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A Living Prophet
Something that distinguishes The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from other churches is our belief in a latter-day, living prophet who teaches us what God wants us to know. A living prophet is one for our own day. He teaches, preaches, and leads the Church. Divine Calling to Lead The Church The latter-day Church was established on April 6, 1830 in Peter Whitmer’s home. A total of six people joined that day. Joseph Smith was the first elder, or leader of the Church. He received a revelation that day, which is recorded in section 21 of the Doctrine and Covenants. It says, “4 Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt…
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Perfectionism vs Being Perfected in Christ
We read in the scriptures about being perfect. Matthew 5:48 “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. 3 Nephi 12:48 “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” We’ve come to define “perfect” as being flawless, without mistakes, or without any blemishes. Because of this definition we have fallen into traps when we think about perfection and can misunderstand this doctrine. Have you ever thought, “I’m not righteous enough?” Or, “I will never be able to keep all the commandments perfectly?” Or, “I keep making mistakes and failing so I shouldn’t attend the temple?” “I’ll never be as…
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Studying the Book of Mormon: Faith Takes Effort
The Brother of Jared One of my favorite scripture stories is about the Brother of Jared in the book of Ether in the Book of Mormon. This brother must have exhibited strong faith in his life for Jared to approach him and ask him to ask God not to confound their language after the Tower of Babel. I’ve wondered why Jared himself didn’t petition the Lord to allow them to keep a common language among their family and friends. Why did Jared go to his brother? Was his brother older or considered the leader of the people? Whatever the case, the Brother of Jared prayed that they would be able…
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The Book of Mormon: Plates vs Records
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The Book of Mormon: Plates vs Records
In Mormon 8:14 it reads, “And I am the same who hideth up this record unto the Lord; the plates thereof are of no worth, because of the commandment of the Lord. For he truly saith that no one shall have them to get gain; but the record thereof is of great worth; and whoso shall bring it to light, him will the Lord bless.” Moroni, as a resurrected being, visited Joseph Smith in 1823 and instructed him about the plates. Young Joseph, who said he’d been tempted by the monetary value of the gold plates because his family was so poor, was forbidden to take them until he was ready to do the work of…
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Studying the Book of Mormon: Faith Takes Effort
