Strength In Prayer

Introduction
Today I speak of a favorite topic of mine - prayer.  The first Article of Faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says that, "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."  Prayer is a way for all of us to commune with God, our Eternal Father.  We do so in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son, and through the influence and power of the Holy Ghost.

Help In Trials
In our lives on earth all of us face hardships and trials, many of which may seem too hard to deal with ourselves.  How do we get through these trials, after doing all that we can do?  The Savior has promised, "Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full" (John 16:24).  In prayer we may ask for help in these times, and we shall receive if we do so in faith.

Help With Temptation
Sometimes we are not having a physical hardship, but we are suffering temptations that we do not know how to get away from.  Elder Boyd K. Packer, in a General Conference address, has informed that, "When temptation comes, you can invent a delete key in your mind-"  One of these delete keys can be to say a silent prayer in our mind.  This is confirmed with the scripture found in the Doctrine and Covenants, which says, "Pray always that you enter not into temptation" (D&C 61:39).

Conclusion
Returning to the words of Elder Packer, he has said, "Do not expect to be free entirely from trouble and disappointment and pain and discouragement, for these are the things that we were sent to earth to endure."  However, we can always ask for the strength to overcome these hardships and disappointments.

"Learn to pray.  Pray often.  Pray in your mind, in your heart.  Pray on your knees.  Prayer is your personal key to heaven.  The lock is on your side of the veil." - Elder Boyd K. Packer

I love prayer, and know that when we pray in faith we are communicating with God, our Father, and he helps us in return.

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To learn more about prayer, visit the following sites:

- Back to the Basics:  Prayer

- Receiving Answers to Prayer

- Chat with a Missionary about Prayer

From Mormonism's History - The Word of Wisdom

In the early history of Mormonism a revelation now called the Word of Wisdom was given to Joseph Smith (now section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants).  This Word of Wisdom contains some instruction on how to keep the body healthy.  Among these are the following:

What's In the Revelation?
"That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good," (v. 5), "And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly," (v. 8), "Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving." (v. 11), "All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts," (v. 14).

Not everything bad for the body is listed in this revelation, neither is all that is good for the body listed here.  Joseph Smith has said in relation to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves."  This also holds true with the Word of Wisdom.  The principle is presented and members of the church govern themselves over it.  Things that can be harmful to the body should not be given to the body, and things that are good for the body should be used.

A Real-Life Example
In a General Conference address, October of 1996, Elder L. Tom Perry shared a story of an athlete on a track team.  His team was at a competition.  The night before the coach of the team asked all the athletes to have a small glass of wine, thinking this would help them be on the best game the following morning.  The boy refused to take the wine, but the rest of his teammates did have some.  The following morning every athlete except the boy that refused the wine was ill, some of which unable to race.  This boy, however, went out to his races, winning race after race throughout the competition.

To listen to Elder Perry's full address, watch the video below:


More on the Word of Wisdom:
Read more on the Word of Wisdom here at the following sites.
https://www.lds.org/topics/word-of-wisdom
http://www.squidoo.com/those-crazy-mormons-word-of-wisdom

If you have any further questions you can ask the Mormon missionaries.
http://mormon.org/chat

Mormonism Teachings: Enduring to the End

*Photo from Wikimedia Commons*
by James Padgett

An oft said phrase in the teachings of Mormonism is this:  "Endure to the end."  This line can be found numerous times in the Standard Works of the Church.  The question asked in relation to this is - How does one endure to the end?

In an earlier post I have tried to answer this question using the example of Christ found in the book of Matthew (See Withstanding Temptations Through Christ).  I now come back to this topic using the example of Job, of the Old Testament.  The prophets of the scripture have all had their great trials and tribulations - Moses leading Israel; David fighting Goliath; Elijah with the prophets of Baal; etc. - but the man that impresses me the most with perseverance is Job.

Job, in the beginning of his record, had it all - land, house, workers, crop, animals, etc. - the scripture says that he "was the greatest of all the men of the east."  In addition to this he was also a man of great faith in Jesus Christ.  It is written "that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil." (Job 1:3, 1 respectively)

There came a time in his life that he was greatly tempted of the devil to see whether or not he would still be a man of great faith.  At first his herds were taken, his servants were taken, and even all of his children were taken from him.  Job's reply to all of this was:  "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither:  the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21)

Photo:
'Welcome' by Del Parson

The lesson I get out of his reply is that we are all born with nothing.  All things on the earth, and the earth itself, were created by the Lord, and anything we gain in this life is thanks to him.  We should thank the Lord for the things we have while we have them.  And when those things are no longer in our lives we can be glad we had them when we did, and know the Lord is still in charge.

After being tested with the things around him, and proving himself faithful, Job was tried again.  This time with physical ailments.  From head to foot he was covered in boils.  His reply to this one?  "What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" (Job 2:10)

His comment echoes a great truth:  Sometimes bad things happen to good people.  Life doesn't always go perfect, even if you are doing your best to be righteous and faithful.  Sometimes a challenge presents itself.  It is in those times that we must do our best to keep our faith strong in the Lord Jesus Christ.

In our challenging circumstances, let us remember these words of Job:  "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:  but I will maintain mine own ways before him.  He also shall be my salvation" (Job 13:15-16).

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Listen to Al Fox share her feelings on how and why we should press forward, enduring to the end with faith:

 

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If you have any questions concerning the teachings of Mormonism that are not explained here, ask the Mormon missionaries.  They will help answer any of your questions:

Missionary Chat | http://mormon.org/chat

Mormonism Teachings: Cleansing Through Christ

One of the great teachings of Mormonism is that of repentance.  Through repentance a person may be cleansed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  Previously I have shared a page about Christ's healing power with the Legion.  Now I'd like to share another scripture story of his healing power, that of Naaman the Syrian captain.

Although these two stories - Naaman and Legion - are physical healing, they equally show what the Lord can do for us through repentance.  First I will share the story, and then add my thoughts on the repentance side of it.

2 Kings 5
1. Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria:  he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.
2. And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.
3. And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.
4. And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.
5. And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel.  And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.
6. And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy.
7. And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.
8. And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.
9. So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.
10. And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
11. But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
12. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean?  So he turned and went away in a rage.
13. And his servants came near, and spake unto him and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?
14. Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God:  and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Naaman had leprosy, which was one of the most feared diseases at this time.  Moses' law taught that if a man had leprosy he was to live alone outside of the city (see Leviticus 13:45-46).  To make matters more humiliating for Naaman, Elisha told him not to wash in the clean Abana or Pharpar rivers, but to wash in the filthy Jordan.

Like that of Legion, this must have seemed like a worst-case scenario for Naaman.  He was unclean and was told to wash in an unclean river.  But, with the encouragement of his servants, he did wash in Jordan and was cleaned of his unclean disease.

I believe this to be a testament that Christ is the master-healer.  No one can become too unclean through sin to be healed by the Atonement.  The process of repentance is real and the cleansing through Christ is real.  Like Naaman and Legion being clean with physical problems, we can be clean of sinful problems through Jesus Christ.

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If you have further questions about repentance you can read more about it here:

Forgiveness is a Gift

Or you can ask a Mormon missionary here:

http://mormon.org/chat

Mormonism Basics: The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Introduction

The center of Mormonism is Jesus Christ (see MormonTopics.org). Jesus Christ is the son of God, the Only Begotten. Before the world was made he was with the Father and there was chosen to the be Savior of the world. In the Meridian of Time he came forth to do his work to redeem mankind from the fall of Adam. He finished his mortal ministry with what is called The Atonement. It was here that the Lord Jesus Christ suffered and died, and three days later was resurrected. It is this atonement that I will talk about on this page.

Gethsemane

Jesus Christ, in the garden of Gethsemane, did something that no mortal man can do.  The scriptures tell us that he knelt and prayed in the garden, bleeding from each pore, and took all mankind's sins upon himself.

Nothing I have read or heard speaks of the atonement of Christ in a more profound or personal way than those of Elder Bruce R. McConkie, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

"We do not know, we cannot tell, no mortal mind can conceive the full import of what Christ did in Gethsemane.

"We know he sweat great gouts of blood from every pore as he drained the dregs of that bitter cup his Father had given him.

"We know he suffered, both body and spirit, more than it is possible for man to suffer, except it be unto death.

"We know that in some way, incomprehensible to us, his suffering satisfied the demands of justice, ransomed penitent souls from the pains of penalties of sin, and made mercy available to those who believe in his holy name.

"We know that he lay prostrate upon the ground as the pains and agonies of an infinite burden caused him to tremble and would that he might not drink the bitter cup.

"We know that an angel came from the courts of glory to strengthen him in his ordeal, and we suppose it was mighty Michael, who foremost fell that mortal man might be.

"As near as we can judge, these infinite agonies - this suffering beyond compare - continue for some three or four hours." (The Purifying Power of Gethsemane, General Conference, April 1985.)

Golgotha | Calvary

After his agonizing experience in Gethsemane the Lord was arrested and taken to the leaders of the day - Annas, Caiaphas, Pilate and Herod - to be tried as a blasphemer.  His sentence was to be scourged 39 times, and then crucified in Golgotha, on the hill Calvary.

On the cross he again felt the pains of Gethsemane.  This he did until he was able to say to God, the Father, that his work on earth was finished.

Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea

The Atonement, in its entirety, was not completed until three days later.

After the Savior of the world died on the cross he was moved to the tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea.  Here Nicodemus, Joseph, and others that believed and loved him in life, placed him in linen and spices.

Three days later, in a way that none of us can fully understand, Jesus Christ reunited his spirit and his body, and was the first to be resurrected.  In so doing he broke the fearsome bands of death and completed the Atonement.

In Closing

The Lord did all of this for each and every person who lives on the earth, that we may again live with God in heaven again.  He took all sins upon him that we may be allowed to repent of these sins and be clean again (see Forgiveness Is A Gift).  And he was resurrecting, opening the gates for the resurrection of all mankind.

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*All photos taken from LDS.org's Media Library.

As is always the case, if you have questions about Jesus Christ, the Atonement, or any other topic relating to Mormonism, just ask the missionaries and they will help you.
http://mormon.org/chat

Testimonies Throughout Mormonism's History

Yesterday I made this video containing testimonies of eight of the sixteen latter-day prophets of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism).  The prophets contained in this video are:

David O. McKay | Joseph Fielding Smith | Harold B. Lee | Spencer W. Kimball
Ezra Taft Benson | Howard W. Hunter | Gordon B. Hinckley | Thomas S. Monson

I love listening to the words of these prophets.  Their teachings help us live happier lives, be better people, and, most importantly, come closer to Christ.  I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be the church that has been set up through the guidance of the Lord himself, by the hands of Joseph Smith and his successors.

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If you would like to learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ, or Mormonism, check out some of the following sites:

Mormon Topics | http://mormontopics.org/eng/christ

LDS | https://www.lds.org/

Mormon | http://mormon.org/

If you have further questions there are missionaries ready to help answer your questions.  Just ask.

Chat with a Missionary | http://mormon.org/chat

What is Mormonism: Articles of Faith - Article #8

What is Mormonism? - Article of Faith #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.

The Bible
The Holy Bible is a marvelous book of holy writ.  Contained within its pages are many of the teachings, prophecies and revelations of the ancient prophets, and even those of Christ himself.  Four of the books are of the life of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  Truly this is a sacred volume of scripture.

So why do we say it is the word of God only so far "as it is translated correctly"?  One must understand that the scrolls and documents and other manuscripts that are now recorded in the Bible are thousands of years old.  The New Testament took place approximately 2,000 years ago, and the Old Testament before that.  These books have been rewritten time and time again for centuries.  In addition, these scriptures were originally written in Hebrew and Greek.  They have been translated numerous times before they have become what they are today, in our English.  As the Bible was translated more and more, some of the passages have been altered.

To learn more on this we can go the words of Nephi, an ancient prophet that was shown the history of the Bible.

"...Thou hast beheld that the book proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew; and when it proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew it contained the fulness of the gospel of the Lord, of whom the twelve apostles bear record  and they bear record according to the truth which is in the Lamb of God.

"Wherefore, these things go forth from the Jews in purity unto the Gentiles, according to the truth which is in God.

"And after they go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the formation of that great and abominable church, which is most abominable above all other churches; for behold, they have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away."
- 1 Nephi 13:24-26 -

In summary, some passages have been lost to time, some have been removed by people, but the Holy Bible, if read and understood correctly, contains the word of God and is a book of holy scripture.


The Book of Mormon:  Another Testament of Jesus Christ
The Book of Mormon does not have the same history that the Bible does.  It was not translated time and time again with time, but only once.  After the records now called the Book of Mormon were complete, the prophet Moroni hid them where they would not be disturbed until the Lord wanted them to be found.  That was approximately 420 A.D.  In the early nineteenth century the Lord sent again Moroni, now as a an angel, to guide Joseph Smith to the place he hid these records.

Just as the Bible is a record of ancient civilizations, and the spiritual teachings, prophecies and revelations, etc., so is the Book of Mormon.  The Bible is a record of the tribe of Judah and the Book of Mormon is a record of part of the tribes of Joseph.  The Bible in the Old World and the Book of Mormon in the New World.

Together these two canonized books of scripture contain the full gospel of Jesus Christ, and are the words of God.

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To learn more about Mormonism, visit here: http://mormontopics.org/eng/christ
More on Mormonism's belief of the Bible: http://www.squidoo.com/mormonisms-take-on-the-holy-bible
Ask any questions you have here: http://mormon.org/chat

What is Mormonism: Articles of Faith - Article #9

This post is another addition to the "What is Mormonism?" series of posts.  In this post I'll discuss the ninth Article of Faith.

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.

It is oft mentioned in the scriptures that God is "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (see 2 Nephi 27:23; Mormon 9:9; Hebrews 13:8).  This scripture is an important part of Mormonism.  In Article 6 I talked of the restitution of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This restoration came when the Lord Jesus Christ, and God, the Father, visited the later-to-be-prophet Joseph Smith, just as he had done with the prophets of past dispensations.  We believe that God had spoken to his prophets in Biblical times just as he did with Joseph Smith (for example see Deuteronomy 34:10).

Because God is the same today as yesterday, we believe he speaks to his modern prophets (currently Thomas S. Monson is prophet of the Church).  An example of modern revelation is the Word of Wisdom given to the Prophet Joseph, recorded now in the Doctrine and Covenants section 89.  And because God is the same today as he will be tomorrow, we believe revelation will be given to prophets in the future.  We do not know what these future revelations will be, but we believe they will pertain to the kingdom of God.

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If you have any questions concerning Mormonism or the Articles of Faith that have not been answered in this post, the missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be happy to help answer your questions.

http://mormon.org/chat

What is Mormonism: Articles of Faith - Article #13

Continuing with the "What is Mormonism?" series of posts, I now add Article of Faith #13.  This is the final Article of Faith.  It is as follows:

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.

Number thirteen is my personal favorite of the Articles of Faith.  This final point of belief leaves a person with hope of the future.  One day there can be found a future of honesty, truth, chastity, benevolence, and virtue, among other good and praiseworthy traits and standards.

I do not pretend to say that hard times won't come.  We all know that no matter how righteous a person strives to be, challenges will enter life.  Consider the prophets in the scriptures.  They were prophets of the Lord but they still had their problems.  Think of Joseph Smith, a martyr for the gospel of the Lord.  It was the President Joseph Smith that said, "The nearer a person approaches the Lord, the greater power will be manifested by the adversary to prevent the accomplishment of His purposes."

But we have already "endured many things" that the adversary has thrown at us.  Elder James E. Faust has given us these words of comfort:  "He [the devil] can have no power over us unless we permit it" (The Great Imitator, 1987).  So we strive to obtain the good things in life to the greatest of our abilities, with the hope of being able to endure all things, making life better for us and those around us.

If, after reading this series on the Articles of Faith, you have any questions on Mormonism or Joseph Smith or anything else pertaining to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ask the missionaries by clicking the picture below.

Receiving Answers to Prayer

Once a month, in the Ensign and Liahona magazines, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives a special message to its readers.  This month the message was written by President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor to President Thomas S. Monson, on the topic of prayer.  I will be quoting parts of his message on this page, but if you are interested in reading his full article you can do so here:  The Voice of the Lord.

I have touched on the meaning of prayer in the post - "Back to the Basics:  Prayer" - and if you'd like to learn about that you can visit that post.  This time, to follow along with President Eyring's message, I'd like to talk about answers to prayers, and how they are received.

As mentioned in my previous Prayer page, prayer is "a reverent communication with God during which a person gives thanks and asks for blessings." (LDS Guide to the Scriptures - Prayer).  If we are going to speak to the Lord, it is only natural that he answer us, thus creating that communication with God.

How do we get answers to our prayers?  Elder Dallin H. Oaks, of the Quorum of the Twelve, has said, "as in the gospel itself, the first principle is faith."  He then goes on to say that following faith one must have humility (The Lord's Way, pp. 33-34).  President Eyring echoes these words, saying, "Humility and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are the key."  If we are humble and believe that God will answer us then we will receive his answers.

Taking from President Eyring's article, we learn why we need faith and humility:

"Over and over in the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord requires faith and humility before he gives His help.  One reason for this is that His answers may not come in the way we expect.  Neither will they always be easy to accept."

He continues with the example of his ancestor:

"My great-grandfather Henry Eyring prayed fervently to know what he should do when he heard the restored gospel taught in 1855.  The answer came in a dream.

"He dreamed that he was seated at a table with Elder Erastus Snow of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and with an elder named William Brown.  Elder Snow taught the principles of the gospel for what seemed to be an hour.  Then Elder Snow said, 'In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to be baptized and this man [Elder Brown] ... shall baptize you.'"

Although it is a rare occasion for prayers to be answered in such a way, it can happen in a vision (see 1 Nephi 8:2; Acts 10:10-16).

Many times answers to prayers can be found in reading the scriptures.  This is not strange when one realizes that many recorded scriptures are simply the answers to prayers asked by prophets in ancient times.  Answers to those prayers can help answer our prayers.  I remember a few years ago needing help with some problem I had.  After going to the privacy in my room I prayed about it and once I opened my eyes I saw my Book of Mormon.  Opening the Book of Mormon I found a scripture with my answer.

Among the most common ways a prayer is answered is through the whispering of the Spirit.  In an interview with Mr. Wallace, of 60 Minutes, Gordon B. Hinckley was asked how he communicates with the Lord.  President Hinckley answered him with by quoting from the book of 1 Kings.

"And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind:  and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:  and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire:  and after the fire a still small voice" (1 Kings 19:11-12).

The Book of Mormon also speaks of the Spirit of the Lord, the still small voice:

"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 ... and did cause their hearts to burn" (3 Nephi 11:3).

That scripture ends by saying it caused their hearts to burn, which is another way to receive an answer - through feelings!  Oliver Cowdery, scribe to Joseph Smith, was told in answer to his own prayer that the Lord will "cause that your bosom shall burn within you" (D&C 9:8).

The final way to receive an answer that I will mention in this article is through other people.  They may not know it, but often times an answer to prayer comes through others.  I know families that were in need of food and prayed for a way to receive some when a neighbor decided to bring over some food.  I've seen this happen with other things, such as a person needing yard work done and a neighbor offering to help.

If we look out for such things mentioned above (and even others not talked about) we will see that the Lord does answer all of our prayers, in his way.

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Follow this link to learn more about the beliefs of Mormonism: http://mormontopics.org/eng/christ

If you have any questions on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ask the missionaries here.  They will do their best to help you out.: http://mormon.org/chat

All photos on this blog post are taken from the LDS Media Library.

Mormonism: A Living Prophet

Thomas S. Monson
Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Photo taken from LDS.org

Apostle M. Russell Ballard was once asked the question:  What makes Mormonism different than other religions?  His answer was a question of his own:  If Moses was alive on the earth today, would you listen to him?  The interviewer responded, saying, "Of course!  Everyone would listen!"  Elder Ballard responded by saying that is what makes us different than other churches.  We have a prophet that has the same authority Moses had in Biblical times.

The Church of Jesus Christ does have a modern-day, living prophet to watch over and lead the church.  As the 6th Article of Faith explains, "We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth."  Among the ancient Church of Jesus Christ were prophets to give the will of the Lord to the people.  The Doctrine and Covenants explains further the role of a prophet:

"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same" (D&C 1:38).

A prophets speak to the church the will of the Lord.  I have heard the question, "What is the need for a prophet to speak on behalf of the Lord when I can pray to the Lord myself?"  While it is true that we can pray to the Lord for ourselves and learn what God wants us to do, we cannot do so on behalf of the entire church.  The church does many wonderful things on a global level - such as sending necessities during natural disasters, or giving food to those that do not have the money for it themselves.  These are things that have been organized by our prophets according to the revelations and inspiration they have received from God.

The prophet is also often called a "seer" or "revelator."  I will only briefly discuss these as I have at an earlier time made a post on this topic specifically.  You can read that earlier post here, if you want to know more: Seers Ancient and Modern.

A Seer, as defined in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Guide to the Scriptures, is "a person authorized of God to see with spiritual eyes things which God has hidden from the world... A seer knows the past, present, and future."

And a revelator is a person with the authority to reveal the will of God to the people.  In this way he is able to guide the people of the Church in righteous ways.

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As is always the case, if you are confused about anything I have said here, or have any additional questions concerning The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism), you are welcome to ask the Mormon missionaries your questions here: http://mormon.org/chat.

What is Mormonism: Articles of Faith - Article #6

A while back I began a series of posts called, "What is Mormonism?" in which I gave my thoughts on the Articles of Faith.  I will now do some more on that.  This post is on Article of Faith #6, which reads as follows:

We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

This article explains just what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints professes to be:  the same church that Christ formed during his ministry.  We believe that during Jesus Christ's mortal life he set up a church.  This can be seen in the words of Paul, when he said:

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."
- Ephesians 4:11-12 -

We believe, as the Article of Faith says, in that same organization.  I now add an excerpt from the words of Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

"I realize that this is quite a claim, especially when we consider all of the other organizations that profess similar authority.  And many of those organizations have been around much longer than our Church.  How can we claim Heavenly Father's full authority when others can trace their ecclesiastical roots back through the middle ages to the time of Christ Himself?  Quite simply, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that God's full authority was lost from the earth for centuries following the mortal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles..." (M. Russell Ballard, Our Search For Happiness, pp. 26).

The apostle Paul spoke of the time this authority would be lost when he wrote "for that day [the Second Coming of Christ] shall not come, except there come a falling away first," (2 Thessalonians 2:3).  Peter, another ancient apostle during the time of Christ, wrote of a "restitution of all things" that must come before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Acts 3:20-21).  How can there be a restitution without a falling away?

We believe that this restitution of all things began in the early nineteenth century when young Joseph Smith prayed in a grove of trees and the heavens were again opened with a new dispensation.  (Read more about the First Vision of Joseph Smith here.)

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If you have any questions concerning Mormonism, Joseph Smith or the Articles of Faith, please ask the missionaries your questions by clicking the picture below.  They will do their best to answer any of your questions.

A Mormonism Christmas

Greetings readers!
Today I wish to speak on Christmas, as that is only a week away from today.  It is such a wonderful time!  For one, the music is different this time of year.  I am not talking about Jingle Bells or the like (although some enjoy those too), but I'm talking about the wonderful songs about Christ.  An example would be the Mormonism Hymn "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."  My personal favorite this year, however, is the song "Carol of the Bells" as performed by the Steven Sharp Nelson.


Christmas is also one of my favorite times to read and reread The Gospels in the Bible - the life of Christ.  What better way to learn about Christmas than to read the origins of it?  The story of Christ's birth is often shared this season, and I will do so now as well.

The Birth of Jesus Christ
1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea  unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inns.
8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:  and they were sore afraid.
10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not:  for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
- Luke 2:1-14 -

But I think it is sad to stop the story there.  As the scripture says, "...unto you is born...a Savior."  His entire life was an example of what we need to do to be saved, and the ultimate act of the Savior was performed during the final days of his mortal life.  The Atonement!  In Gethsemane he took upon him all our afflictions and sins, that we may be granted forgiveness if we keep his commandments.  And in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea yet another great act of salvation was performed.  Christ was resurrected and broke the hold that death had upon all mankind.

It is the summary of all of these things that make this season so wonderful.  The birth of our Redeemer, the example of his life, the mercy found in the Atonement - All of this should be remembered during this wonderful Christmas season.

I leave you with another comic by Arie Van De Graaff:

Let us remember Christ in Christmas.

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Would you like to know more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) or Jesus Christ and his Atonement?  The missionaries are ready to answer any of your questions.  Just ask them here!

Mormonism - Help From the Savior

Today I want to share one of my favorite Mormonism scriptures out of the Book of Mormon.  As I typically do, first the scripture and then my thoughts.

- Alma 7:11-12 -
11. And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.  

Often the part that is emphasized is his taking upon him all of our sins.  Of course that part is true, which is why repentance works, but he did much more than that.  Also shown in this scripture is that he died so that he could bring about resurrection (by first being resurrected himself).  But he did more than that.

I love this scripture so much because it says he even took upon him our pains, sicknesses, and infirmities so that he may succor his people.  This means he knows our sorrows, our physical problems and moral weaknesses.  Because of this he can help us in any situation, knowing perfectly how to succor us, having felt it all himself.

I find it wonderful that we have a Savior that cares so much about us, that if we pray and have faith and follow him then he will give us aid with our infirmities.

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If you have any questions on Christ's Atonement, Prayer, Mormonism or anything else relating to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, then you can simply ask the missionaries your questions (by clicking the picture below).  They will do their best to answer any and all questions.

Mormonism Basics: Sacrament, Pt. 2

Photo by Del Parson
http://www.delparson.com/

This is part two in explaining the Mormonism Sacrament.  If you missed part one you can find it here.

Symbols of the Atonement of Jesus Christ can be found throughout the sacrament.  Indeed, the sacrament itself is all about the Atonement and was first performed by Christ himself.

"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you:  this do in remembrance of me.  Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
- Luke 22:19-20 -

In my post "Sacrifice-Typifying of Christ" I explained some of the symbolism involved in the ancient sacrifices that were made before Christ's coming in the Meridian of Time.  These sacrifices were used as a way to look forward to the coming of Christ, and his sacrifice for us.  So when Christ came and performed his sacrifice the form of our sacrifices changed.  We no longer looked forward to him, but we now look back in remembrance of what he did.  What sacrifice was for ancient saints the sacrament is for us.

Christ's mortal life ended on the cross in Calvary.  His blood was spilt and his body was bruised and broken.  This is all evident in the ordinance of the sacrament.  Bread is broken as a symbol of Christ's body.  And the water is there as a representation of the blood that was spilt.

Also in the sacrament ordinance is the sacrament table, where it is prepared and blessed.  This table is a representation of an altar, whereon is placed the emblems of Christ's body.  This scene is very much a symbol of Christ's body being sacrificed for us.

On the emblems, the bread and water, is placed a white cloth.  What is commonly used to show purity and cleanliness.  And the cloth itself can be looked at as a representation of the cloth that covered Christ in the tomb, later removed when Christ was resurrected.

All throughout the sacrament can be found symbolism and representations that lead us to think of Jesus Christ.

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Interested in learning more about Mormonism or the Sacrament?
Read about it here: https://www.lds.org/topics/sacrament?lang=eng
Or ask a missionary about it here: http://mormon.org/chat

Mormonism Basics: Sacrament, Pt. 1

A sacrament is, by definition, a visible sign of an inward grace.  It is similar to what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints calls an 'ordinance.'  Examples would be baptism, confirmation of the priesthood, marriage, etc.  But when sacrament is mentioned in Mormonism it is most often in reference to the Lord's Supper, or the Holy Sacrament.  For convenience, when I use the word 'Sacrament' in this page I am referring to the Lord's Supper.

As stated earlier these ordinances, such as Sacrament, are visible signs of an inward grace.  That is, they are physical representations of our devotion and promises made to God.  The Sacrament is to remind us of Christ's Atonement as well as allow us to renew the covenants made in baptism.  In this post I'll talk about the baptismal covenants and in part two of this post I'll go over how the Atonement is portrayed in the Sacrament.

Baptism is our way of showing we are willing to follow Christ and keep his commandments.  The clearest explanation of the promises made in baptism can be found in the Doctrine and Covenants:

"And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism - All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church."
- Doctrine and Covenants 20:37 -

When someone is baptized that person is showing he is willing to take upon him "the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end."  When we take the name of the Savior upon us we then must act in a way that would represent what the Savior would do.  If we do this humbly then the Lord promises a remission of our sins and the Spirit as a companion.
*For more on Mormonism baptism, visit the following posts:
- Baptism Explained
- Born of Water and of the Spirit

Taking the sacrament is a renewal of these promises.  We promise as we take the sacrament to do our best to serve Christ in all our doings, and if we can do so with a broken heart and contrite spirit then Christ will remit our sins and give us the Spirit.

You can read part two of Mormonism Sacrament here:
http://holyfruits.blogspot.com/2012/12/mormonism-basics-sacrament-pt-2.html

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Want to know more about Baptism?  Missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can give you more info and help answer any of your questions.  Just ask!

*Click on the picture to chat with a missionary.

Mormonism Music: Elder Czubak's 'A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief'

My favorite song is straight from the Mormonism Hymn Book:  #29 - A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.  Many scriptures come to my mind when I hear this lovely song, but first and foremost is the following passage:

Matthew 25:31-40
31. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32. And before him shall be gathered all nations:  and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35. For I was an hungered  and ye gave me meat:  I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink:  I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36. Naked, and ye clothed me:  I was sick, and ye visited me:  I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38. When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39. Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40. And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

 Also can be used this scripture from the Book of Mormon:

Mosiah 2:17
And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

In these scriptures we see the importance of service as well as the love that God has for his children.  In another post I have shared the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson - "Every man takes care that his neighbor shall not cheat him. But a day comes he begins to care that he does not cheat his neighbor. Then all goes well."  I feel that has a lot to do with this conversation as well.  When we begin to see each other in the way that God sees us we will begin to treat people with charity and love.  When we begin to treat people with charity and love we then show God our love for his children, and therefore our respect and love towards him.

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And now I would like to share with you the song.  Below is a video of me performing the song, and below the video are the lyrics.

A poor wayfaring man of grief hath often crossed me on my way

Who sued so humbly for relief that I could never answer nay

I had not power to ask his name, where to he went, or whence he came

Yet there was something in his eye that won my love, I knew not why

Once while my scanty meal was spread he entered, not a word he spake

Just perishing for want of bread, I gave him all, he blessed it, brake

And ate but gave me part again, mine was an angel's portion then

And while I fed with eager haste the crust was manna to my taste

I spied him where a fountain burst clear from the rock, his strength was gone

The heedless water mocked his thirst, he heard it, saw it hurrying on

I ran and raised the sufferer up, thrice from the stream he drained my cup

Dipped and returned it running over, I drank and never thirsted more

It was night, the floods were out, it blew a winter's hurricane aloof

I heard his voice abroad and flew to bid him welcome to my roof

I warmed and cheered and clothed my guest and laid him on the couch to rest

Then made the earth my bed and seemed in Eden's garden while I dreamed

Stripped, wounded, beaten nigh to death I found him by the highway side

I roused his pulse, brought back his breath, revived his spirit and supplied-

Wine, oil, refreshment, he was healed - I had myself a wound concealed

And from that hour forgot the smart and peace bound up my broken heart

In prison I saw him next condemned to meet a traitor's doom at morn

The tide of lying tongues I stemmed and honored him 'mid shame and scorn

My friendship's utmost zeal to try, he asked if I for him would die

The flesh was weak, the blood ran chill, but my free spirit cried, "I will!"

Then in a moment to my view the stranger started from disguise

The tokens in his hands I knew, the Savior stood before mine eyes

He spake and my poor named he named, "Of me thou hast not been ashamed

These deeds shall thy memorial be - Fear not, thou didst them unto me."

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If you have any questions on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) you are welcome to chat with a missionary about it (click the picture below).

Withstanding Temptation Through Christ

Today's Mormonism message comes from the recordings of St. Matthew.  When we need guidance what better place can we go for help than the scriptures?  And who could be a better teacher than Christ himself?  With that knowledge I'm going to use a story of Christ to explain how we can resist the devil's temptations (and therefore be closer to Christ).

As I typically do, first I'll share the story and then give my explanations and thoughts.

JST Matthew 4:1-11
1. Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be with God.
2. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights and had communed with God, he was afterwards an hungered, and was left to be tempted of the devil,
3. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
5. Then Jesus was taken up into the holy city, and the Spirit setteth him on the pinnacle of the temple.
6. Then the devil came unto him and said, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down:  for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee:  and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
7. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
8. And again, Jesus was in the Spirit, and it taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9. And the devil came unto him again, and said, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan:  for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
11. Then the devil leaveth him...

In the beginning of this, before the Tempter even approached Christ, we read that Jesus was fasting and 'communed with God.'  This is one thing we can do to withstand temptation.

Joseph B. Wirthlin has said:
"Fasting, coupled with mighty prayer, is powerful.  It can fill our minds with the revelations of the Spirit.  It can strengthen us against time of temptation."

After fasting many days the devil approached Jesus, tempting him.  In reply Christ says, "It is written," and then goes on to quote scripture.  Scriptures are another tool we can use to withstand the devil's temptations.  In reading the scriptures we learn the stories of Christ, we learn the gospel, and most importantly we learn about our relationship with God.  And with this knowledge we are better prepared to face trials and temptations.

A family, in the July 2012 Liahona magazine, wrote the following:
"We read the scriptures and study the teachings of Jesus Christ with our parents every evening.  When we hear Church leaders speak in conference and quote stories from the scriptures, we recognize the teachings because we have studied them in our family.  We understand the importance of daily scripture study.  We know we are Heavenly Father's children, that He lives, and that He and Jesus Christ love us."

When we know that Jesus and Heavenly Father love us and we love them, then we are more likely to listen to God's will over the devil's.

The next time Satan approached Jesus Christ to tempt him, Jesus answered with, "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."  Again Christ is showing his knowledge of the scriptures.  With a knowledge of the scriptures comes a knowledge of the commandments of God.  If we know God's commandments then we should already know for ourselves that following Satan's temptations is wrong.

The final time that the devil tempted Jesus the reply from the Savior was, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."  In addition to the scripture just quoted I'd like to add another one:

"No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other.  Ye cannot serve God and Mammon." (3 Nephi 13:24)

With these statements by the Savior we can learn a great truth in connection to withstanding temptation.  If we are serving Christ then we cannot be serving Satan.  We serve Christ by going to church, by showing charity, by doing temple work, etc.  When we are doing these things we are building stronger defenses against temptation.

And now a quick summary.  These are some things we can be doing to withstand the temptations of the adversary, as shown by Christ is his mortal ministry:

• Fasting
• Prayer
• Scripture Study
• Learning/Following the Commandments
• Follow Christ (Church participation, Temple work, etc.)

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As is always the case, if you have any questions you can ask the missionaries. (Click the picture below.)

LEGION: A Powerful Example of Christ's Healing Powers

The very center of Mormonism is Jesus Christ.  It is the Lord Jesus Christ that performed the Atonement that can cleanse all mankind from sins so that they can return to the presence of God.  Alma taught:  "...Have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness." (Alma 7:14.)

One of the greatest examples of Christ's cleansing power, and one of my personal favorite scripture stories, is that of the Legion.  I will now share the story, as recorded in the book of Mark, and then give my thoughts on it.

Mark 5
1. And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
2. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
3. Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
4. Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces:  neither could any man tame him.
5. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
6. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshiped him,
7. And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God?  I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
8. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
9. And he asked him, What is thy name?  And he answered, saying, My name is Legion:  for we are many.
10. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.
11. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.
12. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
13. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave.  And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine:  and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
14. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country.  And they went out to see what it was that was done.
15. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind:  and they were afraid.
16. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
17. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
18. And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
19. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

The real significance of this passage of scripture makes itself known when one understands the Law of Moses.  This law is not practiced as widely as it was in Biblical times, but fortunately for us it was recorded by Moses in the Old Testament.

Christ and his apostles went to the land of the Gadarenes, a Gentile nation.  Up until Peter's vision on the rooftop (Acts 10) the Gentiles were unclean to the Jews.  The man they found lived in the tombs.  According to the Law of Moses, touching dead things was considered unclean (Leviticus 11:31-32).  This man was possessed by unclean devils.

The scripture attests that this man was always "crying, and cutting himself with stones."  It is possible that this man was so tormented with the legion of devils that he wanted to die (hence the cutting himself and living in the tombs).

It is not known how long this man was possessed by these devils, but eventually Jesus Christ showed up.  The Lord then cast out the devils from this man thoroughly considered unclean by the Jews.  As if to further prove his cleansing powers God then allows the legion to enter into a herd of swine.  Again the Law of Moses teaches that these animals are unclean (Leviticus 11:7).

In one final demonstration of cleansing, the swine run into the sea.  Water is a great symbol of cleanliness or becoming clean.  (Consider baptism by water.)

Christ Jesus is the master-healer.  Because of his infinite atonement there is no one that is too far out of his loving reach.  Just as Christ was able to clean this 'unclean' man from the devils, so can Christ heal us, through his atonement, heal us from our pains and sins.

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Any Questions?
If you have any questions concerning Mormonism you can ask the missionaries here:
http://mormon.org/chat

History of Mormonism Hymns - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

It is now the Christmas season.  Let us not forget what this time of celebration is all about - Christ!  And so, in my attempt to spread the Christmas cheer, I share the history of another hymn of Mormonism - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.

The Story Behind the Hymn
In 1861 the Civil War broke out.  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was one of the men living in New England at the time.  In July Henry's wife died, just a couple days before their anniversary.  Two years later his son was mortally wounded as a soldier in the war.  All of these were undoubtedly on his mind when he wrote the words: "For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men."
But Christmas did come even in the midst of great war, and the church bells rang out.  At this time the true meaning of Christmas must have struck home - "God is not dead nor doth he sleep."  Because of Christ's atonement that was made for the love of all men we can have hope even in the darkest of times.

When listening to this hymn the words of Elder Holland often come to mind:
"It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines."
- The Laborers in the Vineyard, General Conference, April 2012 -

The Words of the Hymn

I heard the bells on Christmas day.  Their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom had rolled along the unbroken song of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:  "There is no peace on earth," I said, "For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:  "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men."

Till, ringing, singing, on its way, the world revolved from night to day.  A voice, a chime, a change sublime, of peace on earth, good will to men!

Let's remember this Christmas season the love of Christ and what he has done for us.  "For the Lord thy God is a merciful God; he will not forsake thee..." (Deuteronomy 4:31).

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Want More?
History of Mormonism - http://mormontopics.org/eng/christ
Listen to 'I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - http://www.lds.org/music/library/...Longfellow
Question on Mormonism? - http://mormon.org/chat