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These Bear Witnesses of the Truthfulness of the Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ Scripture Reference: Ether 5 1 And now I, Moroni, have written the words which were commanded me, according to my memory; and I have told you the things which I have sealed up; therefore touch them not in order that ye may translate; for that thing is forbidden you, except by and by it shall be wisdom in God. 2 And behold, ye may be privileged that ye may show the plates unto those who shall assist to bring forth this work; 3 And unto three shall they be shown by the power of God; wherefore they shall know of a surety that these things are true. 4 And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record—and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day. 5 And if it so be that they repent and come unto the Father in the name of Jesus, they shall be received into the kingdom of God. 6 And now, if I have no authority for these things, judge ye; for ye shall know that I have authority when ye shall see me, and we shall stand before God at the last day. Amen. THE TESTIMONY OF THREE WITNESSES Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen. Oliver Cowdery David Whitmer Martin Harris Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "The Witness: Martin Harris," Ensign, May 1999, 35 While Joseph Smith was translating the Book of Mormon, the Lord revealed that, in addition to the Prophet’s testimony, the world would have "the testimony of three of my servants, whom I shall call and ordain, unto whom I will show these things" (D&C 5:11; see also Ether 5:2–4; 2 Ne. 27:12–13). "They shall know of a surety that these things are true," the Lord declared, "for from heaven will I declare it unto them" (D&C 5:12). The three men chosen as witnesses of the Book of Mormon were Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris. Their written "Testimony of Three Witnesses" has been included in all of the almost 100 million copies of the Book of Mormon the Church has published since 1830. People who deny the possibility of supernatural beings may reject this remarkable testimony, but people who are open to believe in miraculous experiences should find it compelling. The solemn written testimony of three witnesses to what they saw and heard—two of them simultaneously and the third almost immediately thereafter—is entitled to great weight. Indeed, we know that upon the testimony of one witness great miracles have been claimed and accepted by many religious people, and in the secular world the testimony of one witness has been deemed sufficient for weighty penalties and judgments. Persons experienced in evaluating testimony commonly consider a witness’s opportunity to observe an event and the possibility of his bias on the subject. Where different witnesses give identical testimony about the same event, skeptics look for evidence of collusion among them or for other witnesses who could contradict them. Measured against all of these possible objections, the testimony of the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon stands forth in great strength. Each of the three had ample reason and opportunity to renounce his testimony if it had been false, or to equivocate on details if any had been inaccurate. As is well known, because of disagreements or jealousies involving other leaders of the Church, each one of these three witnesses was excommunicated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by about eight years after the publication of their testimony. All three went their separate ways, with no common interest to support a collusive effort. Yet to the end of their lives—periods ranging from 12 to 50 years after their excommunications—not one of these witnesses deviated from his published testimony or said anything that cast any shadow on its truthfulness. Furthermore, their testimony stands uncontradicted by any other witnesses. Reject it one may, but how does one explain three men of good character uniting and persisting in this published testimony to the end of their lives in the face of great ridicule and other personal disadvantage? Like the Book of Mormon itself, there is no better explanation than is given in the testimony itself, the solemn statement of good and honest men who told what they saw.

The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. ~Articles of Faith 1:8 Scripture Reference: Mormon 7:8-10 8 Therefore repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus, and lay hold upon the gospel of Christ, which shall be set before you, not only in this record but also in the record which shall come unto the Gentiles from the Jews, which record shall come from the Gentiles unto you. 9 For behold, this is written for the intent that ye may believe that; and if ye believe that ye will believe this also; and if ye believe this ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them. 10 And ye will also know that ye are a remnant of the seed of Jacob; therefore ye are numbered among the people of the first covenant; and if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are baptized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be well with you in the day of judgment. Amen. From Gospel Library - Gospel Topics The primary purpose of the Book of Mormon is to convince all people "that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations" (title page of the Book of Mormon). It teaches that all people "must come unto him, or they cannot be saved" (1 Nephi 13:40). Joseph Smith said that the Book of Mormon is "the keystone of our religion, and a man [will] get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book" (introduction to the Book of Mormon). The Book of Mormon is another witness for the truths taught in the Bible. It also restores "plain and precious" truths that have been lost from the Bible through errors in translation or "taken away" in attempts to "pervert the right ways of the Lord" (see 1 Nephi 13:24–27, 1 Nephi 13:38–41). The Bible and the Book of Mormon "shall grow together, unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace" (2 Nephi 3:12). President Ezra Taft Benson, "The Book of Mormon Is the Word of God," Ensign, Jan 1988, 3 As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "we believe … the Book of Mormon to be the word of God." (A of F 1:8.) God has so declared it, so have its writers, so have its witnesses, and so do all those who have read it and received a personal revelation from God as to its truthfulness. In section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord says that He gave Joseph Smith "power from on high … to translate the Book of Mormon; which contains … the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ … which was given by inspiration." (D&C 20:8–10.) Nephi, one of the prophet-writers of the Book of Mormon, testifies that the book contains "the words of Christ" (2 Ne. 33:10), and Moroni, the last writer in the book, testifies that "these things are true" (Moro. 7:35). This same Moroni, as an angelic being sent from God, showed these ancient records to three witnesses in our day. Their testimony of the records is contained in the front of the Book of Mormon. They state: "We also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true." And Joseph Smith, the Prophet, the instrument whom God used to translate this record, testified that "the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." (History of the Church, 4:461.) The Book of Mormon was written for us today. God is the author of the book. It is a record of a fallen people, compiled by inspired men for our blessing. Those people never had the book—it was meant for us. Mormon, the ancient prophet after whom the book is named, abridged centuries of records. God, who knows the end from the beginning, told him what to include in his abridgment that we would need for our day. Mormon turned the records over to his son Moroni, the last recorder; and Moroni, writing over 1,500 years ago but speaking to us today, states: "Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing." (Morm. 8:35.) Elder Richard G. Scott, "The Power of the Book of Mormon in My Life," Ensign, Oct 1984, 7 It is not sufficient that the Book of Mormon be found in our homes; its principles must be captured in our minds and hearts. Through consistent reading, prayerful pondering, and conscientious application, its teachings will become an essential part of the fabric of our lives. What does the Book of Mormon mean to you? Has it been a source of inspiration and power in your life? Will it continue to be? If you have not yet drunk deeply from this fountain of pure truth, with all of my soul I encourage you to do so now. Don’t let the consistent study of the Book of Mormon be one of the things that you intend to do but never quite accomplish. Begin today. I bear witness that it can become a personal "Urim and Thummim" in your life. Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "‘Another Testament of Jesus Christ’," Ensign, Mar 1994, 60 This talk was delivered at a Church Educational System Satellite fireside originating at Brigham Young University on 6 June 1993. President Benson has frequently reminded us of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s declaration that the Book of Mormon is "the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book" (History of the Church, 4:461). In a landmark address during the first year of his service as President of the Church, President Benson explained these two ways in which the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. "The Book of Mormon is the keystone in our witness of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the cornerstone of everything we do. … Its testimony of the Master is clear, undiluted, and full of power. … "The Book of Mormon is also the keystone of the doctrine of the Resurrection" (Ensign, Nov. 1986, pp. 5– 6). Note that both of these ways in which the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion focus on our relationship to Christ—our witness of him and our testimony of his atonement and resurrection. In addition, President Benson has often reminded us of the Lord’s declarations through the Prophet Joseph Smith that the Book of Mormon is "the most correct of any book on earth" (History of the Church, 4:461) and that it "contains … the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ" (D&C 20:9). This does not mean that the Book of Mormon contains a full explanation of every principle of the gospel. What it means, President Benson has explained, is that "in the Book of Mormon we will find the fulness of those doctrines required for our salvation" (Ensign, Nov. 1986, p. 6). Most significantly, he notes, "It also provides the most complete explanation of the doctrine of the Atonement" (ibid., p. 5). Having reminded ourselves of the major theme and purpose of the Book of Mormon, we can proceed to consider why we have been directed to intensify our study of it at this time. Moroni's Promise - Moroni 10:3-5 3 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. 4 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. 5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. See also: A Witness and a Warning: A Modern-day Prophet Testifies of the Book of Mormon, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1988); Ezra Taft Benson

The 1978 Revelation on the Priesthood Scripture Reference: Official Declaration 2 There are those who do not feel that a discussion on the Priesthood ban is relevant. They feel that the ban is something that occurred in Church history and we should just let it go and forget about it. My response to those feelings is simply this, if we can spend time talking about such things as the early pioneers and all of their trials and persecutions, or the events that led up to the Mountain Meadows Massacre, then certainly we can spend some time and need to spend some time discussing the Priesthood ban in order to gain a better understanding – realizing that we do not have all the answers to the questions that are asked. Just because we wish something did not occur in Church history does not mean that it did not occur. One of the reasons there are still organizations in the Church such as LDS Genesis Group is to help educate people of all races and cultures and to help bridge some of the gaps of misunderstanding, as well as, dispel any myths and false teachings about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as far as race or the color of a person's skin is concerned. Our beloved Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, was one of the people that were instrumental in starting the LDS Genesis Group and still supports that group to this day. In fact, it was the LDS Genesis Group that hosted the 30 year celebration of the 1978 Revelation in 2008 in Salt Lake City Utah. Of historical note, the first Black to be ordained to the Priesthood after the 1978 Revelation was a man by the name of Joseph Freeman and it was then Elder Thomas S. Monson who performed the sealing ordinances for Brother Freeman and his family in the Salt Lake Temple. As an additional side note, Brother Joseph Freeman wrote a book about his experiences and the 1978 Revelation which was appropriately titled "In the Lord’s Due Time". On Sunday, 22 February 2009, under the direction of the Annapolis Maryland Stake Presidency, I conducted a Fireside based on the subject of the 1978 Revelation on the Priesthood. The Fireside was held in the home of one of the Annapolis Maryland Ward members. at 7:30 pm that evening. There were 15 of us in attendance . The feedback that I received indicated that the Fireside was a success. I am grateful to all who attended. I began the evening by first introducing myself and then opened up the discussion with a few general statements to include the following: 1. There are no definitive answers that are given or that I have found in my research as to why the Priesthood ban ever took place. I made mention of the fact that the official statement of the Church made in 1969 under the leadership of President David O. McKay declared that the ban existed for "reasons which we believe are known to God, but which He has not made fully known to man." [emphasis added by this author] 2. I then stated that not all people with brown skin are African Americans. I used myself and my ancestry as an example to illustrate this point. I pointed out that many of my ancestors would have been classified as mulatto (a mixed race of people) and not as Blacks, Negroes, or African American. In my genealogical line there is Black blood, White Blood, and even some Indian blood. The point that I wanted to make is that the Priesthood ban was not strictly based on the color of a person’s skin. This brought me to my next point. 3. The Priesthood ban affected any and all members of African descent and lineage. Therefore, it was possible to be White and still be denied the Priesthood. If for example, a person had a Black grandfather and a White grandmother, that person would have been denied the Priesthood as well. 4. I briefly mentioned that one of the theories about the Priesthood ban is the "Curse of Cain" theory based on Genesis 9:20-27. I only mentioned it in passing. We did not pursue a discussion on this subject. Blacks did indeed hold the Priesthood prior to the Priesthood ban. One such Black was Elijah Abel who was baptized in 1832 by Ezekiel Roberts and became the first Black man to receive the Priesthood in the LDS Church. It is believed that Joseph Smith himself was the one who ordained Elijah Abel to the office of Elder. Later, Elijah’s son and grandson would both receive the Priesthood and be ordained as Elders. It is interesting to note that even though Elijah Abel had done all of the initiatory work in the Temple he was denied the priviledge of receiving his endowments by President Brigham Young. One of the people that Elijah taught was Sister Eunice Kinney who he baptized in 1938. In 1891 Sister Kinney wrote a letter describing her conversion experience. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintained an anti-slavery stand and this is one of the things that led to their being driven from Missouri which was a predominant slave state. Also of note is the fact that when Joseph Smith ran for President, he ran on an anti-slavery platform. Perhaps one of the reasons that the Priesthood ban existed in the beginning at least was because the Church was young and in order to keep from causing any major upsets, they tried to stay within the confines of the laws of the land which in most cases prohibited Blacks from holding any type of authoritative positions. Of interesting note is the fact that there were some slaves that were baptized and became members of the Church, but those baptisms had to be done in secret. The Priesthood ban was not just something that weighed heavily on President Spencer W. Kimball’s mind, but it was on the minds of many of the Church leaders. Even though people of African descent and lineage did not understand why God would allow a Priesthood ban, they still knew in their hearts that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is indeed the Lord’s True Church upon the earth and they had faith and hope that one day the ban would be lifted and all worthy males of every race, color, and ethnicity would enjoy the full blessings of the Priesthood. These faithful Saints saw beyond any color barriers and chose to worship the True and the Living God and to live a life that was pleasing unto Him. When the official announcement was made there is no small wonder that there was a great shout of "Hallelujah" by members everywhere. How can we do better in reaching out and bridging the gap of any mistrusts and misunderstandings that may exist among peoples of different cultures? I believe that the answer can be found in fellowshipping. We must show people how much we care about them and how much we truly love them as Brothers and Sisters. We may not know exactly why the Priesthood ban existed, but we can be thankful that today all worthy male members regardless of race or ethnicity are permitted to hold the Priesthood and enjoy the full blessings thereof.

His Truth Is Marching On. . . . "What if all the world should embrace this Gospel? They would then see eye to eye, and the blessings of God would be poured out upon the people, which is the desire of my whole soul" (History of the Church, 5:259). Scripture Reference: Doctrine and Covenants 133: 36-40 36 And now, verily saith the Lord, that these things might be known among you, O inhabitants of the earth, I have sent forth mine angel flying through the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel, who hath appeared unto some and hath committed it unto man, who shall appear unto many that dwell on the earth. 37 And this gospel shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. 38 And the servants of God shall go forth, saying with a loud voice: Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come; 39 And worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters— 40 Calling upon the name of the Lord day and night, saying: O that thou wouldst rend the heavens, that thou wouldst come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Savior emphasized the vital importance of sharing the gospel when He said to His disciples: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15, 16). I submit that this charge was not given merely to the disciples that were present at that time, but that this charge was given to everyone who is a believer in and a follower of Jesus Christ. Therefore, as Disciples of Christ, that charge is given to you and to me. We are all called to go forth into the entire world and preach His Gospel. President Spencer W. Kimball reminded us that, "We are the messengers, and we have the acceptable message." And, President John Taylor reminded us that, "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). President Taylor taught us further that, "When men go forth possessing the truths of the everlasting gospel which God has revealed, they have a treasure within them that the world knows nothing about. They have the light of the revelation, the fire of the Holy Ghost, and the power of the priesthood within them – a power that they know very little about even themselves, which, like a wellspring of life, is rising, bursting, bubbling, and spreading its exhilarating streams around." Why do we do missionary work? We do missionary work because the very purpose of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to invite, encourage, and assist all of God’s children to come to Christ, and "lay hold upon every good gift" (Moroni 10:30) and "receive a remission of [their] sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that [they] may be numbered with [His] people who are of the house of Israel" (3 Nephi 30:2). In 2 Nephi 2: 6-8, Lehi taught his son Jacob: "Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth. Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered. Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise." *These notes were taken from a Sacrament talk which I delivered to the congregation of the Annapolis Maryland Ward, Annapolis Maryland Stake of Zion, on Sabbath Day morning, 19 March 2006. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Standard of Truth The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done. Doctrine and Covenants 4 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work; for behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; and faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Boyd K. Packer, "‘The Standard of Truth Has Been Erected’," Ensign, Nov 2003, 24 The Church you belong to, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the restored Church. When you know what restored means, you will understand why standards of conduct are as they are. Following the Crucifixion of Christ an apostasy occurred. Leaders began to "teach for doctrines the commandments of men." They lost the keys of authority and closed themselves off from the channels of revelation. That lost authority could not just be repossessed. It had to be restored by those who held the keys of authority anciently. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a remodeled version of another church. It is not an adjustment or a correction or a protest against any other church. They have their "form of godliness" and their goodness and value. John the Baptist returned through the veil to confer the Aaronic Priesthood, "which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins." A companion ordinance, confirmation and the conferral of the gift of the Holy Ghost, required a greater authority. Soon thereafter, Peter, James, and John, Apostle companions of the Lord, restored the higher or Melchizedek Priesthood —"the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God." The Restoration did not come all at once. In a series of visitations, other prophets came to restore the keys of the priesthood. With the authority restored, the organization was revealed. Apostles were ordained, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and First Presidency were organized as they had been anciently. The ordinances were revealed and authority given to perform them. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ was translated and published. In it is "the fulness of [the] everlasting gospel." Other revelations were published—the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. From those books of scripture, we learned why the earth was created and who created it. There was opened to the early leaders of the Church the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the standards He requires of His disciples. We learned about the plan of redemption—"the great plan of happiness." We came to earth to be tested and to gain experience, with a promise that "through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Prophet Joseph Smith also understood the charge of God to share truth with the world. During the most difficult times of his life, he sent forth his loyal supporters to proclaim the gospel when they were urgently needed to support him. In the midst of the trial and deprivation of Liberty Jail he said: "For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it— Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed" (Doctrine and Covenants 123:12. 17). The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us, "After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the gospel" (TPJS, p. 113), however; brothers and sisters, none of us can effectively teach the gospel if we do not live it. The first act to qualify ourselves to be missionaries is to live the principles that we teach. Christ said, "Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed" (3 Nephi 18:24). Our task is to "hold up" to the world that which Christ has done for man: the atonement, the example that He set, and the teachings that He has given us personally and through His Prophets, both ancient and modern. The Savior also taught us: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:14 -16). As we preach His gospel, the message that we bring to the world is one that testifies of the fact that God still loves the world and that He has spoken again as an indication of that divine love. He has restored precious truths lost over the centuries of Christian persecution, dark ages, and years of confusion – truths that are essential to our peace and happiness – truths so essential to our eternal salvation that our loving Heavenly Father has restored them in their fullness. *These notes were taken from a Sacrament talk which I delivered to the congregation of the Annapolis Maryland Ward, Annapolis Maryland Stake of Zion, on Sabbath Day morning, 19 March 2006.

Beloved Emma Hale Smith - An Elect Lady " My beloved Emma—she that was my wife, even the wife of my youth, and the choice of my heart" (History of the Church, 5:107) "Thou art an elect lady, whom I have called" (D&C 25:3) Scripture Reference: Doctrine and Covenants 132:51-56 51 Verily, I say unto you: A commandment I give unto mine handmaid, Emma Smith, your wife, whom I have given unto you, that she stay herself and partake not of that which I commanded you to offer unto her; for I did it, saith the Lord, to prove you all, as I did Abraham, and that I might require an offering at your hand, by covenant and sacrifice. 52 And let mine handmaid, Emma Smith, receive all those that have been given unto my servant Joseph, and who are virtuous and pure before me; and those who are not pure, and have said they were pure, shall be destroyed, saith the Lord God. 53 For I am the Lord thy God, and ye shall obey my voice; and I give unto my servant Joseph that he shall be made ruler over many things; for he hath been faithful over a few things, and from henceforth I will strengthen him. 54 And I command mine handmaid, Emma Smith, to abide and cleave unto my servant Joseph, and to none else. But if she will not abide this commandment she shall be destroyed, saith the Lord; for I am the Lord thy God, and will destroy her if she abide not in my law. 55 But if she will not abide this commandment, then shall my servant Joseph do all things for her, even as he hath said; and I will bless him and multiply him and give unto him an hundredfold in this world, of fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, houses and lands, wives and children, and crowns of eternal lives in the eternal worlds. 56 And again, verily I say, let mine handmaid forgive my servant Joseph his trespasses; and then shall she be forgiven her trespasses, wherein she has trespassed against me; and I, the Lord thy God, will bless her, and multiply her, and make her heart to rejoice. Susan Easton Black, "Happiness in Womanhood," Ensign, Mar 2002, 12 The pivotal covenant that enables a righteous woman to reach her fullest potential is eternal marriage (see D&C 132:18–19). She desires to be married to a companion, an equal partner, who adheres to the Lord’s commands. Emma Smith, the Prophet’s wife, is remembered as a woman who faithfully supported her husband. Emma was a woman of great faith and courage whom the Lord addressed twice in the Doctrine and Covenants: section 25 and again in section 132. Section 25 manifests the will of the Lord to Emma yet gives wise counsel for all women, especially wives in Israel (see D&C 25:16). Emma’s divine calling was to be the wife of a prophet. In this responsibility the Lord said, "The office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., thy husband" (D&C 25:5). She was counseled to use "consoling words, in the spirit of meekness" with him (D&C 25:5). Emma was to cleave to her husband, Joseph, and to "go with him at the time of his going, and be unto him for a scribe" (D&C 25:6). She was promised that for faithfully fulfilling her calling as his wife, he would "support [her] in the church" (D&C 25:9). In addition to these instructions, Emma was told to develop her talents and help establish the kingdom of God. Her talents and duties included serving as the Prophet’s scribe as he translated the Bible, expounding the scriptures, exhorting the Church, writing, learning, and selecting sacred hymns (see D&C 25:6–8, 11). The Lord cautioned her that while fulfilling these responsibilities, she was to "murmur not" and was to "lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better" (D&C 25:4, 10). She was also admonished to "beware of pride" (D&C 25:14). If Emma proved faithful, she would receive "a crown of righteousness" (D&C 25:15). The Prophet Joseph Smith loved Emma, and she comforted him, she increased her talents, she helped establish the Church, and she fulfilled her responsibilities as a wife. In his love for her, Joseph pleaded with the Lord on her behalf in March 1836: "Have mercy, O Lord, upon [my] wife and children, that they may be exalted in thy presence, and preserved by thy fostering hand" (D&C 109:69). In a revelation recorded in July 1843, the Lord again spoke to Emma and commanded her "to abide and cleave unto my servant Joseph, and to none else" (D&C 132:54). She is also encouraged to "forgive my servant Joseph his trespasses; and then shall she be forgiven her trespasses, wherein she has transgressed against me; and I, the Lord thy God, will bless her, and multiply her, and make her heart to rejoice" (D&C 132:56). The Lord warned Emma that despite her position as a called wife and worker in the kingdom, she must faithfully endure or, as the Lord had told her, "where I am you cannot come" (D&C 25:15). Throughout her life as a wife, Emma experienced hardship, sorrow, persecution, and severe tests. Despite this, she was faithful to the Lord’s invitation: "Let thy soul delight in thy husband, and the glory which shall come upon him" (D&C 25:14). Emma’s responsibilities were many, and by comparison her weaknesses were few. The lessons from the Lord’s revelations to Emma are clear: a wife is to cleave to her husband and comfort him, serve in the Lord’s kingdom, and endure faithfully to the end. Just prior to his death, the Prophet Joseph Smith invited Emma to write out a blessing that she would want from him. She wrote in part, "I desire with all my heart to honor and respect my husband as my head, ever to live in his confidence and by acting in unison with him, retain the place which God has given me by his side." Ryan Carr, "When Emma Met Joseph," New Era, Oct 2004, 16 They were a striking couple. She was tall and thin and had black hair, brown eyes, and an olive complexion. She sang well and was educated to be a schoolteacher. He was tall, strong, and broad-shouldered. As a youth he learned to work hard on his father’s farm. They both liked to joke and have fun, but they could be serious when they needed to be. Her name was Emma; his was Joseph. They married when she was 22 and he was 21. Despite trials and persecution, they stayed close through 17 years of marriage, until Joseph’s death in 1844. Emma Hale, who had eight brothers and sisters, grew up in the untamed Susquehanna Valley in Pennsylvania. With her father, she enjoyed canoeing on the Susquehanna River and riding horses. Little did she know then that she would marry the great prophet of the Restoration. In the fall of 1825, an acquaintance of the Hales, Josiah Stowell, hired young Joseph Smith and others to dig for silver. After a month of digging and finding nothing, Joseph persuaded Mr. Stowell to quit digging. While Joseph was working for Mr. Stowell, Joseph and his father boarded with the Hales. That’s when Emma met Joseph. Over the next year, as Joseph and his father worked at various jobs in the area, Joseph and Emma talked in the evenings after work. She was an excellent cook and had a delightful sense of humor, which Joseph probably enjoyed. Joseph soon decided to marry Emma. He told his parents: "I have been very lonely ever since Alvin died [three years before], and I have concluded to get married, and if you have no objections with my uniting myself in marriage with Miss Emma Hale, she would be my choice in preference to any other woman." Joseph’s parents, pleased with his choice, invited Joseph and Emma to live with them after the marriage so they too could enjoy Emma’s company. About 15 months after they first met, Joseph and Emma married, and Joseph worked that summer on his father’s farm. With this marriage, Emma saw many great events, such as Joseph’s translating the Book of Mormon and organizing the Church, and also many trials, such as the deaths of 6 of their 11 children. Emma endured the trials well. Joseph’s mother said of Emma: "I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done." Joseph was often separated from his wife and children. But mobs and persecution couldn’t separate Joseph’s heart from his family. While away, he wrote letters of love and encouragement to them. In 1838, for instance, he wrote from Missouri, where he was being held prisoner: "O my affectionate Emma, I want you to remember that I am a true and faithful friend to you and the children forever. My heart is entwined around yours forever an ever. … "P.S. Write as often as you can, and if possible come and see me, and bring the children." A few months later from the jail in Liberty, Missouri, Joseph wrote: "My dear Emma, I very well know your toils and sympathize with you. If God will spare my life once more to have the privilege of taking care of you, I will ease your care and endeavor to comfort your heart." And the next year from Pennsylvania: "I feel very anxious to see you all once more in this world. … I pray God to spare you all until I get home. My dear Emma, my heart is entwined around you and those little ones. Tell all the children that I love them and will come home as soon as I can. Yours in the bonds of love, your husband." Fortunately, before Joseph was killed, he and Emma were sealed for time and eternity in 1843 in Nauvoo, 16 years after they were married. This was the year Joseph received revelations from the Lord about eternal marriage (see D&C 131; D&C 132). Joseph and Emma’s dedication to one another and to the gospel carried their marriage through years of trials and tribulations. And thanks to the Restoration, a temple sealing carried their marriage into eternity. In a letter to Emma, Joseph Smith wrote, "Tongue cannot express the gratitude of my heart, for the warm and true-hearted friendship you have manifested . . . towards me" (History of the Church, 5:103).

Prayer and Fasting Scripture Reference: 3 Nephi 13:9-18 [Compare Matthew 6:9-18] 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 12 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 13 For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 14 For, if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 16 Moreover, when ye fast be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance, for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father, who is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers," Ensign, May 2009, 46–49 The Lord’s Prayer Our prayers follow patterns and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. He taught us how to pray. From His prayers we can learn many important lessons. We can begin with the Lord’s Prayer and add lessons from other prayers He has given. As I recite the Lord’s Prayer, listen for lessons: "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. "Give us this day our daily bread. "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." The Lord’s Prayer is recorded twice in the New Testament and once in the Book of Mormon. It is also included in the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, where clarification is provided by these two phrases: 1. "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us," and 2. "Suffer us not to be led into temptation, but deliver us from evil." The clarification on forgiveness is supported by other statements of the Master. He said to His servants, "Inasmuch as you have forgiven one another your trespasses, even so I, the Lord, forgive you." In other words, if one is to be forgiven, one must first forgive. The clarification on temptation is helpful, for surely we would not be led into temptation by Deity. The Lord said, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation." Though the four versions of the Lord’s Prayer are not identical, they all open with a salutation to "Our Father," signifying a close relationship between God and His children. The phrase "hallowed be thy name" reflects the respect and worshipful attitude that we should feel as we pray. "Thy will be done" expresses a concept that we will discuss later. His request for "daily bread" includes a need for spiritual nourishment as well. Jesus, who called Himself "the bread of life," gave a promise: "He that cometh to me shall never hunger." And as we partake of sacramental emblems worthily, we are further promised that we may always have His Spirit to be with us. That is spiritual sustenance that cannot be obtained in any other way. As the Lord closes His prayer, He acknowledges God’s great power and glory, ending with "Amen." Our prayers also close with amen. Though it is pronounced differently in various languages, its meaning is the same. It means "truly" or "verily." Adding amen solemnly affirms a sermon or a prayer. Those who concur should each add an audible amen to signify "that is my solemn declaration too." The Lord prefaced His prayer by first asking His followers to avoid "vain repetitions" and to pray "after this manner." Thus, the Lord’s Prayer serves as a pattern to follow and not as a piece to memorize and recite repetitively. The Master simply wants us to pray for God’s help while we strive constantly to resist evil and live righteously. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Law of the Fast," Ensign, May 2001, 73 Fasting, coupled with mighty prayer, is powerful. It can fill our minds with the revelations of the Spirit. It can strengthen us against times of temptation. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, members are encouraged to fast whenever their faith needs special fortification and to fast regularly once each month on fast day. On that day, we go without eating or drinking for two consecutive meals, commune with our Heavenly Father, and contribute a fast offering to help the poor. The offering should be at least equal to the value of the food that would have been eaten. Typically, the first Sunday of each month is designated as fast Sunday. On that day, members who are physically able are encouraged to fast, pray, bear witness to the truthfulness of the gospel, and pay a generous fast offering. "The law of the fast," taught Elder Milton R. Hunter, "is probably as old as the human family. … In ancient times, prophet-leaders repeatedly gave to church members the commandment to observe the law of fasting and praying." We observe that in the scriptures, fasting almost always is linked with prayer. Without prayer, fasting is not complete fasting; it’s simply going hungry. If we want our fasting to be more than just going without eating, we must lift our hearts, our minds, and our voices in communion with our Heavenly Father. Fasting, coupled with mighty prayer, is powerful. It can fill our minds with the revelations of the Spirit. It can strengthen us against times of temptation. Fasting and prayer can help develop within us courage and confidence. It can strengthen our character and build self-restraint and discipline. Often when we fast, our righteous prayers and petitions have greater power. Testimonies grow. We mature spiritually and emotionally and sanctify our souls. Each time we fast, we gain a little more control over our worldly appetites and passions. Fasting and prayer can help us in our families and in our daily work. They can help us magnify our callings in the Church. President Ezra Taft Benson taught: "If you want to get the spirit of your office and calling as a new president of a quorum, a new high [councilor], a new bishop [or, I might say, a Relief Society president]—try fasting for a period. I don’t mean just missing one meal, then eating twice as much the next meal. I mean really fasting, and praying during that period. It will do more to give you the real spirit of your office and calling and permit the Spirit to operate through you than anything I know." The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: "Let this be an [example] to all saints, and there will never be any lack for bread: When the poor are starving, let those who have, fast one day and give what they otherwise would have eaten to the bishops for the poor, and every one will abound for a long time. … And so long as the saints will all live to this principle with glad hearts and cheerful countenances they will always have an abundance." Book of Mormon prophets taught the law of the fast: "Behold, now it came to pass that the people of Nephi were exceedingly rejoiced, because the Lord had again delivered them out of the hands of their enemies; therefore they gave thanks unto the Lord their God; yea, and they did fast much and pray much, and they did worship God with exceedingly great joy." The powerful combination of fasting and prayer is exemplified by the four sons of Mosiah. They faced overwhelming odds, yet worked miracles in bringing thousands of the Lamanites to a knowledge of the truth. They shared the secret of their success. They "searched the scriptures" and "they had given themselves to much prayer and fasting." What was the result? "They had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God."

Why are many called but few chosen? Scripture Referemce: Doctrine and Covenants 121:33-39 33 How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints. 34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? 35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson— 36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. 37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. 38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God. 39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. 40 Hence many are called, but few are chosen. President James E. Faust, "Called and Chosen," Ensign, Nov 2005, 53 Since the beginning of the world, history has recorded many examples of those who have not been in harmony with the prophets. In the early days of our dispensation, several of the Twelve, to their regret, did not stay loyal to the Prophet Joseph Smith. One of these was Lyman E. Johnson, a member of the original Quorum of the Twelve who was excommunicated for unrighteous conduct. He later lamented his spiritual downfall. He said: "I would suffer my right hand to be cut off, if I could believe it again. Then I was full of joy and gladness. My dreams were pleasant. When I awoke in the morning my spirit was cheerful. I was happy by day and by night, full of peace and joy and thanksgiving. But now it is darkness, pain, sorrow, misery in the extreme. I have never since seen a happy moment." He died in a sleighing accident in 1856 at the age of 45. Luke S. Johnson was also called to the original Quorum of the Twelve in 1835. His spiritual resolve weakened over some financial speculation in 1837. Looking back later he said: "My mind became darkened, and I was left to pursue my own course. I lost the Spirit of God, and neglected my duty; the consequence was, that at a Conference held in Kirtland, September 3, 1837, … I was cut off from the Church." By December 1837 he joined the apostates in publicly denouncing the Church and was excommunicated for apostasy in 1838. For eight years he had a medical practice in Kirtland. Then in 1846 he and his family returned to the fellowship of the Saints. Said he: "I have stopped by the wayside and stood aloof from the work of the Lord. But my heart is with this people. I want to be associated with the saints; go with them into the wilderness and continue with them to the end." He was rebaptized in March 1846 and came west with the original company of pioneers in 1847. He died in Salt Lake City in 1861 in full fellowship at the age of 54. My counsel to the members of the Church is to support the President of the Church, the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve, and other General Authorities with our whole hearts and souls. If we do, we will be in a safe harbor. President Brigham Young said he recollected many times the Prophet Joseph Smith saying that he "had to pray all the time, exercise faith, live his religion, and magnify his calling, to obtain the manifestations of the Lord, and to keep him steadfast in the faith." All of us may expect some challenges to our faith. These challenges may come in different ways. You may not always like the counsel that the Church leaders give to you. They are not trying to be popular. They are trying to help us avoid the calamities and disappointments that come through disobedience to God’s laws. We also need to support and sustain our local leaders, because they also have been "called and chosen." Every member of this Church may receive counsel from a bishop or a branch president, a stake or a mission president, and the President of the Church and his associates. None of these brethren asked for his calling. None is perfect. Yet they are the servants of the Lord, called by Him through those entitled to inspiration. Those called, sustained, and set apart are entitled to our sustaining support. Elder David A. Bednar, "The Tender Mercies of the Lord," Ensign, May 2005, 99 1 Nephi 1:20 - And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance. The word chosen in 1 Nephi 1:20 [1 Ne. 1:20] is central to understanding the concept of the Lord’s tender mercies. The dictionary indicates that chosen suggests one who is selected, taken by preference, or picked out. It also can be used to refer to the elect or chosen of God (Oxford English Dictionary Online, second ed. [1989], "Chosen"). Some individuals who hear or read this message erroneously may discount or dismiss in their personal lives the availability of the tender mercies of the Lord, believing that "I certainly am not one who has been or ever will be chosen." We may falsely think that such blessings and gifts are reserved for other people who appear to be more righteous or who serve in visible Church callings. I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us. To be or to become chosen is not an exclusive status conferred upon us. Rather, you and I ultimately determine if we are chosen. Please now note the use of the word chosen in the following verses from the Doctrine and Covenants: "Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? "Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men" (D&C 121:34–35; emphasis added). I believe the implication of these verses is quite straightforward. God does not have a list of favorites to which we must hope our names will someday be added. He does not limit "the chosen" to a restricted few. Rather, it is our hearts and our aspirations and our obedience which definitively determine whether we are counted as one of God’s chosen. Enoch was instructed by the Lord on this very point of doctrine. Please note the use of the word choose in these verses: "Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency; "And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father" (Moses 7:32–33; emphasis added). As we learn in these scriptures, the fundamental purposes for the gift of agency were to love one another and to choose God. Thus we become God’s chosen and invite His tender mercies as we use our agency to choose God. One of the most well-known and frequently cited passages of scripture is found in Moses 1:39. This verse clearly and concisely describes the work of the Eternal Father: "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (emphasis added). A companion scripture found in the Doctrine and Covenants describes with equal clarity and conciseness our primary work as the sons and daughters of the Eternal Father. Interestingly, this verse does not seem to be as well known and is not quoted with great frequency. "Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength" (D&C 11:20; emphasis added). Thus, the Father’s work is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His children. Our work is to keep His commandments with all of our might, mind, and strength—and we thereby become chosen and, through the Holy Ghost, receive and recognize the tender mercies of the Lord in our daily lives. President James E. Faust, "I Believe I Can, I Knew I Could," Ensign, Nov 2002, 49 To stay on the right track, we must honor and sustain those who hold the presiding priesthood keys. We are reminded that many are "called, but few are chosen." When are we chosen? We are chosen by the Lord only when we have done our best to move this holy work forward through our consecrated efforts and talents. Our efforts must always be guided by the righteous principles set forth by the Lord in the 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants: "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; "By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile."

That is good. It is my humble prayer that even for those who joined us and were unbale to complete the challenge, that it has encouraged them and motivated them to become better students of the Word and that they will want to read it on a more consistent basis. That was the ultimate goal of this challenge. And, if that goal was achieved than this challenge can be counted as a huge blessing and success for everyone. I received a note from Seanette and she is working on the reading schedule for the New Testament reading challenge that starts on 10 August.

That's the spirit! I saw a post on Twitter from Seanette and she says that she is catching up on the reading first and then she will post all of her notes. I can't believe that there are only 10 days left in the challenge.

I believe that the Lord was preparing His people to become "one" - a zion community. In order for that to happen they needed to be taught that everything that they had belonged to the Lord. Thus, the question "What is property unto the Lord?" The concept behind a Zion community is that all people would be equal as far as having their needs met. This would mean that the rich would not be able to lord it over the poor, and the poor would not be subservient to the rich. Everyone would live as one. I further believe that the law of tithing was instituted to help prepare and teach the people the higher law of consecration. I know from my experience in two Bishoprics that there are people who struggle with paying tithing or understanding the principles of the teaching. With that thought in mind, if they cannot comprehend why we pay tithing, understanding the law of consecration would be out of their realm of comprehension. That I believe has been the case with God's children all through the ages. Thus, the principle of the higher law is taught line upon line, precept upon precept. What the Lord taught those in the days of the early Church, He is now teaching us that one day we too will become "one" - a Zion community.

What is property unto the Lord? Scripture Reference: Doctrine and Covenants 117:4, 8 4. Let them repent of all their sins, and of all their covetous desires, before me, saith the Lord; for what is property unto me? saith the Lord. 8. Is there not room enough on the mountains of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and on the plains of Olaha Shinehah, or the land where Adam dwelt, that you should covet that which is but the drop, and neglect the more weighty matters? Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "Put Off the Natural Man, and Come Off Conqueror," Ensign, Nov 1990, 14 By focusing on oneself, it is naturally easier to bear false witness if it serves one’s purpose. It is easier to ignore one’s parents instead of honoring them. It is easier to steal, because what one wants prevails. It is easier to covet, since the selfish conclude that nothing should be denied them. It is easier to commit sexual sins, because to please oneself is the name of that deadly game in which others are often cruelly used. The Sabbath day is easily neglected, since one day soon becomes just like another. If selfish, it is easier to lie, because the truth is conveniently subordinated. The selfish individual thus seeks to please not God, but himself. He will even break a covenant in order to fix an appetite. Selfishness has little time to regard the sufferings of others seriously, hence the love of many waxes cold. (See Moses 6:27; Matt. 24:12; D&C 45:27.) Stubborn selfishness leads otherwise good people to fight over herds, patches of sand, and strippings of milk. All this results from what the Lord calls coveting "the drop," while neglecting the "more weighty matters." (D&C 117:8.) Myopic selfishness magnifies a mess of pottage and makes thirty pieces of silver look like a treasure trove. In our intense acquisitiveness, we forget Him who once said, "What is property unto me?" (D&C 117:4.) Whereas the natural man covets praise and riches, the men and women of Christ know such things are but the "drop." (D&C 117:8.) Human history’s happiest irony will be that the covenant-keeping, unselfish individuals will finally receive "all that [the] Father hath"! (D&C 84:38.) President Marion G. Romney, "Living the Principles of the Law of Consecration," Ensign, Feb 1979, 3 The law of consecration was revealed early in this last dispensation. On the second day of January 1831, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord said to his infant church, not yet a year old: "Let every man esteem his brother as himself. "For what man among you having twelve sons, and is no respecter of them, and they serve him obediently, and he saith unto the one: Be thou clothed in robes and sit thou here; and to the other Be thou clothed in rags and sit thou there—and looketh upon his sons and saith I am just? "Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine." (D&C 38:25–27) Thirty-eight days later, 9 February 1831, the Lord revealed the law of consecration as the means by which the inequality between the rich and the poor could be removed. These are his words: "If thou lovest me thou shalt serve the and keep all my commandments. "And behold, thou wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support that which thou hast to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken. "And inasmuch as ye impart of your substance unto the poor, ye will do it unto me; and they shall be laid before the bishop of my church and his counselors, two of the elders, or high priests; such as he shall appoint or has appointed and set apart for that purpose. "And it shall come to pass, that after they are laid before the bishop of my church, and after that he has received these testimonies concerning the consecration of the properties of my church, that they cannot be taken from the church, agreeable to my commandments, every man shall be made accountable unto me, a steward over his own property, or that which he has received by consecration, as much as is sufficient for himself and family." (D&C 42:29–32) The basic principle and the justification for the law of consecration "is that everything we have belongs to the Lord; therefore, the Lord may call upon us for any and all of the property which we have, because it belongs to Him … (D&C 104:14–17, 54–57)" (J. Reuben Clark, Jr., in Conference Report, Oct. 1942, p. 55)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Scripture Reference: Doctrine and Covenants 115:1-4 1 Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and also my servant Sidney Rigdon, and also my servant Hyrum Smith, and your counselors who are and shall be appointed hereafter; 2 And also unto you, my servant Edward Partridge, and his counselors; 3 And also unto my faithful servants who are of the high council of my church in Zion, for thus it shall be called, and unto all the elders and people of my Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, scattered abroad in all the world; 4 For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. [emphasis added by this author] TEXT OF FIRST PRESIDENCY LETTER OF 23 FEBRUARY 2001 As the Church grows across boundaries, cultures and languages, the use of the revealed name, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (D&C 115:4), is increasingly important in our responsibility to proclaim the name of the Savior throughout all the world. Accordingly, we ask that when we refer to the Church we use its full name wherever possible. While this official name is not being shortened, the contractions "The Church or "The Church of Jesus Christ" are acceptable. We discourage referring to the Church as "The Mormon Church," "The Latter-day Saints Churchn or "The LDS Church." When referring to Church members, we suggest "members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." As a shortened reference, "Latter-day Saints" is preferred, but "Mormons" is acceptable. We of course will continue to use the word Mormon in proper names like The Book of Mormon or Mormon, Tabernacle Choir, and as an adjective in such references as the "Mormon pioneers." A copy of this letter should be posted in Church buildings. Further detail on references to the Church and its members will be forthcoming in Church publications. Sincerely yours, Gordon B. Hinckley Thomas S. Monson James E. Faust The First Presidency Adapting 'Mormon' to Emphasize Christianity New York Times/February 19, 2001 By Gustav Niebuhr "I don't mind being called a Mormon, but I don't want it said that I belong to the Mormon Church," said Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Council of the 12 Apostles, which, together with the church's three- member First Presidency, exercise the highest level of authority within the 11-million-member church. Elder Oaks said the church would not discourage use of the term Mormon for church members, although he said it officially prefers they be known as Latter-day Saints. Nor, he said, will the church seek to change names like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Mormon Trail and the Book of Mormon. The word Mormon is taken from the book, where it refers both to a geographical area and also to a prophet of that name. He said the decision, taken by the First Presidency and the Council of the 12, (but not yet announced to church members), needed to be seen in context, as a "deliberate reaffirmation" of a long effort in favor of wider use of the church's full title. "We haven't adopted a new name of the church," Elder Oaks said, noting that Mormons regard the full name as having been revealed by God to Mormonism's first prophet, Joseph Smith. "We have adopted a short-hand reference to the church that we think is more accurate."

Remember, Remember If our lives are founded upon the Rock, which is Christ Jesus our Redeemer, no weapon formed against us will ever be able to prosper. One of my favorite Book of Mormon Scriptures is found in Helaman 5:12. I have learned when studying Scripture if something is repeated it is a good ideal to take special note of what is being said. In Helaman 5:12, Helaman is not just telling his sons to remember what he is about to say, but he says "remember, remember". In other words, Helaman is telling his sons to REMEMBER and NEVER forget the important truths that he was about to impart unto them. Scripture Reference: Helaman 5:12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. Elder Sheldon F. Child, "A Sure Foundation," Ensign, Nov 2003, 8 Several years ago a severe storm hit the area in which we were living. It began with a torrential downpour, followed by a devastating easterly wind. When the storm was over, damages were assessed—power lines were down, property had been damaged, and many of the beautiful trees that grew in the area had been uprooted. A few days later I was talking to a friend who had lost several of the trees in his yard. The trees on one side of his home were standing straight and tall. They had weathered the storm well, while the trees that were in what I considered the prime spot on his property had not been able to withstand the heavy winds. He pointed out to me that the trees that survived the storm were planted on firm ground; their roots had to sink deep into the soil to receive nourishment. The trees he had lost were planted near a small stream, where nourishment was readily available. The roots were shallow. They were not anchored deeply enough to protect them from the storm. Our testimonies, like those trees, must be built on a sure foundation, deeply rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, so that when the winds and rains come into our lives, as they surely will, we will be strong enough to weather the storms that rage about us. Helaman counseled his sons: "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." Elder Russell M. Nelson, "How Firm Our Foundation," Ensign, May 2002, 75 Just as buildings and institutions have foundations, so do we as individuals have foundations that support our faith. Some are weak; some are strong. We can waffle "like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed," or we can stand on a firm foundation and anchor ourselves with straps of spiritual steel, rooted and grounded to the timeless pillars of the gospel. President Gordon B. Hinckley has asked that our new converts be sustained in the Church by a friend, a call to serve, and be nourished by the good word of God. Often we sing, "How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in his excellent word!" When we receive that nurturing word of God, we feast upon His love. Remember: "It is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, … when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power … to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation." Even firm foundations cannot prevent life’s problems. Wayward children cause parents to grieve. Some broken families don’t get fixed. Gender disorientation is poorly understood. Married couples, for whatever reason, may not be blessed with children. Even in our day, "the guilty and the wicked go unpunished because of their money." Some things just don’t seem fair. Though we don’t know all things, we know that God lives and that He loves us. Standing on that firm foundation, we can reach up and find strength to endure the heavy burdens of life. How firm our foundation? The foundation of this Church was forged long before the world was. It is strong. It is true. It is eternal. The foundation of one’s individual faith, if anchored firmly to eternal truth, allows each of us to reach upward with an eternal perspective. That faith will give hope when there is no hope. It will give us joy here and eternal life hereafter.

The Word of God Leads Men To Salvation Scripture Reference: Helaman 3:27-30 27 Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name. 28 Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God. 29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked— 30 And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out. Elder Robert D. Hales, "Holy Scriptures: The Power of God unto Our Salvation," Liahona, Nov 2006, 24–27 The holy scriptures are the word of God given to us for our salvation. The scriptures are essential in receiving a testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. The scriptures given to us by God in these latter days are the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. These sacred records bear testimony of the Savior and lead us to Him. That is why great prophets like Enos cried unto the Lord in faith to preserve the scriptures. Will you open with me the cover of the Book of Mormon? Look on the title page. We read that it is "written by way of commandment, … by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation." It has "come forth by the gift and power of God," and its interpretation is "by the gift of God"—by the Holy Ghost. It shows "what great things the Lord [has] done" and has given to us "that [we] may know the covenants of the Lord," that we might not be "cast off forever." Most importantly, it has been written to convince us "that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God." Turn the page again, to the introduction. Here we learn that this prophetic record is "holy scripture comparable to the Bible." It contains "the fulness of the everlasting gospel, ... outlines the plan of salvation, and tells [us] what [we] must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come." It promises each of us that "all who will come unto [the Savior] and obey the laws and ordinances of his gospel may be saved." President Ezra Taft Benson, "The Power of the Word," Ensign, May 1986, 79 The Apostle Paul also saw our day. He described it as a time when such things as blasphemy, dishonesty, cruelty, unnatural affection, pride, and pleasure seeking would abound. (See 2 Tim. 3:1–7.) He also warned that "evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." (2 Tim 3:13.) Such grim predictions by prophets of old would be cause for great fear and discouragement if those same prophets had not, at the same time, offered the solution. In their inspired counsel we can find the answer to the spiritual crises of our age. In his dream, Lehi saw an iron rod which led through the mists of darkness. He saw that if people would hold fast to that rod, they could avoid the rivers of filthiness, stay away from the forbidden paths, stop from wandering in the strange roads that lead to destruction. Later his son Nephi clearly explained the symbolism of the iron rod. When Laman and Lemuel asked, "What meaneth the rod of iron?" Nephi answered, "It was the word of God; and [note this promise] whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction." (1 Ne. 15:23–24; italics added.) Not only will the word of God lead us to the fruit which is desirable above all others, but in the word of God and through it we can find the power to resist temptation, the power to thwart the work of Satan and his emissaries. Paul’s message is the same as Lehi’s. After portraying the terrible wickedness of future times—future to him, but present to us!—he said this to Timothy: "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned. … "From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation." (2 Tim. 3:14–15; italics added.) My dear brethren, this is an answer to the great challenge of our time. The word of God, as found in the scriptures, in the words of living prophets, and in personal revelation, has the power to fortify the Saints and arm them with the Spirit so they can resist evil, hold fast to the good, and find joy in this life.

The Constitution of the United States "In framing that great document which Gladstone declared "the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man," our early leaders called upon a kind Providence. Later the product of the constitutional convention was referred to as our God-inspired Constitution. They had incorporated within its sacred paragraphs eternal principles supported by the holy scriptures with which they were familiar. It was established "for the rights and protection of all flesh according to just and holy principles" [D&C 101:77]. Later the Lord himself declared, "I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose" [D&C 101:80]. ("America: A Choice Land" 674; compare RC 284) - President Ezra Taft Benson Doctrine and Covenants 101:76-80 76 And again I say unto you, those who have been scattered by their enemies, it is my will that they should continue to importune for redress, and redemption, by the hands of those who are placed as rulers and are in authority over you— 77 According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles; 78 That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment. 79 Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another. 80 And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood. Ezra Taft Benson, "Our Divine Constitution," Ensign, Nov 1987, 4 I desire, therefore, to speak to you about our divine Constitution, which the Lord said "belongs to all mankind" (D&C 98:5; italics added) "and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles" (D&C 101:77; italics added). The Constitution of the United States has served as a model for many nations and is the oldest constitution in use today. "I established the Constitution of this land," said the Lord, "by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose" (D&C 101:80). For centuries the Lord kept America hidden in the hollow of His hand until the time was right to unveil her for her destiny in the last days. "It is wisdom that this land should be kept as yet from the knowledge of other nations," said Lehi, "for behold, many nations would overrun the land, that there would be no place for an inheritance" (2 Ne. 1:8). In the Lord’s due time His Spirit "wrought upon" Columbus, the pilgrims, the Puritans, and others to come to America. They testified of God’s intervention in their behalf (see 1 Ne. 13:12–13). The Book of Mormon records that they humbled "themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them" (1 Ne. 13:16). Our Father in Heaven planned the coming forth of the Founding Fathers and their form of government as the necessary great prologue leading to the restoration of the gospel. Recall what our Savior Jesus Christ said nearly two thousand years ago when He visited this promised land: "For it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land, and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father, that these things might come forth" (3 Ne. 21:4). America, the land of liberty, was to be the Lord’s latter-day base of operations for His restored church. The Declaration of Independence affirmed the Founding Fathers’ belief and trust in God in these words: "We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." The Doctrine and Covenants states, "We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life" (D&C 134:2). Life, liberty, property—mankind’s three great rights. At the conclusion of the Declaration of Independence, they wrote, "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." This Declaration was a promise that would demand terrible sacrifice on the part of its signers. Five of the signers were captured as traitors and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary War; another had two sons captured. Nine died from wounds or from the hardships of the war. The Lord said He "redeemed the land by the shedding of blood" (D&C 101:80). Nephi recorded that the Founders "were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations" (1 Ne. 13:19).

Pam and Seanette, I am really impressed and inspired by your determination to see the challenge through to the end. I too at times have sensed Satan doing his best to throw obstacles in the way to prevent me from completing the reading. He knows that what we are reading is light and truth, and darkness cannot comprehend either. Keep up the good work and keep the faith. We shall be victorious!!

All Who Observe Their Covenants Will Be Blessed Of The Lord Scripture Reference: Doctrine and Covenants 97: 7-9 7 The ax is laid at the root of the trees; and every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewn down and cast into the fire. I, the Lord, have spoken it. 8 Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me. 9 For I, the Lord, will cause them to bring forth as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit. Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "The Power of Covenants," Ensign, May 2009, 19–23 We need strong Christians who can persevere against hardship, who can sustain hope through tragedy, who can lift others by their example and their compassion, and who can consistently overcome temptations. We need strong Christians who can make important things happen by their faith and who can defend the truth of Jesus Christ against moral relativism and militant atheism. What is the source of such moral and spiritual power, and how do we obtain it? The source is God. Our access to that power is through our covenants with Him. A covenant is an agreement between God and man, an accord whose terms are set by God (see Bible Dictionary, "Covenant," 651). In these divine agreements, God binds Himself to sustain, sanctify, and exalt us in return for our commitment to serve Him and keep His commandments. We enter into covenants by priesthood ordinances, sacred rituals that God has ordained for us to manifest our commitment. Our foundational covenant, for example, the one in which we first pledge our willingness to take upon us the name of Christ, is confirmed by the ordinance of baptism. It is done individually, by name. By this ordinance, we become part of the covenant people of the Lord and heirs of the celestial kingdom of God. Other sacred ordinances are performed in temples built for that very purpose. If we are faithful to the covenants made there, we become inheritors not only of the celestial kingdom but of exaltation, the highest glory within the heavenly kingdom, and we obtain all the divine possibilities God can give (see D&C 132:20). The scriptures speak of the new and everlasting covenant. The new and everlasting covenant is the gospel of Jesus Christ. In other words, the doctrines and commandments of the gospel constitute the substance of an everlasting covenant between God and man that is newly restored in each dispensation. If we were to state the new and everlasting covenant in one sentence it would be this: "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" (John 3:16). Jesus explained what it means to believe in Him: "Now this is the commandment [or in other words, this is the covenant]: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day" (3 Nephi 27:20). President James E. Faust, "‘Them That Honour Me I Will Honour’," Liahona, Jul 2001, 53–56 Anciently, those who participated in priesthood ordinances wore priestly attire. While we do not now wear priestly attire, we show respect by wearing appropriate clothing when administering and passing the sacrament and anointing the sick. Eli the priest was relieved of his calling when he permitted wickedness in the house of the Lord. The Lord said, "For them that honour me I will honour." The great priesthood power and authority with which we have been entrusted must be exercised by those authorized to do so who have proven themselves worthy to do so. Only in this manner will our acts be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise and thus be honored by the Lord. We honor the Lord by keeping our baptismal covenants, our sacrament covenants, our temple covenants, and by keeping the Sabbath day holy. The Lord has said, "All among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me." President James E. Faust, "The Key of the Knowledge of God," Liahona, Nov 2004, 52–55 Anyone who is righteous and desires to possess greater knowledge and to become "a greater follower of righteousness" can, under the authority of the priesthood, obtain a greater knowledge of God. The Lord tells us one clear way to do so, as given in the Doctrine and Covenants: "If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, … that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal." One might ask, "How do I become a greater follower of righteousness?" A righteous person is one who makes and keeps gospel covenants. These are holy contracts, usually between individuals and the Lord. Sometimes they include other persons, such as spouses. They involve most sacred promises and commitments, such as baptism, the conferral of the priesthood, temple blessings, marriage, and parenthood. Many of the blessings of Father Abraham come as the Holy Ghost is poured out upon all people. Any worthy man or woman who receives the Holy Ghost can actually become "a new creation."

The Glory of God is Intelligence Scripture Reference: Doctrine and Covenants 93: 36, 37 36 The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. 37 Light and truth forsake that evil one. Elder Royden G. Derrick, "‘By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them’," Ensign, Nov 1984, 61 Our revered leader of years past, President David O. McKay, often said, "The mission of the Gospel of Jesus Christ [is] to make evil-minded men good and to make good men better." (Millennial Star, Oct. 1961, p. 469.) The Lord said to the people of ancient America, "And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good." (Ether 4:12.) To be good, one must seek after truth, for truth is the ingredient which, when inculcated into our lives, changes us for good. "Truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come." (D&C 93:24.) "Truth abideth and hath no end." (D&C 88:66.) Intelligence is the ability to use knowledge properly. The Lord has said, "The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth." (D&C 93:36.) The light of which this scripture speaks is the Light of Christ, for Jesus further said, "I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world." (D&C 93:2.) Envision yourself standing on the banks of the River Jordan on a particular day nearly two thousand years ago and observing two men standing in the water. John the Baptist, clothed with camel’s hair and with a girdle of skin about his loins, is baptizing Jesus; and Jesus, dressed in the garb of the day, is coming up out of the water. The heavens open and a marvelous thing occurs. The Holy Ghost descends in the form of a dove and alights upon him. And a voice from heaven is heard saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matt. 3:17.) Envision yourself some time later in the temple in Jerusalem. The weather is hot outside; but inside, the thick stone walls give relief to a group gathered in discussion. It is Jesus talking to the scribes and the Pharisees: "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. "The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. "Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. … "It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. "I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me." (John 8:12–14, 17–18.) President Ezra Taft Benson, "Your Charge: To Increase in Wisdom and Favor with God and Man," New Era, Sep 1979, 40 The road lies before us. It is clearly marked. Our course is clear. We must follow the strait and narrow road marked out for us by the Son of God in all that we desire, think, and do. We must imitate him in our mental growth as we search for truth. Let us never fear truth, but only its misuse. On the contrary, let us love truth above all else—for God himself is truth. King Solomon of old, advised that "wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding" (Prov. 4:7). This was his profound conclusion after a lifetime spent in searching for that which is most important to man. Blessed are they who seek to learn wisdom. This same Jesus who increased in wisdom declared to a modern prophet, Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich" (D&C 6:7). It was once thought, and still is in some places, that when a young person sets out on a quest for academic knowledge, his faith in God will soon be destroyed. But it is not the search for knowledge—nor knowledge itself—which costs a man his faith. As President Joseph F. Smith declared, some "read by the lamp of their own conceit; who interpret by rules of their own contriving; who have become a law unto themselves" (Gospel Doctrine, p. 373). Yes, it is intellectual pride that leads one to think he is self-sufficient in matters of mind and of spirit. Let us ever realize the difference that exists between a discoverer of the truth and the Lawgiver of all truth. The first is human; the other divine. This quest for wisdom or intelligence, which the Lord defines as "light and truth," is a glorious challenge. We have been assured by the Author of Eternal Life that "whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. "And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come." (D&C 130:18–19.)

The Word Of Wisdom Doctrine and Covenants 89 18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; 19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; 20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. 21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen. President Boyd K. Packer, “Counsel to Young Men,” Ensign, May 2009, 49–52 When I was five years old, I became very ill. It turned out that I had polio, a disease that was completely unknown to the small-town doctor. I lay for several weeks on a World War I army cot in our front room beside a coal stove. Afterward, I could not walk. I remember very clearly sliding around on the linoleum floor and pulling myself up on chairs, learning to walk again. I was more fortunate than some. A friend walked with crutches and steel leg braces all of his life. As I moved into school, I found that my muscles were weak. I was very self-conscious. I knew that I could never be an athlete. It did not help a lot when I read about the man who went to a doctor to find a cure for his inferiority complex. After a careful examination, the doctor told him, “You don’t have a complex. You really are inferior!” With that for encouragement, I set about through life and determined to compensate in other ways. I found hope in my patriarchal blessing. The patriarch, whom I had never met before, confirmed to me that patriarchs do have prophetic insight. He said that I had a desire to come to earth life and was willing to meet the tests that would accompany life in a mortal body. He said that I had been given a body of such physical proportion and fitness to enable my spirit to function through it unhampered by physical impediment. That encouraged me. I learned that you should always take care of your body. Take nothing into your body that will harm it, such as we are counseled in the Word of Wisdom: tea, coffee, liquor, tobacco, or anything else that is habit-forming, addictive, or harmful. Read section 89 in the Doctrine and Covenants. You will find great promises: “All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; “And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; “And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.” And then this promise: “And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them.” President N. Eldon Tanner, “Trusting the Lord’s Promise,” Ensign, Aug 1981, 2 Too often we think of the promise as pertaining only to observance of the Word of Wisdom, but if you will note the phrase in the first sentence, it states, “walking in obedience to the commandments,” which means that we observe not only the counsel in this revelation, but keep the other commandments in order to obtain the promise. This revelation has such far-reaching effects on so many aspects of our lives, and on the social behavior of those in our communities, that I firmly believe most of the ills of society today could be cured by the acceptance and observance of the Word of Wisdom. Consider, if you will, the spiritual, moral, physical, and economic problems caused by the use of tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcohol. Evidence is continually surfacing to show the harmful effects of these substances, not only on the user, but also on the unborn fetus. I need not go into detail about how much money we spend on welfare services, lawsuits, and other legal fees, as well as on vandalism, cigarette-related fires, and restoration of public and private property caused by the use of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. How fortunate we are to belong to a church with a prophet to guide us who receives direction from our Heavenly Father! Throughout the ages God has revealed his will to man through his prophets, and when the people have followed the prophet, they have been blessed and prospered. We should be grateful for the principle of revelation and accept the word of the Lord without having to wait for science to prove its truthfulness. Parental example is the greatest method of teaching youth what they must do to gain the promised blessings from the Lord. Young people are most fortunate if they live in a home where parents teach and observe the Word of Wisdom. They must carefully consider the consequences and the effect their teaching and example will have on the children who have been entrusted to their care. No one would knowingly go into his garden or a forest of beautiful trees and pour a mixture of poisons at the roots of flowers or shrubs or other growth which have been cultivated for our pleasure. Yet there are those who make no effort to stop, but actually assist in getting people to use the habit-forming substances which eventually poison the bodies and minds of those who indulge, causing many forms of illness, and even death. President James E. Faust, “The Enemy Within,” Ensign, Nov 2000, 44–46 Robert Louis Stevenson captured this constant struggle between good and evil in the classic novel about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The story tells us that in the beginning “Dr. Jekyll is a highly respected London physician, a good and kindly man, who in his youth had showed inclinations toward evil which, however, he succeeded in suppressing. Interested in drugs, the doctor now chances upon one which enables him to change his external form to that of a repulsive dwarf, the very embodiment of evil, whom he calls Mr. Hyde. A similar dose permits him to return to the form and personality of the benevolent doctor. Many times the doctor becomes Mr. Hyde, thereby giving this side of his nature more and more power. Jekyll finds it increasingly difficult to regain his virtuous entity and also finds himself occasionally becoming Hyde without the use of the drug.” 6 In the character of Mr. Hyde, he commits murder, and when the drug will no longer restore him to the kindly Dr. Jekyll, the truth is discovered and Hyde kills himself. The misuse of drugs destroyed his life. So it can be in real life. Now the key to never turning into an evil, wicked Mr. Hyde is to determine not to yield to destroying temptations. Never, never experiment with any addictive substance. Do not ever use tobacco in any form or take any other enslaving substances. Stay away from intoxicating liquor. Addictions bring tragic consequences that are hard to overcome. Blessings come from holding true to our principles. When I was the president of the Cottonwood stake, one of our stake patriarchs was Dr. Creed Haymond. He would occasionally bear strong testimony of the Word of Wisdom. As a young man he was the captain of the University of Pennsylvania track team. In 1919 Brother Haymond and his team were invited to participate in the annual Inter-Collegiate Association track meet. The night before the track meet his coach, Lawson Robertson, who coached several Olympic teams, instructed his team members to drink some sherry wine. In those days, coaches wrongly felt that wine was a tonic for muscles hardened through rigorous training. All the other team members took the sherry, but Brother Haymond refused because his parents had taught him the Word of Wisdom. Brother Haymond became very anxious because he did not like to be disobedient to his coach. He was to compete against the fastest men in the world. What if he made a poor showing the next day? How could he face his coach? The next day at the track meet the rest of the team members were very ill and performed poorly or were even too sick to run. Brother Haymond, however, felt well and won the 100- and 220-yard dashes. His coach told him, “You just ran the two hundred and twenty yards in the fastest time it has ever been run by any human being.” That night and for the rest of his life, Creed Haymond was grateful for his simple faith in keeping the Word of Wisdom.

Scriptural Guidance For Daily Living Doctrine and Covenants 88 D&C 88:118 - "And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith." D&C 88:123 - "See that ye love one another; cease to be coveteous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires." D&C 88:124 - "Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated." D&C 88:125 - "And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace." Living by Scriptural Guidance Russell M. Nelson, "Living by Scriptural Guidance," Ensign, Nov 2000, 16–18 We all need guidance through life. We obtain it best from the standard works and teachings of the prophets of God. Once we understand why we need guidance and where we obtain it, we then ask, how can we achieve it? How can we truly live, not "by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God"? We begin with a determination to "liken all scriptures unto us … for our profit and learning." If we "press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, … [we] shall have eternal life." To feast means more than to taste. To feast means to savor. We savor the scriptures by studying them in a spirit of delightful discovery and faithful obedience. When we feast upon the words of Christ, they are embedded "in fleshy tables of the heart." They become an integral part of our nature. Many years ago a medical colleague chastised me for failing to separate my professional knowledge from my religious convictions. That startled me because I did not feel that truth should be fractionalized. Truth is indivisible. Danger lurks when we divide ourselves with expressions such as "my private life," "my professional life," or even "my best behavior." Living life in separate compartments can lead to internal conflict and exhausting tension. To escape that tension, many people unwisely resort to addicting substances, pleasure seeking, or self-indulgence, which in turn produce more tension, thus creating a vicious cycle. Inner peace comes only as we maintain the integrity of truth in all aspects of our lives. When we covenant to follow the Lord and obey His commandments, we accept His standards in every thought, action, and deed. Living the Lord’s standards requires that we cultivate the gift of the Holy Ghost. That gift helps us understand doctrine and apply it personally. Because truth given by revelation can only be understood by revelation, our studies need to be prayerful. Scriptures attest to the efficacy of prayer in daily life. One is in Proverbs: "In all thy ways acknowledge [God], and he shall direct thy paths." Another comes from the Book of Mormon: "Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good." As you ponder and pray about doctrinal principles, the Holy Ghost will speak to your mind and your heart. From events portrayed in the scriptures, new insights will come and principles relevant to your situation will distill upon your heart. You cultivate such revelatory experiences by living according to the light already given you and by searching the scriptures with pure motives—with real intent to "come unto Christ." As you do so, your confidence will "wax strong in the presence of God," and the Holy Ghost will be your constant companion. Achieving scriptural guidance is aided by posing pertinent questions. You might ask, "What principle can be learned from these teachings of the Lord?" For example, scriptures teach that the Creation was accomplished in six periods of time. Principles learned from that study show that any great attainment requires proper planning, timing, patience, labor, and no shortcuts.

Lessons Learned From Doctrine and Covenants 84 (Why we should read and study the Book of Mormon again and again) Introductory Remarks: Doctrine and Covenants 84:43-53 This revelation was given to the Church in September 1832, just two and one-half years after the Church was organized. In verses 43–44, the Lord declared: "And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life. "For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God." [D&C 84:43–44] Verses 45 through 47 affirm the truth of the word of the Lord, and the enlightenment given to all by the Spirit, and the fact that all who hearken to the Spirit come unto God the Father. [D&C 84:45–48] Verse 48 then refers to the gospel covenant: "And the Father teacheth him of the covenant which he has renewed and confirmed upon you, which is confirmed upon you for your sakes, and not for your sakes only, but for the sake of the whole world." Verses 49 through 53 describe the sin and darkness of those who do not come to God and hearken to his voice. [D&C 84:49–53] The succeeding verses, 54 through 58, describe the circumstance of some early members of the Church: "And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received— "Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation. "And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all. "And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written— "That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father’s kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion." [D&C 84:54–58] Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "‘Another Testament of Jesus Christ’," Ensign, Mar 1994, 60 This talk was delivered at a Church Educational System Satellite fireside originating at Brigham Young University on 6 June 1993. Along with other General Authorities, I have a clear recollection of the General Authority temple meeting on 5 March 1987. For a year, President Benson had been stressing the reading of the Book of Mormon. Repeatedly he had quoted these verses from the Doctrine and Covenants, including the Lord’s statement that the Saints’ conduct had "brought the whole church under condemnation" (D&C 84:55). In that temple meeting, President Benson reread those statements and declared, "This condemnation has not been lifted, nor will it be until we repent." He also repeated his declaration of a year earlier that "in our day the Lord has inspired His servant to reemphasize the Book of Mormon to get the Church out from under condemnation." Along with others, I felt the impact of this declaration of condemnation. As I studied the subject, I was relieved to find that the serious consequences of this condemnation need not be permanent. The use of this term elsewhere in modern revelation suggests that it refers to a punishment or a penalty, not to a permanent banishment (see, for example, D&C 82:3). In fact, the words President Benson quoted invite the Saints to repent of their deficiencies so the condemnation can be removed. To understand why President Benson has exhorted us to reemphasize the Book of Mormon and why this is necessary to remove us from condemnation, we need to remember the major theme of that book. In his many messages about the Book of Mormon, President Benson has taught us that the major significance of the Book of Mormon is its witness of Jesus Christ as the Only Begotten Son of God the Eternal Father, who redeems and saves us from death and sin. Of related and equal importance is its explanation of our Savior’s atonement, which is the most fundamental doctrine of our faith. In the General Authority meeting I mentioned earlier, President Benson distributed some materials to assist us in carrying his Book of Mormon message throughout the world. Included in that distribution were copies of his April 1975 general conference talk titled "The Book of Mormon Is the Word of God." I underlined these words from that important talk: "Now, we have not been using the Book of Mormon as we should. Our homes are not as strong unless we are using it to bring our children to Christ. … Social, ethical, cultural, or educational converts will not survive under the heat of the day unless their taproots go down to the fulness of the gospel which the Book of Mormon contains" (Ensign, May 1975, p. 65). President Benson has frequently reminded us of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s declaration that the Book of Mormon is "the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book" (History of the Church, 4:461). In a landmark address during the first year of his service as President of the Church, President Benson explained these two ways in which the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. "The Book of Mormon is the keystone in our witness of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the cornerstone of everything we do. … Its testimony of the Master is clear, undiluted, and full of power. … "The Book of Mormon is also the keystone of the doctrine of the Resurrection" (Ensign, Nov. 1986, pp. 5–6). Note that both of these ways in which the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion focus on our relationship to Christ—our witness of him and our testimony of his atonement and resurrection. In his conference address in October 1981, President Benson, then President of the Quorum of the Twelve, emphasized that the "major purpose" of the record that became the Book of Mormon "is to convince a later generation that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God" (Ensign, Nov. 1981, p. 61). Two years after he became President of the Church, he repeated that characterization in a marvelous talk titled "Come unto Christ." There he declared that "the major mission of the Book of Mormon … is ‘to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ’ " (Ensign, Nov. 1987, p. 83).

What shall I do that I may be born of God? David W. Hellem, "Putting Off the Natural Man: How to Be ‘Spiritually Born of God’," Ensign, Jun 1992, 10–13 Have we truly been spiritually born of God? Is Christ’s image reflected in our countenances? Have we experienced a mighty change of heart? When presented with the plan of salvation, King Lamoni’s father pleaded: "What shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit [or the natural man] rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy?" (Alma 22:15.) Well might we ask the same question. The scriptures testify that the first step is to acknowledge our sins and desire to forsake them. King Lamoni’s father told the Lord, "I will give away all my sins to know thee." (Alma 22:18.) King Benjamin taught that we "must repent of [our] sins and forsake them, and humble [ourselves] before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive [us]." (Mosiah 4:10.) Our repentance must be "in sincerity of heart" whereby we humble ourselves, "even in the depths of humility." (Mosiah 4:11.) What triggers that desire? For Alma and the sons of Mosiah it was the appearance of an angel. For Enos, it was words his father, Jacob, had often taught him, words "concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints" that sank "deep into [his] heart." (Enos 1:3.) For certain Zoramites, it was their "exceeding poverty" and "their afflictions [which] had truly humbled them" and prepared them "to hear the word." (Alma 32:5–6.) For the people of King Benjamin, "the fear of the Lord had come upon them. And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state." They were greatly humbled and sought forgiveness of their sins. (Mosiah 4:1–2.) Depending upon the individual, many situations have the potential to trigger the desire to come unto Christ. The important thing is that we open up our hearts to the word of God—to the beautiful message of the gospel. This message may be delivered by an inspired missionary, or through the example set by a Latter-day Saint, or, as Moroni promised, through reading the Book of Mormon with sincerity of heart. For some, hearing the word of God, coming to a knowledge of their sins, and sincerely desiring to forsake them initiates a rebirth process that progresses rather quickly. For others, the process may extend over a period of many years. In either case, it involves a lifetime of learning and growing, line upon line and precept upon precept. But while events that trigger the process of rebirth may be different for each person, the preparatory elements remain the same: humility, recognition of personal sin, a knowledge of Christ’s atonement, and repentance with real intent to keep the Lord’s commandments. Accompanied by the baptism of water, these preparatory conditions lay the spiritual foundation required to experience the spiritual rebirth described by Alma, the people of King Benjamin, and many others.

The arm of the Lord is "extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name." Scripture Reference: Alma 17-19 Ammon served a mission to the Lamanites. He offered to be King Lamoni's servant and was sent to help guard the king's flocks. Wicked men scattered the flocks. The other servants were afraid, but Ammon convinced them to gather the animals. When the robbers came again, Ammon fought them, cutting off the arm of each man who lifted a club to attack him. The robbers became frightened and fled. King Lamoni was amazed at Ammon's power. Ammon told the king his power came from God. Ammon became an instrument in the hands of the Lord and brought King Lamoni and many of the Lamanites to a knowledge of the truth. As Ammon began teaching King Lamoni, he helped him gain an understanding about God and heaven by teaching in a way that the king could understand. After establishing a level of understanding with King Lamoni, Ammon taught essential doctrines of the plan of redemption from the scriptures. After hearing and believing Ammon’s words, King Lamoni asked God for mercy upon him and his people. Perhaps Mormon wanted us to learn from the experiences of Ammon and King Lamoni and his people that the arm of the Lord is "extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name." Lessons Learned - Do We Know Who We Are? Dean R. Burgess, “Do You Know Who You Are?,” Ensign, May 2008, 53–55 Ammon, a great missionary of the Book of Mormon, was a faithful and valiant servant of King Lamoni. He miraculously preserved King Lamoni’s flocks and did all he could to serve the king. When hearing of Ammon’s powerful acts, Lamoni questioned who Ammon really was. Ammon declared: “Behold, I am a man, and am thy servant; therefore, whatsoever thou desireth which is right, that will I do. “Now when the king had heard these words, he marveled again, for he beheld that Ammon could discern his thoughts; but notwithstanding this, king Lamoni did open his mouth, and said unto him: Who art thou? Art thou that Great Spirit, who knows all things? “Ammon answered and said unto him: I am not.” Ammon then explained who he was when he said, “I am a man … created after the image of God, and I am called by his Holy Spirit to teach … this people” (Alma 18:17–19, 34). Ammon knew who he was and what his true mission was. Finding out who we are is one of life’s greatest quests. As parents and leaders, we make a sincere and honest effort to help those we love understand and know the answer to this simple but profound question, “Who am I?”

The Peace Of God Scripture Reference: Alma 7: 23-27 23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive. 24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works. 25 And may the Lord bless you, and keep your garments spotless, that ye may at last be brought to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the holy prophets who have been ever since the world began, having your garments spotless even as their garments are spotless, in the kingdom of heaven to go no more out. 26 And now my beloved brethren, I have spoken these words unto you according to the Spirit which testifieth in me; and my soul doth exceedingly rejoice, because of the exceeding diligence and heed which ye have given unto my word. 27 And now, may the peace of God rest upon you, and upon your houses and lands, and upon your flocks and herds, and all that you possess, your women and your children, according to your faith and good works, from this time forth and forever. And thus I have spoken. Amen. President Thomas S. Monson, “Finding Peace,” Ensign, Mar 2004, 2–7 In a world where peace is such a universal quest, we sometimes wonder why violence walks our streets, accounts of murder and senseless killings fill the columns of our newspapers, and family quarrels and disputes mar the sanctity of the home and smother the tranquility of so many lives. Perhaps we stray from the path which leads to peace and find it necessary to pause, to ponder, and to reflect on the teachings of the Prince of Peace and determine to incorporate them in our thoughts and actions and to live a higher law, walk a more elevated road, and be a better disciple of Christ. World peace, though a lofty goal, is but an outgrowth of the personal peace each individual seeks to attain. I refer not to the peace promoted by man, but peace as promised of God. I speak of peace in our homes, peace in our hearts, even peace in our lives. Peace after the way of man is perishable. Peace after the manner of God will prevail. Elder M. Russell Ballard, “The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom,” Liahona, Jul 2002, 98–101 In turbulent and sometimes frightening times, the Savior’s promise of infinite and eternal peace resonates with special power to us, just as His ability to calm the crashing waves must have profoundly affected those who were with Him on the Sea of Galilee that stormy night so long ago. Like those who were alive at the time of His mortal ministry, there are some among us who look for physical peace and prosperity as signs of the Savior’s wondrous power. We sometimes fail to understand that the everlasting peace Jesus promises is an inner peace, born in faith, anchored by testimony, nurtured with love, and expressed through continual obedience and repentance. It is a peace of spirit that echoes through the heart and the soul. If one truly knows and experiences this inner peace, there is no fear from worldly disharmony or discord. One knows deep down inside that all is well as far as the things that really matter are concerned. As President Hinckley instructed the brethren last night, there is no peace in sin. There may be ease, popularity, fame, and even prosperity, but there is no peace. “Wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10). One cannot be at peace if one is living a life out of harmony with revealed truth. There is no peace in being mean-spirited or contentious. There is no peace in vulgarity, promiscuity, or permissiveness. There is no peace in addiction to drugs, alcohol, or pornography. There is no peace in being abusive to others in any way, whether it be emotionally, physically, or sexually, for those who are abusive will remain in mental and spiritual turmoil until they come to Christ in all humility and seek forgiveness through complete repentance. At one time or another I believe everyone yearns for the “peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Philip. 4:7). That peace for our troubled hearts only comes to us as we follow the Light of Christ, which is “given to every man, that he may know good from evil” (Moro. 7:16), as it leads us to repent of sins and seek forgiveness. For all there is a hunger to know “the peaceable things of the kingdom” (D&C 36:2) and to taste “the fruit of righteousness,” which are “sown in peace of them that make peace” (James 3:18). In every home, neighborhood, and community, we ought to strive for peace and never be party to stirring up contention or division. Peace—real peace, whole-souled to the very core of your being—comes only in and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When that precious truth is discovered and gospel principles are understood and applied, great peace can distill in the hearts and souls of our Heavenly Father’s children. Said the Savior through Joseph Smith, “He who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” (D&C 59:23). ______________________________________________________________________ "And now, may the peace of God rest upon you, and upon your houses and lands, and upon your flocks and herds, and all that you possess, your women and your children, according to your faith and good works, from this time forth and forever. And thus I have spoken. Amen." (Alma 7:27)

There Is No death After The Resurrection Scripture Reference: Alma 11:40-45 As in all of our reading thus far, there can be found a myriad of Gospel truths that one could expound upon. The verses that really spoke to my heart are those found in the eleventh chapter of Alma beginning at verse 40 and continuing through verse 45. These verses, in my humble opinion, provide one of the most complete explanations concerning mortal death and the resurrection. In these verses we learn that there is no more death after the resurrection. Alma also taught us that in the resurrection “all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame” (Alma 40:23).The words recorded in Alma 11:40-45 from the teachings of the prophet Amulek bear repeating here for us to read and ponder once again: 40 And he shall come into the world to redeem his people; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else. 41 Therefore the wicked remain as though there had been no redemption made, except it be the loosing of the bands of death; for behold, the day cometh that ball shall rise from the dead and stand before God, and be judged according to their works. 42 Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death. 43 The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt. 44 Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be arestored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the bFather, and the Holy Spirit, which is cone Eternal God, to be djudged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil. 45 Now, behold, I have spoken unto you concerning the death of the mortal body, and also concerning the resurrection of the mortal body. I say unto you that this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption. Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Resurrection,” Ensign, May 2000, 14 Resurrection is much more than merely reuniting a spirit to a body. … The resurrection is a restoration that brings back “carnal for carnal” and “good for that which is good” (Alma 41:13). The book of Job poses the universal question, “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14). The question of resurrection from the dead is a central subject of scripture, ancient and modern. The resurrection is a pillar of our faith. It adds meaning to our doctrine, motivation to our behavior, and hope for our future. The possibility that a mortal who has died will be brought forth and live again in a resurrected body has awakened hope and stirred controversy through much of recorded history. Relying on clear scriptural teachings, Latter-day Saints join in affirming that Christ has “broken the bands of death” (Mosiah 16:7) and that “death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:54; see also Morm. 7:5; Mosiah 15:8; Mosiah 16:7–8; Alma 22:14). Because we believe the Bible and Book of Mormon descriptions of the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we also readily accept the numerous scriptural teachings that a similar resurrection will come to all mortals who have ever lived upon this earth (see 1 Cor. 15:22; 2 Ne. 9:22; Hel. 14:17; Morm. 9:13; D&C 29:26; D&C 76:39, 42–44). As Jesus taught, “Because I live, ye shall live also” (John 14:19). Many living witnesses can testify to the literal fulfillment of these scriptural assurances of the resurrection. . . . What a comfort to know that all who have been disadvantaged in life from birth defects, from mortal injuries, from disease, or from the natural deterioration of old age will be resurrected in “proper and perfect frame.” In our eternal journey, the resurrection is the mighty milepost that signifies the end of mortality and the beginning of immortality. The Lord described the importance of this vital transition when He declared, “And thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto man the days of his probation—that by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life, even as many as would believe” (D&C 29:43). Similarly, the Book of Mormon teaches, “For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection” (2 Ne. 9:6). We also know, from modern revelation, that without the reuniting of our spirits and our bodies in the resurrection we could not receive a “fulness of joy” (D&C 93:33–34). When we understand the vital position of the resurrection in the “plan of redemption” that governs our eternal journey (Alma 12:25), we see why the Apostle Paul taught, “If there be no resurrection of the dead, then … is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain” (1 Cor. 15:13–14). We also see why the Apostle Peter referred to the fact that God the Father, in His abundant mercy, “hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3; see also 1 Thes. 4:13–18). Of all things in that glorious ministry, why did the Prophet Joseph Smith use the testimony of the Savior’s death, burial, and Resurrection as the fundamental principle of our religion, saying that “all other things … are only appendages to it”? The answer is found in the fact that the Savior’s Resurrection is central to what the prophets have called “the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death” (2 Ne. 11:5).