Hymns

I love music. I have always had a great appreciation for music, and especially for Hymns. There is something to be said about the sweet Spirit that is associated with giving testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through song. Music has been a part of religious worship since the beginning of time.

In all faiths and in all cultures, music is a form of expressing ones emotions. Music can express love, joy, happiness, faith, belief, and a number of many other things that we experience. I simply want to state that I love the opportunity of expressing my joy, love, and faith through song.

Bellow is an excerpt from the preface to the Hymnal of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It explains why we choose to use song in worship and in the home. I love the words that were given by the First Presidency in this simple yet profound explanation as to the importance of worshipping through the beauty and wonder that we call music.

Music in Our Church Meetings

Inspirational music is an essential part of our church meetings. The hymns invite the Spirit of the Lord, create a feeling of reverence, unify us as members, and provide a way for us to offer praises to the Lord.

Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end.

We hope to see an increase of hymn singing in our congregations. We encourage all members, whether musically inclined or not, to join with us in singing the hymns. We hope leaders, teachers, and members who are called on to speak will turn often to the hymnbook to find sermons presented powerfully and beautifully in verse.

Latter-day Saints have a long tradition of choir singing. Every ward and branch in the Church should have a choir that performs regularly. We encourage choirs to use the hymnbook as their basic resource.

Music in Our Homes

Music has boundless powers for moving families toward greater spirituality and devotion to the gospel. Latter-day Saints should fill their homes with the sound of worthy music.

Ours is a hymnbook for the home as well as for the meetinghouse. We hope the hymnbook will take a prominent place among the scriptures and other religious books in our homes. The hymns can bring families a spirit of beauty and peace and can inspire love and unity among family members.

Teach your children to love the hymns. Sing them on the Sabbath, in home evening, during scripture study, at prayer time. Sing as you work, as you play, and as you travel together. Sing hymns as lullabies to build faith and testimony in your young ones.

Music in Our Personal Lives

In addition to blessing us as Church and family members, the hymns can greatly benefit us as individuals. Hymns can lift our spirits, give us courage, and move us to righteous action. They can fill our souls with heavenly thoughts and bring us a spirit of peace.

Hymns can also help us withstand the temptations of the adversary. We encourage you to memorize your favorite hymns and study the scriptures that relate to them. Then, if unworthy thoughts enter your mind, sing a hymn to yourself, crowding out the evil with the good.

Brothers and sisters, let us use the hymns to invite the Spirit of the Lord into our congregations, our homes, and our personal lives. Let us memorize and ponder them, recite and sing them, and partake of their spiritual nourishment. Know that the song of the righteous is a prayer unto our Father in Heaven, "and it shall be answered with a blessing upon [your] heads."

-The First Presidency

(The Tennessee Nashville Mission Choir)

Why do I need Jesus?

I was recently asked by a man why Jesus Christ was needed as a "Mediator" between ourselves and God. It is a very profound question if you really think about it. Some might say that it is foolish to ask, but really, could you ask for a more sincere and soul searching question?

So why do we need Jesus Christ as our "mediator"? I don't think that anyone can truly understand the answer to that question without experiencing certain things in life. I've written a few blogs on the subject of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. ("Deliverence"& "Forgiveness- What's most Important") The reason being really to help others uderstand the answer to this very question. There are things in this life, trials, struggles, temptations, and afflictions, that we will all have to experience. Why do we need Christ? He is the only true source of strength that can help us to endure these trials not only to the end of them, but also to endure them well.

I would like to share a few scriptures that probably explain these things better then I do. In the Book of Mormon we read of a group of people who experienced for themselves the power that the Lord gives to those enduring trials who seek His Divine help.

"11 And Amulon commanded them that they should stop their cries; and he put guards over them to watch them, that whosoever should be found calling upon God should be put to death.
12 And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts.
13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.
16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage..." - Mosiah 24:11-16

How does the Savior make this offer of strength possible? It is all made possible through the Suffering that He endured on our behalf. Jesus Christ went through more pain, anguish, heartache, and suffering then any of us are even capable of imagining, let alone actaully enduring ourselves. We read of just some of the things that he took upon himself for our behalf in the book of Alma in the Book of Mormon.
" 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 [run to] his people according to their infirmities." - Alma 7:11-12

I love the power and the love exibited in the word "succor". It brings me comfort to know that the Lord suffered beyond the measure of pain so that He may run to and aid me according to my circumstances in my times of need. That is why He is so important. He is our mediator and advocate with the Father because without Him we could not repent of our sins, and therefor we could not return to the presence of our Father and dwell in the kingdom of God.

The following is an exerpt from the testimony of an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is in fact one of my favorite Apostles to hear speak, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. For any of you who are readers of my past blogs you may recognize his voice. I hope that all of you take the time to listen to this mans powerful testimony of the sacrifice made by our Savior Jesus Christ, in an hour when he stood alone so that we would never have to.

" 3 Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—

 4 Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;

 5 Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life." - Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5

Should I be baptized again?

I have had the privilege of teaching many people about the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the process of all this there have been many questions that I have been asked. There is one that has recently been reoccurring as I've been back in Nashville. "Should I be baptized again?" This is the concern that I want to address today.

What is it about baptism that it is so important? That is the first question that should be answered. The Savior Himself taught Nicodemus, a pharisee, this about baptism:
"1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of 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 miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see 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 born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:1-5

Jesus Christ taught us by word and by example that baptism is an ordinance, or sacred ceremony, that is necessary for our salvation. We read about His example of its importance in the same place where we read about another part of baptism that is so often overlooked, the baptism of fire, or of the Holy Ghost. In the Gospel of Matthew it reads:

" 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:...

13 ¶Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." - Matthew 3:11-17

 

 Have you ever wondered why the Savior went to John the Baptist to be baptized of him? If you have, or haven't, let me shine some light on the subject. John the Baptist was of the tribe of Levi.This means that he had the Priesthood Authority from God to perform sacred ordinances like baptism. The Savior went to one who he knew was authorized to baptize Him. Shouldn't we do the same today? Here is a short account of others recorded in Holy Scripture who waited to have someone with the proper authority to perform their baptism. This event is found in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

"33 And it came to pass that king Limhi and many of his people were desirous to be baptized; but there was none in the land that had authority from God...

34 Therefore they did not at that time form themselves into a church, waiting upon the Spirit of the Lord. Now they were desirous to become even as Alma and his brethren, who had fled into the wilderness.
35 They were desirous to be baptized as a witness and a testimony that they were willing to serve God with all their hearts; nevertheless they did prolong the time; and an account of their baptism shall be given hereafter." - Mosiah 21:33-25

"17 And it came to pass that after Alma had taught the people many things, and had made an end of speaking to them, that king Limhi was desirous that he might be baptized; and all his people were desirous that they might be baptized also.

18 Therefore, Alma did go forth into the water and did baptize them; yea, he did baptize them after the manner he did his brethren in the waters of Mormon; yea, and as many as he did baptize did belong to the church of God; and this because of their belief on the words of Alma." - Mosiah 25:17-18

Now what about the other part of baptism? The Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost? Well receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost is another sacred ordinance that is a part of our salvation. We read in Acts:
 "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.

18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee." -Acts 8:14-22

Peter and John were chosen Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. As such, they had the authority to act in the Priesthood and confer the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This authority is not something that can be purchased. It is not something that can be discovered at a school or given through a degree. As the scriptures state:
"4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." - Hebrews 5:4

Today we are blessed to have the Priesthood authority once again restored to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith. So the question really isn't "should I be baptized again?" as much as it is "who has the authority to baptize me?" Every priesthood holder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can trace his authority through a prophet of God to the Savior Jesus Christ. So the ultimate question that answers both of the above I believe is "was Joseph Smith really called to be the Lord's prophet through which the Priesthood was restored to the Earth?"

I know that Joseph Smith was called of God to restore Christ's Church and His Holy Priesthood to the Earth. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's Kingdom once again established on the earth. I know that because the Gospel was restored through a chosen prophet of God, we can once again perform necessary ordinances of salvation such as baptism. I know that any and all who desire can know these things for themselves by reading the Book of Mormon and asking God in prayer if the book is true. For this I am eternally grateful. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Power of Prayer

Prayer: it can be simple, or it can be miraculous. One prayer can change a person's life. One prayer can change the world. 

I would like to write about the significance and power of prayer. In the Book of Mormon we find an example of how one man's sincere prayer with God started out of concern for his own salvation, and then became a great learning experience in humility and charity. It reads as follows:

"2 ...I will tell you of the wrestle which I had before God, before I received a remission of my sins.

3 Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart.

4 And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.

5 And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.

6 And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away.

7 And I said: Lord, how is it done?

8 And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole.

9 Now, it came to pass that when I had heard these words I began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren, the Nephites; wherefore, I did pour out my whole soul unto God for them.

10 And while I was thus struggling in the spirit, behold, the voice of the Lord came into my mind again, saying: I will visit thy brethren according to their diligence in keeping my commandments. I have given unto them this land, and it is a holy land; and I curse it not save it be for the cause of iniquity; wherefore, I will visit thy brethren according as I have said; and their transgressions will I bring down with sorrow upon their own heads.

11 And after I, Enos, had heard these words, my faith began to be unshaken in the Lord; and I prayed unto him with many long strugglings for my brethren, the Lamanites.

12 And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith." -Enos 1:2-12

Enos, like many of God's children on Earth over the centuries, learned how powerful prayer is through experience. He learned of the cleansing and comforting power that comes through prayer. He felt the love that God had for him. He even learned how we can receive an answer to our prayers through faith. 

I would like to share an example from my own life about how prayer helped me to change for the better. When I was a teenager, like many my age, I was not exactly the most obedient child to my parents wishes. I had my struggles and my temptations in life. I had a few things that I knew I needed to change, and yet I continued to procrastinate the day of my repentance. One Sunday afternoon will forever stick out in my mind as a life altering moment that I experienced through prayer. I was sitting on a couch in the foyer of a church building in Las Vegas. I had arrived at church late, thus my sitting in the foyer. I was trying to listen to the talk that was being given through the building's speaker system, but I could not help but ponder on my situation in life. I felt an absence in my heart. I felt cold and miserable to be blunt. Just in that low moment I had a prompting from the Holy Ghost to go outside to the car and say a prayer. I tried to ignore it the first time, but then it came back stronger. I decided it would be best to comply. While I was sitting in the driver seat of the car with the door open, I began to quietly offer a sincere prayer about my feelings. I had hardly begun when I felt overwhelmed with emotion. I began to cry and thoughts of longing for forgiveness came into my heart and my mind. I bore my soul to God. I asked Him for forgiveness and committed to change my life and my actions. I felt a comforting peace. It was a peace that I recognized, but had not felt in a long time. I felt the love of my Father in Heaven through the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. That day was a turning point for me. It was all possible because of prayer. 

There is another prayer that I would like to share before closing. This particular prayer was not one of my own. It was the prayer of an honest, sincere, and truth seeking 14 year old boy. Joseph Smith was living with his family in the State of New York in the early 1800's. He lived in a time of religious revival  and excitement. He was placed in a position of serious thought. In his own words he described the events surrounding this particular time of his life. He said,

"5...there was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced with the Methodists, but soon became general among all the sects in that region of country...

8 During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness...so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, ...to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong.

11 While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: 'If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.'

12 Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know..." -Joseph Smith History 1:5-12

Joseph Smith recognized the need for an answer to his question. He recognized the prompting that he received from the Spirit to seek out his answer from God. In response to this, the young boy prayed. His experience from that prayer is one in a million. In his own words he stated:

"16...I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

17...When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"

Of course I am not implying that every prayer will have with it the accompanying experience of Enos's prayer, or Joseph Smith's. However, I do know that the power of prayer is real. I know that our Heavenly Father listens to and answers our prayers. I can not begin to list the examples of this that I have experienced in my own life. I want everyone reading this to know that YOU have a Father in Heaven who loves you. He wants to hear from you, and He desires to help you in life. All you have to do is humble yourself enough to get on your knees and ask Him. I know that if you do, you will feel His love for you and see the difference in a life that comes with a personal relationship with God. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Chastity

Sorry it has been so long since my last post everybody. I have been drawing a blank on what to write about lately. Now I have an idea though. I'm not sure why I felt the need to write about this topic, but if ya'll would just bear with me, I'm sure that there is someone out there that this will benefit.

The topic that came to mind is the also the title of this blog: Chastity. What it is chastity? Well in the simplest definition I can offer it is to abstain from all sexual relations with another person outside of the legal bonds of marriage. That is a pretty simple definition from the world. Now let's see what the scriptures have to say about chastity shall we?

While teaching His disciples in both the Sermon on the Mount near Galilee, and those that were in the American continents, the Savior said about adultery, being part of chastity: 

"27 ¶Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Matthew 5:27-28 (3 Nephi 12:27-28)

Why is it so important that we not just refrain from committing unchaste acts, but even more so refrain from the thoughts even entering into our minds? A righteous king in the Book of Mormon, referred to as King Benjamin, said this about our thoughts:

"30 But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not." - Mosiah 4:30

Our thoughts are a part of who we are, and what we decide to do. We commit no act in life without first thinking it. 

For the Strength of Youth, a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints publication, says the following regarding chastity and sexual purity:

"Physical intimacy between husband and wife is beautiful and sacred. It is ordained of God for the creation of children and for the expression of love between husband and wife. God has commanded that sexual intimacy be reserved for marriage.

When you are sexually pure, you prepare yourself to make and keep sacred covenants in the temple. You prepare yourself to build a strong marriage and to bring children into the world as part of an eternal and loving family. You protect yourself from the spiritual and emotional damage that come from sharing sexual intimacy outside of marriage. You also protect yourself from harmful diseases. Remaining sexually pure helps you to be confident and truly happy and improves your ability to make good decisions now and in the future.

The Lord’s standard regarding sexual purity is clear and unchanging. Do not have any sexual relations before marriage, and be completely faithful to your spouse after marriage. Do not allow the media, your peers, or others to persuade you that sexual intimacy before marriage is acceptable. It is not. In God’s sight, sexual sins are extremely serious. They defile the sacred power God has given us to create life. The prophet Alma taught that sexual sins are more serious than any other sins except murder or denying the Holy Ghost." For the Strength of Youth: Sexual Purity

The Lord has taught us that we need to Morally clean. We need to, "...let virtue garnish [our] thoughts unceasingly..." by doing so, "...then shall [our] confidence wax strong in the presence of God..." D&C 121:45

What is Chastity? What are the limits? Chastity is being morally clean before the Lord by respecting the powers of procreation given to us. As we obey this law and commandment of God, we show our obedience, and we prepare a better more respectful tomorrow for future generations.

Now, just for fun, let's watch a short video clip about simple ways to know how to be Chaste.

This also applies to adults, not just teenagers. Just so everyone is aware that they can't get out of it.

Prepared to Go

This Easter Sunday my missionary companion and I had the opportunity to accompany Bro. Harrelson  of the Eldorado Branch (congregation) to administer the Sacrament, bread and water, to a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who's health is failing in the hospital. It was a bitter sweet experience. I am not the biggest fan of visiting hospitals. There are usually only 2 reasons why I am there: 

1. Birth of a new addition to the family, or the family of a friend.
2. The passing of a friend and, or loved one. 

In this particular case it is the unfortunate closing of  the mortal life of a man with many friends and family that will be mourning his loss. It was bitter because of the knowledge that he will be leaving his loved ones in the mortal realm, but sweet because of the opportunity for him to partake of the sacrament and renew his covenants with his Heavenly Father before the end of his mortal life. What is the real significance of that ordinance of partaking of the sacrament you may ask? I'll address just a few of the reasons that I can think of as to why the sacrament is so important, and why I believe this man desired to have the opportunity to partake of it before he faced his final allotted time in mortality.

Let's start with the origin of the sacrament first shall we?

"26 ¶And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it,and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." -Matthew 26:26-28

These verses and video depiction  teach us the first thing that the sacrament is meant to do for us. It is first there as symbol of rememberence of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is to help us remember the sacrifice of His suffering through the abuse of His Body, and the Loss of His Blood.

The Prayers used to bless the sacrament tell us more about its purpose.

"3 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with" -Moroni 4:3

"2 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen." -Moroni 5:2

When someone is baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the make covenants (two way promises) with God. Those covenants are renewed when that person partakes of the sacrament. They partake of the sacrament in essence to make those same promises or covenants again. There are many examples of what those covenants are in the scriptures. One such example is the one given by the prophet Alma as he taught the people at the waters of Mormon:

"8 ...and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold 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 willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses 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 first 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 baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?" -Mosiah 18:8-10

When we are baptized we make the promises to stand as a witness of God in all things, times, and places. We promise to lift others and serve them as an example of the Savior Jesus Christ. We promise to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ as one of His disciples. We also promise to keep the commandments which He has given us. We know that we are not perfect in keeping those commandments. This is why the sacrament is truly so important. Every time we sin, we need to repent in order to be clean again. The Atonement of Jesus Christ, His suffering and bleeding in the Garden, His suffering and death on the cross, and His resurrection from the grave 3 days later, makes it possible for us to fully repent of our sins. We only gain full and complete access to His Atoning sacrifice through making baptismal covenants. When we renew those covenants through partaking of the sacrament, we are again washed clean of our sins. 

Why was important to partake of the sacrament for this faithful disciple of Christ before departing his mortal existence. Only he can tell you, but if I were to make my best guest it would be because he recognizes the need he has to washed clean of his sins through the blood of Christ. He knows that in order to meet his Savior face to face and not turn his head away in any degree of shame, he must have every opportunity available to him to be "pure and spotless before God". -Alma 13:12

Prophets Speak Today

Just like in times of Old, God's Prophets are on the earth to speak to the people and teach us about our Heavenly Father's will and His plan for His children.

In the Old Testament of the Holy Bible we read about Noah, a prophet that was called to declare repentance to the whole earth.  We read  in Genesis Ch. 6 that Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

" 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

9 ¶These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.

13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

14 ¶Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch...

22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he." - Genesis 6:8-14 & 22

Noah was called to be a Prophet. As a part of his command to build an ark and bring the animals onto it, he was also commanded to preach repentance unto the people.

" 16 And it came to pass that Noah prophesied, and taught the things of God, even as it was in the beginning.

17 And the Lord said unto Noah: My Spirit shall not always strive with man, for he shall know that all flesh shall die; yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years; and if men do not repent, I will send in the floods upon them...

19 And the Lord ordained Noah after his own order, and commanded him that he should go forth and declare his Gospel unto the children of men, even as it was given unto Enoch.

20 And it came to pass that Noah called upon the children of men that they should repent; but they hearkened not unto his words;" Moses 6:16-20

God told Noah to prophesy and teach the things of God, even as it was in the beginning. Noah taught the people the plan of God. The people in Noah's day did not listen to the Prophet that the Lord had given them. They chose instead to remain in wickedness. Their choices brought them to the unfortunate end of their existence when the floods came.

Today we are blessed to have living Prophets and Apostles on the Earth again. Our Father in Heaven loves us just as much as He has always loved His children. He shows us His love today by giving us Prophets once again. I know that we are blessed to have men living on the Earth today who are called to teach us all His Gospel. Just as in days of Old the teach us the things of God, even as it was in the beginning. You can know this for yourself as well. Below is a video of President Thomas S. Monson, Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Listen to the words that he shares. Pay attention to how your heart feels as he speaks. When it's finished don't take my word that he is truly a Prophet, kneel and ask God. Your Father will tell you!

Questions of the Soul: Part 7 (Opposition in All Things)

So again I delay the writing and posting of a blog. Again I think to myself that the reason, or my excuse rather, is that I have not had any questions posed to me. Oh well. I said that I would also write about questions that I could think of if no one else did. Time to own up to my own words.

What is the question? 

Why do bad things happen to good people? If there is a God, why does he allow suffering to occur for so many in the world?

God loves each and everyone of His children. If we want to know who qualifies for that love, we need look no farther then the closest mirror. 

"21 And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?

22 And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.

23 And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul." - 1 Nephi 11:21-23

Our Savior Jesus Christ is the supreme example of that love. His sinless sacrifice and perfect example to us is a perfect example of the love that our Father in Heaven has for us. 

However, that still hasn't answered the question at hand. So let's dive into some more scriptures for the answer. 

" 11 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so... righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.

12 Wherefore, it must needs have been created for a thing of naught; wherefore there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation. Wherefore, this thing must needs destroy the wisdom of God and his eternal purposes, and also the power, and the mercy, and the justice of God." - 2 Nephi 2:11-12

So, opposition in all things. There are two governing laws here that we must recognize. The first is the law of Justice. Justice is defined as such: the administering of deserved punishment or reward. God works all His mighty works through His own laws. Now lets define the second law. Mercy: compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power;compassion, pity, or benevolence.

The reason we need to know the definitions of these two words, is to understand how these laws work in accordance with each other to the carrying out of God's will. Now first let's not make any mistake in thinking that suffering of righteous or just people is always the will, or better, the doing of God.  There have been, are, and will continue to be times when God allows His righteous followers to endure trials that others may think are undeserving, that He may, in His divine wisdom, try them of the strength of their faith. However, those are not generally the circumstances that people dwell on when thinking about this question.

I want to use another example from the scriptures that illustrates exactly why these things occur. The following is an account in the Book of Mormon. It comes from the perspective of two missionaries who are striving to share and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to some who are willfully rejecting it. In defiance of this message these people even go to the extent of persecuting the innocent and taking their lives simply to discourage these two missionaries.

" 9 And it came to pass that they took Alma and Amulek, and carried them forth to the place of martyrdom, that they might witness the destruction of those who were consumed by fire.

10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.

11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day." - Alma 14:9-11

In order for justice to be righteously affixed to those who committed this crime before God, He allowed them to continue with their designs. The people in this scripture who suffered death were guilty of no crime deserving of such a punishment. However, in order for those who committed the crime against them to be deserving of the punishment they would receive, the hand of these two messengers of God were constrained, or withheld from stopping this awful thing.

I know that at times, especially when we are closely associated with those who suffer without great cause, it can seem that there is no love from God. I want to share something personal to me that illustrates how someone who is not deserving of times like these can overcome them with faith and knowing that even if we aren't sure right then, God does love us, and will make that love evident if we are patient. 

My oldest sister, and a great hero in my eyes, was diagnosed with leukemia when she was in highschool. Because of her cancer, she endured many trails and had to be homeschooled for a year over the phone by a tutor. She underwent treatments of both radiation and chemo therapy. She spent many nights in pain and weakness, but never did I ever hear her blame her Father in Heaven for her circumstances. Now you may think that this does not show the existence of  a God who is loving and merciful, while being just. However, my father is a Melchizedek priesthood holder. As a worthy priesthood holder he was able to give my sister blessings through by the laying on of hands to strengthen her and to convey to her the true love that her Father in Heaven feels for her. My sister has been in remission and cancer free for over a decade now. My prayer is that it will always remain that way. If however, it does not. I know that there is more to our existence then what we experience in this life. 

The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us of the Eternal Plan that our Father has for all His children. By knowing this plan, we can find the comfort in our trials that help us to realize, recognize, and feel the love that God really does have for us. His judgments are just. His mercy is shown through the example of His only begotten son Jesus Christ. His creations and works are before our eyes in every part of this world. He loves you. He will always make it possible for all of His children to endure the trials that they face. I know these things are true. I know that though we may not understand why things happen all the time, God does. His justice will make them right in the End.

Below is a video that exemplifies the faith of one man, who because of his understanding of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, is able to endure a trial that can only be described as heart breaking.

Questions of the Soul: Part 6 (Judges)

Another blog in response to another question. What was the question? This: "Please share what you know and have learned about Bishops, mortal men, being Judges in Israel." Really more of a request though. Anyway, here goes my best shot. I hope that it answers the question.

Well since I'm not to educated on the subject, other then a few scriptures that come to mind, and some things that I learned in Sunday School about our accounting at judgement, I had to research greater minds then mine. One such mind is that of Elder N. Eldon Tanner. On the subject matter Elder Tanner is quoted as stating the following:

"Bishops, you have an additional responsibility. You are judges in Israel,and you should always judge and deal with the transgressor with love and confidence, with a desire in your heart to help him, and carry out your responsibilities to deal with him... It is important that when you know there is iniquity,you be kind enough to show an interest in the transgressor and bring him to repentance, and that is a kindness. Love all, but tolerate no iniquity.When it appears that something is wrong, it is your duty to investigate and handle all cases of transgression according to the seriousness of the case. By moving promptly, you might be able to prevent further transgression." - N. Eldon Tanner (Apostle of the Lord)

So as Elder Tanner states, it is the responsibility of Bishops to be judges of actions made by those whom they hold stewardship over here on Earth. The Savior organized a Church that functions through Priesthood Authority. Those that are in positions of stewardship over others are in those positions because of the priesthood responsibilities that they have covenanted to do. They have covenanted to serve others with that priesthood. Part of this service is given by helping, counseling, and acting as a judge of sins committed by a transgressor.

Another great mind spoke of how this works within God's laws and the government of the Church:

"God’s laws, as given for the government of the Church, must be supported and endorsed to win salvation and respect of those within the Church and without. The bishops of the Church have been designated as common judges and, together with their counselors, are authorized to deal withcases of serious transgression coming under their jurisdiction. Other cases go before the high council court under the direction of the stake president. These judges are expected to deal with all cases of infraction against the laws of the Church mercifully and justly." - James A. Cullimore (Quorum of the Seventy)

So now you may be asking yourself, how do the scriptures support the idea of men standing as judges? Well one such scripture of support is given in the Book of Mormon, in the Book of Mormon. That is not a typing error, just read.

"18 Yea, behold, I write unto all the ends of the earth; yea, unto you, twelve tribes of Israel, who shall be judged according to your works by the twelve whom Jesus chose to be his disciples in the land of Jerusalem.

19 And I write also unto the remnant of this people [those in the America's], who shall also be judged by the twelve whom Jesus chose in this land; and they shall be judged by the other twelve whom Jesus chose in the land of Jerusalem." - Mormon 3:18-19

So Bishops are given a charge to stand as "judges" here on Earth. The Apostles were told that they would stand as "judges" with the Savior at the day that He would stand to judge the inhabitants of the world.

"28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." -Matthew 19:28

As I understand it, all those who are given Priesthood responsibility and stewardship over others in this mortal existence will also be charged with giving an accounting of how they fulfilled that responsibility. This includes all of the Lord's Prophets, from the time of Adam to the Prophet on the Earth the day the Lord Returns, Apostles, and every other priesthood holder who is called into a position of service in leadership. In giving this accounting, the priesthood holders will converse with the Lord explaining how they fulfilled their duties, and how those who they were given stewardship over reacted to, listened, obeyed, or disobeyed those things they were taught. In doing this, those priesthood leaders will stand as witnesses at the judgement bar, and will account of the judging they were called to in their mortal stewardship.

Questions of the Soul: Part 5

Again everyone, sorry for the time between new posts. I re-posted a previous blog in response to a question that was left by a reader, and hopefully those of you who are following were able to catch that.

Since I haven't had any new questions recently, and I've had a bit of a crazy week here lately staying in Southern IL. with tornadoes hitting neighboring cities and funnel clouds being near by, my mind has been reflecting on a question that someone we are working with in Harrisburg, IL. said. He told us that his goal in life is to reach an internal, eternal peace. So I thought, why not shed some light on the question: How do we obtain peace in this life? 

Let's start with setting the scene of one of the greatest talks, declarations, or addressing, call it what you will, that exists in the scriptures; in my opinion. In the Book of Mormon there is a record of a righteous king named Benjamin. King Benjamin ruled his kingdom in love and service to his people. He taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them , and lived it himself, living in no hypocrisy. In his final days he commanded that the people of his kingdom be gathered together outside of the Temple walls while he delivered to them his final address from a tower. In part of that address he stated the following:

" 40 O, all ye old men, and also ye young men, and you little children who can understand my words, for I have spoken plainly unto you that ye might understand, I pray that ye should awake to a remembrance of the awful situation of those that have fallen into transgression.

41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." - Mosiah 2:40-41

King Benjamin states it pretty clearly if you ask me. As one keeps the commandments he, or she, is in a "blessed and happy state". If one does not keep the commandments, they will be subject to an "awful situation". What are the commandments we are to keep? Well there are the governing 10 that the children of Israel were given by the Lord on top of Mt. Sinai through the prophet Moses:

1. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me,
2. Though shalt not make unto the any graven images.
3. That shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy.
5. Honor thy Father and thy Mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness.
10. Thou shalt not covet.

But there are also those that come through a comprehensive study and understanding of the scriptures and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Savior Himself enlarged the compass of these 10 simple commandments in His sermon on the Mount. This same sermon was given to the people in the Book of Mormon by the resurrected Lord as recorded in the book of 3 Nephi. One such example of this is the greater expectation of the commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery" given by the Savior to the Nephites as follows:

" 27 Behold, it is written by them of old time, that thou shalt not commit adultery;

28 But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman, to lust after her, hath committed adultery already in his heart.

29 Behold, I give unto you a commandment, that ye suffer none of these things to enter into your heart;" 3 Nephi 12:27-29

Now we know that we are not perfect. We know that we will not always make the right choices and keep the commandments perfectly. We don't want to be left in an "awful situation", or "a state of endless misery and woe" as the scriptures define it. If we obtain peace and happiness in life both here and hereafter by keeping the commandments, then what are we to do when we don't keep those commandments that have been given? 

We are to rely on the mercy and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. King Benjamin continued in his address to teach his people, and us, how it is possible to truly obtain peace. He said:

"8 And this is the means whereby salvation cometh. And there is none other salvation save this which hath been spoken of; neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved except the conditions which I have told you.

9 Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.

10 And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them.

11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith...

12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.

13 And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due." Mosiah 4:8-13

"7 And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.

8 And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning...

9 And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name..." Mosiah 3:7-9

Questions of the Soul: Part 3 (Knowledge & Wisdom)

Sorry that I've been MIA lately, busy week. In response to the last blog about  whether or not we were before, and will continue to be the same people that we are in this life after it; I was asked another question that someone had. I was asked how we gain the knowledge that we need to do what is needed in this life to return to our Father in Heavens presence, and what we do to correct our mistakes that we make along the path.

To respond to this I would like to contrast two things: knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is defined simply as the following:
knowledge - being acquainted with facts, truths or principles, by study or investigation.

So what is the knowledge that is needed to understand those things that are required to return to the presence of God? Well it begins pretty simply actually. The first thing that we need to know is that God does exist. We need to know that He is our Father in Heaven, and that He has laid out a plan for us to return to His presence. This plan is called the Plan of Salvation.

We learn through the Plan of Salvation that our condition of returning to the presence of our Father in Heaven is dependent on our faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon teaches us: "that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent."- Mosiah 3:17

So our knowledge of how to live to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father is obtained through study of the Savior's life. We learn what to do by reading the scriptures, (i.e. Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price) and reading about what Jesus Christ taught. Some examples that come to mind are the"10 commandments", the "Sermon on the Mount", the "be-attitudes", and His example of serving others and loving all with an unconditional charity.

So now we that we've addressed where, and what the knowledge is that we are looking for, the next part of the equation in returning to God's presence is the application of that knowledge. That is where the word "wisdom" comes into play.

wisdom - knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; or simply put, the application of knowledge.

The Book of Mormon teaches:" 32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors." - Alma 34:32

What are those labors? Well everything that we think, desire, and  do in this life is associated with the labors that we perform by which we will be judged. "3 And it is requisite with the justice of God that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good." - Alma 41:3 

As taught in this scripture in the Book of Mormon, we learn that our desires and our works, or labors, in life will play the determining factor in our judgement.

We know that we are not perfect and that we will not make all the right decisions in life. We know that there are times when we may desire those things that are not righteous before the Lord. Our Father in Heaven knows this as well. In fact, He knows it better then we do. Because He knows of our imperfections He made it possible for us to be able to erase from our lives those thoughts, desires, and actions that are not righteous. As we apply our knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and act in wisdom by repenting of our sins through the atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be found worthy to be judged as "good". 

How do we apply that knowledge into wisdom through repentance? Following are the steps of repentance:

1. Acknowledge that we have sinned against the laws of God.
2. Fell true "Godly Sorrow" for the sins that we have committed, and the pain that we caused the Savior by committing such sins. ("10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation..." - 2 Corinthians 7:10)
3. Pray and seek sincere forgiveness of our sins from our Heavenly Father. (" 8 But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven." - Moroni 6:8)
4. Seek forgiveness from all others that we have sinned against, and strive to make restitution for those things.
5. Forsake the sin, committing ourselves to never return to it. (" 10 And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsakethem, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them." - Mosiah 4:10")
6. Remember that because the Lord has forgiven us, we are also required to forgive ourselves.

I know that at times it is not easy for us to use our knowledge wisely. We each have to deal with the daily conflict of temptation and trail in life. I also know however that through our Savior's atoning sacrifice we can find "...peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come." - D&C 59:23