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.
Showing posts with label prophet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prophet. Show all posts
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Dad: My Example and My Friend
In "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" given in September 1995 by the President of the Church of the time, Gordon B. Hinkley, it states:
"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families."
This decribes the fundamental duties of a father in the home. God intended for men, husbands, and fathers to fulfill this role. Sadly, in today's world, many men shy away from such responsibility towards children, work or family as a whole. My father, however, does not fall into this category...
In the Book of Mormon, there was a man named Lehi. He was a prophet. He had 4 sons: Laman, Lemuel, Nephi and Sam. Two of his sons walked with him the ways of the Lord. Nephi and Sam were righteous and obedient to their father. The other two, Laman and Lemuel, were rebellious and constantly fighting against their father Lehi. Lehi was saddened by the wickedness of his two wayward sons. He feared for their lives and their salvation as they drifted farther and farther from the ways of God. In 1 Nephi 8:37, Lehi encourages them, almost begs them with "all the feeling of a tender parent" to listen to him and stop their evil ways. That scripture has always touched me. Lehi was so persistent yet loving with his children. He set the example for that family.
My father has been the ultimate example to me of how to be a man, a father, a husband and in the Church, a worthy priesthood holder and leader. He, like Lehi, strongly encouraged me "with all the feeling of a tender parent" to stay on the right path. Unfortunately, I didn't always listen to my father. And whenever I didn't, I paid for it. He knows best.
I love my dad. He has taught me everything I know today. I learned how to work in the church, how to be a man and how to treat women. I have very fond memories of my dad. I cherish all the times we sat down together and just watched a game on TV or when he would take me to baseball games. We just enjoyed each other's company and talked about the game. Perhaps this is why I have such a deep passion for sports, is because it reminds me of my dad and all the great times we have had. Everyone who sees me and my dad says the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. I look at that more in depth than just in appearance. If someone were to tell me I am just like my father in work ethic, in serving the church, in how I raise my children and treat my wife, I would consider that a compliment. If I can be the priesthood holder my dad is, the husband and father he is, the hard worker he is, I would consider my life to be successful.
I look up to my dad in every way. He is a great example of how men should be. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said this in his latest address in April: "Not always but often it is the men who choose not to answer the call to 'come join the ranks.' Women and children frequently seem more willing. Brethren, step up." (The Laborers in the Vineyard, Jeffrey R. Holland, May 2012). This does not describe my father. He answers the call, he has stepped up, and I hope I can serve a mission as well as he did, be a man, husband and father like he is. I love my example, my friend, my dad.
"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families."
This decribes the fundamental duties of a father in the home. God intended for men, husbands, and fathers to fulfill this role. Sadly, in today's world, many men shy away from such responsibility towards children, work or family as a whole. My father, however, does not fall into this category...
In the Book of Mormon, there was a man named Lehi. He was a prophet. He had 4 sons: Laman, Lemuel, Nephi and Sam. Two of his sons walked with him the ways of the Lord. Nephi and Sam were righteous and obedient to their father. The other two, Laman and Lemuel, were rebellious and constantly fighting against their father Lehi. Lehi was saddened by the wickedness of his two wayward sons. He feared for their lives and their salvation as they drifted farther and farther from the ways of God. In 1 Nephi 8:37, Lehi encourages them, almost begs them with "all the feeling of a tender parent" to listen to him and stop their evil ways. That scripture has always touched me. Lehi was so persistent yet loving with his children. He set the example for that family.
My father has been the ultimate example to me of how to be a man, a father, a husband and in the Church, a worthy priesthood holder and leader. He, like Lehi, strongly encouraged me "with all the feeling of a tender parent" to stay on the right path. Unfortunately, I didn't always listen to my father. And whenever I didn't, I paid for it. He knows best.
I love my dad. He has taught me everything I know today. I learned how to work in the church, how to be a man and how to treat women. I have very fond memories of my dad. I cherish all the times we sat down together and just watched a game on TV or when he would take me to baseball games. We just enjoyed each other's company and talked about the game. Perhaps this is why I have such a deep passion for sports, is because it reminds me of my dad and all the great times we have had. Everyone who sees me and my dad says the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. I look at that more in depth than just in appearance. If someone were to tell me I am just like my father in work ethic, in serving the church, in how I raise my children and treat my wife, I would consider that a compliment. If I can be the priesthood holder my dad is, the husband and father he is, the hard worker he is, I would consider my life to be successful.
I look up to my dad in every way. He is a great example of how men should be. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said this in his latest address in April: "Not always but often it is the men who choose not to answer the call to 'come join the ranks.' Women and children frequently seem more willing. Brethren, step up." (The Laborers in the Vineyard, Jeffrey R. Holland, May 2012). This does not describe my father. He answers the call, he has stepped up, and I hope I can serve a mission as well as he did, be a man, husband and father like he is. I love my example, my friend, my dad.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)