Why is a Prophet So Important To Me?

Sorry it has been so long since I have wrote. I have been writing my story lately and have not attended to my blog. I have been thinking alot about the message we have to share. How it has influenced my life and why it matters to me. I have been thinking alot about prophets and the importance of them.


As we read in the Old Testament and in the New Testament there are certain individuals that Christ ordained to be His servant's. They are prophets and apostles. Is there a prophet now? Doesn't God love us like He loved them? The answer to both of these questions are YES! There is a living modern day prophet like Moses and Noah here upon the earth. God loves us today. As we know He gave His Only Begotten Son to come show us the way. He suffered for our pains, afflictions, sicknesses and infirmities. He died upon the cross for us. He was resurrected on the third day! His Son Jesus Christ did all of this for us so we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. That is evidence that God loves us today! Another piece of evidence is His prophet and apostles. Who are they may you ask? Well as President Dieter F. Ucthdorf says, "Let me tell you!"

The First Presidency

The prophet is President of THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Today his name is Thomas S. Monson. I testify that he is called of God and is a living modern day prophet. His counselors are Henry B. Eyring (1st Counselor), Dieter F. Uchtdorf (2nd Counselor). In the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles we have the following:
President Boyd K. Packer (Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)
Elder L. Tom Perry
Elder Russell M. Nelson
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Elder M. Russell Ballard
Elder Richard G. Scott
Elder Robert D. Hales
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Elder David A. Bednar
Elder Quentin L. Cook
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Elder Neil L. Anderson

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Biographies of the Prophets and Apostles
What is a prophet or apostle? Each of the previous men we sustain as prophets, seers and revelators. They hold Special Keys to guide and direct THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS under the direction of Jesus Christ Himself.
Elder Holland states,
" I wish to say something this morning of the apostleship and the importance of its perpetuation in the true Church of Jesus Christ. In so doing I speak not of the men who hold that office but rather of the office itself, a calling in the holy Melchizedek Priesthood which the Savior Himself has designated for the watchcare of His people and the witnessing of His name."


Prophets and Apostles Testimonies of the Savior

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are blessed to be led by living prophets—inspired men called to speak for the Lord, as did Moses, Isaiah, Peter, Paul, Nephi, Mormon, and other prophets of the scriptures. We sustain the President of the Church as prophet, seer, and revelator—the only person on the earth who receives revelation to guide the entire Church. We also sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators.

Like the prophets of old, prophets today testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel. They make known God's will and true character. They speak boldly and clearly, denouncing sin and warning of its consequences. At times, they may be inspired to prophesy of future events for our benefit.

We can always trust the living prophets. Their teachings reflect the will of the Lord, who declared: “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).

Our greatest safety lies in strictly following the word of the Lord given through His prophets, particularly the current President of the Church. The Lord warns that those who ignore the words of the living prophets will fall (see D&C 1:14-16). He promises great blessings to those who follow the President of the Church:

“Thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me."

How can we know?

The Savior taught us, "Ye shall know them by their fruits." Meaning do they do good or evil. If they do good it is of God. If they do evil it is of the Devil. We should pray to gain a testimony to know if they are God's chosen servants.

The Gospel Principles book says the following about prophets:

"Prophets Are God’s Representatives on the Earth

“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).

Many people live in darkness, unsure of God’s will. They believe that the heavens are closed and that people must face the world’s perils alone. How fortunate are the Latter-day Saints! We know that God communicates to the Church through His prophet. With grateful hearts, Saints all over the world over sing the hymn, “We thank thee, O God, for a prophet to guide us in these latter days” (Hymns, no. 19).

A prophet is a man called by God to be His representative on earth. When a prophet speaks for God, it is as if God were speaking (see D&C 1:38). A prophet is also a special witness for Christ, testifying of His divinity and teaching His gospel. A prophet teaches truth and interprets the word of God. He calls the unrighteous to repentance. He receives revelations and directions from the Lord for our benefit. He may see into the future and foretell coming events so that the world may be warned.

A prophet may come from various stations in life. He may be young or old, highly educated or unschooled. He may be a farmer, a lawyer, or a teacher. Ancient prophets wore tunics and carried staffs. Modern prophets wear suits and carry briefcases. What, then, identifies a true prophet? A true prophet is always chosen by God and called through proper priesthood authority (see Articles of Faith 1:5).

Latter-day Saints sustain the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles as prophets. However, when we speak of “the prophet of the Church,” we mean the President of the Church, who is President of the high priesthood."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Today I had the opportunity to be taught by Elder D. Todd Christofferson. An Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was such an incredible opportunity to listen directly to one of the Lord's servant's. To be taught and instructed on what we can do to further the work of God. He stood where he has been appointed and bore powerful testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and His reality. He testified with power of God the Father. He testified that they truly know and care for each one of us. It was just so amazing. The Spirit that was brought was incredible. The Spirit testified to us in the meeting about the things that were spoken.

It is so very important for me to know that we have a prophet leading and guiding the Church. He holds the Priesthood Keys or the authority to act in God's name. I testify of this. I know Thomas S. Monson and all the apostles have been called of God. I am so happy to be able to follow their counsel into freedom. I know that if you pray to know you will come to know of these men and their calling. You will know that they have been called of God. They can direct us in these tough times and this is so comforting. It is also proof to me that God loves us. This is why Prophets are so important to me. This I testify of in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! 

An Ancient Record

Why is the Book of Mormon so important to those of the LDS faith? Have you ever seen somebody walking around with a Book of Mormon in their hand? Have you ever wondered what it is? Have you ever desired to read "the most correct of any book on earth" as Joseph Smith said? Well if you have ever wanted to know more about the Book of Mormon you are on a path that can lead to eternal life only after following its teachings.

As a missionary we go out with the Book of Mormon in our hand and always thinking about it in our heart and studying it in our mind. We have come to know what this book can bring to any man, woman or child. We go about sharing the message of the Book of Mormon. We go around giving our life if needs be to spread the good word of God. We give all knowing what Heavenly Father has instore for those who do not yet have the fulness of the Gospel in their lives. So with this said what is contained in the Book of Mormon? "It is a record of God's dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel."(Introduction) The Book of Mormon was written by the ancestors of the Native Americans. It was written by prophets just like the Bible. The Book of Mormon does not take away from the Bible but adds a second witness of the Master Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon as stated in the Introduction it was written in the ancient americas whereas the Bible was written in ancient Jerusalem. Introduction states, "The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites(a group of people) soon after His resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of Salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come."

The ancient record or the Gold Plates were preserved from generation to generation until the Prophet Moroni sealed them up until the day that they were to be brought forth. The Angel Moroni appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and directed him to these ancient records which were buried in a hill called Cumorah. Joseph Smith translated the record from ancient text that nobody on earth knew to english by the Power of God. The only way that this could have been was by the power of God.


God new that so many people were going to be stubborn and hard headed like in the scriptures and want tangible evidence of this record. So He provided the Gold Plates to be shown to eleven other men by the Power of God. These eleven men are special witnesses of the truth and divinity of the Book of Mormon. These eleven men bore witness of the plates and all that was contained in them. They bore testimony about the Prophet Joseph Smith and the work which was accomplished through him. The tangible evidence that everyone looks for is the testimonies of these witnesses and the Book of Mormon itself. They can know by reading the Book of Mormon, pondering the message it contains in their hearts and then by asking God if the Book of Mormon is true. If they pray with a sincere heart, having faith in Christ and real intent they will come to know the Book of Mormon is true by the power of the Holy Ghost. "Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is His revelator in the last days, and that THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS is the Lord's kingdom once again established prepatory to the second coming of the Messiah.


I do witness unto all that read this that I know by the Power of the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that you to can find this out by the same power if you so desire. I know that Jesus Christ appeared to the people here in the Americas. I know with all my soul that the Book of Mormon will change your life for the best and bring you salvation if you heed to the principles and gospel found therein.

For a free copy of the Book of Mormon, please call
1 (888) 537-2200

Building a Testimony

Well building a testimony is an eternal process. For our earthly life we are going to be going by faith. For after the resurrection we will not be acting by faith after we see our Savior Jesus Christ. We will have a perfect knowledge. But first we need to know the basics. What is a testimony? How do we build a testimony?

Elder Robert D. Hales, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

You can gain your testimony the same way the prophets gained theirs—through the witness of the Spirit.

"Our testimony comes by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. The testimony received and carried within us enables us to hold a steady course in times of prosperity and to overcome doubt and fear in times of adversity. Each of us needs to know what a testimony is, how we can get it, and what our responsibilities are once we have received a testimony.

A testimony is the spirit of prophecy (see Rev. 19:10). It is a personal revelation from God, revealing the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. A testimony comes through the Holy Ghost; it makes a deep and lasting impression on the soul.

Individual testimonies are the foundation and strength of the Church. Our testimony provides a guiding light that leads to a commitment which directs our conduct and our way of life. Our testimony is true north on a spiritual compass. It is a moving force that cannot be seen but can truly be felt. It is a burning within that tells us what is right. It is when, as President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) said, “your heart tells you things your mind doesn’t know” (Speeches of the Year, 1973, 101).

Our testimony is the fruit of obedience in the form of peace, joy, and understanding in our hearts of gospel principles. A testimony is a shield of faith “wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (D&C 27:17).

Our testimony is a measurement of our faith. Faith is testimony; testimony is faith. Having a strong testimony allows us to help others in their search for truth. Our testimony is a gift from God. It should be shared, but we do not have the authority to bestow a testimony upon someone else, because a personal testimony is granted by the Holy Ghost. It can aid others in gaining knowledge for themselves—a knowledge abiding in the heart that leaves no room for doubt.

Our testimony is a knowledge of who we are, where we came from, and where we are going eternally if we are faithful. We must each gain such a testimony if we are to withstand the trials and adversities of mortality and go on to the glorious eternal future we all desire.

What do we learn about testimony from the lives and teachings of the prophets of God? We learn that a testimony is very personal. We can each gain a testimony of the truth through the Holy Ghost.

People often ask me, “How do you know? How can you know that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ?” While there seems to be no exact formula by which each of us receives a testimony, there does seem to be a discernable pattern. Though prayer is important in gaining a testimony, we cannot merely ask in prayer for a testimony and expect it to be given immediately to us.

Generally, testimony emerges over time and through life’s experiences. We can compare testimony to the process of watching a photograph develop. Powerful impressions of the Spirit come like flashes of light on receptive photographic film. Like the chemicals needed to develop the picture, certain spiritual conditions and experiences are needed in our lives for our personal testimony to develop into a certain truth and knowledge. And like a photograph, a testimony, if not carefully preserved, will fade with time.

Testimonies often come when there is willingness to serve where we are called. They come when a decision is made to strive to be obedient. Testimonies come during efforts to help, lift, and strengthen others. They come from prayer and from studying the scriptures and applying them in our lives. Whatever our circumstances, there seem to be moments in each of our lives when we can be given the knowledge that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ. There is no greater search in life that we can embark upon than the quest to gain a testimony of the truth.

While each of our lives is different, I believe we can, with some confidence, outline from the testimony of others, such as the prophets, and our personal experience the process and phases we go through to gain a testimony:

Continue to pray. Have a sincere desire to know the truth and express that desire in humble prayer to our Heavenly Father. “If ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you” (Alma 32:27).

Search the scriptures. The scriptures are filled with the testimonies of those who have gone before. Even they, though long dead, can reach our heart and bring peace to our minds and direction to our lives.

Ponder gospel principles. Think about them. Test them with further prayer. Relate them to what we know and feel. All the truths we will learn can eventually fit together into a fervent, undoubting testimony.

Be humble and receptive. Have ears to hear when Heavenly Father leads us to someone who can teach us about the gospel of Jesus Christ. This may be a teacher, family member, neighbor, friend, or acquaintance. It might be a missionary who contacts us through tracting or referral. But know that once we pray, study, and have faith with a desire to learn spiritual matters, the Lord will provide a way for us to gain further light and knowledge.

Live our testimony. We must obediently follow the Savior’s teachings and the prophets’ examples. Our testimony and example will assist others who are searching for the truth.

Share our testimony. “O that I were an angel,” proclaimed Alma, “and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God” (Alma 29:1). Let others know that we know. Bear our testimony in fast meeting. Tell our family; tell our friends. We will find when we share our testimony it becomes stronger, and there are many others around us who also want to embrace the truth.

Be willing to endure the test of time. Do not think that it is easy to maintain a testimony. Others will test us. Sometimes they will point the finger of mockery and scorn. Sometimes they may persecute you openly. Be prepared. Know in advance that the best of God’s children have had the courage of true conviction and were willing to suffer ridicule, deprivation, and even death for the sake of true testimony. Is each of us willing to do likewise?

We also know that if we do not continue faithful in the testimony that is imparted to us by the Spirit, then the light dwindles until it is extinguished. A testimony must be constantly nourished and defended, or it will waste away.

I wish to bear my own testimony in the strongest and most direct manner possible. I know that God lives. I bear witness to the reality and divinity of His Son Jesus Christ, who leads this Church, and who reveals the word of the Father to our generation. I bear my testimony to the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, the eternal nature of the priesthood, the calling of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and the assurance that God has again spoken through a living prophet." (New Era, August 2002)

Here you have just read a testimony from a modern day prophet, seer and revelator. Take this testimony and let it work in you until you have your own. Rely on his testimony until you have your own. 

Prophet of the Restoration

Joseph Smith-Prophet of the Restoration

Joseph Smith—Prophet of the Restoration

Tad R. CallisterOf the Second Quorum of the Seventy

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Through Joseph Smith have been restored all the powers, keys, teachings, and ordinances necessary for salvation and exaltation.

Suppose for a moment someone told you these three facts about a New Testament personality and nothing more: first, the Savior said of this man, “O thou of little faith” (Matthew 14:31); second, this man, in a moment of anger, cut off an ear of the high priest’s servant; and third, this man denied knowing who the Savior was on three occasions, even though he had walked with Him daily. If that is all you knew or focused upon, you might have thought this man a scoundrel or a no-good, but in the process you would have failed to come to know one of the greatest men who ever walked the earth: Peter the Apostle.

Similarly, attempts have been made by some to focus upon or magnify some minor weaknesses of the Prophet Joseph Smith, but in that process they too have missed the mark, the man, and his mission. Joseph Smith was the Lord’s anointed to restore Christ’s Church to the earth. When he emerged from the grove of trees, he eventually learned four fundamental truths not then taught by the majority of the contemporary Christian world.

First, he learned that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, are two separate, distinct beings. The Bible confirms Joseph Smith’s discovery. It tells us that the Son submitted His will to the Father (see Matthew 26:42). We are moved by the Savior’s submission and find strength in His example to do likewise, but what would have been the depth and passion of Christ’s submission or the motivational power of that example if the Father and the Son were the same being and in reality the Son was merely following His own will under a different name?

The scriptures give further evidence of this great truth: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16). A father offering up his only son is the supreme demonstration of love that the human mind and heart can conceive and feel. It is symbolized by the touching story of Abraham and Isaac (see Genesis 22). But if the Father is the same being as the Son, then this sacrifice of all sacrifices is lost, and Abraham is no longer offering up Isaac—Abraham is now offering up Abraham.

The second great truth Joseph Smith discovered was that the Father and the Son have glorified bodies of flesh and bones. Following the Savior’s Resurrection, He appeared to His disciples and said, “Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have” (Luke 24:39). Some have suggested this was a temporary physical manifestation and that when He ascended to heaven He shed His body and returned to His spirit form. But the scriptures tell us this was not possible. Paul taught, “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him” (Romans 6:9). In other words, once Christ was resurrected, His body could never again be separated from His spirit; otherwise He would suffer death, the very consequence Paul said was no longer possible after His Resurrection.

The third truth that Joseph Smith learned was that God still speaks to man today—that the heavens are not closed. One need but ask three questions, once proposed by President Hugh B. Brown, to arrive at that conclusion (see “The Profile of a Prophet,” Liahona, June 2006, 13; Ensign, June 2006, 37). First, does God love us as much today as He loved the people to whom He spoke in New Testament times? Second, does God have the same power today as He did then? And third, do we need Him as much today as they needed Him anciently? If the answers to those questions are yes and if God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, as the scriptures so declare (see Mormon 9:9), then there is little doubt: God does speak to man today exactly as Joseph Smith testified.

The fourth truth that Joseph Smith learned was that the full and complete Church of Jesus Christ was not then upon the earth. Of course there were good people and some components of the truth, but the Apostle Paul had anciently prophesied that the Second Coming of Christ would not come “except there come a falling away first” (2 Thessalonians 2:3).

Following Joseph Smith’s First Vision, the Restoration of Christ’s Church commenced “line upon line, precept upon precept” (D&C 98:12).

Through Joseph Smith was restored the doctrine of the gospel being preached to the dead in the spirit world to those who did not have a fair chance on earth to hear it (see D&C 128:5–22; see also D&C 138:30–34). This was not the invention of a creative mind; it was the restoration of a biblical truth. Peter had long ago taught, “For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit” (1 Peter 4:6). Frederic W. Farrar, the well-known Church of England author and theologian, made the following observation about this teaching of Peter: “Every effort has been made to explain away the plain meaning of this passage. It is one of the most precious passages of Scripture, and it involves no ambiguity. … For if language have any meaning, this language means that Christ, when His Spirit descended into the lower world, proclaimed the message of salvation to the once impenitent dead” (The Early Days of Christianity [1883], 78).

Many teach that there is one heaven and one hell. Joseph Smith restored the truth that there are multiple heavens. Paul spoke of a man who was caught up into the third heaven (see 2 Corinthians 12:2). Could there be a third heaven if there was no second heaven or first heaven?

In many ways the gospel of Jesus Christ is like a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle. When Joseph Smith came on the scene, perhaps 100 pieces were in place. Then Joseph Smith came along and put many of the other 900 pieces in place so that people could say, “Oh, now I understand where I came from, why I am here, and where I am going.” As for Joseph Smith’s role in the Restoration, the Lord defined it clearly: “This generation shall have my word through you” (D&C 5:10).

In spite of this flood of restored biblical truths, some honest searchers have commented: “I can accept these doctrines, but what about all those angels and visions Joseph Smith claimed to have? It seems so hard to believe in modern times.”

To those honest searchers, we lovingly respond: “Were there not angels and visions in Christ’s Church in New Testament times? Did not an angel appear to Mary and to Joseph? Did not angels appear to Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration? Did not an angel rescue Peter and John from prison? Did not an angel appear to Cornelius, then to Paul before he was shipwrecked and to John on the Isle of Patmos? Did not Peter have a vision of the gospel going to the Gentiles, Paul a vision of the third heaven, John a vision of the latter days, and Stephen a vision of the Father and Son?”

Yes, Joseph Smith did see angels and visions—because he was the instrument in God’s hands to restore the same Church of Jesus Christ as existed in primitive times—all of its powers as well as all of its doctrines.

Yet sorrowfully, on occasion, some are willing to set aside the precious gospel truths restored by Joseph Smith because they get diverted on some historical issue or some scientific hypothesis not central to their exaltation, and in so doing they trade their spiritual birthright for a mess of pottage. They exchange the absolute certainty of the Restoration for a doubt, and in that process they fall into the trap of losing faith in the many things they do know because of a few things they do not know. There will always be some seemingly intellectual crisis looming on the horizon as long as faith is required and our minds are finite, but likewise there will always be the sure and solid doctrines of the Restoration to cling to, which will provide the rock foundation upon which our testimonies may be built.

When many of Christ’s followers turned from Him, He asked His Apostles, “Will ye also go away?”

Peter then responded with an answer that should be engraved on every heart: “To whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:66–68).

If someone turns from these restored doctrines, where will he go to learn the true nature of God as taught in the grove of trees? Where will he go to find the doctrines of the premortal existence, baptism for the dead, and eternal marriage? And where will he go to find the sealing powers that can bind husbands and wives and children beyond the grave?

Through Joseph Smith have been restored all the powers, keys, teachings, and ordinances necessary for salvation and exaltation. You cannot go anywhere else in the world and get that. It is not to be found in any other church. It is not to be found in any philosophy of man or scientific digest or individual pilgrimage, however intellectual it may seem. Salvation is to be found in one place alone, as so designated by the Lord Himself when He said that this is “the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth” (D&C 1:30).

I bear my witness that Joseph Smith was the prophet of the Restoration, just as he claimed to be. I echo the strains of that stirring hymn: “Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!” (“Praise to the Man,” Hymns, no. 27). In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Walking with the Savior

Have you ever dreamed of walking with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Now some of you are thinking to yourself. "That is cool but I would burn because of my imperfections." Well sure enough none of us are perfect. We all make mistakes, some are bigger than others. Sometimes I have just imagined what it would truly be like to have walked with the Savior as the Apostles in the New Testament. Could you imagine seeing the Savior stretch out His hand to help somebody who is struggling soo much. 

Lets go to a story in the New Testament in the Book of Matthew.
Matthew 8:1-3
"1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. 
2 And behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was clean."

Here we have a story of someone who was sick. For all those who don't know anything about leprosy:

"Leprosy is an infectious disease that has been known since biblical times. It is characterized by disfiguring skin sores, nerve damage, and progressive debilitation."

(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002323/)

Because of his Faith in Jesus Christ he was healed.  There are many more stories like this in the Bible.  Could you imagine having witnessed what just happened in these scriptures. Could you imagine the faces of the people around. The thoughts of all who witnessed. Some were probably just like, "Wait a second,what just happened here?" Well there are other stories like what the people thought. Lets go to

Matthew 9:2-7
2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
5 For whatever is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
7 And he arose and departed to his house.
Here they who saw Jesus Christ did not believe Him. They lacked faith and did not trust in the Son of God. He even gave them a witness that He is the Son of God by healing the sick of the palsy. What more can He show you to believe?

We all know the story of Judas Iscariot. He received thirty pieces of Silver for giving the Savior to the chief priests. Jesus knew what was going to happen. He know that Judas was going to sell Him. This was part of the plan from before the world was.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said

"This was also a telling time among those who knew Jesus more personally. The most difficult to understand in this group is Judas Iscariot. We know the divine plan required Jesus to be crucified, but it is wrenching to think that one of His special witnesses who sat at His feet, heard Him pray, watched Him heal, and felt His touch could betray Him and all that He was for 30 pieces of silver. Never in the history of this world has so little money purchased so much infamy. We are not the ones to judge Judas’s fate, but Jesus said of His betrayer, “Good [were it] for that man if he had not been born."

Judas Iscariot walked with the Savior just as many of us wish we could. He saw Him perform the miracles. He saw Him help those who stood in need of help. He saw the perfect teacher teaching the Children of God. Who could honestly refuse the Savior? Unfortunately many of us do when we sin. Other times the Spirit may tell us to do something and we refuse the help by ignoring it. Maybe we aren't face to face with the Savior but imagine how He feels when He is wanting to give us everything but we ignore it. It hurts me to know that there are many times in life where I didn't listen to His counsel. His advice may have come through the prophets or the apostles or even our parents and friends. In Amos 3:7 it states, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets." Our Loving God will help us through the words of His living modern day prophets. I know there is a living prophet today!

After we have went through some stories of the Bible we can walk with the Savior. In the Doctrine and Covenants(modern day scripture/revelation given to modern day prophets) it states in Section 84:88 it states, "And whoso receiveth  you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."

If that is not enough evidence for you that you can walk with the Savior lets turn to the Old Testament in Isaiah 41:10 it states, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengethen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Here again we have the Saviors promise that He is with us. If you do not yet believe and desire to believe then ask God if He truly is there, because if He wants you to know He will tell you by the power of the Holy Ghost. Watch your feelings as you pray. I know and I testify that God will answer your prayers. I know and I do testify that when we are doing what is right the Savior is there with us. Just as that scripture said in the Doctrine and Covenants His angels shall be round about us. This is so comforting to know especially in these wicked days. You can walk with the Savior especially in the hard times. But you have to fulfill your duty by keeping His commandments.

Jesus is the Christ! He is our Lord and Savior. He is the Only Begotten Son of the Father. He is not dead but is Risen!

What A Glorious Easter Time!

Well my second Easter away from home. Oh wow! Already you got to be crazy? That is probably what some of you are thinking. Well let me tell you that is what I am thinking.


Why do we celebrate Easter?



President Ezra Taft Benson
"The Meaning of Easter"

"I cannot recall a time that I did not believe in Jesus Christ. It seems that the reality of His life, death, and resurrection has always been a part of me. I was reared in a home by faithful parents who earnestly believed in and testified of Christ, for which I am most grateful.

The greatest events of history are those that affect the greatest number of people for the longest periods. By this standard, no event could be more important to individuals or nations than the resurrection of the Master.

The literal resurrection of every soul who has lived and died on earth is a certainty, and surely one should make careful preparation for this event. A glorious resurrection should be the goal of every man and woman, for resurrection will be a reality.

Nothing is more absolutely universal than the resurrection. Every living being will be resurrected. “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Cor. 15:22.)

The scriptural record tells us that on the third day following Jesus’ crucifixion, there was a great earthquake. The stone was rolled back from the door of the tomb. Some of the women, among the most devoted of His followers, came to the place with spices “and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.”

Angels appeared and said simply, “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.” (Luke 24:3–6.) Nothing in history equals that dramatic announcement: “He is not here, but is risen.”

The fact of our Lord’s resurrection is based on the testimonies of many credible witnesses. The risen Lord appeared to several women, to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, to Peter, to the Apostles; and “after that,” as Paul reported, “he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once. … And last of all he was seen of [Paul] also.” (1 Cor. 15:6, 8.)

Throughout the forty days subsequent to His resurrection, the Lord manifested Himself at intervals and gave instructions pertaining to the kingdom of God. Much that He said and did is not written, but such things as are of record, John assures us, “are written, that [we] might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing [we] might have life through his name.” (John 20:31; italics added.)

The Savior told His followers that He must soon ascend to His Father in heaven. As the time of His ascension drew near, the Lord, in that last solemn interview, gave His parting instructions to His disciples.

When Christ and the disciples had gone “as far as to Bethany,” where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived, He “lifted up his hands, and blessed them.” (Luke 24:50.) When He had spoken, He was taken up until a cloud received Him out of their sight. As the Apostles stood gazing toward heaven, two personages clothed in white apparel appeared. They spoke to those assembled, saying, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9–11.)

Worshipfully and with great joy, the Apostles returned to Jerusalem. The Lord’s ascension was accomplished. Now the disciples began to comprehend more fully some of His last words: “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33.) Because of Christ, the grave had no permanent victory. Death was overcome!

Following His ascension, He appeared to the inhabitants of America as chronicled in the Book of Mormon. Then in modern times the Prophet Joseph Smith testified of the appearance of the Redeemer of the world in these words:

“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him.” (D&C 76:22–23.)

As one of His latter-day witnesses, I testify that He lives today. He is a resurrected Being. He is our Savior, our Lord, the very Son of God. I testify that He will come again as our glorified, resurrected Lord. That day is not far distant. To all who accept Him as Savior and Lord, His literal resurrection means that life does not end at death, for He promised: “Because I live, ye shall live also.” (John 14:19.)"

President Benson here in his testimony declared that He is a resurrected Being. The Atonement of Jesus Christ or His suffering and death on the cross is the most important act of love that has ever happened on this earth.

In the Book of Mormon in 3 Nephi chapter 11-28 it talks about the resurrected Lord coming and ministering to the people here in the Ancient Americas. In Chapter 11 Jesus Christ descends from Heaven to teach our Heavenly Fathers children. He came here because he loves all. In that day they could not just get on the phone and call around the world. They could not just get on a plane and fly wherever they would like and tell everyone. It would takes months to get news from one side of the world to the other. In the Book of Mormon they prophesied of the Lord Jesus Christ. They had Faith that He would come. And He did so come and teach them. He set forth His Gospel so there was no disputations among men. He set forth His baptism so there was only one way. He set His was in all things. How blessed we are to have the Bible and The Book of Mormon to teach us about our Savior. We are so fortunate because the people in the Ancient Americas could not go on the internet and look up any talk that they wanted. Joseph Smith the Prophet of the Restoration could not do this. They acted in Faith and followed the scriptural teachings. This is why we are so blessed and need to use all of these resources and study upon our Savior. Study His life, His death, His resurrection, His example. Study it all. Your relationship with Him will be strengthened and you will feel a difference in your life. I know that to be true. I make that promise and I tell all to experiment upon it and see if it does not draw you closer to Him. If you prayerfully and sincerely do it your joy and excitement will be beyond measure because of your relationship with our Master Jesus Christ.

I know that we will be able to stand with Him one day and feel the prints in His hands and His feet. How Glorious this will be. Jesus truly is the Christ. He has broke the bands of death for all that all may become as He is. Having a perfect, glorified and immortal body. He has a body of flesh and bones just as His Father has also. This will be so incredible. All will be Risen!

What is the Book of Mormon?

Many people look at the Book of Mormon and just look away because they have always been told that it is just a Latter-day Saint version of the Bible. Well I am here to tell you you have been mislead. Who ever told you that has never actually read the Book of Mormon. They have never actually studied the Book of Mormon itself. It is not Joseph Smith's version of the Bible. It is as it says on the front cover of the Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ. El Libro de Mormon Otro Testamento de JesuCristo. I am here to more explain the Book of Mormon and the prophecies in the Bible about the Book of Mormon.




Prophecies about Book of Mormon
In the Old Testament in the Book of Ezekiel in chapter 37 verse

15The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,

 16Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions:

 17And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.

We know the Bible is the Stick of Judah. And well many people do not know how to explain the Stick of Joseph. The Stick of Joseph was written by the descendants of Joseph. In the Book of Mormon in the Book of 1st Nephi it talks about this. In the Book of Mormon it starts out with the Prophet Lehi. He is in Jerusalem and in the first few chapters of the Book of Mormon. In the fifth chapter fourteenth verse it states, "And it came to pass that my father, Lehi, also found upon the plates of brass a genealogy of his fathers; wherefore he knew that he was a descendant of Joseph; yea, even that Joseph who was the son of Jacob, who was sold into Egypt, and who was preserved by the hand of the Lord, that he might preserve his father, Jacob, and all his household from perishing with famine." Before this his sons were commanded to go back to Jerusalem to obtain the record of genealogy for Lehi. The reason they left is they were commanded to by God because people were seeking to kill Lehi like any other prophet. So here in this verse from the Book of Mormon it talks about them being descendants of Joseph in the Bible. This fulfills prophecy from the Book of Mormon. It also talks about in those verses in Ezekiel how the Stick of Judah and Stick of Joseph will be one in hand. And we have copies of the Bible and the Book of Mormon. This is incredible to know. Now that I have talked about the prophecies in the Bible lets talk about what the Book of Mormon is.

Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel. (taken from the Introduction) It is not the Bible but is comparable to the Bible. The Book of Mormon was recorded between the years of 600 B.C. and 400 A.D.. It starts out in Jerusalem and then they build a ship as commanded by God and sail across the Ocean to the Americas. That is why it says as stated above, "A record of God's dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the America's." It was written here in the America's.  The Book of Mormon talks about the wars that happened here in the America's. It tells of the time that Jesus Christ after His resurrection came here to the America's and taught the people. Our God is a loving God so why wouldn't He come and teach His people here? This record is in the Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi chapters 11-28. It foretells the coming of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ throughout The Book of Mormon.

How can we know it is true?
The last Prophet in the Book of Mormon gave us a promise to finding out if the Book of Mormon is true. In this he said in Moroni chapter 10 verses 3-5,

"3Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

4And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

5And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

Here he promises us that if we ask God our Eternal Father in the name of Christ, really wanting to know He will tell us by the power of the Holy Ghost. Which means by our thoughts and feelings. The Spirit is described as a still small voice not a voice of thunder or being really loud. It comes softly and we have to be looking for our answer with no distractions. This is how all men and women may come to know if the Book of Mormon is true. God is willing to tell us but we have to be willing to listen for His answer. Usually he does not hit us in the head with a 2x4. But by good and uplifting thoughs and feelings. This is how I came to know that the Book of Mormon is true, and because of the answer I received I desire to tell all about The Book of Mormon. I know how much it will bless others lives as it has blessed mine and my families lives. We have to really want to know if it is true otherwise God will not tell us. We can't take mans word for it we need to ask God for our answer. We need to be willing to share our testimony of it in order to receive our answer.

When we receive our answer because it is only true or false and if it is true then that means that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, that Jesus is the Christ our Savior and Redeemer, and that the Priesthood of God has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith meaning the authority given to act in God's name. It also means that THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS is the Lord's Kingdom here upon this earth prepatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah. Meaning that the LDS Faith has the Fulness of the Everlasting Gospel, Priesthood Restored, a Living Prophet of God,  

I am not saying that any other church is bad. I am just saying they don't have the fulness of the Gospel as described in the Book of Mormon. They still teach truth but they don't have all of the truth. Is is either true or not. The only way to find out is by asking God if THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAYS SAINTS is His kingdom here upon the earth.

 JEFFREY R. HOLLAND QUORUM OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES

“[I] give [my name] unto the world, to witness unto the world that which [I] have seen.” And like them, “[I] lie not, God bearing witness of it.” ¹³

I ask that my testimony of the Book of Mormon and all that it implies, given today under my own oath and office, be recorded by men on earth and angels in heaven. I hope I have a few years left in my “last days,” but whether I do or do not, I want it absolutely clear when I stand before the judgment bar of God that I declared to the world, in the most straightforward language I could summon, that the Book of Mormon is true, that it came forth the way Joseph said it came forth and was given to bring happiness and hope to the faithful in the travail of the latter days.

My witness echoes that of Nephi, who wrote part of the book in his “last days”:

“Hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, … and they teach all men that they should do good.

“And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day.”

2 Nephi 25:26

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."

With this I bear my witness of the Living reality of our God. I bear my witness that Jesus is teh Christ. I know the Book of Mormon truly is Another Testament of Jesus Christ. I have prayed about it and God has told me it is true. I know you have felt the Spirit as you have read this. That is the same spirit that will tell you The Book of Mormon is true. Heed to the words spoken and read and pray about The Book of Mormon. I know and promise it will bless your life. This I testify of this in the Sacred Name of our Savior and Redeemer. Jesus Christ. Amen.

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