We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
Today I was reading Joseph Smith History. It talks about when Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. At that time he was only 14 years old. He saw them after he prayed and asked God which church he should join. Then God and Jesus appeared to him to tell him that he shouldn't join any of them, because none of them had the complete truth or the authority. He wanted to tell his minister about it. I can (sort of) imagine what he was going through. He prayed and not only recieved answer to his prayers, but had God appear to him. After that experience he decides to tell a spiritual leader in his town about the experience. Which makes sense, the spiritual leader would probably be the most likely person to believe this sort of experience. He tells the minister and not only does the minister not believe him, but he tells him it is of the devil because revelation and vision are not on the earth anymore.
I believe that they are still on the earth. I believe that at certain times God will give these gifts to people to help further His work and strengthen His kingdom. I believe that the other gifts do happen and I believe that Heavenly Father still does allow these gifts and miracles to come about.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Article of Faith #6
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
When I was on my surgery rotation I started talking to one of the doctor's I worked with about the organization of the church. As I told him about it, it was reaffirmed in my mind that this is the way Jesus wants his church on the earth to be established and that I belong to a church that has all on the gospel keys that were on the earth when Christ was here. I know that the Prophet on the earth right now, President Thomas S Monson, is Heavenly Father's mouthpiece to the world and that his guidance and direction is from God. I am grateful for that knowledge.
When I was on my surgery rotation I started talking to one of the doctor's I worked with about the organization of the church. As I told him about it, it was reaffirmed in my mind that this is the way Jesus wants his church on the earth to be established and that I belong to a church that has all on the gospel keys that were on the earth when Christ was here. I know that the Prophet on the earth right now, President Thomas S Monson, is Heavenly Father's mouthpiece to the world and that his guidance and direction is from God. I am grateful for that knowledge.
The Atonement
Around Christmas time I was preparing a lesson to teach the children that the ancient prophets talked about Christ before he came. I was reading Isaiah 53.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Heavenly Father was "pleased" and "satisfied" to see his son suffer. Why? What father wants their beloved son to suffer? But the reason is because Heavenly Father loves all of us to much that he was willing to let Jesus suffer for us. He allowed it, so that we would not have to go through the same suffering and so that we could come back and live with him. Jesus Christ is described, in several verses in the Doctrine and Covenants, (6:20-21&32-37, 19:1-3, 29:1-2, 38:1-3, 43:3-5) with grandeur and might. Yet even with his glory, power and perfection; he was willing to die for me and suffer for the sins that I commit. Not only did he willingly suffer for me, but when he did it pleased Heavenly Father to know that we would then all have the chance to repent and return to Him.
So how can I show gratitute for this sacrifice? I can live in righteousness and employ the atonement in my life often. I can serve and love his children. I can read my scriptures to know how He would have me live. I can pray for strength, comfort and guidance on what the Lord would ask of me.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Heavenly Father was "pleased" and "satisfied" to see his son suffer. Why? What father wants their beloved son to suffer? But the reason is because Heavenly Father loves all of us to much that he was willing to let Jesus suffer for us. He allowed it, so that we would not have to go through the same suffering and so that we could come back and live with him. Jesus Christ is described, in several verses in the Doctrine and Covenants, (6:20-21&32-37, 19:1-3, 29:1-2, 38:1-3, 43:3-5) with grandeur and might. Yet even with his glory, power and perfection; he was willing to die for me and suffer for the sins that I commit. Not only did he willingly suffer for me, but when he did it pleased Heavenly Father to know that we would then all have the chance to repent and return to Him.
So how can I show gratitute for this sacrifice? I can live in righteousness and employ the atonement in my life often. I can serve and love his children. I can read my scriptures to know how He would have me live. I can pray for strength, comfort and guidance on what the Lord would ask of me.
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