Giant_Son

I am a KC resident as well. The temple won't be in Jackson County, but in Platte County - in the Liberty Stake.

That's funny, PC. What are the rest of Christendom supposed to do with us?!

I sent the personalized edition to my Mom and Sister! Thanks for sharing. :)

We're expected to keep God's commandments and always trust Him. We are expected to serve one another and to serve in the Church the best we can. If you are married, we are expected to be faithful to our spouse and to go to the temple and be sealed to our families and then return to the temple to worship as often as possible. As a confirmed member of the Church, we have the rights to have the Holy Ghost with us as a constant companion as long as we strive to follow the Lord's will and to obey His commandments. Does that answer your questions? Feel free to ask if it hasn't. Thanks for asking!

HiJolly, don't let this be a problem for you. A TBM can still balance the reality of evolution with the Gospel. The Bible and modern-day scripture says nothing HOW God made the Earth, only that He is the Supreme Creator. We know WHY he created the world, but now HOW.

I appreciate Bodhi's posts on here a lot. She is a sincere seeker of truth and we can all help her as we welcome her with open arms and answer her sincere questions.

Bodhi, I don't know what happened, but I think you are welcome to stay here. We know that you're going through some sort of conversion process, and we want to be there for you - to answer any questions you might have. I so much enjoy your thoughtful questions here and on TOL. I hope you don't leave us. I DO hope that you continue with your search. Never ever give up! :)

Welcome to lds.net! That's awesome that you're really looking. Don't give up regardless of the obstacles that might face themselves. Get in contact with missionaries as soon as you can. They will really help you throughout the process. Again, I wish you the best!

Great, Jasmin. Read it up with a sincere heart. Your Heavenly Father loves you and wants you to have all the happiness in the world.

God has called Prophets in these days. Please see my post on TOL, as well. Joseph Smith and his successors are true prophets. Don't we need Prophets now more than ever? How is your search going? Have you been able to get your hands on a Book of Mormon?

Sorry, I'm still learning the formatting. I learned the correct "quote" format! :)

Through the work of the reformationist, the religious environment was made open and non-oppressive. In this environment, the Church could be restored. That would be difficult under a heavier church-state hand such as Catholicism. The reformists were inspired and stirred in their hearts to an understanding that what was being taught did not ring true to them (via The Light of Christ). This disunity among Christianity is a stumbling block for many people, but it is a blessing in some aspects as well. Even many traditional christians don't understand the role of the Atonement in their salvation and our responsibilities because of it. As members of His church and His disciples, we have the responsibility to testify of Christ and what He means to us.

Thanks for the reply, Erik. I disagree with your conclusions, but I like to hear why someone believes the way they do. Another question: In your beliefs, can someone be elect and saved and not know it? Does someone have to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and accept it to be saved?

Erik, I'll read your link. In the article, it says, "a rock-stead deity that orchestrates everything ..." Does "everything" include our words, thoughts, and actions? Thanks for the additional link explaining more about Calvinism. I'm always interested in learning more about what others believe.

Calvinism is not believed by most Christians today and the arguments are very convincing. Why do you believe in the 4.5 points of Calvinism?

Calvinism doesn't make any sense to me (in light of Christ's message of commandments of faith, repentance, baptism, etc.) and seems to erase personal responsibility - two things that are sacred (commandments and free agency) to Mormons.

link didn't work for me, either.

81 years for Giant_Son.

The Athens area is really nice. I toured the University of Ohio once. I'm from the South, so I'm used to hearing "y'all".

Bodhi, at baptism, hands are laid on our head and we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the promise that we can have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost with us throughout our lives when we strive to be obedient to our Heavenly Father and his commands. I wish you nothing but the best in your search. I know that if you are sincere and have faith in God, He will lead you. Come here: Mormon.org - Home and listen to real people sharing their testimonies. The stories they share are special and personal to them, but are not unique. Many of us on this site could share our testimonies to you, as well. We can trust our Heavenly Father (you are really a daughter of God in a literal sense) that he will not lead us astray. Good luck with your search!

Welcome. No questions are off limits. (within reason.)

Hi seydlitz. I didn't know that you were new to this site. I am Martin.Harris on TOL. Bodhigirlsmiles and I have already made acquaintances.

Welcome to the Board! Hopefully, your questions will all be answered. I love the Gospel and it has meant the entire world to me. Also, may I be so bold to say that you're very pretty ... and I'm single. ;) LOL.

This is not common and is unfortunate. Will you try again?

Thanks. I actually enjoy it over there. They just need to be reminded every now and then what we TRULY believe and not what they think we believe. I have a very strong testimony of the Book of Mormon and this Church. And no Bible-bashing is going to convince me otherwise.