Receiving an Invitation to Learn More

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the "Mormon Church") strive to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with their families, friends and neighbors. This comes from a sincere desire to follow the Lord's counsel when He told His disciples before the Ascension, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20).

Many individuals and families throughout the world have been approached by members of the Church and been offered a Book of Mormon, to attend church meetings, or to meet with the missionaries. These invitations should never be seen as insulting, but rather, as a sign of true friendship. In addition, you should never feel pressured or intimidated to learn more. Mormons believe strongly in the principle of agency. We simply want to share with others the joy we have found in the gospel and leave the decision to learn more or participate with us to the individual receiving the invitation. Choosing not to accept the invitation to learn more will not change the relationship and friendship you have with your Mormon friend or family member.

What is the Purpose of Life? In Other Words, Why So Much Adversity?

Why am I here?

Why do bad things happen to good people?

How can I be happy?

How can I find peace in this life?

How do I overcome trials that I face?

I assume each of us have asked such questions before. I assume we have tried, with varying degrees of success, to answer these questions and to discover (for ourselves) what the purpose of life is. If you have, I am no different from you.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called the Mormon Church or the LDS Church, teaches that we are God's children. The Church teaches that as God's children, we are placed here on Earth to learn and grow. Essentially, our life on Earth is a test; to see if we will obey His commandments--namely to love God and love our fellow men. Of course, we all fall short of perfection in keeping the commandments and therefore need the atoning power of Jesus Christ to save us. If we keep His commandments to the best of our ability and have faith that Jesus will save us from our imperfections, we will return and live with God again throughout all eternity. For those who have not received all of God's commandments, or who do not know Jesus Christ, they will learn of Him after this life and will be judged according to what limited knowledge they acquired. God is both just and merciful. He will not condemn those who did not have the privilege of learning of Him while living on Earth.

So, if this life is a test, it is only natural to assume that we will have difficulties thrown our way. All of us, rich or poor, black or white, educated or non-educated, will have trials and afflictions in our lives. Some of these will be for others to see, such as death, disease, poverty, bad choices, etc., and some of them will be in the inner confines of our own hearts, such as depression, loneliness, heartache, guilt, and the painful consequences of sin. As God told us His children, He causes the rain to fall on the unjust, as well as the just. While it is often difficult to see good people going through such horrible difficulties, we must understand that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, allows His children to suffer and overcome so that they might gain experience and grow stronger. God must weep with His children as He watches some go through small trials and difficulties, and others suffering unimaginable pain, loss, and torture.

Another vital aspect of our purpose here on Earth is to choose for ourselves. This principle of agency is essential in our test-taking. Sometimes, we choose wisely, and can greatly assist others. Sometimes, we choose poorly, and can hurt others. God knows this. He knows some of His children will choose poorly and cause tremendous grief and pain. But, He will not take that agency of choice away. We must find comfort that this life is but a short time, and if we endure it well, we can live with God again for all eternity is complete joy, peace, and happiness. Agency is a vital part of God's plan for His children. We must choose wisely.

As we choose wisely and seek to do good to ourselves, our families, friends, and communities, we will find true happiness and joy, not merely fleeting pleasure. True and lasting happiness can only be found in adherence to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel includes serving God and our fellow men. I know that in overcoming adversity and in striving to keep God's commandments, I have found joy, peace, and happiness. In the times when I have chosen poorly and not kept God's commandments, I have found stress, guilt, remorse, anger, and frustration.

Life is difficult. It was meant to be. Through enduring the difficult times, we can better savor the good times. Most importantly, by facing adversity and overcoming, we gain experience and learn to be kinder, more loving, more compassionate, and more like our Savior Jesus Christ. We can become truly happy and peaceful.

For an excellent (short) discourse on adversity, see the following YouTube clip of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin entitled "Come What May and Love It". Fantastic.

Standard Works of the Church

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known to many as the Mormon Church, recognizes four books of scripture as the scriptural cannon of the restored Church. These four books of scripture are:


(1) The Bible: A collection of writings from the ancient world regarding God's dealings with His children, principally the children of Israel. The Old Testament covers the time period from the Creation until the coming of Jesus Christ. The New Testament covers the life of Jesus Christ and the Church's missionary efforts following his death. The New Testament concludes with the revelation of John. The Bible was assembled during the first centuries A.D. and includes many different writers over thousands of years.

(2) The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ: A collection of writings from the New World regarding God's dealings with His children, principally Lehi and his seed, who fled Jerusalem around 600 B.C. and sailed to the American continent. The Book of Mormon also contains the history of the Jaredite people who fled Mesopotamia during the building of the Tower of Babel. The Book of Mormon contains the history and prophecies of the prophets (of Lehi's seed) from 600 B.C. until 400 A.D. The Book of Mormon was translated by Joseph Smith from gold plates he found in the Hill Cumorah in Western New York.

(3) The Doctrine and Covenants: A series of revelations given by the Lord to Joseph Smith and subsequent modern-day prophets to guide and direct the restored Church. The revelations began shortly before the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ in 1830 and they continue today. This book of scripture remains open.

(4) The Pearl of Great Price: A selection of translations, writings, and history of the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Pearl of Great Price includes translations of the writings of Abraham and Moses.

These four books are called the Standard Works. They are the scriptural books used by the Church for doctrine and instruction. However, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not believe that God is finished speaking to man. In fact, we believe God continues to speak to His children today. The President of the Church has been called, ordained, and sustained as a prophet, seer, and revelator. We believe God continues to speak to him as His representative on the Earth. The words of God's prophets and apostles in modern times are considered scripture, just as the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.

Mormons are Christians

I am revisiting an earlier subject that I wrote about last year. The reason for the "recycling" of the subject is because I am constantly asked about it, most recently by a colleague at work.

Yes, Mormons are Christians. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worship Jesus Christ as their Savior and Redeemer. We believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God. He was sent to the Earth to provide us a perfect example and to teach us how to return and live with Him again after this life. Most importantly, He came to Earth as God's Son to suffer and die for us so that we could repent and be forgiven of our sins. He is the only way we can be saved. Jesus himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6).

The restored Church bears Christ's name and He guides it today through His living prophet who is the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Any attempt by other groups to categorize Mormons as anything but Christian, do so out of a mistaken belief that to be a Christian, one must adhere to ancient creeds defining an abstract God. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not subscribe to ancient creeds, but rather, uses the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, and modern revelation in defining God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost as three separate and distinct beings.

Jesus the Christ is God's Son, who came to redeem us from our fallen state. Members of the Church believe that one must have faith in Jesus Christ, repent, be baptized by immersion by one holding priesthood authority, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost in order to be saved.

Most certainly, Mormons are Christians.

To read more about why Mormons are Christians, visit this website.

Who Can Be a Mormon?

(1) Who can join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ("LDS Church" or "Mormon Church") invites all people to learn of Jesus Christ, accept Him as their Savior, and be baptized. The gospel of Jesus Christ is preached throughout the world. All individuals who have faith in Jesus, repent of their sins, accept the LDS Church as the Lord's true and living church, and commit to live a faithful life are eligible for baptism.

(2) What steps are necessary to join the LDS Church?
Individuals seeking baptism into the Church must first take the missionary lessons. These lessons presented by full-time missionaries of the Church teach interested persons about God our Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. The lessons teach the importance of faith, repentance, the word of God (including the Bible and the Book of Mormon), prophets (including modern-day prophets such as Joseph Smith), prayer, and obedience to all the commandments of God. Once an individual has been taught the lessons and committed to living a Christ-centered life, the person is eligible for baptism.

(3) What happens after I am baptized?
After baptism by immersion, the new convert to the Church is given the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by those holding the priesthood. During this blessing, the individual is confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The gift of the Holy Ghost entitles the new member to feel the influence, and be guided by, the Holy Ghost at all times. New members are expected to attend church meetings, keep the commandments, and serve faithfully in the church.

To request a visit by full-time missionaries, click here. Having previously served a mission for the Church, I promise that the missionaries will be friendly, respectful, and knowledgeable. In fact, you will come to love the time spent with them. Each time I accompany the missionaries in the Boston area, there is always a feeling of peace, joy, and love in our meetings with interested persons.

Education

"The glory of God is intelligence." This cannonized scripture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ("LDS Church" or "Mormon Church") is found in the Doctrine and Covenants 93:36. Here, we come to understand that God's glory is found in His perfect knowledge of things as they really are. As His children, we should seek knowledge and intelligence through education, study, reading, and hard work.

The LDS Church encourages its members (who are sometimes referred to as "Latter-day Saints" or "Mormons") to seek education throughout their lives. Young members of the Church are counseled to excel in school and to obtain higher education. Recently, President Gordon B. Hinckley, the President of the Church from 1995-2008 taught young people, "You must get all of the education that you possibly can. Life has become so complex and competitive. You cannot assume that you have entitlements due you. You will be expected to put forth great effort and to use your best talents to make your way to the most wonderful future of which you are capable. Sacrifice a car; sacrifice anything that is needed to be sacrificed to qualify yourselves to do the work of the world. That world will in large measure pay you what it thinks you are worth, and your worth will increase as you gain education and proficiency in your chosen field."

He further counseled, "You have a mandate from the Lord to educate your minds and your hearts and your hands . . . The Lord wants you to train your minds and hands to become an influence for good as you go forward with your lives. And as you do so and as you perform honorably and with excellence, you will bring honor to the Church, for you will be regarded as a man or woman of integrity and ability and conscientious workmanship."

Our educational efforts should focus on a broad array of subjects. Proficiency in mathematics, the sciences, the arts, music, sports, government, and technical skills should all be sought after. As we learn and develop critical thinking and reasoning skills, we will be able to better serve our fellow men.

Unfortunately, not all individuals (and members of the Church) have the same access to education. Many members of the Church in third-world countries do not have the means to obtain higher education. Therefore, in 2001 the Church unveiled a new program whereby members in less-affluent countries could take out small loans to fund their higher education. This program was called the Perpetual Education Fund ("PEF"). When the students finish their studies and begin working, they pay back their educational loans through PEF. To date, the PEF has helped tens of thousands of young LDS Church members obtain their dream of higher education and gainful employment. With those dreams fulfilled comes a higher self-esteem and fiscal independence.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also operates institutions of higher education such as Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah), Brigham Young University-Idaho, formerly Ricks College (Rexburg, Idaho), Brigham Young University-Hawaii (Laie, Hawaii), and LDS Business College (Salt Lake City, Utah). Faithful members of the Church can enroll in these private universities to obtain excellent educations at lower costs since the Church heavily subsidizes the education.

Even church meetings on Sundays for men, women, and youth are education based. Together, members of the Church study, ready and discuss gospel-centered topics. Altogether, the Church places a heavy emphasis on both religious and secular education for all men and women. In becoming more knowledgeable and intelligent about the world around us, we become more like God--whose glory is intelligence.

President Hinckley's quotations were taken from an article in the New Era magazine entitled, "Words of the Prophet: Seek Learning" from the September 2007 issue.

Journals

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ("LDS" or "Mormons") are encouraged to keep a daily journal. These personal journals serve numerous purposes. A few of these purposes are:

(1) In writing down daily activities and experiences, the blessings of God are more readily apparent in our lives. Also, when we take the time to write our feelings, thoughts, desires, and dreams, these special experiences and feelings can be recorded for own edification and remembrance. It is amazing how in later trials, one can look back to previous experiences for strength and comfort.

(2) Journals are a great venue for organizing thoughts and ideas. In organizing our ideas, we can establish goals and a vision for our lives.

(3) Our posterity can use our personal records in their family history work. Knowing one's ancestors is a key to knowing and understanding ourselves. In my own family, my ancestors' journals and records are of immense value to me. It is fascinating to read of their strengths, weaknesses, commitment to God and family, afflictions, and experiences.

Repentance

According to Latter-day Saint beliefs, repentance is a key principle of salvation. Because each of us are imperfect, and fall short of God's perfection, we must constantly repent of our sins. If we do so, God will forgive us because of the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. In other words, because Jesus Christ already suffered for our sins, and paid the price for them in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the Cross, we do not have to suffer for them if we repent. If we have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, are baptized by immersion by someone holding the correct authority, and receive the Holy Ghost, we can be saved in the kingdom of God. However, this salvation only comes after we have "endured to the end" and remained faithful to God's commandments, repenting when we fall short.

Repentance is not a casual, or hands-off, process. Rather, it is a process that takes faith, humility, and determination. Repentance denotes a change. Not just a change in behavior, but a change of being. An individual who repents of a sin not only abandons the sin, but abhors the sin and commits never to do it again. An individual who repents sees himself as God sees him, as a child of God. True repentance changes one's heart and changes the way one sees himself and those around him.

Is there a formula to follow for repentance? Sort of. The scriptures provide us with certain characteristics and behaviors of those who wish to repent of their sins and become "born again."

(1) Recognition and Sorrow
First, we must recognize that we have sinned. Usually, this is quite evident through feelings of shame and guilt. However, occassionally it requires the understanding of God's commandments. Once we recognize we have sinned, we must be sorry that we disobeyed God's commandments. This is not a shallow sorrow for being caught, but rather, a deep sorrow that we have separated ourselves from God and caused our Savior Jesus Christ to suffer on our behalf, because of our deviant behavior. Paul states that "godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation." (2 Corinthians 7:10).

(2) Abandonment of Sin
Of course, in order to repent of sin, we must stop sinning. If one is repenting for using coarse language or taking the Lord's name in vain, he must stop using such language! Not only must we strive to abandon a particular sin we are repenting of, but we should strive to abandon all sin.

(3) Confession
We should confess all sins to God through prayer. We should acknowledge our errors and ask His forgiveness. Additionally, we should confess sins to those we have wronged. If one has stolen a candy bar, he should confess his sin both to God, and to the person he stole from. Forgiveness should be sought from both parties. Finally, when a sin is of a serious nature, such as adultery, fornication, other immoral behavior, theft, etc., we need to confess our sins to God's representatives. In the case of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one needs to confess to his bishop or branch president. This individual will help the sinner on the road to repentance.

(4) Restitution
Finally, once we have recognized our sin, felt sorry for the error, abandoned and confessed the sin, we must do all we can to rectify the problem. In the example of the stolen candy bar, the sinner should return the candy bar or pay for its replacement.

For those who travel the well-worn, but difficult, road of repentance, there is the promise from the Lord that his sins will be forgiven and forgotten! There is no greater promise and hope than cleanliness from sin and a new beginning through the mercy and love of the atonement of Jesus Christ.

The Lord pleads with all of us to "come unto him" and repent of our sins. For all those who are weighed down by sin, guilt, and the frustrations of the world, Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30). This invitation is for all of us.

When we decide to repent, we can rest assured that we can be forgiven and be clean again. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18). I know the promise is true.

The Prophet Joseph Smith

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Church"), also known as the LDS Church or the Mormon Church, asserts that God has again called prophets and apostles to guide his church in modern times, just as in ancient times. As we learn from the Bible, prophets are righteous men called of God to be a spokesman for God to the world. Prophets teach the doctrine of Jesus Christ, guide the Church of Christ on the earth, and warn us of the dangers of sin and rebellion.

Following Christ's death and subsequent resurrection and ascension, Peter and the other apostles sought to guide the Church of Christ through revelation from God. However, because of the wickedness of the people, the persecution of the saints and apostles, and the distances of the saints and lack of reliable communication, the Church of Christ fell into a state of apostasy. The apostles were killed and the priesthood authority (the power to act on God's behalf) was lost.

Centuries of darkness, warfare, and religious domination and confusion resulted. Many noble and righteous individuals sought to reform the church in order to return to New Testament principles. These brave individuals should be praised for their dedication to serve God. However, God did not restore the fullness of His gospel on the earth until the nineteenth century.

In 1820, a 14-year-old boy in Western New York was confused about religion. His name was Joseph Smith. There was a religious movement in the area and many denominations were seeking adherents to their faiths. Young Joseph did not know which church to join, and so, knelt and prayed to God for guidance. In response to this humble prayer, God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph and told him not to join any of the denominations. They told him, that in time, the true Church of Jesus Christ would be restored.

Following this remarkable vision, Joseph received other heavenly manifestations, including that of an angel named Moroni. Moroni was an ancient prophet who had lived on the American continent around 400 b.c. Moroni told Joseph of an ancient record that had been abridged by Moroni and his father Mormon. This record told of the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and their teachings and testimonies of the Lord Jesus Christ. It had been buried by Moroni in a nearby hill in New York. He led Joseph to the record ("the gold plates") which Joseph translated into the English language by the gift and power of God. This book is known as "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ." It serves as a companion scripture to the Holy Bible.

Following the publication of the Book of Mormon, God instructed Joseph to restore the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth. On April 6, 1830, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established in Fayette, New York. Joseph Smith was called of God to be the prophet and president of the Church.

The Prophet Joseph Smith was a remarkable man. He led the Church in very difficult times. He was persecuted his entire life for his beliefs. He was often separated from his family as he preached the gospel, visited the members of the Church, and falsely jailed by those who disagreed with him. The early history of the Church is both a glorious and sad history. The Church prospered as the gospel message of the great restoration was preached in America, Canada, and Europe. This message would eventually be taken to the whole world. However, the Church members were persecuted, hated, and driven from state to state for refuge. The Prophet, himself, was tarred and feathered, jailed numerous times, threatened on multiple occassions, and often suffered for his testimony of Jesus. Through all of this, he maintained his faith and his trust in God in leading the Church.

He diligently kept God's commandments, led the Church, and built cities and temples for God. But, his persecutors were never far behind. In June 1844, while falsely imprisoned in Carthage, Illinois, a mob came and killed both Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. Many thought that the death of Joseph Smith would be the end of the Church, but it was only the beginning. God called another prophet, the senior apostle, Brigham Young, to lead the Church. Brigham Young led the members of the Church ("Saints") to Utah where they could worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience. The Church has grown and prospered ever since as a testimony to the divinity of the work. Each time the prophet dies, the senior apostle in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles becomes the next prophet, just as Peter became the prophet following Jesus' ascension.

And yet still, today, many persecute the Prophet Joseph Smith. They call him a fraud, a false prophet, a delusional man. While it is certainly true that Joseph Smith was a man with weaknesses, foibles, and prone to make mistakes like the rest of us, the "fruits" of his labors leave no doubt that he was indeed a prophet of God. The Book of Mormon, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the millions of testimonies of average citizens, are all fruits of the Prophet Joseph Smith's work on the earth. God always uses the weak and simple to accomplish His work.

Joseph Smith was called by God to restore the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth. He did just that. While many detractors continue to attack his character, they can never attack his legacy of faith. The Church stands today as a monument to the Prophet's faith and devotion. Members of the Church do not worship Joseph Smith (he was, after all, only a man), but we revere him as a prophet called by God to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. I am grateful for the Prophet's faith, perseverance, righteousness, and willingness to keep all of God's commandments.

Photos are courtesy of www.lds.org.

Merry Christmas

Latter-day Saints ("Mormons") observe the Christmas holiday in celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Latter-day Saints believe the scriptural account given of His birth as recorded in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. The Savior's birth was a miraculous event to begin the Savior's mortal life and ministry on the Earth.

I am profoundly grateful for the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph in raising God's Son. Likewise, the story of Jesus' birth shows Heavenly Father's mercy and love extended to Elisabeth, Zacharias, Anna, Simeon, the shepards, the wise men, and many others. These individuals had their faith and righteousness rewarded by witnessing the ministering of angels and the King of Kings in His infant form.

The Christmas season is the time to give gifts, heal wounds, forgive others, reach out to those in need, and to be charitable in our words, thoughts, and actions. Indeed, it is the time when we can recommit ourselves to being more like Jesus.

Latter-day Saints believe Jesus is the Only Begotten Son of God. We believe Him to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. As such, we believe each of us should strive to follow His teachings in loving God and loving our fellowmen. There is no better time than Christmas to try a little harder to be true disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ.