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)

Live Video Stream (New Media Player)
Additional Live Video Streams (Windows Media Player)
Listen to Live Audio Stream

Television - Check your listings for the BYU-Television or KBYU channels
Direct TV - channel 374
Verizon FiOS- channel 290
Dish Network- 9403

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Streaming Video will be available immediately after conference
Downloadable Video will be available within 2 weeks
Individual speaker audio files will be available within 2 weeks
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.

***

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.