Preparing to meet God.

In the scriptures, the prophet Alma describes something about our time here on earth in a way that I think is important to understand. Alma was teaching the gospel to a person named Zeezrom. Alma taught Zeezrom that "this life", is "a time to prepare to meet God" (see Alma 12:24). It is important for you and I to be doing good things durring our lifetime because it really does affect what happens to us after we have died and after we are resurrected someday.
There is a mindset in today's world that is pretty common. It is one that has been going on as long as mankind has been on the earth. It is that we can pretty much do whatever we want to during life and that it really doesn't matter. Just do what you want to do and do what feels good. In the scriptures, there is a special wording for this dangerous outlook on life. Perhaps you have heard it before but I'd like to write it down here. You can find this phrase in multiple passages in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible as well as in the Book of Mormon. See the following scriptures for this dangerous outlook (see Isaiah 22:13, Luke 12:19, 1st Corinthians 15:32 and 2 Nephi 28:7-9).
(7). Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.
(8). And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.
(9). Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines, and shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek deep to hide their counsels from the Lord; and their works shall be in the dark.

Does it really matter what you and I do during our daily life? If we are doing things that we know aren't right then I believe that it is very important to change our ways and do the things that we know are good. During our life on earth, all of us commit sin. Sin may be enticing for a while but it will always lead to unhappiness in this life. Our sins make us unclean spiritually. No unclean thing can dwell with God. Because of our sins, we are unable to return to live with him unless we are first forgiven and cleansed. Becoming cleansed from sin isn't something that you can do yourself. There aren't enough cleaning products on earth that can clean a stain on your soul. This requires a different type of cleansing power. Through the grace of Jesus Christ we can become clean from sin. We can also live with God again. We are forgiven when we accept Christ, repent, and follow his commandments. In this way, we are cleansed from our sins and we are able to become worthy to return to Gods presence.

One Month of Blogging.

Well, it has been about a month now since I first started my blog. In case you haven't noticed, the gospel focused themes have kind of dominated this blog more than my day to day types of blog entries. I don't know why it has turned out that way either. I wasn't really planning on making this like a religious blog when I first started out. It just seemed like a pretty good place to write down my understanding of the church since people from all walks of life probably look around at what is on other peoples websites. I guess that my feelings are that if I were to come upon a blog that was full of another persons religious beliefs, I would find that to be pretty interesting to read about. I'm really not a preachy type of person in real life either so having a blog where I discuss the gospel is a little bit easier to do than approaching a bunch of strangers about it. Hopefully the religious types of things I have written about are informative to anyone who might have never had a visit with a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints like me. Even if nobody ever gets around to reading the stuff I've included about the church, I think that it is good that there is a blog out there like this where someone can read about my religious beliefs and learn more about God's plan for His children. At least you won't have to wade trough a bunch of pictures of other peoples kids on this blog since I don't have any. It seems like a lot of blogs I see are like scrapbooks or like photo albums of peoples families. In that way this blog is different I guess.

The Articles of Faith -What We Believe

The Articles of Faith outline 13 basic points of belief of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the spring of 1842, the Prophet Joseph Smith sent a letter to John Wentworth, who was editor of a newspaper called the Chicago Democrat. This letter contained an account of many of the events of early Church history. The document also contained thirteen statements outlining Latter-day Saint beliefs. These have come to be known as the Articles of Faith, which are given below.
The Articles of Faith are official doctrine of the Church and have been canonized as a part of latter-day scripture. They are clear statements of belief that help members understand the basic beliefs of the Church and explain these beliefs to others. They are not, however, a complete summary of Church doctrine. Through living prophets, the Church is guided by continuous revelation and inspiration.

(1). We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
(2). We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
(3). We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
(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.
(5). We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
(6). We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
(7). We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
(8). We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
(9). We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
(10). We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
(11). We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
(12). We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
(13). We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Joseph Smith
To learn more about our "Basic Beliefs" CLICK HERE.

I Am a Child of God

God loves you and me very much. We are literally his children and we have been created in his likeness and image (see Genesis 1:26-27). Our Heavenly Father wants us to progress and be happy. He wants us to become more like him and wants us to return to live with him in his presence forever. He has given us this experience on earth so that we can learn and grow. Heavenly Father has provided us, His children, with a way to be successful in this life and to return to live in His presence. Two major obstacles stand in the way of our becoming like our Heavenly Father. (1st) Our physical bodies are imperfect and mortal. The body of our Heavenly Father is perfect and immortal. Because our bodies are mortal you and I will die. The (2nd) obstacle that keeps us from becoming more like our Father in Heaven is Sin. To act knowingly or willfully against the will of God is sin. In mortal life each of us sins and falls short of perfection. Our sins make us unworthy to return to the presence of God.
God provided a way for us to return to his presence. God sent his Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to overcome the obstacles of Sin and Death. We learn this truth in the New Testament of the Bible (see John 3:16-17).
(16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
I am so grateful that our Heavenly Father provided a way for us to return to live with him in His presence one day. I am also grateful for the willing sacrifice that our Savior Jesus Christ made for me to be able to overcome my many shortcomings and weaknesses so that I can become cleansed from my sins and one day live again. Another Scripture in the New Testament describes the role of Jesus Christ in helping all of Gods children return to live with Him again one day (see John 14:6)
(6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
By his perfect example and his teachings, Jesus shows us how to live our lives so that we can avoid sin. Christ atoned for our sins if we will have Faith in him and repent of our sins. It is also comforting to know that because Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead all of us will live again someday as resurrected beings. As part of Gods plan, Christ was sent to earth as a perfect example for us to follow. The Lord wants all of Gods Children to follow him and do the things that will lead us along the path back into the presence of our Heavenly Father.
To learn more about "Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness" CLICK HERE.

To learn about how God is your loving Heavenly Father CLICK HERE.

The Living Christ

On January 1, 2000, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles issued the following declaration. Titled "The Living Christ," this declaration bears witness of the Lord Jesus Christ and summarizes His identity and divine mission:
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).
Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3-4).
Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22-24).
We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).
We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.

To learn more about "Jesus Christ: Our Savior" CLICK HERE.

The Lord's Day.

Today is Sunday. Most people spend their weekends doing various things like fishing, hiking, going to football games or shopping. Don’t get me wrong, I try to do those things on the weekends too. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I am counseled to try and do my shopping and other forms of recreational activities on Saturdays instead of Sundays. You may be asking yourself why in the world I would want to do that. This practice may sound strange to some but I don’t think this is anything new. In the Old Testament of the Bible, we have been counseled to set the Sabbath Day apart as a holy day. (see Exodus 20:8-11)
(8) Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
(9) Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
(10) But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
(11) For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.
So what day is the Sabbath day? In Old Testament times, God's covenant people observed the Sabbath on the seventh day of the week because God rested on the seventh day when He had created the earth. After the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which occurred on the first day of the week, the Lord's disciples began observing the Sabbath on the first day of the week, Sunday. (see Acts 20:7)
Ok, so lets say I decide not to go out and have a lot of fun on Sundays anymore and lets also say that I decide not to go out and work on that day either. I’m just going to sit around watching T.V. and eating fruit loops in my pajamas till its time for bed again. Is that really keeping the Sabbath day holy?
Because the Sabbath is a holy day, it should be reserved for worthy and holy activities. Abstaining from work and recreation is not enough. In fact, those who merely lounge about doing nothing on the Sabbath fail to keep the day holy. In a revelation given to Joseph Smith in 1831, the Lord commanded: "That thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; for verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High" (D&C 59:9–10). In harmony with this revelation, Church members attend sacrament meeting each week. Other Sabbath-day activities may include praying, meditating, studying the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets, writing letters to family members and friends, reading wholesome material, visiting the sick and distressed, and attending other Church meetings.
I have been going to church on Sundays for most of my life. I enjoy being able to listen to the teachings of the Lords gospel during my different classes I attend at church. During the weeks I go to church, I’ve noticed that I can feel the Holy Ghosts gentle whisperings to my heart a little more clearly than the times I haven’t gone. I look forward to going to church each week.
Locate a Mormon meetinghouse and worship service times near you, and come worship with us. All visitors are welcome.

To locate a meetinghouse near you CLICK HERE.

What I have come to know for myself.

I would like to share my own experience of how I came to know of the truthfulness of Jesus Christ’s restored gospel. I was born into a family that has always attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Both sides of my family are very active in this Church. As a new baby, I was blessed by my father during a special Sacrament Meeting service. As a young child, I attended Primary and Sunday School classes every week with my friends and family. When I turned eight years old, I was baptized by my father and received what is known as "the Gift of the Holy Ghost". As a teenager, I attended all of the church’s programs that are available to young men. I received what is known as the Aaronic Priesthood when I turned 12 years old and I even graduated from the church’s High School seminary program. Attending all of these different church meetings as a young person helped me to understand fundamental principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I also came to believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. However, It wasn't until I was about 17 years old that I gained my own personal witness from the Holy Ghost that Joseph Smith was actually a true prophet of God and that the Book of Mormon was scripture.
When I was seventeen years old, I still didn't have what I would call, a personal testimony of the Church. I knew that my parents and even my younger sister had testimonies of it, but I still hadn't received a personal witness of the truth for myself. I wanted to have my own witness of the truth before I was to leave to serve a full time mission. As a teenager, I use to pray to know if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was the Lords true church on the earth. I also prayed to know if Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. When I turned 17 years old, I would occasionally read from the Book of Mormon before going to bed, hoping to somehow find out if the book was really Scripture. One night, I was reading from the Book of Mormon and I came to a particular story that gave me an answer to my questions.
I was reading the story of Christ’s appearance to the people in the American continent shortly after his death and resurrection in Jerusalem. The people on the American Continent had just experienced great destructions that had been foretold to happen prior to the Lords ministry among their people. As the people were in the process of recovering from the terrible destruction of their lands, they experienced a marvelous visitation from the resurrected Savior himself. I'd like to write here the parts of the Saviors visit that I found to be so moving to me as I read from the Scriptures that night when I was just 17. (3 Nephi 3:3-17) (Page 428)
(3) And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.
(4) And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not.
(5) And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.
(6) And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them:
(7) Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.
(8) And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.
(9) And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:
(10) Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.
(11) And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.
(12) And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven.
(13) And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying:
(14) Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.
(15) And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.
(16) And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:
(17) Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him.
It is difficult to explain what I felt as I read these verses of scripture from the Book of Mormon that night. I remember that my heart was pounding a lot and my eyes were wet from tears, but it was more than just that. I felt something inside me that told me what I had just read was true. I knew that the prayers I had been offering to God to know if Book of Mormon was a true book of scripture had been answered. Knowing that the Book of Mormon was true lead me to the knowledge that Joseph Smith did infact see God the father and the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. Knowing this also lead me to the knowledge that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church upon the earth and that it is lead by modern day Prophets and Apostles who hold the Priesthood of God.
For a free copy of the Book of Mormon CLICK HERE.
To find out a little bit more about the Book of Mormon CLICK HERE.

An amazing country.

What a week. For me, it is always fascinating to see how this great country works. The transitions of political power from one group to another is something that has gone on through out history in every period of time. Historically speaking, political transitions haven't always happened peacefully. For me, the transition of power in this free country from one political party to another is miraculous. This happened again last night with the election of President elect Barak Obama. We live in a great country.

Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

Last week, I started to read the Book of Mormon. I have read it before and each time something new stands out to me. The Book of Mormon is a volume of scipture comparable to the Bible. As does the Bible, it contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel. The book was written by many ancient prophets. The first of these prophets was named Lehi. The Lord commanded Lehi to lead a small group of people from the ancient city of Jerusalem at about 600 B.C.. From Jerusalem, Lehi traveled accross the wilderness and the ocean to the American continent. Once arriving in the Americas, the people of Lehi established a great civilization and God continued to call prophets among them. The Book of Mormon is a collection of the writings of these ancient prophets on the American continent.
The crowning event in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ to the people of Lehi soon after His death and resurrection in Jerusalem. Here in the Americas, Jesus Christ taught the people His gospel and formed His church among them. Multitudes were present durring the Saviors brief but powerful ministry among the decendants of Lehi. For centuries, the truths of the Lords gospel have been available to the world primarily through the Old and New Testament of the Bible. In our day, God has given us the Book of Mormon which stands as Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
For a free copy of the Book of Mormon CLICK HERE.
To find out a little bit more about the Book of Mormon CLICK HERE.

Receiving revelation of the truth.

Communication between God and his children is something that is happening in our day and time just as it has happened in times past. God speaks to you and I in simple ways. I think it is helpful to know that we can to speak to God and that we can ask him for guidance and direction in whatever it is we are in need of. I know that He is aware of us and wants to bless us during our time on earth.
God communicates with us in different ways. I'd like to touch on a couple of them here briefly.
(1.) At different times through out history, when God has had important truths to teach to His children on earth, he has taught them through special witnesses called Prophets and Apostles. God always follows this pattern when He wants his children to know His true Gospel. In the old Testament of the Bible, it says this in Amos Chapter 3 verse 7. "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." God teaches His prophets on the earth the truths of his Gospel and commands them to teach those truths to others. He also gives them priesthood authority to act in His name. Prophets teach in a couple ways. One way is by word of mouth and another is by writing their words down in sacred books called scripture. People either hear the words of the Prophets or read their words in the scriptures and can know for themselves the truthfulness of what they have just read and heard through the peaceful feelings that come from the Holy Ghost.
(2.) In addition to Communicating to God through prophets and apostles, God can speak to His children personally through the feelings they receive from the Holy Ghost. You and I can pray to know if something we have heard is from God and if we pray in faith, fully expecting to receive an answer, God will reveal the truth of it unto you by this special witness. As the Lord answers your prayers and you feel that the message is true the servants of the Lord invite us to act upon their teachings by being baptized into His church. Today my Dads friend named Bill got baptized and he became a member of the Lords true church because he felt the truthfulness of the words that were shared to him by my Dad and by the missionaries who taught him the gospel.
I invite you that as you feel that this message is true for yourself to be baptised. I know that the Lord will answer your prayers and that he will guide you through out your daily life through the power of the Holy Ghost if you do this.

To learn more about the role of a Prophet CLICK HERE.