So, there is a lot of talk about prophets in light of the "General Conference" of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. What's the big deal?
To me, having a prophet today just makes sense. Why would God leave us hanging after calling prophets in ancient, biblical times? He loves His children so much, he wouldn't do that. He is "the same yesterday, today and forever," (Mormon 9:9). Since that is the case, he calls prophets today as he did in the times of Moses, Noah, and Abraham. The role of prophets today is the same, to testify of Christ and to guide His church. We read in the book of Ephesians that Christ's church is built upon "apostles and prophets," (Ephesians 2:19-20). That is what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has to offer...apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ being the "chief corner stone."
God has had prophets on the earth since Adam. They guide and direct the church by receiving divine guidance and inspiration. Christ's church has been restored again on the earth by another prophet. Joseph Smith was the first prophet of this dispensation. Through him, Christ restored everything back to the way it was when He Himself was walking on the earth. Joseph Smith also received divine power from God to be able to translate "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ." He received scripture, just as Moses did, to guide the people in these days. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that God restored the Church of Christ once again through him.
The living prophet today, Thomas S. Monson, will speak to us this weekend. He is called of God to guide His church. Every word he speaks we should heed and apply in our lives. He receives direct revelation from God. God has always had one man on the earth guiding His children, He does so again today with the true and living prophet, Thomas S. Monson.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Why be a missionary?
Why be a missionary?
So what is up with young men giving up 2 years of their lives to be missionaries? There are several answers to this question.
I am serving a mission because I have been richly blessed because of this gospel. This gospel provides a certain level of happiness that no money can buy. The knowledge that this gospel provides is unlike anything else. We are blessed to have a living, modern-day prophet on the Earth today. This gospel has blessed me so much, and it would be downright selfish if I didn't share it with everyone else. Everyone deserves the blessings that I have received being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We have a Heavenly Father who loves us, each one of us. All of us are His children, and it's my duty and honor to work to bring His children back to Him.
I was raised by amazing parents. They are such an example to me. My dad served a 2 year mission as well. He was my hero growing up. Everything he did, I did. Naturally, when I turned 19, I considered serving a mission, just as he had done. I chose to serve a mission not because anyone told me to, but because I love the Savior. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that His gospel is true and that it can bless anyone and everyone. And I want to share it.
I also like to think about it like this: what about the law of tithing? We give 10% of our increase to the Church. That has been a principle since the days of Malachi (Malachi 3:8-10). So if you do the math, 2 years of a young man's life, around the age of 20, is 10%. So a mission is like paying your tithing of your life to God, who gave you life. Now, this isn't the reason why missionaries serve missions, but I can testify that the windows of heaven have opened and have poured out blessings upon me. (See Malachi 3:10).
I absolutely love being a missionary. It's the best work in the world. I wouldn't trade the experiences I have already had for anything. I love Jesus Christ. I love this Church. I love my Heavenly Father and it is a pleasure to serve Him.
So what is up with young men giving up 2 years of their lives to be missionaries? There are several answers to this question.
I am serving a mission because I have been richly blessed because of this gospel. This gospel provides a certain level of happiness that no money can buy. The knowledge that this gospel provides is unlike anything else. We are blessed to have a living, modern-day prophet on the Earth today. This gospel has blessed me so much, and it would be downright selfish if I didn't share it with everyone else. Everyone deserves the blessings that I have received being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We have a Heavenly Father who loves us, each one of us. All of us are His children, and it's my duty and honor to work to bring His children back to Him.
I was raised by amazing parents. They are such an example to me. My dad served a 2 year mission as well. He was my hero growing up. Everything he did, I did. Naturally, when I turned 19, I considered serving a mission, just as he had done. I chose to serve a mission not because anyone told me to, but because I love the Savior. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that His gospel is true and that it can bless anyone and everyone. And I want to share it.
I also like to think about it like this: what about the law of tithing? We give 10% of our increase to the Church. That has been a principle since the days of Malachi (Malachi 3:8-10). So if you do the math, 2 years of a young man's life, around the age of 20, is 10%. So a mission is like paying your tithing of your life to God, who gave you life. Now, this isn't the reason why missionaries serve missions, but I can testify that the windows of heaven have opened and have poured out blessings upon me. (See Malachi 3:10).
I absolutely love being a missionary. It's the best work in the world. I wouldn't trade the experiences I have already had for anything. I love Jesus Christ. I love this Church. I love my Heavenly Father and it is a pleasure to serve Him.
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