The first part is about how we have a loving Father in Heaven. There is proof that He loves us. He has given us this earth so that we can come down and learn how to be more like Him. He wants the best for us, so He will answer all the prayers we pray to Him. We have to actually pray to Him, not some other person like Mary. Heavenly Father has given us a chance to be in families here on earth, with families we are able to help each other out and be there for one another. Which is why the Gospel that He has brought to the people here on the earth is meant to bless us both as individuals and as families. I know my family helps support me.
Another great thing that Heavenly Father has given us in His infinite love, is prophets. In the beginning of time, we had people such as Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Noah. What the essential role of a prophet is to reveal things from God unto the world. They also learn and teach the Gospel to the people on the earth. However, just like in times past, the people no longer want to listen to God, so they reject the prophet, out of rebellion, and Kill him. So Heavenly Father will wait until the people repent and look back to Him for guidance. Then He will call another prophet. The time when people don't listen to God is called Apostasy (there are many people in today's day that are in personal apostasy).
Then we fast forward to the time Christ came. He came and ended the state of apostasy that the people were in at the time. He then established His church. He did that by calling 12 Apostles, He gave them the Priesthood, He set out the manner of baptism (which is by full immersion, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost soon after), He performed the Atonement, and most importantly He taught His Gospel (which is the same Gospel as Heavenly Father's). But just like in times past the people rejected Him and His teachings, they wanted to rebel, so they Killed the following prophets and apostles. So there was no longer anyone who holds the Priesthood power left on the earth.
Then in the early 1800's their was a boy named Joseph Smith, he had one simple question, which of all the churches on the earth was the true church of Jesus Christ? In studying the bible he came across a scripture in James 1:5 which says "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." So he did just that, he went into a grove of trees near his house and knelt down and offered a prayer. In his own words 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!" Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ both appeared to him and answered his question, Joseph said "I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong". Joseph Smith was then called to be a prophet in these latter days. Latter John (the Baptist), Peter, James and John (the beloved), came and restored the priesthood to Joseph Smith.
Another thing that Joseph Smith brought back to the earth was a book of scripture called The Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is a record of Heavenly Father's and Jesus Christs dealings with the people over here on the American continent from about 600 BC to 400 AD. We have been promised that if we read from this book everyday, we will have protection from the temptations of the devil, who is doing everything he can do keep us from doing such things. We are promised that if we read The Book of Mormon, and pray with a sincere heart (meaning that you fully intend to act upon the answer you receive) then you will receive an answer that it is true. I have done just that. I know that it is true. I know that what it teaches are things that come from a loving Heavenly Father. I know you can get this same answer. We need not only receive the answer once, but the more we ask, the greater our testimonies come of it. You can tell me how you came to know it is true this week.
I know these things to be true. I hope you believe so too. I leave these things with you in the name of My Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
I hope you have a great week.
Love,
Elder Warkentin
No comments:
Post a Comment