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.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Article of Faith #5
We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
I think this one is very straightforward, but essential in what set my religion apart from other religions. The ordinances discussed in the last post including baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost are not valid unless they are given by somebody who has the authority to give it. The only way to have to authority is to be given the authority from God. I know that the priesthood holders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints have the authority.
I think this one is very straightforward, but essential in what set my religion apart from other religions. The ordinances discussed in the last post including baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost are not valid unless they are given by somebody who has the authority to give it. The only way to have to authority is to be given the authority from God. I know that the priesthood holders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints have the authority.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Article of Faith #4
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!!)
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 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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