Lessons in the Key of Life: December 2010

Dec

27

Amazing Grace: The Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9

“For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.” D&C 18:11,12

In Romans 5:8-11 we read these words, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”

Our third Article of Faith states, “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws of the Gospel.” Marion G. Romney once stated that, “The atonement of the Master is the central point of world history. Without it, the whole purpose for the creation of the earth and our living upon it would fail.” (IE, December 1953, p. 942) George Q. Morris further stated that, “The principal question before us is not do we comprehend the atonement, but do we accept it.” (CR, April 1956, p.112) Sad to say, brothers and sisters, there are those who do not accept it.

In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, the Apostle Paul confidently affirms that “the Gospel” he taught was that “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” This morning I would like to take just a few minutes and share with you from the Scriptures, seven reasons for believing that Christ actually died and rose from the dead.

Reason # 1: A Public Execution Assured That He Actually Died

During the Jewish feast of Passover, Jesus was swept away by an angry crowd into a Roman hall of Justice. As he stood before Pilate, the governor of Judea, religious leaders accused Him of claiming to be the king of the Jews. The crowd demanded His death. “And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the king of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him.” (Mark 15:12,13). Jesus was beaten, whipped, and sentenced to a public execution. On a hill outside of Jerusalem along a public road, He was crucified between two criminals. Brokenhearted friends as well as mocking enemies witnessed His death. In the four Gospel accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion, Jesus’ death is clearly stated. In Matthew 27:50 and in John 19:30, the writers said He “yielded” or “gave up “ His spirit. The other two accounts record that He “breathed His last” (Mark 15:37; Luke23:46). As the Sabbath evening neared, Roman soldiers who were experts in crucifixion were sent to finish the execution. To quicken death, they broke the legs of the two criminals. “But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they break not his legs:” (John19:33). As a final precaution, “one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.” (John 19:34) When Joseph of Aramathea asked for the body of Christ so that he and Nicodemus could bury Him, Pointus Pilate ordered a centurion to verify that Jesus was dead (Mark 15:43-45). The Roman governor would not release the body to Joseph until the centurion was certain that all signs of life were gone. You can be sure that an officer in the Roman army would not make a mistake about an important matter like this in his report to such a high official as Pilate. To do so would have meant his death.

Reason#2: High Officials Secured the Gravesite

The next day, religious leaders met with Pilate once again. They said that Jesus had predicted that He would rise in three days. To ensure that the disciples could not conspire in a resurrection hoax, Pilate ordered the official seal ofRome to be attached to the tomb to put grave robbers on notice. To enforce the order, soldiers stood guard (Matthew 27:62-66). Any disciple that wanted to tamper with the body would have had to get by the guards, which would not have been an easy task. The Roman guards had good reason to stay alert—the penalty for falling asleep while on watch was death.

Reason#3: The Grave Was Found Empty

There were several eyewitnesses to testify to this fact. The first to see and report the empty tomb were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome, who “had brought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.” (Mark 16:1) John and Peter were the next to witness that the tomb was empty. John, it should be noted, is the one who wrote this account and recorded it in chapter 20 of his Gospel. What better eyewitness could be asked for?

Reason#4: Many People Claimed to Have Seen Him Alive

About A.D. 55, the Apostle Paul wrote that the resurrected Christ had been seen by Peter, the 12 apostles, more than 500 people (many of whom were still alive at the time of his writing), James, and himself (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). In addition the New Testament in other places records the following witnesses to the resurrection: Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18), several women near the tomb (Matthew 28:9-10), two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32), Peter (Luke 24:33-35), ten disciples in the upper room (Luke 24:36-43), eleven disciples in the upper room (John 20:26-31), seven men at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-25), eleven disciples on a mountain (Matthew 28: 16-20), and an undisclosed amount of disciples near Bethany (Acts 1:9-12; Luke 24:52). The book of Acts begins its history of Christ by stating that Jesus “shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:” (Acts 1:3).

Reason #5: His Apostles Were Dramatically Changed

Within a few weeks, they were standing face to face with the ones who had crucified their Master. Their spirit was like iron. They became unstoppable in their determination to sacrifice everything for the one that they had called Savior and Lord. Even after they were threatened, imprisoned, and forbidden to speak in the name of Jesus, the Apostles said to the Jewish leaders, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” (Acts 5:42)

Reason # 6: Witnesses Were Willing to Die For Their Claims

While many will die for what they believe to be the truth, few if any will die for what they know to be a lie. Jesus’ disciples died for their claims to have seen Him alive and well after His resurrection. They died for their claim that Jesus Christ had not only died for their sins, but He had risen bodily from the dead to show that He was like no other spiritual leader who had ever lived. Peter was hanged upside down. Mark was dragged through the streets to his death. James was beheaded. Thomas was pierced with a lance. All of these men were willing to die for the One who overcame death for them—and for us!

Reason#7: Jesus’ Death and Resurrection Was Clearly Predicted

In Alma 7:11,12 we read these words, “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith that he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” The prophet Isaiah also predicted Jesus’ death and resurrection. In the twelve verses that comprise Isaiah 53, he refers to Christ as the Servant of the Lord and teaches us four important lessons about this Servant. In Isaiah 53:1-3, we learn about the Servant’s submission; in verses 4-6, the Servant’s substitution; in verses 7-9, the Servant’s sinless nature; and in verses 10-12, the Servant’s satisfaction.

President Gordon B. Hinckley has taught us that:

“No member of this Church must ever forget the terrible price paid by our Redeemer who gave his life that all men might live – the agony of Gethsemane, the bitter mockery of his trial, the vicious crown of thorns tearing at his flesh, the blood cry of the mob before Pilate, the lonely burden of his heavy walk along the way to Calvary, the terrifying pain as great nails pierced his hands and feet, the fevered torture of his body as he hung that tragic day, the Son of God crying out, “Father forgive them , for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34.)

This was the cross, the instrument of his torture, the terrible device designed to destroy the Man of Peace, the evil recompense for his miraculous work of healing the sick, of causing the blind to see, of raising the dead. This was the cross on which he hung, and died on Golgotha’s lonely summit.

We cannot forget that. We must never forget it, for here our Savior, our Redeemer, the Son of God, gave himself a vicarious sacrifice for each of us.” (“The Symbol of Christ,” Ensign, May 1975, p.93.)

In Matthew 16:13-16 we read these words, “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” People all over the world today have many different views about who Christ really is. Many are skeptical and critical about the life of this One who lived a perfect, sinless life and gave that life as a ransom for the world that the world might be redeemed from sin and have a means by which to one day return to their Father in Heaven. However, in spite of all of the skepticism and criticism, I believe that it is safe to say that almost everyone would agree that Christ was not just an ordinary man. His life had a major impact on the entire world.

When I was stationed in the country of Greece several years ago, it was common to greet people during this season of the year by saying, “Christos Anesti!” and their response would be, “Alithos Anesti!” That is to say, “Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!” Let us rejoice and celebrate the glory of His Glorious Resurrection. He gave His life for us as a ransom for sin's debt so that we might live. He who knew no sin, became sin for us. He paid a debt that He did not owe, a debt that we could have never paid.

Brothers and sisters, I close with this testimony. I know that Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Savior, our Redeemer -- the Holy One of Israel is Alive and He Lives forever more seated at the right hand of God the Father. I am eternally grateful for His amazing grace and His great atoning sacrifice. It is because of His tremendous love for me that I can stand before you this day and boldly testify to you that He is my Savior, my Redeemer, my Lord, and my Friend. If I could only recall one verse of Scripture out of the entire library of Scriptures that we have, it would be my humble prayer that I would always have written on my heart the words of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Contained within that one verse is the summation of everything that we have discussed in your hearing this morning. He is the Son of the Living God! He is the Christ! Of these things I do so testify this day in the name of Him “who is the life and light of the world” --Even Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Posted 27th December 2010 by Anonymous
Dec

27

In the Lord's Due Time

In 1 Nephi 19:23 we learn about likening the Scriptures unto ourselves “that it might be for our profit and learning.” With that thought in mind, I would like to turn to the Old Testament book of Jeremiah, chapter 29, verses 11 through 13 and share a few thoughts with you this morning as to how the Scriptures found there apply to my own personal life and perhaps to your own lives as well.

In Jeremiah 29:11-13 we read these words, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

On March 10, just a little over a month ago, I celebrated my ten year anniversary as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I actually began investigating the Church in late 1980. I had seen several television commercials about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and each one normally ended with how one could obtain a free copy of the Book of Mormon. I have always had a love for books and was always on the watch for any new book of interest that I might be able to add to my small library of books. Having no knowledge of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and having never heard of or seen a copy of the Book of Mormon, I thought that this might be an interesting addition to my library, and besides it was at the right price, free. What I later found out is that the commercials failed to mention one minor detail. Nothing that I can recall was ever mentioned about the fact that two young men, riding bicycles, dressed in suits would personally deliver the free Book of Mormon. I later learned that these young men were missionaries for the Church.

The day the missionaries arrived at my parents’ home were I was living at the time; I invited them in and had a brief conversation with them. I found that some of what they had to say was of some interest to me and so I invited them to return again in a few days when I had more time to sit and talk with them and continue with our conversation. Time went on and after having met with the missionaries for about 5 months, I decided to leave home and join the United States Navy in March 1981. I thanked the missionaries for taking the time to visit me and teach me about what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes and teaches, and promised that I would continue to investigate the Church and its teachings at a later time. At that time I had only read a few passages from the Book of Mormon and though I had found what I read to be of great interest, I placed the book on the shelf in my library thinking that it would make a good reference book and perhaps I would return to read its pages some day.

Moving forward now in time, I found myself in San Diego California where I attended basic training, my first “A” school in electronics, and was eventually assigned to my first ship, the U.S.S. Jouett CG 29. One day while on liberty from the ship I came across a small bookstore. Being a lover of books I decided to go in and take a look around to see if I might find anything of interest. I did not realize at first that it was an LDS bookstore, but it didn’t take long to figure out. I distinctly remember on that visit I purchased several things to include another copy of the Book of Mormon and a set of conference tapes. I would love to tell you that I went back to the ship and spent time listening to the conference messages and reading the Book of Mormon, but that is not the case. In fact, I tucked the tapes and the Book of Mormon neatly away thinking that I would get back to those some day.

In addition to the conference tapes and the Book of Mormon, I bought several other books. The title of one of the books particularly caught my attention that day for whatever reason. The title of the book is “In The Lord’s Due Time”. I still have that book in my personal library. I did not at that time stop to notice who the book was written by or even what the book was about. I would later come to realize that the book was written by a Black Brother of the Church by the name of Joseph Freeman. The name Joseph Freeman is perhaps unfamiliar to most of you, but Brother Joseph Freeman was the first Black to receive the Priesthood following the 1978 Revelation. I thought that was interesting and wondered what was meant by receiving the Priesthood and what exactly a revelation is. Like the other materials that I purchased that day, I put the book away intending to further research the matter at a later time.

As years went on, I decided to begin studying for the ministry. The Baptist church that I was attending while stationed in Norfolk Virginia had its own Bible College and so I enrolled and began preparing to one day become a Baptist minister. During my course of studies I heard, read, and learned about many negative comments about the Mormon Church and why one should not join this Church. I became very well acquainted with anti-Mormon materials through media resources such as video tapes, cassette tapes, newspapers, magazines and the like. For a time, I even communicated through letters with people who had at one time been members of the Church and for one reason or another had left the Church. Though I will admit that some of the negativity sounded interesting, I could not buy into the fact that this Church was all that these folks where proclaiming it to be. I reflected upon the things that the missionaries and I had discussed in earlier years and came to the conclusion that there must be more to the story than these folks that were against the Church were telling, and that there must be some evidence of truth in what the missionaries had taught me. In short, I determined in my mind that I would seek after the truth and ignore all of the negativity.

Let us move forward in time once again. The year is now 1997 and I found myself stationed at a NATO command in Keflavik Iceland. One day as I was surfing the internet in my room, I decided to do a search on the Mormon Church out of curiosity just to see what I might find. I found a link for the Church News and decided to check it out. I later found an email address and decided to send an email to the newspaper inquiring as to the cost of sending a subscription to the newspaper to an overseas location. I received an email back from one of the editors of the newspaper at that time whose name was Doug Osborn. In his email he inquired as to what I was doing in Iceland and what my interest was in the Mormon Church. I sent an email back stating that I was serving in the United States Navy and that I was merely interested in reading about what was going on in the Mormon Church at that time. He emailed me back and said that he thought that was interesting and then he said, please do not be upset with me, and I hope you do not mind, but I have contacted the local missionaries in your area and have asked them to contact you. Partially thinking that I was on a secure NATO base and that the chances of the missionaries being able to locate me was slim to none, I wrote back stating that would be fine. A few days later my telephone rang. I answered the phone and who do you suppose was on the other end of the line? You guessed it, a missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My first question was how he obtained my telephone number. He replied that it was really quite easy, I just called the operator and she gave it to me. My thoughts were, well so much for security. I gave them my address and invited them over.

To make a long story short Brothers and Sisters, I met with several groups of missionaries over the course of about a year. We had many wonderful conversations and discussions about the Bible and the Book of Mormon. At times they were asking me where I found certain Scriptures and would make notes of them. At other times they would call me and tell me that they found another investigator that was also Baptist and asked how I would handle answering certain questions that their investigator had. It became a great teaching / learning experience for each of us.

Finally, in January 1998, I told the missionaries that I appreciated everything that they had taught me and that I would not make a final decision about being baptized until after I had read the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price in their entirety. I believe that the Lord had a hand in that as well as I believe that I was inspired to develop a 40-day reading schedule to complete all of the reading. For the very first time, a little over 17 years after my initial investigation of the Church, and for 40 consecutive days prior to my baptism, I read the Book of Mormon in its entirety, followed by the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price each in their entirety. Having completed all of the reading, I returned to Moroni’s promise as recorded in the Book of Mormon in Moroni 10: 3-5 – “Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” After reading those words I knelt beside my bed and asked the Lord to let me know if these things were indeed true. I received my answer, called the missionaries and on the evening of Tuesday, March 10, 1998, I was baptized and became a member of the Lord’s true Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The rest as they say is history with all things being fulfilled and accomplished according to the Lord’s plans and in His due time.

Brothers and Sisters, I may not know a whole lot, but what I know, I know of a surety. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s true Church upon the earth today. I know that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God. I know that the Bible and the Book of Mormon are the Word of God and that both testify of a loving Savior and Redeemer. I know that President Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today and I sustain him as Prophet, Seer, and Revelator as I also sustain his counselors. I also know that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ holds all of my tomorrows in the palm of His hand. He has already prepared the work that He would have me do in the days ahead, is preparing me to do that work, and will one day in His due time call me forth to accomplish that work. Whether the work will be in a section of the vineyard of this great Stake of Zion or wherever the Lord may call me to serve, I humbly pray that I, like Nephi of old will be obedient to the call and go forth and do those things which the Lord commands.

I close by reading once again the words found in Jeremiah 29:11-13 – “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

God our Eternal Heavenly Father lives and Jesus is the Christ. Of these things I do so testify and bear solemn witness in His Sacred Holy name. Amen.

**This sacrament talk was delivered to the congregation of the Annapolis Maryland Ward of the Annapolis Maryland Stake of Zion of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sabbath Day morning, 20 April 2008.

Posted 27th December 2010 by Anonymous

Labels: Faith Testimony Endurance
Dec

27

Called To Serve

Subtitle: The Scriptural Foundation of Our Responsibility to Spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Scripture References:

“A GREAT and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men.” – D&C 14:1

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." - Matthew 28:19-20

Words of Wisdom From Our Church Leaders:

“The missionary work of the Latter-day Saints is the greatest of all the great works in all the world.” (CR, October 1921, p.5) – Heber J. Grant

“There is no joy that can compare with that of a missionary who has been made the instrument of the salvation of a soul.” (CR, April 1918, p. 73) – Orson F. Whitney

“We are the messengers, and we have the acceptable message.” – Spencer W. Kimball

“When men go forth in the name of Israel’s God, there is no power on earth that can overturn the truths they advocate.” (JD,
12:396) – John Taylor

Good afternoon brothers and sisters. The theme of my message to you this afternoon is the Scriptural Foundation of Our Responsibility to Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I would like to discuss this matter in four brief sections. First, I would like to talk briefly about the meaning and the purpose for missionary work. Second, I would like to discuss the message behind missionary work. Third, I would like to discuss the methods of missionary work and finally, I would like to briefly discuss member missionary work.

First, let us define what a missionary is and discuss briefly the purpose of missionary work. Webster’s dictionary gives us a rather general definition of the word missionary. A missionary is defined as one sent on a mission, especially one sent to do religious or charitable work in a territory or foreign country. So then, what exactly is this mission? This mission that a missionary is sent on is to do the work that our Heavenly Father has commanded him or her to do. President Spencer W. Kimball once said, “If we do not do our duty in regard to missionary service, then I am convinced that God will hold us responsible for the people we might have saved had we done our duty.” (Ensign, October 1977, p. 5). Concerning this matter of missionary work, Elder Bruce R. McConkie had this say, “In the day of wickedness just preceding our Lord’s return there is to be a great harvest of souls. We live in that day, the day when the harvest is ripe. We have deluded ourselves long enough with the thought that this is a day of gleaning only. This is not a day of gleaning, but of harvest . . . Now this work is going to succeed. This is absolutely guaranteed, it is the eternal decree of the Lord.” Orson F. Whitney once said, “There is no joy that can compare with that of a missionary who has been made the instrument of the salvation of a soul.” (CR, April 1918, p. 73). And President David O. McKay in Conference in April 1959 made the profound statement “Every member a missionary!” (CR, April 1959, p. 122).

It does not matter if we wear the black name tag as do our full time missionaries. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we all are called to serve as soldiers in the Lord’s Army. All of us may never have the opportunity to serve a full time mission for the Church or find ourselves as members of the Church serving in a foreign land but that does not exclude us from doing the work that our Heavenly Father – our Great Commander in Chief -- has commanded us to do. Our mission field is found right in our own back yards. We have an awesome responsibility to share the Gospel with all whom we come in contact with – family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and classmates.

So then, what is the purpose of missionary work? Alexander B. Morrison sums it up this way, “The very purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [is] to invite, encourage, and assist all of God’s children, both living and dead, to come to Christ, “and lay hold upon every good gift” (Moroni 10:30), that “ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel” (3 Nephi 30:2). That is why we do missionary work.” President Gordon B. Hinckley further clarified the purpose of missionary work when he said, “The work of the missionary is everlasting in its consequences. Acceptance of the gospel at the hands of a true and dedicated teacher affects not only the recipient, but also generations who are to come after the recipient.” (Ensign, May 1983, p. 85). And President Ezra Taft Benson reminds us that “Missionary work – the preaching of the gospel – has been the major activity of the true Church of Christ whenever the gospel has been upon the earth.” (JE, June 1970, p. 95).

Missionary work affords us the opportunity to manifest our love of the Savior, who has commanded us to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) It also affords us the opportunity to express our love to all mankind. It affords us the opportunity to testify of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Redeemer of the World as well as an opportunity to build our faith in Christ and to teach His saving and comforting doctrine. In D&C 14:3 we read, “Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, who desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God.”

Second, let us briefly discuss the message of missionary work. The message that we bring to the world is one of hope, love, peace and joy. In John 3:16 we read these words, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The message that we bring to the world is one that testifies of the fact that God still loves the world, and He has spoken again as an indication of that divine love. He has restored truths in their completeness – precious truths that are essential to our peace and happiness – truths that are essential to our eternal salvation. As missionaries, we testify of a restoration that is so miraculous that only the hand of God could be its author – so miraculous in fact, that it can only be fully understood and believed by those who understand the power of God and His love for all mankind.

The reward of missionary work is not necessarily converts; rather it is exaltation. Certainly, converts will come and this glorious work will move forward in the Lord’s due time, but if we do the best that we can, the rewards for us will be the same. [Compare the Parable of the Talents]. We are instructed in D&C 14:6 to “Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my commandments in all things.”

What a joy and a blessing it has been in my life to go out on splits with the missionaries of my Ward these past few weeks. To be able to share my faith and my testimony of the truthfulness of this Gospel brings me great joy and happiness. To see the faces of “thirsting souls” as they seek to know the truth, to hear them ask questions about the Gospel and to hear them (in some cases for the first time) offer a prayer to our Heavenly Father thrills my soul beyond indescribable measure. As I strive to do those things which the Lord has commanded, I am blessed, I know that the missionaries lives are blessed and more importantly, our Heavenly Father is well pleased. I would highly encourage every member to take full advantage of the opportunities to go out on splits with the missionaries and experience these blessings for your selves. Elder L. Tom Perry once said, “More blessings comes to us in going forth to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, and laboring for the salvation of the souls of men, than can possibly come to us by merely having a knowledge of the truth of our religion, and then remaining at home to mingle and labor in the ordinary affairs of life, and accumulate the wealth of this world that perishes with the using.” (Ensign, May 1984, p. 80).

Now I come to my third point, the method of missionary work. I will only mention a few things here briefly that I feel are essential in becoming a faithful and successful missionary.
1. Be a student of the Word. Spend time studying the Scriptures every day. It is through the study of the Scriptures that we come to have an intimate relationship with our Savior. We learn the principles and doctrines of His precious truths. As we learn, we should develop the desire to want to share these truths with others. Truth is meant to be shared not kept to ourselves.
2. Be diligent and watchful. By that I mean, “ . . . be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15). Look for opportunities to share the Gospel and then when those opportunities arise don’t be afraid to open your mouth. Again I say, truth is meant to be shared, not kept to ourselves.
3. Believe in the message that you are bringing. By that I mean, have a strong testimony of the truthfulness of this Gospel. Know why you believe the things that you do and then be willing to boldly share that testimony with others.
4. Be prayerful. Prayer changes things. Even when it seems that no one wants to hear what you have to say, it is amazing how many doors are opened as a result of earnest prayer.
5. Be of good cheer. Know that whom the Lord sends to do His work, He also prepares. He will never leave you alone to fend for yourself. He is always there to lead and to guide. Therefore, make sure that you approach missionary work with the right spirit and the right attitude. Go forth not with the attitude that you are going to change the world in a day, but with the attitude that you can and will make a difference in the world today.

Finally, I want to close and summarize by restating the statement that President David O. McKay made in the April 1959 conference, “Every member a missionary!” That was not just a nice statement to make at that time, but rather it was a directive to every member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to get busy and do the work that our Heavenly Father has commanded us to do. When Christ said unto His disciples in Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” He was not saying to His disciples that this is something that you can think about doing, or something that you might want to do, but rather this was a mandate – marching orders from the Commander in Chief. There was no time for deliberation, debate, argument or discussion. He was clearly instructing His disciples that this was something that they MUST do. And my dear brothers and sisters as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, that same mandate – those same marching orders are given to us at this hour.

Everyone one of us knows someone that needs to hear the message of this Glorious Gospel. May I be so bold as to challenge each and every one of us to do our part in bringing forth His Zion by keeping His commandments in all things, and that all includes being faithful missionaries.

I leave you with my testimony that I know that there is no greater work on this earth than missionary work. I testify to you of the blessings that it brings. I further testify to you that I know that this Church is true and I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Matthew 9:37-38, “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Brethren, I know that He will because this is His work and His work MUST be fulfilled. That we may always be found faithful soldiers in our Savior’s Army, always ready on the alert to serve wherever we may be called to proclaim His truth is my humble prayer this day. In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

**This Sacrament talk was delivered Sabbath day afternoon, 19 November 2000, to the congregation of the Odenton Maryland Ward.

Posted 27th December 2010 by Anonymous

Labels: Missionaries "Missionary Work" Faith Testimony Gospel
Dec

27

Reflections of Thanks Giving

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. – Psalm 100:4

Traditionally, every fourth Thursday in November is set aside for the celebration of what is known as Thanksgiving Day. It is a day of Thanksgiving parades on television in the morning, followed by football games in the afternoon. It is a day when family, friends, and loved ones gather together to share a bounteous meal and share one another’s company.

But, amidst all of the parades, football games, and bounteous meals, Thanksgiving Day should be a day for pausing to give thanks and to reflect upon the many blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon each and every one of us. It is a time to give thanks, not only for the large blessings that are ours to enjoy, but for the smallest of blessings as well. We are admonished in the Scriptures that in everything we are to give thanks because this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning each and every one of us. (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We are further taught in the Scriptures to not fear, but to let our hearts be comforted and to rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks. (D&C 98:1).

Thanksgiving Day should not be the only day that we pause to give thanks, but every day of our lives should be a day of Thanks Giving. Each and every day we should as the Psalmist declared, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” (Psalm 100:4).

As we reflect upon the Thanksgiving season that has just passed, I am sure that each of us has many things that we are thankful for. I am personally thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of the True and the Living God. It is He who guides my footsteps and sustains me each day. I am thankful for the glorious Gospel and for the things that I learn from its pages to help me in my daily walk. I am thankful for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of which I testify and bear solemn witness is the Lord’s true Church on the earth today. I am thankful for a Living Prophet on the earth today who through the inspiration and divine guidance of the Holy Spirit is able to teach us in all righteousness. I am also thankful for the loving support of family and friends. I fear that I do not often enough express my appreciation for each of them, but they are truly the wind beneath my wings. And I am also thankful for the health and strength necessary to go forth each day.

These are just some of the things that I am thankful for, not only on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of my life as I strive to make each day of my personal life a day of Thanks Giving. None of us should ever take any of our blessings for granted. We should ever be mindful of the words of the Psalmist when he said, “So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.” (Psalm 79:13). Let us make every day a day of Thanks Giving.

Posted 27th December 2010 by Anonymous

Labels: "Thanks Giving" Praise
Dec

27

For Such A Time As This

“To everything there is a season, a time to every purpose under the heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Webster’s dictionary defines the word pioneer as “a person who plays a leading part in the early development of something.” Therefore, in the truest sense of the definition, as the only person in my family that is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am a pioneer. And so, I would like to take just a few moments this morning to share with you some of my thoughts about being a pioneer member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3, verse 1, we are taught “To everything there is a season, a time to every purpose under the heaven.” I strongly believe that I am the person that has been chosen, and given the responsibility by my Heavenly Father for such a time as this to lead the rest of my family to the saving knowledge of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a responsibility that I dare not take lightly.

I am reminded of the words of President Lorenzo Snow: “You exert a certain degree of influence, and be it ever so small, it affects some person or persons, and for the results of the influence you exert you are held accountable. You, therefore, whether you acknowledge it or not, have assumed an importance before God and man that cannot be overlooked.” (JD, 18:299). And so, I have a responsibility to be a positive influence on my family.
Along those same lines, I must also set the example that I wish my family to follow. I am reminded of the words of President Harold B. Lee: “You cannot lift another soul until you are standing on higher ground than he is. You must be sure if you would rescue the man that you yourself are setting the example of what you would have him be. You cannot light a fire in another soul unless it is burning in your own soul.” (CR, April 1973, p.178.)

One of the ways that I can be a positive influence and set the example that I should before my family, is by having and maintaining a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel. I must always be ready to give an answer for not only what I believe, but why I believe it. This principle is taught to us in 1 Peter 3:15-17, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you of the reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience that whereas they speak evil of you as evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.”

On March 10 of this year I celebrated my eighth birthday as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Never would I ever have imagined that one day I would be a member of the Lord’s true Church. I was born and raised in a good Christian Baptist home with a dear mother who made sure that her four children were nurtured in the good Word of God. I grew up in a home where it was automatically understood that if mom was going to church on Sunday, than so were you. There was no argument, discussion, or debate. From a very early age as I grew to love and appreciate the blessed Scriptures, my focus was set on one day fulfilling my grandmother’s dream and what later became my own goal of becoming a Baptist minister. But the Lord had other plans. Through all of my years of being taught righteous principles as a youth and later teaching Sunday school classes and training in Bible College to become a Baptist minister, the Lord was preparing me for a greater work that He had for me to do. I am so grateful that I yielded to His will for my life instead of pursuing the path that I had chosen. I am a living testimony this morning that if we will but “Trust in the Lord with all [our] heart; and lean not unto [our] understanding and in all [our] ways acknowledge Him . . . He shall direct [our] paths.” In the words of one of my favorite hymns: “I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me. Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me. I tremble to know that for me he was crucified. That for me a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died. Oh it is wonderful that he should care for me. Enough to die for me. Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me!”

I am thankful for the callings that I have received over the past 8 years – Activities Chairman, Single Adults Representative, Youth Sunday School Teacher, First Counselor in the Young Men’s Presidency, member of the Stake High Council, and now as a Second Counselor of the Bishopric - and for the lessons that I have personally learned from each of them. Each of those lessons has helped to strengthen my testimony and have given me a stronger desire to do those things which the Lord would have me to do. Even more so, I am grateful that a loving Heavenly Father would call me to serve in these capacities and it is my humble prayer that I will always be willing to serve wherever the Master would need me to serve. May I always be willing to serve with the attitude of Nephi:” I will go and do the things which the Lord have commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” (1 Nephi 3:7). Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has taught me that living the true Gospel is not in thinking about one’s self all the time, but rather it is in serving others.

One last thing that I will share is that being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has given me a greater understanding of the importance of and appreciation for family history work. The work that I have begun on my own family history has sparked a great deal of interest in my family. It has also opened many doors of opportunity to share my faith and my testimony with family members, prayerfully planting seeds that will yield a harvest some day soon. As I look back through the pages of my family history, I can see the hand of God at work. I come from a heritage that is rich with people, who dedicated their lives to being community leaders, educators, defenders of this great nation in several wars, and ministers of the Gospel. I think it is no accident that I would grow up to also have a thirst for education, to serve my country, and most importantly to have a sincere love for the Gospel. It was all part of the Lord’s plan. I personally believe that every stepping stone along the way was setting the pathway to bringing me to where I am today. As I prepare family names to take to the Temple, I know that the Spirit of Elijah is present and that the Lord, as well as my ancestors is pleased with the work that I am doing.

I will close with the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith:
The building up of Zion is a cause that has interested the people of God in every age; it is a theme upon which prophets, priests and kings have dwelt with peculiar delight; they have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live; and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have sung and written and prophesied of this our day; but they died without the sight; we are a favored people that God has made choice of to bring about the Latter-day glory, “the dispensation of the fullness of times,” when God will gather together all things that are in heaven, and all things that are upon the earth, . . . when the Saints of God will be gathered in one from every nation, and kindred, and people, and tongue, when the Jews will be gathered together into one, the wicked will also be gathered together to be destroyed, as spoken by the prophets; the Spirit of God will also dwell with His people, and be withdrawn from the rest of the nations, and all things whether in heaven or on earth will be in one, even in Christ. (HC, 4:609-610.)

Brothers and sisters, I testify to you of the hope that is in me and that hope is Jesus Christ and the knowledge that I know that His Church is the true Church and that His Gospel is truth. I further testify to you that I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that President Gordon B. Hinckley is our living prophet in these the latter days. I am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that as the pioneer member of the Church for my family, as I continue to share my testimony of this Gospel, others will want to follow in my footsteps to learn of that blessed hope. The windows of opportunity are open and I am willing to do the work which the Father has for me to do. That I may do so humbly and in accordance with His perfect will is my prayer. In the sacred name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

**This Sacrament talk was delivered on Sabbath Day morning, Sunday, 23 July 2006, to the congregation of the Annapolis Maryland Ward of the Annapolis Maryland Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Posted 27th December 2010 by Anonymous

Labels: Pioneer Trails Life Faith Testimony
Dec

16

This Is The Moment!

One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering. - unknown

I probably should keep some writing pads and writing utensils next to my bed as I sleep. Sometimes in the middle of the night and in the early morning hours I awaken with with thoughts for a message or story that I want to write, or just a simple thought that I would like to share. Such is the case as I awoke this morning at about 5:30 AM.

With only 16 days left in the year 2010, and in preparation for 2011, I am beginning to reflect upon some of the life lessons that I have learned from my journey through life this past year. In that time of reflection, I cannot help put step back into the pages of time, if but for a brief moment, to recall some of the things from even a far distant past that have brought me to the place where I am at this moment in time. In my humble recollection of days gone by, there are things that I could have done, possibly should have done, and a vast variety of things that I can now definitely improve upon as I continue to move forward in my life.

The past may be a nice place for one to visit, and there is nothing wrong in and of itself in taking time to reflect upon the past; however, we can find ourselves running into danger when we decide to set up our tents and dwell in lands that we have long since vacated, and probably should allow to remain vacated as far as our lives are concerned. As a result, we can become solemn, depressed, and complacent and may never have the desire to press forward to travel the road that is right before us.

As a further consequence of wanting to dwell in the lands of the past, over the sands of time, we may lose all sight and vision of those things that are yet to come. However, spending too much time dwelling in the land of the future, just like spending too much time in the lands of the past, can also present some problems along the way. Our focus and attention needs to be on what we have in front of us which is the here and now.

Sometime ago I shared with all of you some thoughts that I wrote concerning the words "yesterday", "today", and "tomorrow". In closing I would like to repeat those brief thoughts once again if I may. Today is yesterday's tomorrow. Tomorrow will become yesterday's today. Yesterday has already come and gone and has now taken its place amongst the annals of history. Tomorrow is a part of the future that is yet to be revealed. What we have been given is today which is called the present. And why is it called the present? It is called the present because it is a gift from God.

This is the moment! May we learn from the days of yesterday, cherish all of our todays, and may God grant us many more tomorrows.

Posted 16th December 2010 by Anonymous

Labels: LIfe Time
Dec

10

How Do You Spell CHRIST?

And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness. - Alma 38:9

C - The Christ child who in Bethlehem's manger lay. Born of a virgin, a choice and blessed daughter of our Heavenly Father. Not an ordinary child by any means, but One who was born King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He whose name is indeed Immanuel - God is with us.

H - He was born of a humble birth and in humility Christ our Savior came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many. He who knew no sin paid the ultimate sacrifice for sin by becoming the Sacrificial Lamb for the slaughter thus taking upon Himself all of the sins of mankind - past, present, and future - for those born and those yet to be born.

R - His Resurrection was glorious. Death and the grave could not hold Him. On the third day He triumphantly arose from the grave and lives forevermore
seated at the right hand of God the Eternal Father. Because He lives we too shall live and one day we shall behold Him and see Him and know Him as He IS - our Lord, our Savior, our Master, and our King.

I - His atoning love for each of us is infinite, unconditional, and matchless. No greater love hath any man than He who willingly laid down His life for those whom He loves. For a few, men may willingly give their lives, but none will ever pay such a high price as this One who with His life, and beacuse of His infinite love for us, paid a tremendous debt that He did not owe, and one that we could never pay on our own.

S - He is the Savior of the world. Read and meditate upon the words of John 3:16 - 18, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting ilife. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." He is indeed the Life and the Light of the world for "in him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not" (see John 1:4,5). "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19).

T - In a day and time when it sometimes becomes difficult to discern between what is truth and what is not, some may ask the pointed question, "What is truth?" He is the embodiment of all truth. He declares in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." And again in John 8:32 He declares, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth" (see 2 Corinthians 13:8). He is the God of truth and He cannot lie. "For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ" (Doctrine and Covenants 84:45).

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Posted 10th December 2010 by Anonymous

Labels: Jesus Christ Savior Lord King
Dec

7

Mormon Channel Christmas Videos

Posted 7th December 2010 by Anonymous

Lessons in the Key of Life

Lessons that I have learned as I journey through life.