New Year, New Start

So the New Year is coming up on all of us fast, in fact it will be here in 2 days. Everyone tends to talk about New Year's resolutions about this time. They reminisce about last year's resolution, how  they may or most likely may not have accomplished it, and they discuss what they can do for this coming New Year's resolution. I have never been one for resolutions myself. I have always felt that the New Year is a new beginning in every way, not just one. 

Just as Christ ushered in a new and everlasting Covenant, or Testament, the scriptures teach us that, " 47 Old things are done away, and all things have become new." - (3 Nephi 12:47) The Savior and His prophets spoke numerous times on the importance of being "born again". Starting over in life is a blessing that is offered through the fullness of the everlasting Gospel because of the ordinance of Baptism. When we are baptized by someone holding the Priesthood Authority of God, we put away our old lives, and all things become new for us. 

I had the privilege of witnessing 3 baptisms in the last month of some friends that are dear to my heart. The Parker family took the opportunity to begin their New Year with new lives. I am grateful the Priesthood power of God, granted to men here on Earth for the work of the Salvation of mankind. 

My invitation to all reading this blog is to start this New Year with a resolution of a new life. Let us all do as the people in this short video discuss, and "look not behind," but move forward with a new determination to come unto Christ.

What are you Thankful for?

November and December, the 2 months of the year it seems that people decide to show more gratitude, or to even remember the things that they are grateful for. During this Holiday Season, whether for you it is Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just about an old elf in red with presents, it seems to me as though people become nicer to one another. I'm not at all complaining about the gratitude, kindness, or the thankfulness that is expressed of course.

During the past month or so Elder Walker,  the missionary that I'm currently serving with, and I have gone around to some of those that we know sharing a short uplifting thought about the reasons for being grateful. As a part of this thought we chose to use the some excerpts of scripture from the Book of Mormon. There was an underlining message and thought that we were hoping those we spoke to would catch on to. Lets see if you can.
" 37 And now, my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should remember these things, and that ye should work out your salvation with fear before God, and that ye should no more deny the coming of Christ;
38 That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you." - Alma 34:37-38

Do you see it? I'll give you a hint, it has to do with how I started this blog. If you did,or didn't here it is. The point that we wanted to bring to peoples attention was "that [we] live in thanksgiving daily".

What am I thankful for daily? I'm thankful for many things in my life.

I'm thankful for my family!

I'm thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord as a missionary!

I'm thankful for close friends that I love, and that love me!

And most of all, I'm grateful  for My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Here is a short video of everyday people giving examples of how we can live in thanksgiving daily. 

Now the Kicker! What are you thankful for today? Leave a comment and let others know what it is that helps you to live in thanksgiving daily.

  

The Christmas Spirit

Tuesday of this week Elder Walker and I where in our apartment preparing our dinner for the evening when we had an unexpected knock at the door. Elder Walker opened the door to see the smiling face of our next door neighbor holding a small brown box with no label. She asked him if we planned on putting up a Christmas tree, to which he responded that we weren't. She then looked at him and said, " Well then, this is for you two." She handed him the box and inside was a small pre-lit Christmas Tree. We smiled back, thanked her for her hospitality, and wished her a Merry Christmas as she turned towards her door and went into her apartment. 

Immediately after we closed the door, Elder Walker grabbed a knife from the kitchen drawer and opened the box. He was overwhelmed with glee as he pulled the small tree from the box, put the batteries in the bottom of the tree for the lights, and turned it on. Not more then 5 min. after putting the small Christmas tree on our couch side table, there was another knock at the door. Our same generous and cheerful neighbor stood at the door with another box in her hands. She said," Now you can both have one, and when you go home and start your own families, these will be your first Christmas trees." We were grateful and speechless. She handed us the other box and went back into her apartment with a smile on her face. We opened the second box, added the batteries and put it up on the dresser in the bedroom. 

I  tell you this story in hopes that your heart was touched and softened as much as mine was from the generous and selfless gift to two missionaries away from home. I hope that it brings into your mind the true meaning of Christmas. Love is what is really important in the Christmas season. Giving something to another out of charity, or the "Pure LOVE of CHRIST" is what really keeps us the spirit of the season.  I want to think back in your mind to the origin of Christmas, the first Christmas. Do you know the story?

"1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed...

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;...

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 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.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 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.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." - Luke 2:1-14

This is the true Spirit of Christmas. The birth of our Savior is the greatest gift that the world has ever seen. It was the first "Christmas gift" if you will. He came from our Father in Heaven's presence. A gift given as an example of the perfect love of a perfect Father. It is my prayer that we can all remember the true meaning of Christmas. I hope that we can all give gifts in the real Spirit that our Father in Heaven and our Savior intend. I hope that we can remember Charity and Love this Christmas, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Temples

"What is the relationship between the ancient temple in Jerusalem and modern temples?" This was another question posed by a reader of one of  my past blogs which gave the invitation for ideas to write.

There are a lot of things to write about temples. I could talk about the time, effort, and sacrifice that goes into the building of such beautiful buildings for the Lord. I could write about how many LDS temples there are functioning around the world at this time, which is about  135. Or I could talk about how difficult it can be to erect one of these beautiful buildings, that will be dedicated to the Lord, in some parts of the world where people are unsure of their purpose.

Although if I were to write about those things, then I would not be answering the question that was posed by the reader. So here we go. How do modern LDS temples compare to Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem? Well first lets identify the purposes of a temple of the Lord as defined by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"In the temple we are taught, we make covenants, and we are promised blessings. We receive ordinances that enable us to live in the presence of God.

One ordinance we receive in the temple is the endowment. The word endowment means “gift” or “bestowal.” As part of this ordinance, we are taught about the purpose of life, the mission and Atonement of Jesus Christ, and Heavenly Father’s plan for His children. We gain a glimpse of what it will be like to live in His presence as we feel the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.

Another temple ordinance is the sealing ordinance, in which husbands and wives are sealed to each other and children are sealed to their parents in eternal families. This means that if we are faithful to our covenants, our family relationships will continue for eternity.

In addition to receiving these ordinances for ourselves, we can receive them for our deceased ancestors. In this way, people who died without receiving essential ordinances such as baptism and confirmation, the endowment, and sealing have the opportunity to accept these ordinances." - temples.lds.org

Another example of how modern LDS temples are the same as King Solomon's Temple in the Old Testament can be found scriptures taken from both the Holy Bible and the Doctrine and Covenants:

"3 And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually."- (1 Kings 9:3)

"1 The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened.
2 We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us...
3 ...his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:...
6 Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name.
7 For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house."- (Doctrine and Covenants 110:1-7)

The Lord came to both King Solomon and Joseph Smith within the walls of the temples that were built in His name. He accepted the "House" which King Solomon and the Israelites had built for Him. He likewise accepted the "House" which was built on His behalf, and by His commandment, by the early Latter-day Saints.


Really temples are a thing of beauty and sacredness. They are a light and a beacon to the world of the importance of the Lord, and of the importance of the sacred ordinances that go on within their walls. For so many of us temples are such a blessing. They are truly a "Heaven on Earth".

This short video gives more explanations of temples and their purposes.

"2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem "- ( Isiah 2:2-3)

Personal Revelation: Where is it coming from?

First and foremost I would like to apologize for answering this particular question so late. I know that the individual who asked this did so about 2 1/2 weeks ago.  In the end though, I guess that I will just stand by the procrastinators classic phrase in saying, "better late then never!"

In contemplating the question: " how do we know if revelation is from the Spirit of the Lord, or another source?" I have had a few scriptures come to my mind. First I would like to share the "Fruits of the Spirit" as described in the New Testament of the Holy Bible.

"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." - (Galatians 5:22-23)

So what can we take away from the scripture that is above? Well if we are questioning where the revelation is coming from, all we have to do is simply think about how we feel when we received it. You see there is this thing about God. God is good. He would not have the Holy Ghost tell us to do something that is bad in our lives. If we doubt whether or not we are receiving revelation from the Holy Ghost, all we have to ask ourselves is, "does this prompting make me want to do something that is good, and will help me grow closer to my Father in Heaven?" Just to give evidence of that point, let's look at another scripture. 

"11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." - (3 John 1:11)

So really the best way to answer this question is to make it personal to each and every one of us. The Lord talks to each of us in our own unique way through the Spirit. Just as was recorded in The Book of Mormon by the Prophet Nephi;
"3...For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding..." - (2 Nephi 31:3)

So we read even today in modern revelation given to the World through the Prophet Joseph Smith;
 "1 ...even so surely shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive a knowledge...

2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart." - ( Doctrine and Covenants 8:1-2)

"12 And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit." - (Doctrine and Covenants 11:12)

So whenever in doubt about the source of revelation, just kneel in prayer to your Heavenly Father and listen to your heart and your mind. If you have enough faith, you will always receive an answer. If you listen carefully, you will have the Heavens opened unto you.

How to be Worthy of the Holy Ghost

So in response to my first question posted in the comments, I will be addressing what I believe is a righteous desire of someone's heart: How can we have the Spirit always with us?

Let's start with words that are wiser then my own. We read in Doctrine and Covenants (revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith) chapter 42 verse 14: 

"14 And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith;..." 

So to start off, I would say that the first and foremost effective way to have the presence of the Spirit with you more, is to pray and ask your Heavenly Father for it. The power and influence of the Holy Ghost is felt most when we are doing things in our lives that are in accordance with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We read more about the requirements of having the Spirit again in the Doctrine and Covenants: 

  45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then...

 46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever." - (D&C 121: 45-46)

The simplest way I can think of  in order to invite the Spirit in our lives is to do the "Small and Simple" things that are asked of us. As we remain faithful in reading our scriptures, saying our prayers, attending our Church meetings, and serving and "love[ing] [our] neighbour[s] as [ourselves] " - (Matthew 22:39). Then we can rest assured in our hearts that our Father in Heaven will bless us with the Spirit to guide, teach, and comfort us in all that we endure. Just as the Savior promised His disciples:  

" 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. "- ( John 14: 26-27)

What to write?

Does this look familiar? For some it should. We're having another go at the question and answer period of Elder Owen's blog. I have one blog that I am working on, but I would like to have some ideas from my readers that would be of most benefit to you. So, please write your comments and lets have some more fun with blogging the Gospel!

So it's been a while since I posted a new blog. I was wondering what to post, and I haven't been able to think of anything. So in light of my current predicament, I have decided  to ask my readers, who are probably few and far in between, but I love; what I should write about.

So here is the chance for anyone and everyone to give their input. I will be waiting for suggestions for about 3 or 4 days. If you have any ideas, or would like to know anything about me, missionary work, or the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then now is your chance.  Just leave a comment on this blog about the topic of your choice, and I will do my best to answer and write about all the comments that I get. I'm hoping to get at least 1, so if you really do have any ideas or questions, just let them out. The more the merrier.

Enduring to the End...

"19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? "- (2 Nephi 31:19)

One of my favorite scriptures with a question within that makes us think. The Book of Mormon prophet Nephi posses the question that was asked countless times before, after, and will continue to be asked by so many people.

In my blogs about the Doctrine of Christ, I have written about baptism by immersion for the remission of sins by one with priesthood authority and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. I would now like to conclude these three blogs with a final installment of the importance of "Enduring to the End".

Endure, a word that brings into one's mind the struggles and afflictions of life. So why endure? The scriptures teach us that we "...must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if [we] shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." -(2 Nephi 31:20) We must "endure to the end" if we truly seek eternal life.

Though we don't have to think of it as such a hard thing, like the term endure usually implies. There is a basic two step process of Gospel principles that we can use to successfully "endure to the end". It starts  where everything in the Gospel starts, FAITH. Now I won't spend to much time teaching about faith, if you want to know more about it then what I say here, you can reference back to one of my past blogs that is entirely dedicated to that Gospel principle. Simply put, if I can, faith is a principle of action and power. One scripture defines faith as such: " 21 And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." -(Alma 32:21). So to put those two definitions together. Our faith is the belief we have in our Savior and our Father in Heaven that drives us to act in a Christian manner. We help others because of faith, we share our testimonies because of faith, and we live a life of higher standards then the common world because of our faith.

The second principle that we need to understand in our lives to "endure to the end" is repentance. This is another Gospel principle that I have previously written a blog about. So in light of that fact, I will again try to summarize a more simpler definition and  process of application. Repentance is the process by which one accesses the atonement of Jesus Christ;  His suffering in the garden, death on the cross, and resurrection three days later, so that they may be cleansed through His blood, of their sins. The basic steps of repentance are as follows: 

1. Recognize that you have sinned.
2. Feel true "Godly sorrow" for knowing that you have disappointed and offended God.
3. Seek forgiveness  from your Father in Heaven through earnest prayer.
4. Seek restitution by striving to make up for, in any way you can, the sins you have committed.
5. Finally, forsake the sin you are penitent for by not committing it again.

"Enduring to the End" is something that is asked of all by the Lord. It is also something that everyone is capable of. By doing the simple things of our faith we can endure to the end of this life, and prepare ourselves for the life to come. As we read our scriptures, say our prayers, attend our Church meetings, enter into covenants (two way promises) with our God, and renew those first covenants which put us on the "strait and narrow path" by partaking of the Lord's Sacrament on a weekly basis to receive a remission of our sins, we can "endure to the end."

I know that the principle of enduring to the end is what will keep us on the path back to our Heavenly Father. As the Savior Himself taught in the book of Matthew in the New Testament 24th chapter, " 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. "

The Gift of the Holy Ghost

Welcome to the second of 3 related blogs about principles and ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In this blog I would like to address the ordinance of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, or Baptism by Fire. This is an ordinance practiced in the Old Testament and New Testament times of the Bible, both in the areas surrounding Jerusalem and in the American Continents.

Though not referred to as often, or explained thoroughly in the Old Testament of the Bible, the gift of the Holy Ghost is found and explained in the New Testament. We first read of it in the Gospel of Matthew 3rd chapter 11th verse; 

" 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: ". 

The prophet John the Baptist clearly states that with the Savior would come the authority to give the gift of the Holy Ghost in that dispensation.

We read more in the New Testament of the gift of the Holy Ghost in the Acts of the Apostles. In Acts chapter 8 verses 14-17 we read of the Apostle's Peter and John giving the gift of the Holy Ghost by the "laying on of hands".

" 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."

We also read of the gift of the Holy Ghost in the Book of Mormon. A Book of Mormon Prophet named Nephi teaches his people what is referred to as the "Doctrine of Christ" in the scriptures in the Book of 2 Nephi 31st chapter. In his teachings Nephi quotes from a revelation the words of the Savior and of His Father, our beloved Father in Heaven. Through His prophet the Savior of the world taught the importance of the gift of the Holy Ghost by saying the following: 

" 12 And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.

13 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost... "

Today in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we practice this same ordinance of Salvation in the same manner in which it was performed in the scriptures. The 4th Article of Faith states that;

" 4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. "

Why might this "gift" be so important? The role of the Holy Ghost encompasses many things, but there are two specifically that I would like to mention before concluding. First, the Holy Ghost is the "Comforter". Jesus Christ taught this important role of the the Holy Ghost to His Apostles, while also teaching the second role I wish to mention. In the words of the Savior Himself, we learn that the Holy Ghost is also meant to teach us "all things". 

" 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. " -(John 14: 26-27)

What greater blessing could we ask for, then to receive as a gift, the companionship of the 3rd member of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost.

Baptism- Is it Really Necessary?

As a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I have had the privilege of teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to as many people as will listen. In teaching the Gospel of the Savior, we teach basic principles and ordinances of Salvation, namely: faith, repentance, BAPTISM, Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. In this first of 3 related blogs, Baptism is the ordinance which I would like to speak about, and how it greatly affects our Eternal Life.

In the 3rd chapter of the gospel of John we read of an account of a Pharisee (Jewish religious leader) who went to the Savior "by night" to ask him what it was he needed to do to get to "Heaven". The before mentioned passage reads as follows:  

" 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named ^aNicodemus, a ^brulerof the Jews:

 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these ^amiracles that thou doest, except ^bGod be with him.

 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be ^aborn ^bagain, he cannot ^csee the kingdom of God.

 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be^aborn of ^bwater and of the ^cSpirit, he cannot ^denter into the kingdom of God. " -(John 3:1-5)

So what do these verses mean? Let's dissect that by using other scriptures, common sense, and most importantly THE SPIRIT! Jesus Christ answered Nicodemus's question about his eternal salvation with the first ordinance required to obtain salvation, that is baptism. The Savior taught the pharisee that the only way someone can enter into the Kingdom of God is to be born of water and the spirit, or in other words, to be baptized in water, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Why do I come to that conclusion you may ask? Well lets read some more scripture shall we. " 16 He that ^abelieveth and is ^bbaptized shall be saved... "-(Mark 16:16). In this verse we read that in order to be "saved" we must believe AND be baptized, not believe and "maybe if you feel like it" be baptized. Again we can read of the importance of baptism: " 48 And he commanded them to be ^abaptized in the name of the Lord... " -(Acts 10:48). Peter, speaking in this verse, commands the people as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, that they must be baptized. The scriptures testify of this necessary ordinance multiple times. We may even read in the Book of Mormon: " 23 And he commandeth all men that they must ^arepent, and be ^bbaptized in his name, having perfect ^cfaith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God. " -( 2 Nephi 9:23). The Lord himself makes it very clear in both the New Testament of the Bible, and in the Book of Mormon that the ordinance of baptism is required for salvation and exaltation in the Kingdom of God.

Now if you are still not sure whether or not what I am writing "holds any water", then let's use the last and best resource in finding out whether or not this is true. I would ask you to kneel before your Father in Heaven, and in sincere prayer ask him if these things are true. I promise that as you do so you will feel the Spirit witness to your heart and your mind in telling you that the ordinance of Baptism is truly necessary.

I would like to close with an invitation from a Book of Mormon Prophet named Alma.

 " 8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold,... as ye are^adesirous to come into the ^bfold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

 9 Yea, and are ^awilling to mourn with those that ^bmourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as^cwitnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the ^dfirst resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

 10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being ^abaptized in the ^bname of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a ^ccovenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you? "