Our Gift to Christ

"What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am," (3 Nephi 27:27)

As Christ was the only perfect man to ever walk the earth, His charge to be, "even as [He is]," is not an easy one, nor is it something we can do without His atonement. Even so, Christ continually beckons all of us to, "Come follow me."

"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me," (Matt 16:24 see also Matt 6:24).

The truest way to follow Christ, to show that we accept Him as our Savior, and to give Him our heart wholeheartedly, is to try to be "even as [He is]." This Christmas season, let us celebrate Christ and worship Him by emulating Him.

This means that we should be...

• Charitable - Christ lived His life in the service of others. He never had any moment of self-indulgence or gratification. We read in the scriptures that, "the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister," (Matt 20:28). We should also strive to forget ourselves and our busy schedules to help others without reluctance.
  
• Patient - No man was, or is, more patient than Christ. He showed patience unto the children of men throughout His life, and He continues to show patience unto us when we stumble and sin along life's path. We are exhorted to be patient with the Lord and with all men. (see Alma 1:25, Alma 34:40, Heb 10:36)
  
• Humble - If any man had right to be proud, it was the Savior. Yet he lived His life in humility, giving all glory to His Father in heaven. Can we say the same for ourselves? Do we give ourselves credit for our successes, rather than giving gratitude to Him who gave us all? (see James 4:10, Alma 5:27)
  
• Forgiving - Christ shows mercy and gives forgiveness to all that come unto Him. As they nailed Him to a cross and crucified Him though an innocent man, He pleaded, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do," (Luke 23:34). Do we plead the same for those who wrong us? Or do we hold grudges and seek revenge? We should seek to emulate Christ's ability to forgive, (see Luke 6:37, 3 Nephi 13:14).
  
• Sinless - As Christ lived a sinless life, so should we seek to confess and forsake our sins so that we can be cleansed through His atonement.
  

This Christmas season, let us emulate the Savior and be more charitable, show more patience, live more humbly, forgive our enemies, and shed our sins. Through so doing, we will be heeding the Saviors charge to, "Come follow me," and our hearts will be full with gratitude for His ultimate gift to us.

True Discipleship Requires Sacrifice

"And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him," (Luke 5:11). "Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple," (Luke 14:33).

From the beginning of time, true disciples of Christ have made sacrifices. In Moses's day, they offered up the firstlings of their flock in similitude of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Although this practice ended with Christ's eternal sacrifice, we are still required to come unto Him in humility and offer up the sacrifice of our hearts (see 3 Nephi 9:19-20).

A true disciple of Christ sacrifices and forsakes all that he hath. That means, we must sacrifice of our time, our energy, our substance, and our hearts if we want to be one of his followers. We are often lured into a sense of complacency and are unwilling to make the sacrifices necessary to increase in faith and serve others. We often put ourselves first and are reluctant to change.

Let me give you a personal example. I've always wanted to study from the scriptures daily. I've tried to create a consistent pattern, but my efforts often fail. Why do they fail? Even though my intentions are good, I am often unwilling to truly sacrifice in order to bring my desire to fruition. Specifically, I treasure my morning sleep and find it hard to sacrifice that sleep in exchange for spiritual food. My reluctance has caused me to ask myself:

"Am I willing to forsake all to be a disciple of Christ?"

Many of us want God in our lives, but aren't willing to sacrifice our time and energy to have him there. We are just too busy. We are reluctant to give of our time to study the scriptures. We tire of giving our energy in selflessness. We withhold our substance if we feel it too big a sacrifice.

So I ask, are we willing to forsake all? Are we willing to give up our morning sleep or our favorite television show? Are we willing to give up that new car or gadget? Are we willing to visit those in need when we feel needy ourselves? Are we willing to offer up our hearts?

As we enter this Christmas season, take the time to consider what sacrifices you can make for your Savior, Jesus Christ. As we make put forth a diligent effort, our sacrifices will begin to feel like opportunities. And as we continue to embrace them, we will see that they aren't really sacrifices at all, but blessings from our Heavenly Father.

Take my Yoke Upon you

The greatest gift we have ever been given is the atonement of Jesus Christ. When we become "at one" with Christ, He can not only cleanse us from our sins but also succor us when in need.

When Christ suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane, He felt the weight of all of our sins AND the sorrow for our infirmities--all of our heartache, pains, and sufferings of any kind. No matter how alone we may feel at times in our lives, we can turn to the Lord and know that He understands our every pain.

He beckons, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you...and you will find rest unto your souls," (Matt. 11: 28-29)

When we are heavy laden with the sorrows of life, we can come unto the Lord and He can make our burdens feel light. To "yoke" means to become joined or linked together, and often refers to the harness that links oxen together before a cart. So, when we take His yoke upon us, He can help us carry our load so that it feels lighter. He doesn't necessarily take the burdens away from us, but He will carry them with us.

What does this mean for us? When we feel the desire to despair, when we feel as though no one can understand the pains we are coping with, when we feel like our burden is too heavy to bear, we can remember that the Lord suffered ALL for us and knows our infirmities.

The first prophet of the restoration, Joseph Smith, suffered unimaginable trials. He was persecuted and driven from place to place. His clothes were ripped from his back while his enemies coated his flesh in tar and feathers. He was wrongfully imprisoned. In his most painful hour, he turned to the Lord for comfort and strength. The Lord responded with this message:

"If thou art called to pass through tribulation...If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations...and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son, although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall say, My father, my father, why can’t you stay with us? O, my father, what are the men going to do with you?...And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee;...and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?" (Doctrine & Covenants 122:5-8)

The Son of Man, our Savior Jesus Christ hath descended below them all. He has suffered more than any man on this earth will ever suffer. We should note that He doesn't promise us a life free of suffering. He explains that the trials and sorrows we suffer in this life will "be for thy good." Paul also explains in Romans that, "...all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, see also 38-39)

When we view our trials and sorrows as opportunities to grow and gain experience, and when we turn the the Lord so that He can help us carry our burdens, our load will be lightened. I can testify that by coming unto Christ, we can find "rest for our souls" and He can help us understand the purpose behind the sorrow we experience.

***

As it is Thanksgiving this week, I would also like to suggest that we develop an attitude of gratitude in the trials we face. In 1 Thessalonians, we read, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you," (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Notice he does not say, "give thanks when times are happy," or "give thanks for all blessings." He says to give thanks in EVERY thing. I suggest that we seek to have gratitude in all situations and all trials. Not only will this help us see the reason behind our sufferings, but it can bring the peace of Jesus Christ into our hearts so that we feel lighter. We all have so much to be grateful for. We would do well to contemplate and meditate on what those blessings are specifically, rather than lumping them all together by saying, "we're thankful for our blessings." Let us take the time to give true thanks to the Lord for all things.

Thoughts on the Atonement

The last few posts have delved into who Christ is, and some of the many acts He has done for us. Allow me a moment to expound on my understanding of the Grace we receive from the Savior through His atonement.

I want to make it clear that the Savior isn’t our last chance, He is our only chance. I often hear from others that Mormons believe we earn our way to heaven. Such a notion is false and misconstrued. Let me make it clear that it is only through the Savior’s grace and atonement that we can be cleansed and live in His presence; in otherwords, we cannot save ourselves.

However, merely saying, “I believe,” is not enough. It reminds me of the scripture in Matthew 15:8, which states, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouths, and honoureth me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me," (See also Isaiah 29:13, 2 Nephi 27:25). If we truly believe in Christ, our our words and our actions will indicate our faith in Him and will align our hearts with His. For, "Not every one that saith unto [Christ,] Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of [the] Father which is in heaven," (Matt 7:21).

We show Christ that we believe--that we have faith--by acting. It is through exercising our faith that it is tried and proven to the Lord. What are some actions of our faith? Repentance, baptism, keeping the commandments, serving others, and trying to become more like him. These actions are evidences of our faith in Him and allow His spirit to dwell in our hearts so that we remain near Him, and thus can receive the blessings of His grace.

Furthermore, the person who says, “I believe that Jesus Christ has saved me, so I can live in sin, because I cannot better myself,” does not fully understand the atonement. The scriptures say that Christ does not save you in your sins, but "from your sins,” (Matt 1:21, see also Alma 11:34-37). In other words, His atonement does not save us in sin, but helps us shed our sins so that we can be free from our sins.

How does His atonement help us shed our sins? The atonement is not just a saving power, it is an enabling power. It enables us to repent, to be forgiven, to forsake, and yes, to become perfect. No one can ever say, “this is the way I am; I cannot change,” for that is a falsehood. Can I become perfect on my own? No. Do I have hope of changing and becoming more like Him on my own? No. But I CAN forsake my sins and become perfect by coming unto my Savior, and succumbing to his atonement. If we don't make an effort to shed our sins, we are saying we don’t believe in His atonement--we don’t believe that our Savior can save us, cleanse us, and redeem us.

I testify that through Christ's atonement, we can shed the sins that drag us down. We can overcome our shortcomings and be made, "new creatures," in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Christ commanded, “I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect," (3 Nephi 12:48, see also Matt 5:48). I testify that he can change us. He has helped me overcome sins and continues to help me daily. His atoning power is real and enables us to become perfect through His blood. I am forever grateful for the gift of his matchless love that saves me from my sins and helps me repent and forsake them.

The Rock, Our Foundation

As a young child, one of my favorite church songs was called "The Wise Man and the Foolish Man, which bases its lyrics on Christ’s admonition following His Sermon on the Mount.

“The wise man built his house upon a rock, and the rains came tumbling down. The rains came down and the floods came up, and the house on the rock stood still. The foolish man built his house upon the sand, and the rains came tumbling down. The rains came down and the floods came up, and the house on the sand washed away.” (Children’s Songbook 281, see also Matt 7:24-27 and Luke 6:48)

As I sang, my hands would form a house on a rock to the beat of the song. I remember how strong the rock felt compared to the wishy-washy sand, and wondered that anyone would build on a sandy foundation.

***

The Only Sure Foundation

Christ is called “the Rock” because He is the only sure foundation for us in this life. He only can give us the strength to withstand the storms of the devil and the beatings of the world. In the Book of Mormon, a prophet named Nephi states,

“Remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall,” (Helaman 5:12).

If we build our foundation upon Him and His doctrine, we cannot fall. In Ephesians, Paul also asks that we, “be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine,” (Ephesians 4:14). Those without Christ “are driven about as a chaff before the wind…or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her,” (Mormon 5:16, 18).

So, how do we become like the wise man? How do we build our sure foundation?

In Christ’s admonition, he explains that those who hear his words and do them, are likened unto a wise man, while those who hear his words, but doeth them not, are likened unto the foolish man (Matt 7:24-27). So, to build upon the Rock, “we must be doers of the word, and not hearers only,” (James 1:22). We must heed the counsel He gives us in the Sermon on the Mount to seek first the kingdom of God, to judge not, and to do the will of the Father (see Matt 5-7). We must repent and believe in Him, become as little children, and be baptized in His name (3 Nephi 11:37-39).

I testify that Christ is the only sure foundation and protection from the buffetings of life. When storms cross my path, He helps me stand strong so that the devil cannot drag me down to the "gulf of misery and endless woe." Building on the Rock of our Redeemer brings hope and strength in the face of trials and tempests. If we hear and do his word, “we cannot fall,” for Christ is with us and will not forsake us. I am so grateful that He has never forsaken me in my time of need, and I know He will do the same for all men.

The Good Shepherd

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young,” (Isaiah 40:11).

I love the imagery of Christ as the Good Shepherd. It captures His gentle, loving nature and His devotion to leading, guiding, and protecting us. What can we learn about Christ by viewing Him as the Good Shepherd? The scriptures teach us the following. (See 1 Nephi 22:25, Psalm 23:1, Ezekiel 34:12-16, John 10:2-18, Alma 5:37-39, 57-60)

“He shall feed his sheep,” so that they “shall not want,” (1 Nephi 22:25, Psalms 23:1). Just as a shepherd feeds his sheep, the Lord Jesus Christ is the “bread of life,” (John 6:35); those who come unto Him shall neither hunger nor thirst, but shall be filled with His light and shall not want.

He leads His sheep “beside the still waters” and “in him they shall find pasture,” (Psalms 23:1, 1 Nephi 22:25). As the Good Shepherd, He leads His sheep on safe paths, wherein they can find peace and rest. He can help us stay clear of life’s dangers as we learn to put our faith in Him.

He “seeketh out His flock” and will “deliver them,” (Ezekiel 34:12). When found, he will “will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick,” (Ezekiel 34:16) and will “cause them to lie down,” in His rest (Ezekiel 34:15). He can deliver us from evil and heal our hearts.

He “giveth his life for the sheep,” (John 10:11). The Lord explains in His parable that an hireling careth not for the sheep, and fleeth when he seeth the wolf, (John 10:12). But, the Good Shepherd “lay[s] down [his] life for the sheep,” (John 10:15). Christ gave his life for us so that we might live again.

What must we do to be part of his fold?

We must first learn to recognize the beckoning voice of Christ. “…and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name…and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice,” (John 10:2-4). If we do not learn of Christ or seek after His words, how can we recognize His voice? We must come to know Him in our hearts.

Then, we must follow him. “The good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ…All you that are desirous to follow the voice of the good shepherd, come ye out from the wicked, and be ye separate, and touch not their unclean things…And if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are his sheep,” (Alma 5:57-60). Jesus added in His own words, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved,” (John 10:9).

I testify that if we come unto him, he will “carry [us] in his bosom” and “gently lead [us].” I have felt Him gather me in His arms and lead me to safe pastures. Through Him, my heart is full with the hope of everlasting life, such that I need not hunger or thirst. He has given His life, such that we might live if we but heed his beckoning call.

Christ is our Savior

Perhaps the name we hear most frequently for Christ is the Savior, or Redeemer. Why is He called the Savior? What do we need saving from?

Our first parents, Adam and Eve, started their earthly sojourn in the Garden of Eden. They were innocent: They did not know of joy and sorrow, or good and evil. They lived in the presence of God and had all things provided for them. They were to eat freely from any tree, except the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Moses 3:17). However, the Lord gave them the option to choose. By eating of the fruit, they would obtain knowledge and experience, but they would be estranged from the presence of the Lord and would become subject to physical death.

When Adam and Eve partook of the fruit, they chose to experience mortality and learn from experience. As a result, man became subject to physical death and spiritual death. “…for all mankind, by the fall of Adam being cut off from the presence of the Lord, are considered as dead, both as to things temporal and to things spiritual,” (Helaman 14:16). The Lord in his wisdom, foresaw the fall of Adam and Eve and provided a plan for them and their posterity to return to his presence.

The Lord’s Plan: A Savior

During Christ’s mortal sojourn, He performed many miracles and touched many lives. But the most significant act He performed includes His suffering in the garden of Gethsemane and His death on the cross. We call this act the atonement.

“And he was withdrawn from them…and kneeled down, and prayed,
“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me, nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. …
“And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground,” (Luke 22:41-42, 44)

What happened when He knelt down to pray? During this infinite act, He took upon himself the sins of the world and felt the pains and sorrows of every man. “For behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and abominations of his people,” (Mosiah 3:7). He suffered so that we might not suffer. In His own words, He said:

“I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent.
“But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
“Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit--and would that I might not drink the cup, and shrink--
“Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook…” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19)

After this infinite and eternal act, He returned to His apostles only to be betrayed by Judas and delivered into the hands of men. They beat Him. They spit on Him. They mocked Him. But He suffered it so that his Father’s plan could be fulfilled. They drove nails into His hands and feet and nailed Him to a cross. Though He could save Himself, He allowed Himself to be crucified by the hands of men, to fulfill His purpose on earth. Finally, His suffering ended when He cried with a loud voice, saying, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost,” (Luke 23:46).

As the only begotten of the Father, He had power over death and was resurrected on the Third day--His spirit restored to His body no more to be parted.

***

Christ is our Savior, Deliverer, and Redeemer. His infinite atonement provides a way for us to be saved from physical and spiritual death. He took upon himself the sins of the world so that we might not suffer if we repent. He is our advocate with the Father; because He led a perfect life and paid the price for our sins, the law of justice is fulfilled in Him and the law of mercy can be extended to us.

Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. “For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved,” (Acts 4:12, see also Mosiah 3:17). Without Him, we would not be able to return to our Father in heaven after this life. We would not be able to shed our sins through Christ’s atonement. We would die both physically and spiritually without any hope of redemption.

I know that the atonement is real. I have felt His forgiveness when I have sought repentance for my frequent mistakes. I have experienced the joy that comes through embracing the Savior and letting Him lift the pain of sin. I cannot begin to fathom the suffering He endured to provide us such a gift, which suffering cause Him, the God of all, to “bleed from every pore.” Though unfathomable it is, I know that it happened. He suffered all because He loves us. He wants us to be saved. His selflessness provides the way for all. I am forever grateful for His willingness to submit to the will of the father and fulfill His plan so that we might be saved.

The Many Names of Christ

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

I know, I know. The social norm suggests that the Christmas Season shouldn’t start until after Thanksgiving, but this verse, which is also lyrics in Handel’s Messiah, has been playing through my head ever since my church started rehearsing it on Sunday. Plus, shouldn’t we be able to talk of and rejoice in Christ all year round?

As we approach the Christmas season, I would like to answer the following questions: “Who is Christ?” “What was his purpose in condescending to earth?” “Why is he necessary for salvation?” “What does he ask of me?”

We can begin to answer these questions by looking at the many names Christ has been given. Here are just a few:

Only Begotten Son (John 3:16, Mosiah 15:2)
The Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25, Helaman 14:17)
The Savior of the World (John 4:42, 2 Nephi 31:13)
Advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1, Moroni 7:28)
Good Shepherd (John 10:14, 1 Nephi 22:25)
The way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6, 3 Nephi 27:27)
The Rock (2 Samuel 22:2, 3 Nephi 11:39)
The Light of the World (John 1:7-8, Mosiah 16:9)
The Bread of Life (John 6:35, Alma 5:34)
The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6, Alma 38:8)

Even through just reading and contemplating His names, we begin to understand the essential role He plays in our salvation. As the only begotten Son of the Father, He died and rose again so that we can be resurrected in the life to come. He can save us from our sins and deliver us from the power of evil. He is our advocate with the Father, so that the demands of justice and mercy can be met. He is the Good Shepherd who calls to His sheep. He is the way, the truth, and the life—if we build upon His Rock we will not fall amidst tempests and storms. He is the Light of the world, which gives light to our path when it seems dark and lonely. He is the bread of life—if we partake of His truth, we will never hunger, but will find peace in this life and in the life to come.

“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,” (John 3:16).

Of the next few weeks, I will delve further into the names Christ has been given. My hope is that this will lead to increased hope and faith in Christ our Savior. I know that Christ is real, and that he lives today. He is the cornerstone of all that I know to be true. He is my hope, my peace, and my joy. I add my voice to the voice of His Latter-day 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," (The Living Christ: The Testimony of His Apostles, 2000).

What Would Christ Say to Us Today?

If our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, were to descend to earth today and speak to us, wouldn't we all want to listen? I imagine we would stop work, leave homes, travel long distances, and sacrifice whatever it took to come to Him and listen to Him.

What would He tell us? Would it be of value to us? I'm sure He would have counsel to help us through these confusing and difficult times. How do we stay unified as a family amidst financial turmoil? How do we protect ourselves from the filth creeping into our homes? What can we do to draw near unto Him and find peace? How can we make our prayers more sincere? How do we find time to meditate on Him when life is so busy? I'm sure we would treasure his guidance and know that heeding it would bring us everlasting happiness and joy.

I testify that the Lord does speak to us today. From the beginning of time, the Lord has called prophets to be His mouthpieces here on earth. Through them, He has given specific instruction for that day and age. President John Taylor, the third prophet of this dispensation, explained, “Adam’s revelation did not instruct Noah to build his ark; nor did Noah’s revelation tell Lot to forsake Sodom; nor did either of these speak of the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt. These all had revelations for themselves” (Millennial Star, 1 Nov. 1847, 323). Though we need and try to heed the counsel the Lord as given us through His recorded scriptures, we still need specific guidance to weather the storms we face now.

This weekend, we have the opportunity to hear from the Lord's chosen prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. Twice a year, the LDS church holds a General Conference, where the Lord's prophet, apostles, and general officers give counsel and instruction. Listening to their messages is a feast for my spirit and I find myself feeling uplifted, edified, and motivated to be closer to my Savior.

What would the Lord say to us today? I invite you to come and listen for yourself (see broadcast options below). I bare witness that the prophet speaks for the Lord and not for himself. As I have watched President Monson speak, I have felt our Savior testify that the prophet's words are His words. I have felt President Monson's humility as he strives to fulfill the calling given him. I have felt the Lord's love for me through his words. I know that he is a true and living prophet for our Savior today.

Listening/Viewing Options
Saturday, October 4th 10:oo am MST (12:00 pm EST), 2:00 pm MST (4:00 pm EST)
Sunday, October 5th 10:oo am MST (12:00 pm EST), 2:00 pm MST (4:00 pm EST)

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English text (available online the Thursday following conference)

More Than Just Logic.

We live in a world that is driven by proof. We have titles to prove ownership, licenses to prove identity, and certifications to prove skill. A person is innocent unless proven guilty. A proof of purchase is required to make returns. We see study after study that proves the effectiveness of a method or product. Now, proof itself is not inherently bad. In fact, these things are necessary for our culture to function in many cases. But, we've grown so accustomed to having proof for everything that in the absence of tangible proof, we find it hard to "believe" anything.

This concept is not a new one. In the Bible, John quotes Jesus as saying, "Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe," (St John 4:48).

So, how can we know that Christ lives without seeing him face to face? How can we know that He has a plan for us here on this earth? Are we left to determine life's answers based only on opinion, popularity, and logic?

I testify that we can "know" the answers to these questions with a conviction more firm than any worldly proof can give. If we seek sincerely, and intend to act on the answers we receive, the spirit of our Lord can, and will, testify and confirm that He lives. He will testify of His mission and of His plan for us. He will testify what is fact and what is fiction.

Each individual is entitled to know for themselves what is true. We do not have to take someone else's word regarding beliefs and religion. Our beliefs can be more than just logic.

How does His spirit testify to us? How can we receive this witness?

First, we must study the questions we have and seek for answers. The act of seeking demonstrates our sincere desire to know. It is often during our searching that we can feel the whisperings of His spirit testify to us. It may feel like a swelling or burning within your chest that causes you to feel the truthfulness of the words you are studying. It may be that you suddenly understand a concept with perfect clarity that was confusing to you before.

Secondly, we must act. In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Moroni explains that, "...ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith," (Ether 12:6). Often, the Lord wants us to step forward in faith before he will give a witness through His spirit. In fact, His witness often comes as you live the principles you are trying to believe. It may be that you receive His witness as you recognize the fulfillment of his promised blessings. For example: The Lord has promised us that if we pay our tithing, he will, "pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." I received the witness that tithing is a true law by living it. I know it is true because His promised blessings have been seen in my life again and again.

Thirdly, we must pray and listen. Often, we will receive His witness as we pray sincerely to our Father in heaven. When we finish prayers, we should allow are thoughts to meditate on our questions and often answers will come. If we don't give our minds the opportunity to reflect, we do not give the spirit opportunity to speak to us.

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This blog is entitled, "My Personal Witness of Christ." Have I personally seen Christ? No. But, have I felt His love in my life? Yes. Have I witnessed His promised blessings in my life? Yes. Has His spirit burned within me bearing witness of His divinity and plan? Yes. Do I know, most assuredly, that the Lord lives and loves us? Yes. My proof does not exist in tangible evidence, but the manifestations of the spirit are stronger and more powerful than any proof man could try to derive.

The foundation of all I believe and know rests on the witnesses I have received through His spirit. It is more than just my opinion. It is more than just logic. I know that it is truth. And, I know that each of us can receive the same witness. I testify these things in the name of our Savior, even Jesus Christ, Amen.

God is our Loving Father

During the often tedious hour before my children go to bed, I sometimes encourage our little family to venture outside for some fresh air. On one such occasion, I found myself humming some calming songs to my restless infant when my daughter came up to me and requested we sing, "Star Shining Brightly!" It goes like this:

"I am like a star shining brightly, shining for the whole world to see. I can do and say happy things each day, for I know heavenly Father loves me." (Children's Songbook, 163)

Even at the age of 2, my daughter is beginning to understand the love her heavenly Father has for her. Why is this an important concept to understand, even in childhood??

Knowing that we are literal offspring of divinity reminds us that we are someone special--that when all else fails, our God loves us more than we can comprehend, with all of our imperfections. It reminds us that he understands us perfectly even if no one else does. This simple knowledge can change the way we think and act. It can take away our loneliness and emptiness and replace it with warmth and comfort.

Without a knowledge of our divine worth, people often make choices that lead to misery. Driven to desperation, the lonely and friendless may turn to drugs to fill the void. The abused may let out anger on their fellowmen. The unloved or unwanted may turn to immorality in attempt to feel wanted. The neglected may act shamefully in order to get noticed.

However, as a child of God, each one of us is important to Him and worth saving. Imagine if everyone in the world today understood this simple concept. They could turn to their Father in heaven and find a friend when they are lonely, find strength and comfort when they have been abused, and find love and encouragement when they feel unwanted or neglected. They could take comfort in the simple fact that God loves them, has a plan for them, and wants them to be happy. They could find confidence within themselves because they have true worth in the eyes of their creator.

Furthermore, this understanding leads us to discover the, "Why?" behind his commandments. He gives us commandments because he loves us. He knows that if we follow them, we can and will find joy! So, instead of viewing them as arbitrary restrictions set up to make life difficult, we recognize them as gifts from a loving heavenly Father who wants to lead us back into his presence.

I know that my heavenly Father loves me. His love is what motivates me to embrace good and shun evil, though I often do fall short. I also know that he loves each and every one of his children; regardless of age, race, gender, or situation. You should never believe that you are an exception and that God cannot possibly love you, for that is false. Whatever your situation, know that he loves you and wants you to be happy.

Basic Beliefs

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS, or Mormons) is a peculiar religion to a lot of people. But to me it is not at all peculiar. It is a message of joy and gladness. It brings hope to my heart daily as I watch myself stumble and make mistakes.

Below you'll find the basic beliefs of the LDS church summarized as they make sense in my mind.  I conclude with my personal testimony and witness of Jesus Christ and his restored gospel.

Warning:  These remarks are a little wordy, because they try to briefly and concisely give an overview of Mormon beliefs for those who are unfamiliar with LDS doctrine.  However, my future entries will delve more into personal feelings and impressions that have caused me to believe these truths with such assuredness.   

Also:  The sidebar is full of wonderful information.  Please explore it's contents!

Mormon Beliefs: Part I: God is our Heavenly Father

The LDS church is a Christian faith. As one of its members, I believe that God is our Heavenly Father, and we are his children. He loves each an every one of us just as a father loves his own children, but more perfectly.

Mormon Beliefs: Part II: The Fall

Heavenly Father sent us here to mortality so that we can gain the experience of living in mortality, which enables us to enjoy His blessings.  Part of his perfect plan was that he would give us “agency” or the ability to choose and act for ourselves, (Joshua 24:15, Old Testament; 2 Nephi 2:26-29, Book of Mormon). Our progression in life depends on whether we choose to follow Jesus Christ, or follow the adversary.

Adam and Eve were given agency in the Garden of Eden, which they used when they chose to eat of the forbidden fruit, subjecting themselves to both physical and spiritual death; physical because they were able to die, and spiritual because they could no longer be in the presence of our Heavenly Father. We believe that the fall of man was part of God’s plan, as it was only after the fall that they could bare children and understand good and evil, thus enabling them to learn and progress, (Genesis 3, Old Testament; 2 Nephi 2:25, Book of Mormon; Alma 12:22-34, Book of Mormon). In our mortal position, we often yield to temptation, sin, and make mistakes. We cannot overcome the effects of sin by ourselves--we are helpless without the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Mormon Beliefs: Part III: Jesus Christ

The Lord chose Jesus Christ before the world was organized to be our Savior and Redeemer, making it possible for us to overcome the effects of the fall. He overcame the obstacle of physical death when he was crucified on the cross and was resurrected on the third day, (Luke 24:1-10, 36-39, New Testament; Helaman 14:15-19, Book of Mormon). His resurrection entitles all of us to receive perfect bodies in the life hereafter, (1 Corinthians 15, 20-23, New Testament; Alma 11:42-45, Book of Mormon). However, to live in the presence of our Heavenly Father again, we must be cleansed from sin, (3 Nephi 27:19, Book of Mormon). Jesus Christ enabled us to overcome our spiritual death through His Atonement. He was sinless, completely obedient to the Father, and remained true though tempted. He took upon himself the sins, sorrows, and heartaches of all the world in the garden of Gethsemane, causing him to suffer beyond comprehension, such that he bled from every pore, (Luke 22:42-44, New Testament; Mosiah 3:7, Book of Mormon). Through this act, he paid the price for our sins so that we can become clean. By exercising faith, repenting, being baptized, and enduring to the end, we can receive these blessings. It is ONLY through our Lord, Jesus Christ, that we can be saved, (John 3:16-17, New Testament; 2 Nephi 2:6-8, Book of Mormon).

Mormon Beliefs: Part IV: Prophetic Dispensations

God has shown his love to us throughout the ages by calling prophets to lead his children, (Amos 3:7, Old Testament; Ephesians 2:19-20, Ephesians 4:11-14, New Testament). He does not want us to be left unguided in this life. From the beginning of time, the Lord has spoken to us through His prophets, who have been given the authority to act in God’s name, which is called the priesthood. These words of God have been recorded in the scriptures for our benefit. Whenever people disregard the words of the prophets, they distance themselves from the Lord and fall into spiritual darkness. When this condition is widespread, it leads to an apostasy and God withdraws His authority from the earth. At the end of an apostasy, the Lord calls another prophet and gives him priesthood authority.

This pattern of prophetic dispensations has occurred since the beginning of time, starting with Adam and continuing with Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses for the first five dispensations. Each dispensation was started with the calling of these prophets. Eventually, people have used their agency to reject the gospel and fall into apostasy in each dispensation.

The sixth dispensation was opened when Christ came to the earth and again reestablished his church. He called twelve apostles and laid his hands on their heads to give them the priesthood authority (or keys), (Matthew 16:19, New Testament; Mark 3:14). Following His atonement, death and resurrection, the apostles were left with the authority to build up his church and preach the gospel to the world. However, after Christ left the earth, the apostles were persecuted and eventually killed, which again removed the priesthood from the earth. This began the period known as the “Great Apostasy,” which was prophesied to come, (Matthew 24:9-11, New Testament; Acts 20:28-30, New Testament; 1 Timothy 4:1-3, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, 2 Peter 2:1-2, New Testament; 1 Nephi 11:34, Book of Mormon). Without priesthood authority to preside over the church, the doctrines established by Christ became corrupted, resulting in unauthorized changes to church organization and ordinances. (Isaiah 24:5, Old Testament) People were left to rely on human wisdom to interpret the scriptures.

Mormon Beliefs: Part V: The Restoration

In the seventh and final dispensation, the dispensation of the “fulness of times,” or the restitution of all things, the Lord again called a prophet to lead and direct his children on earth. This was foretold by the prophets of old, (The Acts 3:19-22, New Testament; Deuteronomy 18:15, Old Testament). During this time, the United States was one of the only countries with religious freedom and there was much religious excitement throughout the eastern states. Joseph Smith was a young boy at the time who desired to, “know which of all the sects was right.” Ephesians 4:5 taught that there was “one Lord, one faith, one baptism,” but Joseph Smith was confused about which church to join. He could not conclude which church was right or wrong. During this time he turned to the Bible for guidance, and found James 1:5, 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.” Because of this scripture, he decided to ask God which church he should join.

In the spring of 1820, he retired into a grove of trees and knelt in prayer. Of this experience, he said, “I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me…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!” Joseph Smith was told that none of the churches were totally correct. Even though many good people believed in Christ and tried to teach his gospel, they did not have the fulness of the truth or the priesthood authority to baptize and perform other saving ordinances. Just as the Lord had done with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others, he called Joseph Smith as the prophet to open the final dispensation and restore the “fulness” of the gospel to the earth.

With the Restoration of the fulness of times, the authority of God was again given to man on earth to lead and direct Christ’s church, and perform sacred ordinances. God does not cease to be a God of miracles and has not ceased to speak to and direct his people through prophets. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8, New Testament; Mormon 9:9, Book or Mormon). Among the priesthood keys includes the power to seal in heaven and on earth, (Matthew 16:19, New Testament; Helaman 10:7, Book of Mormon). We believe that marriage is ordained of God. We believe that families can be together forever, that if a man and woman are married under priesthood authority, they can be sealed together for, “time and all eternity,” rather than, “until death do us part.” Families are meant to exist throughout the eternities.

Mormon Beliefs: Part VI: The Book of Mormon

Because misinformation would exist after centuries of darkness (the apostasy), the Lord brought forth an ancient volume of scripture which contains the fulness of the gospel of Christ. This record, called the Book of Mormon, details events of some of the ancient inhabitants of the Americas as recorded by prophets back in those days. Joseph Smith was directed to a hill where these ancient golden plates were hidden for centuries and translated it by the power of God. In order to know that the Book of Mormon is true, you must read, ponder, and pray about it. An honest seeker of truth will come to know it is the word of God. The message of the restoration is either true or it is not. We can find out of its truth for ourselves if we study it out in our mind and turn to our Lord in humble and sincere prayer (John 14:26, New Testament; Moroni 10:3-5, Book of Mormon). I know that he will reveal it to us if we do this.

Mormon Beliefs: Part VII: My Testimony

I have seen the incredible joy that comes by living the precepts of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in this life. I know that the Lord lives and that he continues to guide his children in these last days. He would not leave us alone in such trying times. I know that the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, came into this world and atoned for his sins so that we can overcome spiritual and physical death. I have felt his love. He has comforted me through hard times and strengthened me when I couldn’t do it on my own. He knows how to succor us and will open the door if we but knock. (Matthew 7:7-8, New Testament).

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Lord and was called of God. His story may seem unbelievable, but I have read the Book of Mormon, pondered its teachings, and prayed to my Father in heaven for confirmation. The Lord has testified to me through his spirit that these things are true, and I have felt it confirmed to me as I have made my feeble efforts to abide by His teachings.

This is the work of the Lord. I am so grateful that He has sent us prophets to lead us in these last days--to help us find the way to true and everlasting happiness. I am grateful for the scriptures which teach me what I should do and how I should act to have joy in this life. He loves us. I know that if we call on Him in prayer, He will hear us and He will answer our prayers in his own time and in his own way. But through exercising faith, we can draw nearer unto Him and He will testify to us the truthfulness of these things. He has done it for me and will do it for all of us, I so testify in his sacred name, the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.