I just read in a novel about a character who believes he has to believe that God is so big and mysterious that he is unknowable or else he couldn't believe in him.
Interesting.
It made me wonder what the author believes. I know I've heard people say the same thing at different times.
For me it is just the opposite. If I didn't believe in a God who has a body, whose image and likeness we were created after, everything else would be just a bunch of gibberish.
For me, a father, especially a Heavenly Father, must be someone I can understand. Not that I understand all he knows and understands, just that I can know I came from him.
Do I believe in a wrathful God of destruction? No, I do believe in a God who knows me, understands me, knows what I go through day to day, and wants me to be happy.
Do I believe in a God who makes everything happen so I have to live a certain way?
No. I believe that God guides our lives if we choose to follow. I believe that I have a choice to follow or not follow. I believe I really can choose right or wrong, light or darkness, and he will let me.
If I choose wrong I believe I will reap the consequences, because I believe there is a right and wrong. Sometimes choosing which is which is difficult since sometimes there doesn't seem to be an easy or right choice. But, I believe if we keep trying to always take the best path, keep trying to be good, try to do right, that we'll get back to be with him.
We'll see him as a man, with arms and legs, a body, a face, a mouth that can smile.
I believe he'll smile when he sees us again. I believe he loves us and wants us to do good, be good, good enough to return and live with him again.
He loves us. He loves me.
He loves you. Find out more at mormon.org.
Showing posts with label god. Show all posts
Showing posts with label god. Show all posts
Where, Why, Where
Where were we before this life?
Why are we here?
Where are we going after this life is over?
Where were we before this life?
We lived in heaven with God.
He is our Heavenly Father, we were his spirit children in that pre-earth existence.
He knew that as spirits we wouldn't have all the experiences we needed to learn and grow and so he proposed to us that we come to earth and have all the experiences that earth could bring.
There was a problem however. If we came to earth, we could sin and we wouldn't be worthy to be with God.
God proposed that there be someone who could pay for our sins for us. Our brother Jesus said he would be our savior and pay for our sins and all the glory would be God's.
Satan proposed that he would force everyone to do right and he would take the glory.
God wanted us to have the ability to choose to do right, so he accepted Christ as our savior.
Satan rebelled against God and with a third of God's children he was cast out of God's presence. He and his hosts came to earth where they would tempt and try us and get us to sin.
From Revelations
We are here to learn everything we can in life.
We are here to decide whether to follow God or not.
We are here to become as much as we can be.
We will be judged on what we do.
Where are we going after this life is over?
We will be judged after this life according to what we know and have done.
Everyone, after death, will be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and have the opportunity to accept or reject it.
We will be judged.
If we were righteous or repented, and were baptized we will go live with God in a degree of glory called the Celestial Kingdom.
If we were good people but weren't baptized and didn't keep the commandments we will live in a degree of glory called the Terrestrial Kingdom where God does not come.
If we were evil we will go to a place called the Telestial Kingdom where God and Christ do not come.
Those who knew without doubt of Christ in this life and rejected him will go to a place called outer darkness where Satan and his followers will be.
From 1 Corinthians 15
40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
How do we know these things? From a living prophet.
Need more? Go to mormon.org
Why are we here?
Where are we going after this life is over?
Where were we before this life?
We lived in heaven with God.
He is our Heavenly Father, we were his spirit children in that pre-earth existence.
He knew that as spirits we wouldn't have all the experiences we needed to learn and grow and so he proposed to us that we come to earth and have all the experiences that earth could bring.
There was a problem however. If we came to earth, we could sin and we wouldn't be worthy to be with God.
God proposed that there be someone who could pay for our sins for us. Our brother Jesus said he would be our savior and pay for our sins and all the glory would be God's.
Satan proposed that he would force everyone to do right and he would take the glory.
God wanted us to have the ability to choose to do right, so he accepted Christ as our savior.
Satan rebelled against God and with a third of God's children he was cast out of God's presence. He and his hosts came to earth where they would tempt and try us and get us to sin.
From Revelations
- 3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
- 4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
- 5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
- 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
- 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
- 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
- 9 And the great dragon was acast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
- 13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
We are here to learn everything we can in life.
We are here to decide whether to follow God or not.
We are here to become as much as we can be.
We will be judged on what we do.
Where are we going after this life is over?
We will be judged after this life according to what we know and have done.
Everyone, after death, will be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and have the opportunity to accept or reject it.
We will be judged.
If we were righteous or repented, and were baptized we will go live with God in a degree of glory called the Celestial Kingdom.
If we were good people but weren't baptized and didn't keep the commandments we will live in a degree of glory called the Terrestrial Kingdom where God does not come.
If we were evil we will go to a place called the Telestial Kingdom where God and Christ do not come.
Those who knew without doubt of Christ in this life and rejected him will go to a place called outer darkness where Satan and his followers will be.
From 1 Corinthians 15
40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
How do we know these things? From a living prophet.
Need more? Go to mormon.org
What does a living prophet say?
We Mormons believe in a living prophet. There has been one at the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since the early 1800s.
The current one is Thomas S. Monson.
So, what have living prophets said?
1. One of the important ones for the last 20 years is to stay out of debt.
Sound like that could have been important in these wonderful economic times?
Could have saved all those people who went crazy with huge homes they couldn't afford, toys and stuff that buried them in mountains of debt and bankruptcy.
What else have they said?
2. To reserve Monday nights for a "Family Home Evening" where the parents spend time with their kids, teaching them, playing games with them and being a real family.
3. To maintain a years supply of food in case of emergencies. Could that have helped all the people struggling right now? Duh!
4. To maintain several months of emergency income where possible. Ditto Duh!
5. To follow the Savior's life and example and try to be like him.
"What?" you may say. "Mormon prophet asks people to follow the Savior? I thought they didn't believe in Christ!"
Surprise! Just because we believe that Christ actually expects us to do something with our lives and not merely accept him as our Savior to return to live with him, people say we don't believe in him. That's dumber than a box of rocks.
6. To live a morally clean life and not have sex outside marriage.
How many people would that have saved from sexually transmitted diseases, divorce and much more.
7. To be truly happy you must serve others.
Look at the unhappy people in the world that believe that the world revolves around them and the pursuit of money. Guess who's right and whose wrong.
Many churches teach that God stopped talking to us after Christ and the apostles died and that God never speaks to us anymore.
Guess who's wrong?
There is contact with God through a living prophet who helps us know what God wants for us and that will help us live good happy lives.
It's true! More info at mormon.org
The current one is Thomas S. Monson.
So, what have living prophets said?
1. One of the important ones for the last 20 years is to stay out of debt.
Sound like that could have been important in these wonderful economic times?
Could have saved all those people who went crazy with huge homes they couldn't afford, toys and stuff that buried them in mountains of debt and bankruptcy.
What else have they said?
2. To reserve Monday nights for a "Family Home Evening" where the parents spend time with their kids, teaching them, playing games with them and being a real family.
3. To maintain a years supply of food in case of emergencies. Could that have helped all the people struggling right now? Duh!
4. To maintain several months of emergency income where possible. Ditto Duh!
5. To follow the Savior's life and example and try to be like him.
"What?" you may say. "Mormon prophet asks people to follow the Savior? I thought they didn't believe in Christ!"
Surprise! Just because we believe that Christ actually expects us to do something with our lives and not merely accept him as our Savior to return to live with him, people say we don't believe in him. That's dumber than a box of rocks.
6. To live a morally clean life and not have sex outside marriage.
How many people would that have saved from sexually transmitted diseases, divorce and much more.
7. To be truly happy you must serve others.
Look at the unhappy people in the world that believe that the world revolves around them and the pursuit of money. Guess who's right and whose wrong.
Many churches teach that God stopped talking to us after Christ and the apostles died and that God never speaks to us anymore.
Guess who's wrong?
There is contact with God through a living prophet who helps us know what God wants for us and that will help us live good happy lives.
It's true! More info at mormon.org
If you saw God, what would he look like?
Some people would think this is a weird question because they believe God is some flaming ball of light.
I don't.
I believe that if God was to appear to you that you would recognize him. You know him because you were with Him before you came to this life.
I believe that because He is our Father. He happens to be in heaven, but he is the father of our spirits.
He has a body. We were created in His image.
We can't be in His image if he is a flaming ball of light, or someone who fills the entire universe.
He loves you. He cares what you are doing. Just like any father, He wants to hear from you.
He knows what you need and what you want, but He wants to hear it from you.
If He gave you everything you needed when He knew you needed it, this life wouldn't be much of a test.
Ask Him. He is there.
It's true.
I don't.
I believe that if God was to appear to you that you would recognize him. You know him because you were with Him before you came to this life.
I believe that because He is our Father. He happens to be in heaven, but he is the father of our spirits.
He has a body. We were created in His image.
We can't be in His image if he is a flaming ball of light, or someone who fills the entire universe.
He loves you. He cares what you are doing. Just like any father, He wants to hear from you.
He knows what you need and what you want, but He wants to hear it from you.
If He gave you everything you needed when He knew you needed it, this life wouldn't be much of a test.
Ask Him. He is there.
It's true.
Trinity - Do Mormons Believe 3 in 1?
Do we believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost?
Absolutely!
Do we believe that they are one glommed together person?
Absolutely not.
Why would God be so different than those He created in his image?
We aren't glommed together as multiple individuals. We are individuals.
God is our Heavenly Father, Jesus is our brother and the Holy Ghost is the one who helps us feel God's inspiration in our lives to help guide us to do right.
God is a person. He is our God, but he is a person with a body. Why is that so hard for some to believe.
I know that many teach that he is unreachable, unknowable, unfathomable, and absolutely beyond our ability to understand.
He is our Father. He is our God. He loves us.
He wants what is best for us.
He doesn't want our fear, he wants us to love Him, as He loves us.
He is there, He will listen, He does listen.
He is not a they, a them. He is God. Jesus is His Son. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit without a body.
He has restored the truth to the earth. Find out more. mormon.org
Absolutely!
Do we believe that they are one glommed together person?
Absolutely not.
Why would God be so different than those He created in his image?
We aren't glommed together as multiple individuals. We are individuals.
God is our Heavenly Father, Jesus is our brother and the Holy Ghost is the one who helps us feel God's inspiration in our lives to help guide us to do right.
God is a person. He is our God, but he is a person with a body. Why is that so hard for some to believe.
I know that many teach that he is unreachable, unknowable, unfathomable, and absolutely beyond our ability to understand.
He is our Father. He is our God. He loves us.
He wants what is best for us.
He doesn't want our fear, he wants us to love Him, as He loves us.
He is there, He will listen, He does listen.
He is not a they, a them. He is God. Jesus is His Son. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit without a body.
He has restored the truth to the earth. Find out more. mormon.org
I, a Mormon, believe in Jesus Christ!
People say Mormons are not Christians.
Those people don't know what they are talking about.
They say Mormons don't believe in the same Jesus they believe in.
What do they believe in?
A Jesus who, along with the Holy Ghost, is crammed together in one person with God.
A Jesus who was crucified so all you have to do is say you accept him as your Savior and you are taken care of.
A Jesus who didn't think you need to do anything else in life, just accept him.
Is that what I believe?
No. I believe in a Jesus who is the Son of his father, God.
Who prayed to his Father.
Who, when Jesus was baptized, had God, his Father, say, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." What person talks about himself as his own son?
Who prayed in to His Father, God, Gethsemane asking God if it were possible that the cup pass from him.
Who, while on the cross commended his spirit into God's hands.
Who was seen by Stephen, when he was being stoned, "on the right hand of God." People really believe he was standing beside himself? Not me.
I believe in a Jesus who was the begotten Son of God. God in heaven and Jesus on earth.
I believe that he was in the temple, talking to the learned men, and told Mary he was about "my Father's business." Not his own business.
I believe in a Christ that healed the sick, the blind, and brought back the dead.
I believe in a Christ who said that he came to take upon him the sins of the world.
I believe in a Christ who said that the sinners won't suffer if we will repent, but if they do not repent they must suffer "even as I."
I believe in a Christ who saved the world from sin, but did not believe that all you need to do in this life is say you accept him as your savior and you are saved regardless of what you do.
I believe in a Christ who believed that we must follow him, keep the commandments and always remember him.
I believe in a Christ who, with his Father, God, helped us come to earth so we could make our own decisions about whether we would follow him. God loved us enough to let us decide on our own instead of forcing every person to return to him.
I believe in a Christ who was crucified for the world, to save us all from death and our sins.
I believe in a Christ who was resurrected and because of his resurrection we will all be resurrected regardless of sin or not. Everyone will be resurrected. Not everyone will return to live with God.
I believe in a Christ who knew that there would be an apostasy after his death and a falling away and a loss of the truth of the gospel.
I believe in a Christ, who in the early 1800's restored the complete truth to the earth along with his Church with apostles and a prophet. That prophet was Joseph Smith.
I believe in a Christ who still guides that church today through a living prophet.
That church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It is His Church. It was restored for the world. It was restored for you.
It's time to find out more. Find truth at mormon.org
Those people don't know what they are talking about.
They say Mormons don't believe in the same Jesus they believe in.
What do they believe in?
A Jesus who, along with the Holy Ghost, is crammed together in one person with God.
A Jesus who was crucified so all you have to do is say you accept him as your Savior and you are taken care of.
A Jesus who didn't think you need to do anything else in life, just accept him.
Is that what I believe?
No. I believe in a Jesus who is the Son of his father, God.
Who prayed to his Father.
Who, when Jesus was baptized, had God, his Father, say, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." What person talks about himself as his own son?
Who prayed in to His Father, God, Gethsemane asking God if it were possible that the cup pass from him.
Who, while on the cross commended his spirit into God's hands.
Who was seen by Stephen, when he was being stoned, "on the right hand of God." People really believe he was standing beside himself? Not me.
I believe in a Jesus who was the begotten Son of God. God in heaven and Jesus on earth.
I believe that he was in the temple, talking to the learned men, and told Mary he was about "my Father's business." Not his own business.
I believe in a Christ that healed the sick, the blind, and brought back the dead.
I believe in a Christ who said that he came to take upon him the sins of the world.
I believe in a Christ who said that the sinners won't suffer if we will repent, but if they do not repent they must suffer "even as I."
I believe in a Christ who saved the world from sin, but did not believe that all you need to do in this life is say you accept him as your savior and you are saved regardless of what you do.
I believe in a Christ who believed that we must follow him, keep the commandments and always remember him.
I believe in a Christ who, with his Father, God, helped us come to earth so we could make our own decisions about whether we would follow him. God loved us enough to let us decide on our own instead of forcing every person to return to him.
I believe in a Christ who was crucified for the world, to save us all from death and our sins.
I believe in a Christ who was resurrected and because of his resurrection we will all be resurrected regardless of sin or not. Everyone will be resurrected. Not everyone will return to live with God.
I believe in a Christ who knew that there would be an apostasy after his death and a falling away and a loss of the truth of the gospel.
I believe in a Christ, who in the early 1800's restored the complete truth to the earth along with his Church with apostles and a prophet. That prophet was Joseph Smith.
I believe in a Christ who still guides that church today through a living prophet.
That church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It is His Church. It was restored for the world. It was restored for you.
It's time to find out more. Find truth at mormon.org
Can you get God's Authority from a College / University?
This is an interesting question.
The answer is no.
Can an organization that never had God's authority to train his ministers give authority from God to the people they train?
No
The only way to get God's authority is from God or Christ.
Since most people think God stopped talking to anyone after Christ was crucified and all those that Christ gave authority died off before any churches really started, NO ONE had authority to start a church. And, because they didn't have authority to start a church, they certainly didn't have authority to perform baptisms or any other ordinances.
There was an apostacy, or falling away where God's authority was lost and was lost for 1800+ years.
In the early 1820's God and Jesus appeared to Joseph Smith, who had prayed to discover which church he should join.
He was told to join none of them because the true church wasn't on the earth. They said that all the churches were filled with the teachings of men mingled with scripture.
They also told him that through Joseph, they would restore the truth and God's authority to the earth.
They did. It is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has God's authority directly from God and Jesus. It has the authority to perform baptisms and other ordinances necessary for our salvation.
It is true. Find out more at mormon.org
The answer is no.
Can an organization that never had God's authority to train his ministers give authority from God to the people they train?
No
The only way to get God's authority is from God or Christ.
Since most people think God stopped talking to anyone after Christ was crucified and all those that Christ gave authority died off before any churches really started, NO ONE had authority to start a church. And, because they didn't have authority to start a church, they certainly didn't have authority to perform baptisms or any other ordinances.
There was an apostacy, or falling away where God's authority was lost and was lost for 1800+ years.
In the early 1820's God and Jesus appeared to Joseph Smith, who had prayed to discover which church he should join.
He was told to join none of them because the true church wasn't on the earth. They said that all the churches were filled with the teachings of men mingled with scripture.
They also told him that through Joseph, they would restore the truth and God's authority to the earth.
They did. It is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has God's authority directly from God and Jesus. It has the authority to perform baptisms and other ordinances necessary for our salvation.
It is true. Find out more at mormon.org
Church in Favor of California Prop 8? Oh No!
The Church is “Accused” of being in Favor of California Proposition 8 which is against same-sex marriage!
Duh!
Those who are gay or lesbian and their friends and families are aghast that the Church would tiptoe across the borders from Utah and try to influence something in California that is none of Utah’s business.
They think that a church’s beliefs are supposed to stop at a border? So, what about the million or so members of the Church in California? Is the Church supposed to have commandments that are followed differently in California than in the rest of the world?
We follow Christ’s teachings about going out to all the world to spread his word. That really does mean don’t stop at political borders or country borders. Go to All the world and teach all the commandments, not just the ones that are politically pleasing.
People talk about gay marriage as a civil rights issue. Go ahead and try and convince yourself of that. What about marriage between brother and sister? Between a parent and a child? Between a grandparent and a child? Aren’t they just as much that civil rights problem? Where does it stop? What about marriage between a 40 year old man and a 10 year old girl? Got a problem yet? Isn’t that a civil rights issue?
Does the Church teach that sex between members of the same sex is wrong?
Yes.
What about abortion. Does the Church teach that it is a sin?
Yes.
What about drinking and smoking? Is that wrong?
Yes. Through revelation 175 years ago, the Lord revealed that those substances are harmful and should not be used. It took just about 150 years for the medical science to catch up and realize the same thing.
Does the Church teach honesty?
Yes. Should it keep that belief within the borders of Utah?
What about baptism for the remission of sins?
Yep, it teaches that. Should that be kept within Utah, or even just Salt Lake City? I don't think so.
What about loving all people? Isn’t the Church teaching hate by supporting the ban on gay marriage?
The Church teaches what the Lord has said to teach. It teaches against sin of all types. Sex between members of the same sex is a sin. Period. However, the Lord, and his Church, teach to love all, but you don't love the sin.
The Church also teaches other things about sex are wrong, such as sex between any two people who are not married, sex between a married person and someone who is not their spouse. Even, surprise, touching another person in a sexual way is considered wrong if that person is not your spouse.
People doing the complaining are okay about the Church going beyond Utah’s borders to help those in need physically, but not okay when the Church is trying to help people spiritually.
It's funny that they complain that the Church was involved, but they don't talk about anyone on the side supporting their side. Hmmmm. Wonder why they don't let all the information come to light.
We believe that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the church Jesus Christ began when he was on the earth. We believe the truth and his authority was lost after he and the apostles were killed. It had to be restored. It has been and his commandments now are just as important as they were when he gave them.
Civil rights issue? Nope. It’s a moral issue, or maybe just an immoral one.
Duh!
Those who are gay or lesbian and their friends and families are aghast that the Church would tiptoe across the borders from Utah and try to influence something in California that is none of Utah’s business.
They think that a church’s beliefs are supposed to stop at a border? So, what about the million or so members of the Church in California? Is the Church supposed to have commandments that are followed differently in California than in the rest of the world?
We follow Christ’s teachings about going out to all the world to spread his word. That really does mean don’t stop at political borders or country borders. Go to All the world and teach all the commandments, not just the ones that are politically pleasing.
People talk about gay marriage as a civil rights issue. Go ahead and try and convince yourself of that. What about marriage between brother and sister? Between a parent and a child? Between a grandparent and a child? Aren’t they just as much that civil rights problem? Where does it stop? What about marriage between a 40 year old man and a 10 year old girl? Got a problem yet? Isn’t that a civil rights issue?
Does the Church teach that sex between members of the same sex is wrong?
Yes.
What about abortion. Does the Church teach that it is a sin?
Yes.
What about drinking and smoking? Is that wrong?
Yes. Through revelation 175 years ago, the Lord revealed that those substances are harmful and should not be used. It took just about 150 years for the medical science to catch up and realize the same thing.
Does the Church teach honesty?
Yes. Should it keep that belief within the borders of Utah?
What about baptism for the remission of sins?
Yep, it teaches that. Should that be kept within Utah, or even just Salt Lake City? I don't think so.
What about loving all people? Isn’t the Church teaching hate by supporting the ban on gay marriage?
The Church teaches what the Lord has said to teach. It teaches against sin of all types. Sex between members of the same sex is a sin. Period. However, the Lord, and his Church, teach to love all, but you don't love the sin.
The Church also teaches other things about sex are wrong, such as sex between any two people who are not married, sex between a married person and someone who is not their spouse. Even, surprise, touching another person in a sexual way is considered wrong if that person is not your spouse.
People doing the complaining are okay about the Church going beyond Utah’s borders to help those in need physically, but not okay when the Church is trying to help people spiritually.
It's funny that they complain that the Church was involved, but they don't talk about anyone on the side supporting their side. Hmmmm. Wonder why they don't let all the information come to light.
We believe that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the church Jesus Christ began when he was on the earth. We believe the truth and his authority was lost after he and the apostles were killed. It had to be restored. It has been and his commandments now are just as important as they were when he gave them.
Civil rights issue? Nope. It’s a moral issue, or maybe just an immoral one.
Why do we need a living prophet?
We believe there is a living prophet at the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The living prophet today is Thomas S. Monson.
Why is having a living prophet important?
Think of the issues that exist today that didn't exist when the bible was put together. All of those issues can be addressed by a living prophet.
Do you really think God stopped loving us and stopped talking to us as a result?
I don't think so.
Do you really think that God ran out of things to tell us?
I think there are probably at least 3 or 4 things left he might want to tell us.
What can a living prophet with authority from God do that a minister with only authority from a college or university do?
He can tell you what the Lord wants you to do, what to focus on, how to live. Things that are wrong today he might want to warn us about. Many, like the Internet didn't exist during bible times. Wouldn't you want to see what feelings God has about it?
What messages has the living prophet, one of 15 prophets who have led the Church since the restoration of the gospel after a personal visitation of God and Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith, spoken about in the last few years? - quotes from Thomas S. Monson
“The problems of our day loom ominously before us. Surrounded by the sophistication of modern living, we look heavenward for that unfailing sense of direction, that we might chart and follow a wise and proper course. He whom we call our Heavenly Father will not leave our sincere petition unanswered.”
.......................
"Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved."
.......................
"Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows."
.......................
"He invites you and me to receive Him. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
.......................
"I know without question, my brothers and sisters, that God lives. I testify to you that this is His work. I testify as well that our Savior Jesus Christ is at the head of this Church, which bears His name. I know that the sweetest experience in all this life is to feel His promptings as He directs us in the furtherance of His work."
.......................
"In the private sanctuary of one’s own conscience lies that spirit, that determination to cast off the old person and to measure up to the stature of true potential. In this spirit, we again issue that heartfelt invitation: Come back. We reach out to you in the pure love of Christ and express our desire to assist you and to welcome you into full fellowship. To those who are wounded in spirit or who are struggling and fearful, we say, Let us lift you and cheer you and calm your fears. Take literally the Lord’s invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
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"I would encourage members of the Church wherever they may be to show kindness and respect for all people everywhere. The world in which we live is filled with diversity. We can and should demonstrate respect toward those whose beliefs differ from ours.
Why is having a living prophet important?
Think of the issues that exist today that didn't exist when the bible was put together. All of those issues can be addressed by a living prophet.
Do you really think God stopped loving us and stopped talking to us as a result?
I don't think so.
Do you really think that God ran out of things to tell us?
I think there are probably at least 3 or 4 things left he might want to tell us.
What can a living prophet with authority from God do that a minister with only authority from a college or university do?
He can tell you what the Lord wants you to do, what to focus on, how to live. Things that are wrong today he might want to warn us about. Many, like the Internet didn't exist during bible times. Wouldn't you want to see what feelings God has about it?
What messages has the living prophet, one of 15 prophets who have led the Church since the restoration of the gospel after a personal visitation of God and Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith, spoken about in the last few years? - quotes from Thomas S. Monson
“The problems of our day loom ominously before us. Surrounded by the sophistication of modern living, we look heavenward for that unfailing sense of direction, that we might chart and follow a wise and proper course. He whom we call our Heavenly Father will not leave our sincere petition unanswered.”
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"Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved."
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"Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows."
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"He invites you and me to receive Him. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
Who was this Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief? Who is the King of glory, this Lord of hosts? He is our Master. He is our Savior. He is the Son of God. He is the Author of our Salvation. He beckons, “Follow me.” He instructs, “Go, and do thou likewise.” He pleads, “Keep my commandments.”
Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude.
Brothers and sisters, my sincere prayer is that we may adapt to the changes in our lives, that we may realize what is most important, that we may express our gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey.".......................
"I know without question, my brothers and sisters, that God lives. I testify to you that this is His work. I testify as well that our Savior Jesus Christ is at the head of this Church, which bears His name. I know that the sweetest experience in all this life is to feel His promptings as He directs us in the furtherance of His work."
.......................
"In the private sanctuary of one’s own conscience lies that spirit, that determination to cast off the old person and to measure up to the stature of true potential. In this spirit, we again issue that heartfelt invitation: Come back. We reach out to you in the pure love of Christ and express our desire to assist you and to welcome you into full fellowship. To those who are wounded in spirit or who are struggling and fearful, we say, Let us lift you and cheer you and calm your fears. Take literally the Lord’s invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
.......................
"I would encourage members of the Church wherever they may be to show kindness and respect for all people everywhere. The world in which we live is filled with diversity. We can and should demonstrate respect toward those whose beliefs differ from ours.
May we also demonstrate kindness and love within our own families. Our homes are to be more than sanctuaries; they should also be places where God’s Spirit can dwell, where the storm stops at the door, where love reigns and peace dwells.
The world can at times be a frightening place in which to live. The moral fabric of society seems to be unraveling at an alarming speed. None—whether young or old or in-between—is exempt from exposure to those things which have the potential to drag us down and destroy us. Our youth, our precious youth, in particular, face temptations we can scarcely comprehend. The adversary and his hosts seem to be working nonstop to cause our downfall.
We are waging a war with sin, my brothers and sisters, but we need not despair. It is a war we can and will win. Our Father in Heaven has given us the tools we need in order to do so. He is at the helm. We have nothing to fear. He is the God of light. He is the God of hope. I testify that He loves us—each one.
Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order to be tested, we must sometimes face challenges and difficulties. At times there appears to be no light at the tunnel’s end—no dawn to break the night’s darkness. We feel surrounded by the pain of broken hearts, the disappointment of shattered dreams, and the despair of vanished hopes. We join in uttering the biblical plea “Is there no balm in Gilead?” We are inclined to view our own personal misfortunes through the distorted prism of pessimism. We feel abandoned, heartbroken, alone. If you find yourself in such a situation, I plead with you to turn to our Heavenly Father in faith. He will lift you and guide you. He will not always take your afflictions from you, but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face.
With all my heart and the fervency of my soul, I lift my voice in testimony today as a special witness and declare that God does live. Jesus is His Son, the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. He is our Redeemer; He is our Mediator with the Father. He loves us with a love we cannot fully comprehend, and because He loves us, He gave His life for us. My gratitude to Him is beyond expression."
God speaks today, through a prophet, just like he did during bible times. You can know what he wants you to do."
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The work is real.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true.
There is a living prophet with words from God to you.
You can find out for yourself if it is true.
It is true.
Learn more about Mormons
Official Church Site - lds.org
Q & A
Do I believe that there is a living prophet on the earth who directs Christ's Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Yes
Do I believe that there are 12 apostles on the earth today who help direct His Church?
Yes
Do I believe they received their authority through the Melchizedek priesthood to be in those positions?
Yes
Do I believe that they receive inspiration and revelation from God to direct The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Yes
Do I believe you can get God's authority from a college or university to perform God's work?
No. The only way to get His authority is from someone who received it from Him or one of his prophets or apostles or other's who have received the priesthood from them. The living prophet and 12 apostles have received this authority in this way.
Do I think The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has God's priesthood authority.
Yes. It was restored to the earth when Joseph Smith received it from Peter, James, and John who appeared as resurrected beings and laid their hands on Joseph's head and ordained him with that authority. Between the time of Christ and the apostles' deaths and when Joseph received it again, the authority to pass on that priesthood authority was lost and had to be restored by those who had it.
Do I think The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's ONLY church on the earth today?
Yes. I believe that the authority of God through Jesus Christ was lost after he and the apostles died. After that, there was no leadership of the Church to pass along the authority and so it was lost. To direct his Church and perform his ordinances, you must have that authority.
Christ's Church and authority had to be restored. It was, through Joseph Smith, when God and Jesus appeared to Joseph in a vision and told him not to join any of the churches of the day. They told Joseph that they would restore the Church through him with all the authority it had at Christ's time.
Do I believe that no other church has the authority to act in his name?
Yes. I believe there are many good people on the earth and wonderful people in churches all over the world. There are leaders of churches that are great men and women. The problem is, they have no authority to act in God's name or perform baptisms or any other ordinance like the sacrament. Only one church has received that authority through a restoration of the priesthood authority.
Yes
Do I believe that there are 12 apostles on the earth today who help direct His Church?
Yes
Do I believe they received their authority through the Melchizedek priesthood to be in those positions?
Yes
Do I believe that they receive inspiration and revelation from God to direct The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Yes
Do I believe you can get God's authority from a college or university to perform God's work?
No. The only way to get His authority is from someone who received it from Him or one of his prophets or apostles or other's who have received the priesthood from them. The living prophet and 12 apostles have received this authority in this way.
Do I think The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has God's priesthood authority.
Yes. It was restored to the earth when Joseph Smith received it from Peter, James, and John who appeared as resurrected beings and laid their hands on Joseph's head and ordained him with that authority. Between the time of Christ and the apostles' deaths and when Joseph received it again, the authority to pass on that priesthood authority was lost and had to be restored by those who had it.
Do I think The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's ONLY church on the earth today?
Yes. I believe that the authority of God through Jesus Christ was lost after he and the apostles died. After that, there was no leadership of the Church to pass along the authority and so it was lost. To direct his Church and perform his ordinances, you must have that authority.
Christ's Church and authority had to be restored. It was, through Joseph Smith, when God and Jesus appeared to Joseph in a vision and told him not to join any of the churches of the day. They told Joseph that they would restore the Church through him with all the authority it had at Christ's time.
Do I believe that no other church has the authority to act in his name?
Yes. I believe there are many good people on the earth and wonderful people in churches all over the world. There are leaders of churches that are great men and women. The problem is, they have no authority to act in God's name or perform baptisms or any other ordinance like the sacrament. Only one church has received that authority through a restoration of the priesthood authority.
Does any Church have God's Priesthood Authority?
When Jesus Christ was on the earth, he had authority from his Father to do what he did.
He had the priesthood and the authority to act in God's behalf and in his name.
After Christ and the apostles and early priesthood leaders were killed, the priesthood was lost to the earth.
So where did all the churches since then get their authority? They decided on their own to create religions based on their desires to follow God. They used their own authority to act in God's name. Some tried to follow the truth, but little by little, the teachings of men replaced Christ's true gospel.
No church had the priesthood. That's right, not one.
We Mormon's believe that the authority was lost and the only way for it to be back on the earth was if God restored it. That is exactly what we believe happened in the early 1800's.
When he was 14, Joseph Smith wanted to know which church to join. It was confusing because every church insisted they had the truth and everyone else was going to hell.
What did he do? He looked in the bible for an answer. He read, "if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God..."
He believed in the bible and God's teachings. He went to a grove of trees to pray. As an answer to his prayer, God and his son Jesus Christ appeared to him.
They told Joseph that he should join none of the churches because they taught the philosophies of men mingled with scripture. He was told that the truth was no longer on the earth and that there was no one that had God's priesthood authority.
Joseph was told that God would restore the truth and the gospel to the earth. It would be restored through Joseph. It would have the priesthood authority to administer the gospel and the ordinances that had been lost from the earth.
The truth has been restored. Priesthood authority to baptize has been restored.
The organization set up by Christ has been restored with a living prophet and twelve apostles who guide his Church today.
His Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It is true.
Mormon.org
He had the priesthood and the authority to act in God's behalf and in his name.
After Christ and the apostles and early priesthood leaders were killed, the priesthood was lost to the earth.
So where did all the churches since then get their authority? They decided on their own to create religions based on their desires to follow God. They used their own authority to act in God's name. Some tried to follow the truth, but little by little, the teachings of men replaced Christ's true gospel.
No church had the priesthood. That's right, not one.
We Mormon's believe that the authority was lost and the only way for it to be back on the earth was if God restored it. That is exactly what we believe happened in the early 1800's.
When he was 14, Joseph Smith wanted to know which church to join. It was confusing because every church insisted they had the truth and everyone else was going to hell.
What did he do? He looked in the bible for an answer. He read, "if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God..."
He believed in the bible and God's teachings. He went to a grove of trees to pray. As an answer to his prayer, God and his son Jesus Christ appeared to him.
They told Joseph that he should join none of the churches because they taught the philosophies of men mingled with scripture. He was told that the truth was no longer on the earth and that there was no one that had God's priesthood authority.
Joseph was told that God would restore the truth and the gospel to the earth. It would be restored through Joseph. It would have the priesthood authority to administer the gospel and the ordinances that had been lost from the earth.
The truth has been restored. Priesthood authority to baptize has been restored.
The organization set up by Christ has been restored with a living prophet and twelve apostles who guide his Church today.
His Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It is true.
Mormon.org
13 Main Beliefs
1. I believe in God, our eternal Father, in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. Three distinct individuals.
2. I believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for what Adam did in the Garden of Eden.
3. I believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. It is by grace we are saved, but we must keep the commandments and repent of our sins or his atonement will not be effective for us. We cannot just say, "I accept Jesus as my Savior and have the sins disappear that we have committed in our life.
4. I 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.
5. I 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 do not believe you can go to a college or university and get God's authority. Only he can give it and it has to come through someone who has the priesthood of God.
6. I believe in the same organization that existed in the Church when Christ was on the earth, for example, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.
7. I believe in prophecy, revelation, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. I believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; I believe there are some errors that those who translated made. I also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God, another witness of Jesus Christ.
9. I believe all that God has revealed, all that He continues to reveal through his prophet, and we believe that He will continue to reveal council and guidance to his Church through his prophet.
10. I claim the privilege of worshiping God in the manner I believe, and allow everyone the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
11. I believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
12. I believe in being honest, true, chaste. I believe that a good honest life lived true to ones spouse and family is an important goal in life.
13. I believe that God has provided a means for all of us to live with our families forever. To achieve that goal we must be married for eternity by those who hold the priesthood of God.
2. I believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for what Adam did in the Garden of Eden.
3. I believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. It is by grace we are saved, but we must keep the commandments and repent of our sins or his atonement will not be effective for us. We cannot just say, "I accept Jesus as my Savior and have the sins disappear that we have committed in our life.
4. I 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.
5. I 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 do not believe you can go to a college or university and get God's authority. Only he can give it and it has to come through someone who has the priesthood of God.
6. I believe in the same organization that existed in the Church when Christ was on the earth, for example, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.
7. I believe in prophecy, revelation, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. I believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; I believe there are some errors that those who translated made. I also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God, another witness of Jesus Christ.
9. I believe all that God has revealed, all that He continues to reveal through his prophet, and we believe that He will continue to reveal council and guidance to his Church through his prophet.
10. I claim the privilege of worshiping God in the manner I believe, and allow everyone the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
11. I believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
12. I believe in being honest, true, chaste. I believe that a good honest life lived true to ones spouse and family is an important goal in life.
13. I believe that God has provided a means for all of us to live with our families forever. To achieve that goal we must be married for eternity by those who hold the priesthood of God.
God, Jesus Christ, Holy Ghost are 3 not 1
I realize that God is all powerful and can do anything he wants.
I also realize how he set up this earth. Each person is an individual. We don't have several people in one.
I believe in God as an individual, his son Jesus Christ (how can he be a son if he is also his father?), and I believe in the Holy Ghost.
Jesus, representing his father, as a mediator between us and God was born on earth as a man. If God is a spirit as many claim, then he is also part human. That doesn't even make sense.
When Christ was baptized, the voice of God came from the heavens, Christ was in the water being baptized, and the Holy Ghost was there witnessing the event and was represented by the sign of the dove. 3 people, not one.
When Stephen was being stoned, he looked up and saw Christ on the right hand of God. Two individuals, not one.
When Joseph Smith was trying to find what church to join he went into the woods and asked God. God and Jesus appeared to him together, as two individuals. God said to Joseph, pointing to Christ, "this is my beloved son, hear him".
Joseph was told that because of wickedness, the truth had been lost from the earth and was now just the philosophies of men mingled with scripture. He was told that he, Joseph, would restore the fullness of the gospel and church of Jesus Christ to the earth.
That gospel would have a prophet and 12 apostles as it did in Jesus' time, and would have authority directly from God and Christ to restore what had been lost for centuries. Included was the fact that by revealing themselves to Joseph, he learned that they are separate and distinct individuals.
That's what I believe.
It's true.
I also realize how he set up this earth. Each person is an individual. We don't have several people in one.
I believe in God as an individual, his son Jesus Christ (how can he be a son if he is also his father?), and I believe in the Holy Ghost.
Jesus, representing his father, as a mediator between us and God was born on earth as a man. If God is a spirit as many claim, then he is also part human. That doesn't even make sense.
When Christ was baptized, the voice of God came from the heavens, Christ was in the water being baptized, and the Holy Ghost was there witnessing the event and was represented by the sign of the dove. 3 people, not one.
When Stephen was being stoned, he looked up and saw Christ on the right hand of God. Two individuals, not one.
When Joseph Smith was trying to find what church to join he went into the woods and asked God. God and Jesus appeared to him together, as two individuals. God said to Joseph, pointing to Christ, "this is my beloved son, hear him".
Joseph was told that because of wickedness, the truth had been lost from the earth and was now just the philosophies of men mingled with scripture. He was told that he, Joseph, would restore the fullness of the gospel and church of Jesus Christ to the earth.
That gospel would have a prophet and 12 apostles as it did in Jesus' time, and would have authority directly from God and Christ to restore what had been lost for centuries. Included was the fact that by revealing themselves to Joseph, he learned that they are separate and distinct individuals.
That's what I believe.
It's true.
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