placed in a tomb and quickly prepared for burial because the Sabbath was approaching. And we know that three days later he was resurrected and came forth, so that we might live again.

True to Faith describes the Atonement perfectly. It say’s

Jesus Christ “was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem [His] people” In the premortal spirit world, Heavenly Father presented the eternal plan of salvation, which required an infinite and eternal Atonement. The premortal Jesus, then known as Jehovah, humbly declared that He would do the will of the Father in fulfilling the plan  Thus He was foreordained to carry out the Atonement—to come to the earth, suffer the penalty for our sins, die on the cross, and be resurrected. He became “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world”

The Atonement is the supreme expression of our Heavenly Father’s love for us it is also the greatest expression of the Savior’s love for the Father and for us

As descendants of Adam and Eve, all people inherit the effects of the Fall. We all experience spiritual death, being separated from the presence of God, and we are all subject to temporal death, which is the death of the physical body. In our fallen state, we are subject to opposition and temptation. When we give in to temptation, we distance ourselves from God and come short of His glory

Eternal justice demands that the effects of the Fall remain and that we be punished for our own wrongdoings. Without the Atonement, spiritual and temporal death would place an impassable barrier between us and God. Because we cannot save ourselves from the Fall or from our own sins, we would be forever separated from our Heavenly Father, for “no unclean thing can dwell … in his presence”

The only way for us to be saved is for someone else to rescue us. We need someone who can satisfy the demands of justice—standing in our place to assume the burden of the Fall and to pay the price for our sins. Jesus Christ has always been the only one capable of making such a sacrifice.

From before the Creation of the earth, the Savior has been our only hope for “peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come”

Only He had the power to lay down His life and take it up again. From His mortal mother, Mary, He inherited the ability to die. From His immortal Father, He inherited the power to overcome death. He declared, “As the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself”

Only He could redeem us from our sins. God the Father gave Him this power (The Savior was able to receive this power and carry out the Atonement because He kept Himself free from sin: “He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them” Having lived a perfect, sinless life, He was free from the demands of justice. Because He had the power of redemption and because He had no debt to justice, he could pay the debt for those who repent.

Through the Atonement, Jesus Christ redeems all people from the effects of the Fall. All people who have ever lived on the earth and who ever will live on the earth will be resurrected and brought back into the presence of God to be judged. Through the Savior’s gift of mercy and redeeming grace, we will all receive the gift of immortality and live forever in glorified, resurrected bodies.

Although we are redeemed unconditionally from the universal effects of the Fall, we are accountable for our own sins. But we can be forgiven and cleansed from the stain of sin if we “apply the atoning blood of Christ” We must exercise faith in Jesus Christ, repent, be baptized for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Alma counseled: “Ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness”

The Savior has declared that eternal life is “the greatest of all the gifts of God” To gain eternal life is to be made worthy to dwell in God’s presence, inheriting a place in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom. This gift is available only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Mormon said: “What is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise”.

To receive this gift, we must meet certain conditions. We must exercise faith in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, and endure faithfully to the end. We must receive the ordinances of salvation: baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, Melchizedek Priesthood ordination (for men), and the temple endowment and marriage sealing. By receiving these ordinances and keeping the associated covenants, we come unto Christ and ultimately receive the gift of eternal life.

The blessings of the Savior’s Atonement extend throughout eternity, but they also come in this life. As you come unto Christ, you will know the joy of being clean before the Lord. You will be able to echo the words of Alma, who, after much sin and rebellion, experienced the painful but healing process of repentance. After he had been forgiven, he testified:

“I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.

“And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!

“… There could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. … On the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy”.

In addition to offering redemption from the pain of sin, the Savior offers peace in times of trial. As part of His Atonement, Jesus took upon Himself the pains, sicknesses, and infirmities of all people). He understands your suffering because He has experienced it. With this perfect understanding, He knows how to help you. You can cast “all your care upon him; for he careth for you”.

In Alma 7:11-13 It says…

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

 13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

The Atonement also covers our pains, our afflictions, not just our temptations and sins. Christ took on the pains and sicknesses of the whole world! He took on our sorrows, our trials, and things that we cannot even begin to fathom. He took on my brothers suffering through multiple surgeries to straighten his legs and back. He took on his pain that came from his handicap; because my brother was unable to speak Christ took on the knowledge of what he was suffering because my brother couldn’t express that to my family. He took on the suffering my mom went through when she was dealing with a life-ending disease called “Scleroderma”. Christ bled for the pain that she went through from before she was diagnosed until she passed away. Christ then took on my pain of losing her. Yes, His atonement even covered the suffering I went through when she passed away and it covers that to this day.  I cannot begin to fathom how many drops of blood that Christ shed for me the Garden of Gethsemane. No amount of thanks can even begin to cover the gratitude I feel that Christ was willing to go through this so that I may come into the presence of my Father again. He did this so that I could have eternal life.

I want to end with my testimony that Christ did in fact bleed from every pore of his body for us. He loves us so much that he wanted to give us a way to return to our Father and also to give us eternal life. He loves us so much that he was willing to suffer and die for us. Our elder brother did that for us! I’m so very grateful that he gave me this wonderful gift. His Atonement is all encompassing and even though I may not understand it in its entirety I know how important it is and I only pray that one day I will be able to fully comprehend it.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ…Amen.

The Womens March

Today millions of women across the nation and the world attended a march for "women's rights". I put that in quotation marks for a purpose, which I will explain.
Women's rights is what they said,  it's what the organizers said; but I'm starting to wonder if they truly understand what that means.
They didn't march for the women in the Middle East, the ones who are abused, raped, married at a young age to men 2-3 times older then them. The one in Pakistan who was beheaded because she went to the market without a male escort. The ones who are doused with gasoline and burned for committing some "sin" against their family according to sharia law. The ones in Saudia Arabia who still cannot drive and it's 2017! But as long as Trump didn't talk about grabbing their p!@@#, that's ok.
They didn't march against Hollywood hypocrisy,  mostly because Hollywood was there. They didn't march against the sexualization of women in movies and music. The abuse against women that's sung and rapped about...check out some of Jay Z's lyrics. About movies that show women being abused and demeaned, i.e Harley Quinn and Jokers abusive relationship on Suicide Squad and lets not mention 50 Shades of Grey, but as long as it wasn't Trump talking about grabbing p!@#$ that's ok.
They didn't march for the countless women who are involved in sex trafficking, but as long as it wasn't Trump talking about grabbing p!@#$ that's ok.
Starting to get why I put "women's march" in quotation marks?
They marched because Pres. Trump has threatened to cut funding from planned parenthood. Because they want to be able to have sex without the consequence of having a baby. They want to be able to kill an innocent child that didn't ask to be conceived. They want to fund an organization whose founder, Margaret Sanger, was a proponent of eugenics and who believed that birth control would lead to a cleaner race.
Maybe the women who marched were not aware of this, maybe they were a just didn't care. But from many people's perspectives this wasn't about women's rights in the least bit.

Just a Thought

Saw another article today on body shaming, that seems to be a big subject lately. It did give me thought about another thing that has bugged me...when did women stop dressing with class. I'm not talking about going out like June Cleaver or Aunt Bea with our pearls on, I'm talking about just having class.
When did it start being ok to go out looking like we stepped off the pages of Frederick's of Hollywood? When did it become ok to wear three stained tank tops that show off bra straps and are so tight that they ride up and show off our stomach? Why is it now considered appropriate to go out in a see through white maxi dress and show the world that you're wearing a black bra and thong underwear but if we dress with a bit of class and modesty we are considered stuck up, constipated, and old fashioned?
And, its not just with our dress, but also our language. Ladies, there is nothing classy about saying the F-bomb every other word or just swearing in general! For some reason acting and looking like a Kardashian has become ok, but acting and looking like Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly is unheard of. This trend needs to be reversed and now! It's just as bad as boys wearing their pants down around the knees!

Christiansen family 2015

2015 was a great year for our little family. Enjoy this video as we share the highlights of our year with you all.
May 2016 be just as fun!

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Matthew 2:13-23

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
¶Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
¶But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.
And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judæa in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Matthew 2:9-12

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
¶And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Matthew 2:7-8

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

Matthew 2:3-6

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet,
And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Matthew 2:1-2

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Luke 2:19-20

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 2:15-18

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Luke 2:13-14

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:8-12

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe

Luke 2:1-7

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn

Micah 5:2-5

But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.

¶And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.

And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.

Luke 1:46-56

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

Luke 1:39-45

And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Do the research

With all the stuff going on with what Trump said, I decided to my own research and see if any other president has ever done what Trump is suggesting and what groups of people are currently prevented from entering the US as of now. I'm putting this on here because I'm so tired of people not doing their own research, listening to biased news media outlets, and following the masses and their feelings instead of looking at the facts.

Groups of people prevented from entering the US:
Belarus: Certain persons the US government believes to be undermining democratic processes or institutions in Belarus (including President Alexander Lukashenko and other officials)

Ivory Coast: Certain persons the US government believes are contributing to the conflict in Ivory Coast

Democratic Republic  of Congo: Certain persons the US government believes are contributing to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Iraq: Specific individuals and entities associated with the former Saddam Hussein regime, as well as parties the US government believes have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing acts of violence that threaten the peace or stability of Iraq or the Government of Iraq or undermine efforts to promote economic reconstruction and political reform in Iraq or make it more difficult for humanitarian workers to operate in Iraq.

Lebanon: Persons the US government believes undermine the sovereignty of Lebanon or its democratic processes and institutions

Liberia: The former Charles Taylor administration in Liberia

Russia: Persons believed to be responsible for the detention, abuse, and death of Sergei Magnitsky and other reported violations of human rights in Russia (see Magnitsky Act)

Former Yugoslavia: Persons who the US government believes is threatening the international stabilization of the western Baltic states. 

 

Yemen: Persons who the US government claims threaten peace, security, or stability in Yemen

Ukraine: Persons the US government believes undermine the peace, security, stability, territorial integrity and the democratic processes and institutions of Ukraine. Also persons administering areas of Ukraine without central government consent, also a number of senior Russian Officials close to President Vladimir Putin.

Zimbabwe: Persons the US government believes undermine democratic processes or institutions in Zimbabwe, including a number of Government Officials

Central African Republic: Persons the US government believes contribute to the conflict in the Central African Republic

South Sudan: Persons the US government alleges have contributed to the conflict in South Sudan or committed human rights abuses

Libya: Persons associated with Muammar Gadafi's regime

Venezuela:  Government officials linked to the 2014–15 Venezuelan protests and those who the US government alleges have committed human rights violations

Presidents who have prevented specific groups for entering the US:

Chester A. Arthur: Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882

William McKinley: Anarchist Exclusion act of 1903

Theodore Roosevelt: Expatriation Act of 1907

Woodrow Wilson: Immigration Act of 1917

Supreme Court: 1923 United States vs. Bhagat Singh Thind (not a president, but read about it)

Calvin Coolidge: Johnson-Reed Immigration Act of 1924

FDR: Executive order 9066 (Japanese Internment Camps)...sad part of US History, but I feel it should be added because it was against a certain group of people. This order was upheld by the Supreme Court in 1943-1944

Jimmy Carter: All Iranians, 1980...he also sent back around 50,000 Iranian students

As you can tell it has been done before, admittedly not since 1980. So, if everyone is boohooing about Donald Trumps idea, why aren't they condemning these ones also?