Why Are We Called Mormons?

    The word "Mormons" is the word usually used to describe members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Where did that word come from? Why are we called Mormons? Well good thing I am here, because I will tell you...
    First of all, I will explain where that nickname comes from. As many people know, us members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believe in additional scripture. We absolutely sustain and uphold the Bible as the word of God. But we know that God had children all over the world, not just in Jerusalem. And we know that He loves ALL of His children. He wants all of His children to know His will and to read from the scriptures. The Bible couldn't be posted on the internet or made into millions of copies to be brought throughout the whole earth back in the time of Christ, so the word spread very slowly. So how did God help His other children receive His word? Easy: The Book of Mormon. The proper title actually is The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. This is a record of God's children here on the American continent. In John, the Savior taught: "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." ( John 10:16). The Savior is referring to the people in the Americas. Prophets here also testified of Christ's coming, life, sacrifice and resurrection. The Book of Mormon is a record of those prophets' testimonies and prophecies concerning Christ. That is important because Christ actually came to the Americas and ministered to the people here. He taught them His doctrine, His way and the way we can get back to heaven. He did this here in the same manner He did it in Jerusalem. This book is essential to know whether or not The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is really the only true church on earth and that Joseph Smith really was a true prophet called of God.
    Now...why is it called the Book of Mormon, thus giving members of the Church this nickname? Mormon was a prophet. He lived on the American continent roughly 300 years after the coming of Christ. He was the one in charge of keeping all the records of his people and abridging it into a smaller book. He took all the records of his people, most of whom were long dead, and compiled them in a way that God commanded him to. That gives us the Book of Mormon. It is called The Book of Mormon because he was its compiler. Mormon explains in his own words: "But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren." He explains more in detail why exactly he did it in Words of Mormon 1:3-7. He did this for OUR benefit. So we may apply the scriptures to our day. Because of the prophet Mormon's faithfulness, diligence and obedience, we now have another book of scripture to testify of Christ. And this book separates us from any other religion or denomination. I am very grateful for the Book of Mormon and I know it comes from God as more scripture. I invite all to read it and pray about the things it contains.
   

A Land of Promise

   I like to make my blogs appropriate to the time of year or season. Even though I will post this after the holiday, we need not one single day to remember and recognize the greatness and potential this country has. This country was founded on Christian principles. I have done my "homework" on the Founding Fathers and yes, they were all self-proclaimed Christians. They were not just simply "deists" as the school textbooks will say. They were open about their belief in Christ. At one time, this nation had Christian morals...Oh how the times have changed...
   Everything happens for a reason. It was no coincidence that Columbus found this land, it was no coincidence that this land was destined to be free, it was no coincidence that a rag-tag team of American colonists defeated highly trained and far superior British troops to win their independence. God's hand is in all things.  In the Book of Mormon, it talks much of the American continent and the future freedoms it would have. This is only appropriate because America is the actual setting of the Book of Mormon. In Ether 9:23-25, it states:

"Wherefore … it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain–and the work, yea, even work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.
Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; …
For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; … for it is built up by the devil. "

This land was meant to be free. And anything that is done to hinder or take away from these freedoms is the works of the devil himself. So why is this country suffering? 2 Nephi 1:7 can tell us:

"  7 Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever."

It is only a land of liberty if  we keep the commandments of God. He will maintain this country as free so long as we remember Him. So as long as we keep making everyone work on Sunday, which is supposed to be the Sabbath Day, fall into sin such as alcohol, drugs and fornications, then this land will keep getting worse and worse. But the opposite is true as well, God's hand is over this nation. But He will only bless us and protect this nation if we keep His commandments.