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.
   

Prophets of old, prophets today

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.