A Book of Mormon Story

I have a Personal Testimony from the Holy Spirit, that the Book of Mormon is True.

It IS the word of the Almighty Father.

It IS another Testament of Jesus Christ.

The Gospels

The following is taken from the Bible Dictionary.

Gospels. The word gospel means good news.

The good news is that Jesus Christ has made a perfect atonement for mankind that will redeem all mankind from the grave and reward each individual according to his/her works. This atonement was begun by his appointment in the premortal world but was worked out by Jesus during his mortal sojourn. Therefore, the records of his mortal life and the events pertaining to his ministry are called the Gospels; the four that are contained in our Bible are presented under the names of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The four Gospels are not so much biographies as they are testimonies. They do not reveal a day-by-day story of the life of Jesus; rather, they tell who Jesus was, what he said, what he did, and why it was important. The records of Matthew, Mark, and Luke present a somewhat similar collection of materials and have considerable phraseology in common, as well as similar main points, and thus are sometimes labeled as the “Synoptic Gospels” (meaning “see-alike”). Even so, each is unique and has much detail that is not shared by the others. John’s record is quite different from the other three in vocabulary, phraseology, and presentation of events.

It appears from the internal evidence of each record that Matthew was written to persuade the Jews that Jesus is the promised Messiah. To do so, he cites several O.T. prophecies and speaks repeatedly of Jesus as the Son of David, thus emphasizing his royal lineage. Mark appeals to a gentile audience and is fast moving, emphasizing the doings more than the sayings of the Lord. He occasionally gives geographical and cultural explanations—necessary procedure for non-Jewish readers (see Mark 2:26; 5:41; 7:2–13, 34). Luke offers his readers a polished literary account of the ministry of Jesus, presenting Jesus as the universal Savior of both Jews and gentiles. He dwells extensively on Jesus’ teachings and his doings. Luke is favorable toward the gentiles and also gives more stories involving women than do the other records. John’s account does not contain much of the fundamental information that the other records contain, and it is evident that he was writing to members of the Church who already had basic information about the Lord. His primary purpose was to emphasize the divine nature of Jesus as the Only Begotten Son of God in the flesh.

Though there are many similarities in each of the Gospels, there are also many items that are found in one record only, making a study of all the records necessary. Some of the more significant items that appear in but one record are the following: Matthew only: visit of the wise men; the star in the east (2:1–12). Mark only: Jesus, a carpenter (6:3); a young man wearing a sheet (14:52). Luke only: visits of Gabriel to Zacharias and Mary (Luke 1); visit of the shepherds (Luke 2:8–18); Jesus at the temple at age 12 (Luke 2:41–52); the seventy (10:1–24); Jesus sweating blood (22:44); Jesus’ discussion with the thief on the cross (23:39–43); Jesus eating fish and honey after his resurrection (24:42–43). John only: turning water into wine (2:1–11); visit of Nicodemus (3:1–10); woman at the well (4:1–42); discourse on bread of life (6:27–71); raising of Lazarus from the dead (11:1–56); washing of feet (13:1–16); discourse about the Holy Ghost (14, 15, 16); promise of John’s tarrying on the earth (21:20–24). John’s record is notable for what it does not contain. For example, it has no mention of Jesus’ 40-day experience in the wilderness; of the Mount of Transfiguration; of true parables; and of casting out evil spirits.

In summation, Mark has the least amount of unique material, being only about 7 percent exclusive; John has the greatest amount, being about 92 percent exclusive. With the knowledge now available, it is not possible to create a perfect harmony of the four Gospels, because the Gospel authors themselves do not always agree on chronological matters. A possible harmony of the four Gospels that is useful for study is given in the following tables, arranged, so far as information permits, in chronological order:

This link contains those tables:

http://lds.org/scriptures/bd/gospels?lang=eng&letter=g

What are You DOing???

As a missionary I often ask people to read the Book of Mormon.  Missionaries ask people to pray and ask God if the Book of Mormon is true, and to come to church so they can feel the presence of the Holy Spirit more powerfully, and to learn more about God and His commandments and His kingdom here on the earth.

We are always asking because we know that in order to truly understand something you have to act in faith to see what happens.  I know that the Book of Mormon is true because I have read and prayed about it myself, not because someone else told me a little bit about it and I said 'hey why not'.  My journey to truly knowing what the Book of Mormon was just that, a journey meant for me to be able to understand the gospel, and how it applies in my own life.

So are YOU going to do something about it, or are you just going to sit there and read all about it without ever truly trying to figure it out for yourself??

I hereby invite anyone reading this to Read the Book of Mormon, Pray and ask God if it is a True record, and then to act in Faith.  I know that anyone who follows this course will feel the Spirit, and know what to do to come closer to Jesus Christ.

If you do not have a Book of Mormon, go to this website and request one for free.
>>http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/<<

Any questions you may have can be answered by reading and praying about this book.  If you would like to learn more, or ask missionaries in your area about the Book of Mormon, please go to one of the following.
http://mormon.org/missionaries/ to talk to the missionaries.
http://mormon.org/faith/ to understand what we believe.
http://mormon.org/meetinghouse/ to locate the nearest meetinghouse to you.

Baptism of Fire - Holy Ghost

The Gift of the Holy Ghost is often referred to as the Baptism of Fire.  The Baptism of Water is done by Immersion, and so is the Baptism of Fire.

Do not be alarmed, you don't have to be Immersed in physical Fire to be Baptized by the Holy Ghost.  Baptism of the Holy Ghost is inward where Baptism of water is outward.  You feel the cleansing power of the Spirit after you receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost is kinda like having an Upgraded Conscience.  He warns you of danger and can lead you away from bad choices.  It is also a Promise that as long as you live worthy, He will be your constant companion, a friend that never has to go home.  Whenever you need help or guidance in life He is there to give it to you.

So since Fire is a cleansing agent used to purify metals, (Numbers 31:23), the symbolism of the Holy Ghost being a Baptism of Fire is that it cleanses and purifies our souls.  This Spiritual Cleansing can, and is intended to, happen continually throughout our lives.  Just as we are Baptized by Water and will not be perfect in keeping the Commandments, we will also need a way to continually repent and be forgiven from those sins.  This is done by partaking of the Sacrament, or Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.  The bread and water are emblems of His Body and Blood, which were willingly sacrificed on our behalf.  The conditions that we must meet as we partake of the Sacrament, is that we have a Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit. (3 Nephi 9:20)

You can learn these things for yourself by reading the scriptures, and praying to know that what they say is true.

"And 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.

And by the power of the Holy Ghost

ye may know the truth of all things."

-- Moroni 10:4-5

Scriptures: 2 Nephi 31:17, Acts 8:38, Doctrine and Covenants 19:31, Acts 19:6, John 14:26, Numbers 31:23, 3 Nephi 9:20, Moroni 10:4-5

What Exactly is Required to be 'Saved' in the Kingdom of Heaven ? ? ?

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?"

-- James 2:14

Lets say you are at home, and your stomach says your hungry.  You believe and have faith that there is food in the fridge.  Your friend tells you that there is indeed food in the fridge.  You know that the food in the fridge would make your stomach feel better, but unless you actually get off the couch and go in to the fridge and get some of the food you will still be hungry.

In the gospel you can believe that Christ is the Savior of the world.  You might even read scriptures, and have your friends tell you all about it.  But unless you actually do those things which Christ has commanded us to do on your own, you will never be able to gain a testimony, and be saved at the last day.

The first action to take after having a Faith in Christ is Repentance.  To Repent is to ask for forgiveness for sin, or something you have done wrong, and to promise that you will do you best to never do it again.  Part of the Repentance process also includes making things right with others, or paying them back if you stole something.  When we sin we incur spiritual debt, but through Repentance and exercising our Faith in Jesus Christ that debt can be paid.

Mark 16:16

After you believe and repent of your past sins the next step is Baptism.  Just as before if you have a belief and do nothing about it, then you really don't believe in it that much.  If you truly believe that Christ is your Savior, and you have a desire to follow Him, then you will be baptized even as He was.

When Jesus Christ was baptized He walked somewhere around 40 miles to get to John the Baptist.  There were people who baptized right in Jerusalem, but He walked to John the Baptist because John had something that the others did not have . . . The Priesthood.  The Priesthood is the Authority to act in the name of God.  It is required to perform sacred ordinances.  While anyone can go to a lake and perform a baptism, only those baptisms done by Priesthood Authority will be recognized by God.

Acts 2:38

Even after we are Baptized we still need to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  This is much like an upgraded conscience.  The Holy Ghost is there to testify of truth, to comfort us(John 14:16), and to help us make good decisions.  We can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost before Baptism, but the Gift of the Holy Ghost is when He becomes a constant companion, if we live worthy of His presence.

Matthew 24:13

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is just that, His Gospel.  We have to follow His plan in order to have a part in it.  We cannot pick and choose which parts we like and which parts we don't.  If we are to live again in the presence of our Eternal Father, we need to Endure to the End of all things.


So in order to truly be 'saved' you must have Faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, Repent of your sins, be Baptized by someone who holds the Priesthood, Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Endure to the End.

All Things Denote There is a Supreme Creator

"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

And God saw the light, that it was good"

-- Genesis 1:3-4

 

 

 

 

"Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion"
-- Amos 5:8

"Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator."

-- Alma 30:44

 I know that God is out there.  I haven't seen Him, but I don't need to.  I know that He loves me and cares about what happens to me, not because He gives me everything in the world, but because He helps me through everything in the world.  If you are unsure about whether or not God loves you, I promise that He does, and you can feel of that love by reading from the Scriptures.  We are sheep and He truly is our Good Shepherd.

The Inspiring Perspective of Pictures

"But behold, that which is of God

inviteth and enticeth to do good

continually;

wherefore, every thing which

inviteth and enticeth to do good,

 and to love God,

and to serve him,

is inspired of God."

-- Moroni 7:13

These things are enticing and invite me to do good.

 

  

 

Many things and many people inspire each of us in different ways, but the one thing that will inspire all of us is reading from the Scriptures every day.  As we read from the Scriptures each day we will find new insights and extra strength for the trials of life.

"And now, behold, I say unto you,

that ye ought to search these things.

Yea, a commandment I give unto you

that ye search these things diligently"

-- 3 Nephi 23:1



Have a Firm Foundation, Don't Fall Down

"And now, my sons, remember,

remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer,

who is Christ, the Son of God,

that ye must build your foundation;

that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds,

yea, his shafts in the whirlwind,

yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you,

it shall have no power over you

to drag you down to the gulf of misery

and endless wo,

because of the rock upon which ye are built,

which is a sure foundation,

a foundation whereon

if men build

they cannot fall."

-- Helaman 5:12

Bad day??....That's ok....Join the Dance

So this is for everyone who has had a bad day.

Sometimes I feel like I have nothing that is worth honor, but somehow one of my friends always manages to convince me that I am still worth something.

Today as we celebrate Easter, I feel good in knowing that Christ will always be there for us, even when we have a bad day.  He suffered for everything we go through, and is always just waiting for us to turn to Him in prayer.

Sisters can be Angels

So there we were...in front of my house.  Mom wanted more pictures...I didn't know why.  Dad had taught me to not say anything when I didn't understand what my mom was trying to do.  So I just stood there.  Then one of my sisters decided to bring back a pose that the four of us have been doing since I was little.....

Rian's Angels

My sisters are a big part of my life.  I never really had a brother to do stuff with but I am ok with that.  Lacey went before the rest of us and showed me what not to do if I wanted to avoid getting into trouble.  Ashli had lots of friends that were kinda like older brothers for me.  Shayla being only two years older than me was always around when I was sad and needed someone to talk to.

I remember one morning when me and Shayla were getting ready for school, and my dad happened to have a day off, we somehow ended up in my room.  At some point I thought it would be funny to 'pin' her to my bed.  I was smaller than she was still I think, but either way I was going to win this one.  After a few minutes of struggling I had her down.  She proceeded to struggle a bit more and then started calling for dad.  Normally I would have been swift in getting off and pretending I didn't do anything, but she sounded like a sheep every time she called for him.  It was something along the lines of, 'DaaaaaD' ... 'DAAAaaaaaaaaD' ... 'DaAAAaaAAAaaaDdy, he's squishing me'.  It was just so funny, all I could do was laugh at her.  Then she started laughing and it was even more funny.

Basically I love my sisters.  If they weren't there, I wouldn't be here on a mission.  Because of the examples they have been for me, I know that serving the Lord for two years is exactly what I need to be doing.  Everything in my life so far has led me to this.  Everything in my life after I go home will be affected by what I do for my mission.

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true and living church on the earth today.  I have felt the witness of the Spirit confirming my testimony that this is true.  I have that same knowledge that the Book of Mormon is true.  It was translated by Joseph Smith, a prophet, by the gift and power of God.  If anyone does not believe that, I invite you to first READ THE BOOK. Then pray about it and ask God speciffically if the writings contained therein are true.  I know, and promise anyone who is willing to do so, that you will also be able to find out the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, by the power of the Holy Ghost.