jgainer

My Bishop interviewed me for Priesthood after 3 months of activity.I had been inactive for 21 years. I admitted to not keeping law of chastity. He asked how long had it been and I answered honestly and he said ok. I decided to confess to things that had occurred 10-15-20 years ago. Adultry, fornication,etc. Nothing bad happened. I fely better for it. My Bishop wept with me and gave me a blessing. I have a Temple recommend now!!

I returned to activity three years ago after 21 years of inactivity. I did not hold the Priesthood and was never active. I confessed MANY serious transgressions. Adultry,fornication,etc. I was not excommunicated or disfellowshipped. It was very private and between me and my Bishop initially. I eventually confessed to my SP. My confession came after 15 months of activity. I had vaguely admitted to not keeping law of chastity in an interview and thought that was all that was necessary. As I grew, I fely like that I should discuss my past- some of it 20 years old sins. My Bishop was great and so was my SP. Basically, my confession completed my repentance. So, it depends on many things. How long ago did the transgressions occur? Endowed? If the sin is sexual and he hasn't been to the Temple, then it will probably end with confession. If he is endowed, then could be a Court of Love. Either way, he will feel better and be blessed. I often feel like I should confess more, even though I have fully confessed because it is such a relief!!!!:)

Fisrt thing to remember...the BOM was preserved for our day and time. It was written and preserved by Prophets who were under divine inspiration, just as the Biblical authors were. It should be know surprise that what was a "truth" during Christ's ministry was also truth prior to his coming. It seems obvious that the Lord wouldl lead righteous men to speak gospel truths through revelation. Also remember that we read in all of the BOM the extensive knowledge of Christ that is not found in the Old Testament. Finally, I used to question such things, you know 'adieu" and perseaved church history problems, the supposed evils of Joseph Smith and all of the other volumes of rot that is available to usher you swiftly out of the church and into the safety of being "saved" with another churches doctrines or more appropriately by their Pastors doctrines or just away from God altogether. I finally took a hard look at myself and realized that as long as I wanted to question, Satan would gladly help me find things to question. I finally had to listen to the Spirit and place my trust in Heavenly Father and pray with real surrender, oh yeah, and also repent. It wasn't too long and the Spirit returned in great abundance and I began to be taught by the Spirit. That is the key, the Spirit. Not intelectual reasoning only. If you ever had a testimony or felt the Spirit, you will always be drawn to the church. The Lord will not let you go.

Hello, I think that when you are trying to gain a testimony, the adversary will draw attention to anything that can cause diversion. He can also get alot of help in cloudy, confusion that causes focus on the unimportant while drawing attention away from what you are seeking. Pray prior to reading the BOM. Pray after. Seek spiritual assistance understanding from spiritual sources, not here. While those of us who support you search for a testimony would offer support and help we can not offer enlightenment or true reassurance of your faith. Come here for good conversation, support from friends, a chance to socialize turn to the Spirit for what you are seeking. Your testimony will grow. But like any small growing thing it needs to be protected as well as fed to grow. I wish you blessings and revelations of Heavenly Father and confirmation of the Holy Ghost. All here are searching. Just in different directions. I really hope it stays respectfull of each persons beliefs. I would like to stay but if disrespectfullness against LDS beliefs start I will leave. I joined to find a place to share that, and I have no problem with others believes but not when they feel thier right to differ gives them the right to belittle mine. I too searched many religions before I settled on LDS and while I dont believe there is only one true religion I do believe it is the Fullest and most complete. No church/religion is perfect but I think the fruit of the church speaks for itsself. It is the only one who could settle my two main question. Why would God bother with man? Did he just walk by look down and say "Oh look at the cute little humans. .. I shall play with them?" No we are his literal children, that alone explaines his interaction and even more.. his patience with a rebellious race of people. Next questions. After death? I am going to spend my life being good to die and do what/???? Bow, and yell halleluah for eons to come? God is really so vain that he wants millions to spend eternity doing nothing but "worship him". That is all anyother religion could tell me would be my "reward" big deal. Only the LDS made sense of the eternal kingdom of Heavenly Fathers family. Im sure we will all be shocked and appalled to find when we get there that not every word of every book was literal and true , and not every teaching was to the letter. But guess what, we have been warned we are not suppose to have exactness, assurance and proof. Its all about faith , honey. And that comes by witness of the Spirit not internet tesitmonys for or against truth. Just offering my own opions not churh position, or teachings. We are all still working on our testimonies. When we stop they wither and fade. Believe me I know.

The short answer is YES. It is in and through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ that mankind may be saved and in no other way. Advice...... if you would like to know what we believe, here is a simple formula. Read the Book of Mormon cover to cover. Ponder it in your heart and then kneel and pray and ask God in the name of Jesus Christ if the things you have read are true. If you are pray with real intent, you will know. I found out for myself and you can too.