We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
As a kid I liked memorizing this article of faith because I felt that I had taken these steps and really understood these first principles. Now as an adult I think about each of these principles and they each have so much meaning and such deep doctrine behind them. I also have a strong testimony of each of these principles separately and each I could probably discuss in more detail, but for now I'll just discuss a little on each.
First, Faith-in order to feel the desire to become a member of the church you must feel within your heart and have faith that this gospel and the doctrines taught at church are true. You must understand that Jesus Christ has provided a way for us to get back to live with Heavenly Father.
Second, Repentance-if you have gained faith, then you will want to change. You will have a desire to be more like Christ. I have often had these feelings of wanting in my heart to be better and improve. I have had things that I know I want to be better at and having that desire prepares me to make the necessary changes in my life.
Third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins-once you have made the changes in your life and attitude you need help becoming clean, which can only be done through Christ's help. Baptism is the ordinance required to be cleansed. Then every week when taking the sacrament, those covenants are renewed. It is wonderful to be able to take the sacrament weekly and renew those commitments and renew our faith and understanding of what Christ has done to bring us back to Heavenly Father.
Fourth, Laying on the Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost-As a new member of the Church we are given this gift and sometimes we forget that it is available to us. Even though I probably don't use it as I should, I know that I have used the Holy Ghost guide me in aspects of my life. Probably the most important thing that the Holy Ghost has helped me with is my decision on marriage. One day my dad gave me this lecture all about marriage being the most important decision of my life. It was so overwhelming to me. I panicked, because I knew that this decision needed to be made and I was only 19. I thought how do I, at 19, make a decision that will affect me at 40 and me at 65 and me at 80 and me through eternity with out having any idea what things will be important to me at those stages of life. Then I realized I have the gift of the Holy Ghost guide me and tell me what will be the right decision. It was such a comfort to me then, and still is now, that because of that gift, I could feel completely at ease that I was being directed by the Holy Ghost on the right person to be with forever. (By the way: I know I made the right decision!!)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Behold Your Little Ones
In 3 Nephi there is an account about children that I love.
12 So they brought their little children and set them down upon the ground round about him, and Jesus stood in the midst; and the multitude gave way till they had all been brought unto him.
13 And it came to pass that when they had all been brought, and Jesus stood in the midst, he commanded the multitude that they should akneel down upon the ground.
21 And when he had said these words, he awept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and bblessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.
22 And when he had done this he wept again;
23 And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.
Last night we had a stake adult session of conference and one of the things we talked about was how we can teach our children to have faith. I don't have children now, but I get to teach them each week in Primary. The speaker talked about teaching our children how to pray and read the scriptures for themselves. There was a time when I wondered if children of 8 were old enough to make the decision to be baptized, but after being in the primary I have seen how intelligent and spiritually smart these kids are. I know that they are able to understand and make these decisions.
I remember as a child being asked by my primary teacher if I had felt the spirit. I distinctly recall the first time I specifically felt the Holy Ghost speak to me through the still small voice. I was saying my own personal prayers and I felt the spirit witness to me that my Heavenly Father loved me. I don't know what I was praying about, but I recall feeling the warmth and reassurance that Heavenly Father heard me. I was only about 7 or 8 years old and I know if he would be there for me as a child he loves all his children just as much. I am grateful for that knowledge and I want the children I teach in primary and eventually my own children to know that. I want to teach them to learn how to pray and listen for the spirit, because I know if they do they will feel it.
12 So they brought their little children and set them down upon the ground round about him, and Jesus stood in the midst; and the multitude gave way till they had all been brought unto him.
13 And it came to pass that when they had all been brought, and Jesus stood in the midst, he commanded the multitude that they should akneel down upon the ground.
21 And when he had said these words, he awept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and bblessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.
22 And when he had done this he wept again;
23 And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.
Last night we had a stake adult session of conference and one of the things we talked about was how we can teach our children to have faith. I don't have children now, but I get to teach them each week in Primary. The speaker talked about teaching our children how to pray and read the scriptures for themselves. There was a time when I wondered if children of 8 were old enough to make the decision to be baptized, but after being in the primary I have seen how intelligent and spiritually smart these kids are. I know that they are able to understand and make these decisions.
I remember as a child being asked by my primary teacher if I had felt the spirit. I distinctly recall the first time I specifically felt the Holy Ghost speak to me through the still small voice. I was saying my own personal prayers and I felt the spirit witness to me that my Heavenly Father loved me. I don't know what I was praying about, but I recall feeling the warmth and reassurance that Heavenly Father heard me. I was only about 7 or 8 years old and I know if he would be there for me as a child he loves all his children just as much. I am grateful for that knowledge and I want the children I teach in primary and eventually my own children to know that. I want to teach them to learn how to pray and listen for the spirit, because I know if they do they will feel it.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Article of Faith #3
We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
I feel this is an important principle that some may not completely understand or my misconstrue. When I googled information about my religion I found many blogs that liked to criticize my beliefs. One of the things they thought was wrong was our belief that some work on our part is required to be exhalted. I also know that many religions believe that all that is required is to say you believe in Christed and you are saved.
I believe that Christ has the power to save us, but He requires the we keep His commandments. I believe that our Heavenly Father wants us to live moral lives where we choose the right. I believe that keeping the commandments is an evidence or our commitment to the Lord. That along with the Atoning sacricfice of our elder brother, Jesus Christ, will allow us to have eterna life. For that I am truly grateful!
I feel this is an important principle that some may not completely understand or my misconstrue. When I googled information about my religion I found many blogs that liked to criticize my beliefs. One of the things they thought was wrong was our belief that some work on our part is required to be exhalted. I also know that many religions believe that all that is required is to say you believe in Christed and you are saved.
I believe that Christ has the power to save us, but He requires the we keep His commandments. I believe that our Heavenly Father wants us to live moral lives where we choose the right. I believe that keeping the commandments is an evidence or our commitment to the Lord. That along with the Atoning sacricfice of our elder brother, Jesus Christ, will allow us to have eterna life. For that I am truly grateful!
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