What You Should Really Know About Mormons

[MaidservantX]

HOW TO USE THIS THREAD. [Thread under construction]

I will be providing quite a bit of content in this thread. However, I am providing it in three 'levels' depending on how much information you want.

First level is the "Thumbnail Version". You can read very quickly through many important things you really should know about Mormons.

Second level is if you would like a little bit of explanation on each of the Thumbnail Points, you can go to the appropriate post and read a very brief blurb about each or any one.

Third level is if you would like to explore articles or in-depth information, I am providing links to such. Also I am trying to provide pertinent scriptures.

Enjoy!

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THUMBNAIL VERSION

1. The name of our church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

2. Jesus Christ is the Head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by the living prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

4. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a worldwide church.

5. If you visit Salt Lake City (Joseph Smith Memorial Building), or any of several other locations, be sure to watch (free of charge) the film that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has produced titled: Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration.

6. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Redeemer of the World.

7. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites all individuals everywhere to read The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, and to learn of its truthfulness for themselves.

8. The Relief Society is the women's organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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Edited July 3, 2008 by MaidservantX
format

[MaidservantX]

Number One. The name of our church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

There is no such thing as the Mormon Church. The name of the church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Individuals in the Church are called ‘members’. Sometimes members are called Saints. Calling members ‘Mormons’ or the church ‘Mormon’ is a nickname that arose in the early history of the church (over 150 years ago), based on (the title of) The Book of Mormon. Non-members came up with the nickname and meant it negatively. However, we like the nickname fine! We call ourselves Mormons and don’t mind if others call us Mormons. It is sometimes a handy and well-known reference. In many instances, however, it is important to remember that more correctly we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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LDS.org - Ensign Article - “Thus Shall My Church Be Calledâ€

LDS.org - Ensign Article - <i>Mormon</i> Should Mean “More Goodâ€

LDS.org - Ensign Article - “The Peaceable Followers of Christâ€

Also: go to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gospel Library, Gospel Topics, A-Z Index, 'M', Mormon Church.

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3 Nephi Chapter 27 (Book of Mormon)

1 And it came to pass that as the disciples of Jesus were journeying and were preaching the things which they had both heard and seen, and were baptizing in the name of Jesus, it came to pass that the disciples were gathered together and were united in mighty prayer and fasting.

2 And Jesus again showed himself unto them, for they were praying unto the Father in his name; and Jesus came and stood in the midst of them, and said unto them: What will ye that I shall give unto you?

3 And they said unto him: Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church; for there are disputations among the people concerning this matter.

4 And the Lord said unto them: Verily, verily, I say unto you, why is it that the people should murmur and dispute because of this thing?

5 Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day;

6 And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day.

7 Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake.

8 And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.

(The remainder of chapter 27 is good too.)

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Doctrine & Covenants 20:1 The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April—

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Doctrine & Covenants 115:4 For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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1 Corinthians 1:9-13 9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

[prisonchaplain]

Ironically, the word Christian was originally meant as a curse, as well.

[MaidservantX]

Number Two. Jesus Christ is the Head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jesus Christ lives — resurrected and glorified. He established his church when he was on the earth in the meridian of time. He re-established (restored) his own church by his own hand in the modern age. This Restoration began in 1820 when Jesus Christ and his Father appeared and instructed the young Joseph Smith. Jesus Christ actively leads and directs The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today.

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Jesus Christ, The Son of God

Mormon.org - Jesus Christ established His Church

LDS.org - Ensign Article - The Church Is on Course

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=37c8dbdcc370c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

LDS.org - Ensign Article - God Is at the Helm

LDS.org - Liahona Article - He Lives! The Witness of Latter-day Prophets

Also: go to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gospel Library, Gospel Topics, ‘R’, Restoration of the Gospel

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Ephesians 5:23 “ . . . Christ is the head of the church . . . “

Moroni 6:4 “ . . . the church of Christ . . . the author and finisher of their faith.”

Doctrine & Covenants 33:5 “ .. . this church have I established and called forth out of the wilderness . . .”

Doctrine & Covenants 1:1 et seq. “Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him who dwells on high, and whose eyes are upon all men . . . listen together . . . the voice of the Lord is unto all men . . . the voice of warning shall be unto wll people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days . . . this is mine authority . . . What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself . . . by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”

[MaidservantX]

Number Three. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by the living prophet, President Thomas S. Monson.

God has called prophets in the latter-day just as he did of old. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by the living prophet, President Thomas S. Monson (16th President of the Church [counting Joseph Smith as the 1st]). At the twice a year General Conference that is held, members of the Church raise their hands to sustain their prophet. Prophets testify of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. The living prophet teaches us what Jesus Christ would have us know and do in the current time we live in. Members of the Church believe that following the counsel of the prophet will keep us spiritually and temporally safe from the Adversary, help us in the challenges we face in this mortal world, and lead us in returning home to live with our Father in heaven.

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Joseph Smith - Home

Joseph Smith—History 1

LDS.org - Ensign Article - Safety in Counsel

LDS.org - Ensign Article - Heeding the Voice of the Prophets

The following two links are the talks President Monson gave at the most recent General Conference. It will give you an idea of how the church is being instructed at the present day:

Looking Back and Moving Forward

LDS.org - Ensign Article - Abundantly Blessed

Links to learn more about President Thomas S. Monson:

President Thomas S. Monson

LDS Newsroom - President Thomas S. Monson

LDS.org - Ensign Article - Maintaining the Course

A little bit of President Monson bio published in 1994 Ensign LDS.org - Ensign Article - President Thomas S. Monson: Finishing the Course, Keeping the Faith

A list of all of the latter-day prophets/ presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and their witness of Jesus Christ.
LDS.org - Ensign Article - He Lives! The Witness of Latter-day Prophets

go to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gospel Library, Gospel Topics, A-Z Index, ‘P’, Prophets

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Article of Faith 5 “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.”

Article of Faith 9 “We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”

Alma 12:28-30 “And after God had appointed that these things should come unto man, behold, then he saw that it was expedient that man should know concerning the things whereof he had appointed unto them; Therefore he sent angels to converse with them, who caused men to behold of his glory. And they began from that time forth to call on his name; therefore God conversed with men, and made known unto them the plan of redemption, which had been prepared from the foundation of the world; and this he made known unto them according to their faith and repentance and their holy works.”

Moroni 7:20-32 “And now, my brethren, how is it possible that ye can lay hold upon every good thing? . . . God knowing all things . . . he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing. And God also declared unto prophets, by his own mouth, that Christ should come. And behold, there were divers ways that he did manifest things unto the children of men, which were good; and all things which are good cometh of Christ . . . Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ. And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name . . . Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men? For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him . . . my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men. For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness. And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfil and to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him. And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men.”

Amos 3:7 “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servant the prophets.”

Exodus 33:11 “And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.”

1 Corinthians 12:28 “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets . . .”

Ephesians 2:19-20 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.”

Matthew 16:15-19 “He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered . . . my Father which is in heaven [has revealed it unto thee] . . . upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Doctrine & Covenants 84:36 “For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;”

Doctrine & Covenants 21:1-6 “Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ . . . which church was organized and established in [April 6, 1830]. Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good and his name’s glory.”

Edited August 1, 2008 by MaidservantX

[MaidservantX]

Number Four. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a worldwide church.

Most Mormons live outside Utah. Most Mormons live outside of the United States. That’s right, you heard correctly. There are 13,193,999 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the minority of that number are in the U.S.A.

LDS Newsroom - Who Are the Mormons?

Statistical Report, 2007

LDS Newsroom - Mormons Speak Up to Define Themselves, Their Faith

LDS.org - Country Sites

LDS Church History -

LDS Newsroom - World Headquarters

LDS Newsroom - Growth of the Church

LDS.org - Ensign Article - Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits

Keep tabs on current events: Newsroom - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

From 1991: LDS.org - Ensign Article - The State of the Church

From 1993: LDS.org - Ensign Article - “It’s True, Isn’t It?â€

Edited June 21, 2008 by MaidservantX

[MaidservantX]

Number Five. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has produced a full-length feature film called Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints consistently produces excellent and enjoyable audio and visual material, both for its own members as well as for the world at large. The Church makes use of technology that has been created in this world in order to teach the Gospel and otherwise further the work of the Lord. You can see the film Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration at no charge at several locations in the United States as well as in Mexico and in New Zealand.

Joseph Smith Film

Product Details ( The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd. DVD, <b>multilingual</b> )

Product Details ( Legacy. DVD, <b>multilingual</b> )

Product Details ( Introduction to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, An. DVD, <b>multilingual</b> )

Product Details ( Joy to the World. DVD, <b>multilingual</b> )

YouTube - LDSPublicAffairs's Channel

Mormon.org
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Joseph Smith - Home
Jesus Christ, The Son of God

[MaidservantX]

Number Six. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Redeemer of the World.

The atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ whereby Christ is able to offer salvation to all of mankind – and faith in Jesus Christ – is the central message of the gospel of Jesus Christ and of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All other matters of the gospel and the Church serve as corollary to these sublime tidings.

Jesus Christ, The Son of God

Jesus Christ, The Son of God - Testimonies of Him - The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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Article of Faith 1: We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

Article of Faith 3: We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

Article of Faith 4: We believe that the first [principle] of the Gospel [is]: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ . . .

Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

The Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ so beautifully and powerfully throughout its pages. Here are just a few of my favorites:

1 Nephi 10:5-6 "And he also spake concerning the prophets, how great a number had testified of these things, concerning this Messiah . . . or this Redeemer of the world. Wherefore, all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer."

1 Nephi 11:31-33 " . . . I beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick, and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits . . . and they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God . . . beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world . . . [And I] saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world."

2 Nephi 9:21, 23, 50, 53 : "And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam . . . And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God . . . Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters . . . And behold how great the covenants of the Lord, and how great his condescensions unto the children of men; and because of his greatness, and his grace and mercy, he has promised unto us . . ."

2 Nephi 25:23, 26, 29: "For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved after all we can do . . . And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ . . . And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ . . . worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul;"

2 Nephi 26:24-33: "He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him . . . he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price . . . Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded all people that they should persuade all men to repentance . . . none are forbidden . . . wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love . . . [no] iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men . . and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness . . ."

Mosiah 15:1 - 31 " . . . I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people . . . and thus the flesh becoming subject to the Spirit, or the Son to the Father, being one God, suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not to the temptation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned by his people . . . And after all this, after working many mighty miracles among the children of men . . . he shall be led, crucified, and slain . . . and thus God breaketh the bands of death, having gained the victory over death; giving the Son power to make intercession for the children of men -- Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice; having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself their iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them, and satisfied the demands of justice . . . For were it not for the redemption which he hath made for his people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world . . . all mankind must have perished. But behold, the bands of death shall be broken, and the Son reigneth, and hath power over the dead; therefore, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead . . . They are raised to dwell with God who has redeemed them; thus they have eternal life through Christ, who has broken the bands of death. . . And little children also have eternal life . . . thy watchmen shall lift up their voice; with the voice together shall they sing . . . all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God."

Alma 34:13-17 "It is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice . . this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal. And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance. And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is broughts about the great and eternal plan of redemption. Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;"

[i will be adding more links and quotes here soon.]

Edited September 1, 2008 by MaidservantX

[MaidservantX]

Number Seven: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites all individuals everywhere to read The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, and to learn of its truthfulness for themselves.

You may read the Book of Mormon online:

Book of Mormon

You may request a free Book of Mormon:

Mormon.org - The Book of Mormon

The purpose of the Book of Mormon:

From the Book of Mormon Title Page (written by the hand of Mormon): "Written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation -- Written and sealed up, and hid up to the Lord . . . to come forth in due time . . . The interpretation thereof by the gift of God . . . Which is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever -- and also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself unto all nations . . ."

Doctrine and Covenants section 20:8-28 (I encourage you to read the whole passage of 8-28 in Doctrine and Covenants 20, but here is a portion of it): "And gave him power from on high, by the means which were before prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon, which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ . . . proving to the world that the scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old; Thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever . . . And those who receive it in faith, and work righteousness, shall receive a crown of eternal life . . . By these things we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all thing which are in them; And that he created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness, created he them; And gave unto them commandments that they should love and serve him, the only living and true God . . . But by the transgression of these holy law man . . . became fallen man. Wherefore, the Almighty God gave his Only Begotten Son, as it is written in those scriptures which have been given of him. He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them. He was crucified, died, and rose again the third day . . . as many as woul believe and be baptized in his holy name, and endure in faith to the end, should be saved . . . "

A previous prophet of the Church, President Ezra Taft Benson, often spoke powerfully of The Book of Mormon. Here is an example:

LDS.org - Ensign Article - A New Witness for Christ

Here is some relevant teaching about The Book of Mormon from the most recent General Conference:

LDS.org - Ensign Article - A Book with a Promise

LDS.org - Ensign Article - “My Words … Never Ceaseâ€

[this post under construction]

Edited June 25, 2008 by MaidservantX

[MaidservantX]

Number Eight. The Relief Society is the women's organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Relief Society

The keystone speech at the last World Women's Conference (of the Church):

LDS.org - Ensign Article - Three Goals to Guide You

[post under construction]

Edited August 1, 2008 by MaidservantX