Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
GRACE
From the BIBLE DICTIONARY
A word that occurs frequently in the New Testament, especially in the writings of Paul. The main idea of the word is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.
It is through the grace of the Lord Jesus, made possible by his atoning sacrifice, that mankind will be raised in immortality, every person receiving his body from the grave in a condition of everlasting life. It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.
Divine grace is needed by every soul in consequence of the fall of Adam and also because of man’s weaknesses and shortcomings. However, grace cannot suffice without total effort on the part of the recipient. Hence the explanation, “It is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Ne. 25: 23). It is truly the grace of Jesus Christ that makes salvation possible. This principle is expressed in Jesus’ parable of the vine and the branches (John 15: 1-11). See also John 1: 12-17; Eph. 2: 8-9; Philip. 4: 13; D&C 93: 11-14.
A word that occurs frequently in the New Testament, especially in the writings of Paul. The main idea of the word is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.
It is through the grace of the Lord Jesus, made possible by his atoning sacrifice, that mankind will be raised in immortality, every person receiving his body from the grave in a condition of everlasting life. It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.
Divine grace is needed by every soul in consequence of the fall of Adam and also because of man’s weaknesses and shortcomings. However, grace cannot suffice without total effort on the part of the recipient. Hence the explanation, “It is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Ne. 25: 23). It is truly the grace of Jesus Christ that makes salvation possible. This principle is expressed in Jesus’ parable of the vine and the branches (John 15: 1-11). See also John 1: 12-17; Eph. 2: 8-9; Philip. 4: 13; D&C 93: 11-14.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Are You Saved?
I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through His gracious and blessed Atonement, all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
This article of faith seems to suggest we 'may' be saved, but I know we 'will' be saved, according to the definition of other Christian religions. My religion teaches of many heavens and many different blessings of exaltation, but we 'will' be saved from eternal destruction through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. All we have to do is accept his gift.
One of the prophets in the Book of Mormon wrote, "And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen." (2 Nephi 31:21)
We are all sinners, but there is hope; hope in the Atonement of our Savior and Redeemer.
One of our apostles, Boyd K. Packer, stated, " . . . there is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no apostasy, no crime exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the atonement of Christ."
Even though we are sinners, we are loved by our Father in Heaven and by His Son, Jesus Christ. Forgiveness is another one of the many blessings they freely give us, if we repent and are truly sorry for our sins, and continue on the right path.
Another prophet in the Book of Mormon taught, "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)
If someone asks you if you are saved, please testify that you ARE saved, by the grace and mercy and love of our Savior Jesus Christ who atoned for our sins; only in and through Christ, and by obedience to His laws (commandments) and ordinances (covenants).
Now...on to exaltation....
This article of faith seems to suggest we 'may' be saved, but I know we 'will' be saved, according to the definition of other Christian religions. My religion teaches of many heavens and many different blessings of exaltation, but we 'will' be saved from eternal destruction through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. All we have to do is accept his gift.
One of the prophets in the Book of Mormon wrote, "And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen." (2 Nephi 31:21)
We are all sinners, but there is hope; hope in the Atonement of our Savior and Redeemer.
One of our apostles, Boyd K. Packer, stated, " . . . there is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no apostasy, no crime exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the atonement of Christ."
Even though we are sinners, we are loved by our Father in Heaven and by His Son, Jesus Christ. Forgiveness is another one of the many blessings they freely give us, if we repent and are truly sorry for our sins, and continue on the right path.
Another prophet in the Book of Mormon taught, "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)
If someone asks you if you are saved, please testify that you ARE saved, by the grace and mercy and love of our Savior Jesus Christ who atoned for our sins; only in and through Christ, and by obedience to His laws (commandments) and ordinances (covenants).
Now...on to exaltation....
Monday, January 5, 2009
THE BOOK OF MORMON IS TRUE; I KNOW IT
This account, written by Larry Barkdull, rings so true to me. I hope you will read this, then pray about the Book of Mormon. I testify it was written by a prophet through revelation from God.
"I read the Book of Mormon with a continuous string of questions flowing through my mind. For example, I asked myself if anyone, even the greatest literary genius of all time, could have written such a book—within 60 days! One would have to have had a fabulous knowledge of the Jews and the Law of Moses. One would have to have an encyclopedic knowledge of the Bible in order to mesh its teachings with this new volume. One would have to have the skill of assuming the voices and styles of multiple people, and one would have to accurately explain three separate civilizations that existed from the Tower of Babel to 400 A.D. One would have to forward geographic locations and archaeological data that would only be proven correct a hundred or more years later. Then the book would have to hold up to criticism at every level for nearly two hundred years. Finally, the book would be bold enough to carry a one-of-a-kind guarantee that the truth of it could be known by honest seekers by a direct answer from God…and millions would then attest that the guarantee was valid. Who would dare says such things? Who but a prophet could write it? People could criticize it, but who has ever duplicated it?"
"I read the Book of Mormon with a continuous string of questions flowing through my mind. For example, I asked myself if anyone, even the greatest literary genius of all time, could have written such a book—within 60 days! One would have to have had a fabulous knowledge of the Jews and the Law of Moses. One would have to have an encyclopedic knowledge of the Bible in order to mesh its teachings with this new volume. One would have to have the skill of assuming the voices and styles of multiple people, and one would have to accurately explain three separate civilizations that existed from the Tower of Babel to 400 A.D. One would have to forward geographic locations and archaeological data that would only be proven correct a hundred or more years later. Then the book would have to hold up to criticism at every level for nearly two hundred years. Finally, the book would be bold enough to carry a one-of-a-kind guarantee that the truth of it could be known by honest seekers by a direct answer from God…and millions would then attest that the guarantee was valid. Who would dare says such things? Who but a prophet could write it? People could criticize it, but who has ever duplicated it?"
Sunday, December 28, 2008
I'm Thankful I Live in a Free Nation
Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written. (Ether 2:12. Italics added.)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
1 Thessalonians 5:18
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.."
¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:- ¸.•´ .•´¨¨))
((¸¸.•´ ..•´ -:¦:-
*..•°-:¦:-* Susan *-:¦:-°•..*
¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.•´ .•´¨¨)) •..*´¨¨)) -:¦:-
((¸¸.•´ ..•´ ¸¸.•´
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.."
¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:- ¸.•´ .•´¨¨))
((¸¸.•´ ..•´ -:¦:-
*..•°-:¦:-* Susan *-:¦:-°•..*
¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.•´ .•´¨¨)) •..*´¨¨)) -:¦:-
((¸¸.•´ ..•´ ¸¸.•´
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Romans 2:6-10
"[God] Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But to them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil . . . but glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good."
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Salt Lake City Temple
I recently went to Utah and was able to spend an early Sunday morning walking around Temple Square taking photos....
The photo above was used as the cover of our Stake Conference program in September 2008
The photo above was used as the cover of our Stake Conference program in September 2008
Who Are the Mormons?
Values
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a restoration of New Testament Christianity as taught by Jesus and His apostles. It is not Protestant, evangelical, Catholic or Orthodox. Nevertheless, the basic values of morality, civility and family espoused by the Church are similar to those of other faiths. Church members find refuge from the uncertainties of the world in the gospel message of hope and happiness. The reality that life has divine purpose, that God cares for each individual, and that everyone has the capacity for improvement through correct choices is the center of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Church and its doctrines not only enlighten Church members spiritually but also improve every aspect of their lives. Thus, Latter-day Saints do more than just attend Sunday services. They find meaning in the challenges and joys of everyday life — raising families, pursuing professional careers, serving neighbors and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Worship
On any given Sunday, Latter-day Saints gather for worship services in more than 27,000 congregations in 177 countries, nations and territories around the world. These local congregations are geographically designated so as to bring neighbors and communities closer together and give them greater opportunities to serve each other. As an illustration of what a typical service looks like, men, women and teenagers speak from the pulpit; sing hymns; offer extemporaneous, not recited, prayers; participate in the sacrament (similar to communion); attend scripture classes and engage in discussion; and share personal faith stories, or “testimonies.” The Church also provides Sunday school for children where they learn the gospel of Jesus Christ and how to live its principles. Adapting to the local needs of the various congregations around the world, these worship services are held in more than 180 languages and are open to visitors. The worldwide growth of the Church is partly due to the service of more than 50,000 full-time, volunteer missionaries, who teach the gospel wherever they can — in the streets and in the home. But this tells only half the story. The openness and caring of the lay members toward their friends and acquaintances is the real catalyst for growth. The search for truth and human connection brings this community together. In ancient and modern scriptures, as well as in the words and ministries of inspired leaders, Latter-day Saints find answers to life’s toughest questions. And nowhere are these answers more needed than in the family.
Family
in an increasingly fractional society, the importance of strengthening the family is paramount. The values essential to the prosperity of any civilization are first instilled in the family — the fundamental unit of society — where a husband and wife work together for the betterment of the whole. The Church’s teachings and programs are designed to fortify the family. The time-honored values of charity, sacrifice, patience and forgiveness are the elements that allow society to move forward. They are most effectively learned at home.
(from LDS.org)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a restoration of New Testament Christianity as taught by Jesus and His apostles. It is not Protestant, evangelical, Catholic or Orthodox. Nevertheless, the basic values of morality, civility and family espoused by the Church are similar to those of other faiths. Church members find refuge from the uncertainties of the world in the gospel message of hope and happiness. The reality that life has divine purpose, that God cares for each individual, and that everyone has the capacity for improvement through correct choices is the center of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Church and its doctrines not only enlighten Church members spiritually but also improve every aspect of their lives. Thus, Latter-day Saints do more than just attend Sunday services. They find meaning in the challenges and joys of everyday life — raising families, pursuing professional careers, serving neighbors and fulfilling personal aspirations.
Worship
On any given Sunday, Latter-day Saints gather for worship services in more than 27,000 congregations in 177 countries, nations and territories around the world. These local congregations are geographically designated so as to bring neighbors and communities closer together and give them greater opportunities to serve each other. As an illustration of what a typical service looks like, men, women and teenagers speak from the pulpit; sing hymns; offer extemporaneous, not recited, prayers; participate in the sacrament (similar to communion); attend scripture classes and engage in discussion; and share personal faith stories, or “testimonies.” The Church also provides Sunday school for children where they learn the gospel of Jesus Christ and how to live its principles. Adapting to the local needs of the various congregations around the world, these worship services are held in more than 180 languages and are open to visitors. The worldwide growth of the Church is partly due to the service of more than 50,000 full-time, volunteer missionaries, who teach the gospel wherever they can — in the streets and in the home. But this tells only half the story. The openness and caring of the lay members toward their friends and acquaintances is the real catalyst for growth. The search for truth and human connection brings this community together. In ancient and modern scriptures, as well as in the words and ministries of inspired leaders, Latter-day Saints find answers to life’s toughest questions. And nowhere are these answers more needed than in the family.
Family
in an increasingly fractional society, the importance of strengthening the family is paramount. The values essential to the prosperity of any civilization are first instilled in the family — the fundamental unit of society — where a husband and wife work together for the betterment of the whole. The Church’s teachings and programs are designed to fortify the family. The time-honored values of charity, sacrifice, patience and forgiveness are the elements that allow society to move forward. They are most effectively learned at home.
(from LDS.org)
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