We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

The Lord in his love and wisdom has called prophets to guide us and to help us meet the challenges that come as we journey through this life.  We are blessed by knowing that the counsel we receive from the prophet is the same as if it came directly from the Lord.  I am grateful to know that there is a living prophet on earth today and that he speaks for God.  I am grateful to have the opportunity to listen to the prophet again this weekend.

Article of Faith 1:9 states:  "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.

                    God has spoken through His prophets since the time of Adam to reveal important information; those people who listened to the prophets were saved both temporally and spiritually.  The prophet Amos testified that "God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophet" (Amos 3:7).

                    Just as there were Old Testament prophets and Apostles in the New Testament, there are both prophets and Apostles in our day.  The President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his counselors, and all twelve members of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators by members of the Church.

                    Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord revealed the importance of following the counsel of the prophets.  This revelation from the Lord is contained in Doctrine and Covenants 1:37-38.  "This section constitutes the Lord's Preface to the doctrines, covenants, and commandments given in this dispensation."

                    "Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

                    "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the hearth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."

                    Blessings come to all people who listen to the counsel of the Lord as given through His prophets.  The blessings may be spiritual or temporal.  The following example shows how a group of people were blessed because they listened to the words of the prophet.

               "Many years ago, before there was a temple on the island of Tahiti, 30 Tahitian members of the Church had planned for a long time to make a trip to the Hawaii Temple.  They had worked hard to repair a boat and to save the money necessary for their journey.  They had also requested and received permission for the journey from their government and from President David O. McKay, who was President of the Church at that time.

                    "Shortly before the voyage was to begin, the Church members who would be making the trip were asked to gather at the mission home for a meeting.  There they were informed that a special message had arrived that day from President McKay.  He was asking them not to make the trip to Hawaii.

                    "The Church members did not understand why they could not make the trip, but they had testimonies that President McKay was a prophet, so they followed his counsel.

                    "A few days later the skipper of the boat the Saints had planned to use received a call from the harbor where the boat was kept.  He was told to come quickly because his boat was sinking.  When he examined his boat, he found that the repairmen who had been hired earlier had painted over some rotten wood and rusty pipe, which had then broken, causing the boat to sink.  If the Church members had begun the trip, the boat would have sunk while they were on their way to Hawaii.

                    "The Church members had accepted the prophet's counsel without knowing why it was given, but now they understood why they had been advised not to make the journey.  They were thankful that they had followed the prophet's counsel.  (See R. Lanier and JoAnn M. Britsch, `A Prophet's Warning,' New Era, Mar. 1976, 12-14)."

                    The people had spent much time, money and effort to prepare for their journey, and yet they willingly listened to the counsel of the prophet.  How would you feel if you had made all these preparations and then you were counseled not to go?

Would your feelings be different knowing that the prophet of God had asked you to stop the voyage?  I know that we can be blessed by following the counsel of President Thomas S. Monson just as the people in the story were blessed by following the counsel of President David O. McKay.  I am grateful for my testimony that the Lord speaks through His prophet.

                    We can all gain testimonies that the prophet represents God.  We can ask God if His prophet on earth today in Thomas S. Monson and listen for His answer.  We can heed the feelings we have when we see President Monson and listen to his words.  Once we have a testimony of the prophet, we can also receive additional confirmation of the information.

                    Elder Boyd K. Packer shared the following experience:  "I left the office one Friday afternoon … [and] waited for the elevator to come down from the fifth floor.

                    "As the elevator doors quietly opened, there stood President Joseph Fielding Smith.  There was a moment of surprise in seeing him, since his office is on a lower floor.

                    "As I saw him framed in the doorway, there fell upon me a powerful witness - there stands the prophet of God.  That sweet voice of Spirit… affirmed to me that this was the prophet of God.

                    "I need not try to define that experience to Latter-day Saints.  That kind of witness is characteristic of this church.  It is not something reserved to those in high office.  It is a witness, not only available but vital, to every member" (Ensign, June 1971, 87).

                    Elder Packer knew that President Smith was the prophet of God prior to this experience, but the Holy Ghost confirmed his testimony.  I know that each of us can have this same testimony, with or without being in the presence of the prophet.  We can receive this same testimony through prayer, fasting, reading the prophet's messages, watching or listening to general conference, and/or following the prophet's counsel.

                    There is much information about prophets, their duties, and their responsibilities in the scriptures.  In Amos 3:7, we are told that God reveals his secrets to his servants the prophets.  In Matthew 16:19, we learn that the prophet holds the keys of the kingdom of heaven.  In Doctrine and Covenants 1:14, we learn that we must obey the words of the prophets or be cut off from the Lord.  In Doctrine and Covenants 1:38, we are told that the Lord's voice and the voice of the prophet to the Church are the same.   In Doctrine and Covenants 21:4-5, we learn that we should receive the counsel of the prophet with all patience and faith.  In Doctrine and Covenants 68:3, we are told that the prophet speaks as prompted by the Holy Ghost and that we sustain the President of the Church as a prophet, seer, and revelator.  In Mosiah 8:17, we learn that a seer knows about the past and the future.  In Ephesians 2:19-20, we read that the organization of the Church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone.  In Doctrine and Covenants 58:18, we read that the laws of the kingdom, meaning the Church, are given by prophets.

                    William Fowler, a convert from Great Britain in 1849, was so moved by the thought that there was a living prophet on earth that he wrote a beautiful hymn entitled "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet" (Hymns, no. 19).  This hymn is a favorite among members of our Church.

                    We thank thee, O God, for a prophet

                    To guide us in these latter-days.

                    We thank thee for sending the gospel

                    To lighten our minds with its rays. 

                    We thank thee for every blessing

                    Bestowed by thy bounteous hand.

                    We feel it a pleasure to serve thee,

                    And love to obey thy command.

                    When dark clouds of trouble hand o'er us

                    And threaten our peace to destroy,

                    There is hope smiling brightly before us,

                    And we know that deliverance is nigh.

                    We doubt not the Lord nor his goodness.

                    We've proved him in days that are past.

                    The wicked who fight against Zion

                    Will surely be smitten at last.

                    We'll sing of his goodness and mercy. 

                    We'll praise him by day and by night,

                    Rejoice in his glorious gospel,

                    And bask in its life-giving light.

                    Thus on to eternal perfection

                    The honest and faithful will go,

                    While they who reject this glad message

                    Shall never such happiness know.

                    I too am very grateful to live in a day when a living prophet walks the earth and reveals to us the words of God.  I know that Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's prophet on earth today and that the Lord reveals His will through President Monson.  I am grateful for the opportunity to listen to the prophet's counsel this weekend.

              

Come Listen to the Prophets

                    The liberty principle for this Freedom Friday is that God speaks through His prophets on earth to reveal vital information to His children.  God has revealed His will through prophets since the time of Adam, and He speaks through His prophet today.  We can hear counsel from modern-day prophets and apostles this weekend in the General Conference of TheChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

                    Many people belief in the prophets of the Old Testament but refuse to believe in modern-day prophets.  Does God love us any less than He loved the people in Old Testament time?  No!  Did God reveal to Adam the information necessary for Noah to build the ark?  No! Did God reveal to Noah the information that Moses needed to guide the Israelites to their Promised Land?  No!  God speaks through prophets to give vital and current information.  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, explained why we need prophets today. 

                    "Because Heavenly Father loves His children, He has not left them to walk through this mortal life without direction and guidance.  The teachings of our Heavenly Father are not the ordinary, predictable, run-of-the-mill kind you can pick up in paperback at the local bookstore.  They are the wisdom of an all-powerful, all-knowing celestial Being who loves His children.  Encompassed in His words is the secret of the ages - the key to happiness in this life and in the world to come.

                    "Heavenly Father reveals this wisdom to His children on earth through His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7).  From the days of Adam, God has spoken to His children through appointed oracles who are charged with revealing His will and counsel to others.  Prophets are inspired teachers and are always special witnesses of Jesus Christ (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:23).  Prophets speak not only to the people of their time, but they also speak to people throughout all time.  Their voices echo through the centuries as a testament of God's will to His children.

                    "Today is not different from ages past.  The Lord does not love the people of our day any less than in past times.  One of the glorious messages of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ is that God continues to speak to His children!  He is not hidden in the heavens but speaks today as He did in ancient days" ("Why Do We Need Prophets?", Ensign, March 2012, 4).

                    A favorite hymn explains what can happen when we listen to the voice of the prophet.  The hymn is entitled "Come, Listen to a Prophet's Voice;" it was written by Joseph S. Murdock (1822-1899) and set to music by Joseph J. Daynes (1851-1920).  A fourth verse was added by Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915-1985).

                   

                    Come listen to a prophet's voice,

                    And hear the word of God,

                    And in the way of truth rejoice,

                    And sing for joy aloud.

                    We've found the way the prophets went

                    Who lived in days of yore.

                    Another prophet now is sent

                    This knowledge to restore.

                    The gloom of sullen darkness spread

                    Thru earth's extended space

                    Is banished by our living Head,

                    And God has shown his face.

                    Thru erring schemes in days now past

                    The world has gone astray;

                    Yet Saints of God have found at last

                    The straight and narrow way.

                    'Tis not in man they put their trust,

                    Nor on his arm rely.

                    Full well assured, all are accursed

                    Who Jesus Christ deny.

                    The Savior to his people saith,

                    "Let all my words obey,

                    And signs shall follow living faith,

                    Down to the latest day."

                    Then heed the words of truth and light

                    That flow from fountains pure.

                    Yea, keep His law with all thy might

                    Till mine election's sure,

                    Till thou shalt hear the holy voice

                    Assure eternal reign,

                    While joy and cheer attend thy choice,

                    As one who shall obtain.

                    Why should we listen to the prophets?  The prophets speak for God.  When we follow the counsel of the prophet, we obey the commandments of the Lord.  When the prophet speaks and we follow his counsel, God will bless us.

                    "Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

                    "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. (See Doctrine and Covenants 1:37-38; emphasis added.)

                    We all have questions about life.  Many people ask "Why am I here?" or "Where did I come from?" or "Where do we go after death?" or "What is the purpose of life on earth?"  Other people ask "If there is a God, why does He allow so much suffering?" or "Why is life so unfair?"  Living prophets speak to the world and reveal the answers to these questions and many others.  Living prophets are instruments in the hand of God in order that He might bless His children today.  

                    I invite you to "Come listen to the prophet's voice and hear the word of God" by listening to the speakers at the 182nd Annual General Conference.        

The Prophet Joseph Smith

                    The name of Joseph Smith is both loved and hated.  The Prophet Joseph Smith is loved by the millions who believe that he spoke with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  He is hated by those who do not believe he was a prophet.  Under the direction of Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became its first President.  Several other churches consider him to be their founder and consider him to be a prophet of God.

                    Joseph Smith was born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon Vermont.  He was the fourth child of his parents, Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith.  The family grew and eventually included six sons and three daughters.  Before young Joseph was eleven years old, the family moved from Vermont to Palmyra, New York.  Four years later the family was farming close to Manchester, New York.

                    When Joseph was fourteen, there was an unusual excitement about religion.  Joseph and other members of the family listened to many sermons from several different preachers.  Each preacher claimed to have the truth, but they were all teaching different doctrines.  Joseph was caught up in the excitement and wanted to join one of the churches, but he was confused as to which church he should join.  While studying the scriptures one day, he read, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5).  Joseph was aware that if anyone needed wisdom, he did, and he decided that he would ask God.

                    On a beautiful, clear morning in the early spring in 1820, Joseph went to a nearby wooded area to offer his first vocal prayer.  After some early difficulties, he called upon God for help.  He saw a pillar of light, brighter than the sun, in the air above him.  The light gradually descended until it fell upon Joseph.

                    "When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air.  One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other - `This is My Beloved Son.  Hear Him!'"  (Joseph Smith - History 1:17).

                    When Joseph recovered from his shock, he remembered the reason he had gone to the grove to pray.  He asked the Personages which of all the sects he should join.  He was answered that he must not join any of them because all of them were teaching false doctrine.

                    Joseph shared his vision of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with his family and other people.  The members of his family believed him and accepted his report as the truth.  When he told a preacher of his experience, the preacher ridiculed him, saying it was of the devil.  Soon after his conversation with the preacher, Joseph became the object of great persecution.  No amount of persecution or hatred could cause Joseph to disbelieve.  "… I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me ….  For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God and come under condemnation" (Joseph Smith - History 1:25). 

                 

                   Joseph prayed and received an answer from God.  He did not join any of the churches and continued to be persecuted.  On September 21, 1823, Joseph was again praying for direction when he received another vision.  This time he was visited by an angel named Moroni.  Moroni quoted scriptures and taught him many things before disappearing into heaven in a conduit of light.  Moroni returned two additional times during the night and again the next morning.  The reason for Moroni's visits was to instruct Joseph about a record written upon gold plates and recorded by the ancient inhabitants of the American continent.  Moroni told Joseph that he would have to wait to receive the plates until the time was right.  When it was the right time, Joseph would receive the plates for the purpose of translating the information written on them.

                    Many things happened in the next few years:  Joseph's oldest brother, Alvin, died.  Joseph married Emma Hale.  Persecution continued as did the necessity for laboring to earn a living.  During this same period of time, Moroni continued to instruct Joseph.  At length the time to receive the plates arrived on September 22, 1827.  Amidst increased persecution and several moves, Joseph translated the necessary information from the plates and returned the plates to Moroni.

                    "The ancient record thus brought forth from the earth as the voice of a people speaking from the dust, and translated into modern speech by the gift and power of God as attested by Divine affirmation, was first published to the world in the year 1830 as THE BOOK OF MORMON" (Final paragraph of "Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith" in the Book of Mormon. 

                    Concerning this record, the Prophet Joseph Smith said, "I told the brethren 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" ("Introduction" in Book of Mormon).

                    I have read the Book of Mormon many times myself and asked God if it is His word.  I know the Book of Mormon to be true because the Holy Ghost bore witness to me that it is true; therefore, I also know that Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God.  Millions of other people testify that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. An Apostle of Jesus Christ testifies of Joseph Smith here.  

                    Joseph, his family, and his followers continued to be persecuted.  Joseph with five associates organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fayette, New York, on April 6, 1830.  He continued to be an instrument in the hands of God.  He lived as a prophet of God for all of his remaining days on earth.  He died as a prophet, along with his brother Hyrum, on June 27, 1844, about 5:00 P.M., when an armed mob with blackened faces broke into the Carthage, Illinois, jail and killed them.  Each man was shot four different times.

                    John Taylor, whom became the third president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, wrote the following:  "Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it….  He lived great and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and … has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood…." (Doctrine and Covenants 135:3).

Prophet, Seers, Revelators

Parents in the strongest families I know show by personal example the importance of listening when prophets, seers, and revelators speak. Men who are prophets, seers, and revelators have the ability, through the power of God, to know the past, present, and future. Families who want to know what modern-day prophets have to tell us can tune in at lds.org at any time but especially on 2-3 April 2011.

A modern-day prophet has basically the same responsibilities as the Old Testament prophets. The Bible Dictionary tells us: "The work of a Hebrew prophet was to act as God's messenger and make known God's will. The message was usually prefaced with the words `Thus saith Jehovah.' He taught men about God's character, showing the full meaning of his dealings with Israel in the past. It was therefore part of the prophetic office to preserve and edit the records of the nation's history; and such historical books as Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings were known by the Jews as the former Prophets. It was also the prophet's duty to denounce sin and foretell its punishment, and to redress, so far as he could, both public and private wrongs. He was to be, above all, a preacher of righteousness. When the people had fallen away from a true faith in Jehovah, the prophets had to try to restore that faith and remove false views about the character of God and the nature of the Divine requirement. In certain cases prophets predicted future events, e.g., there are the very important prophecies announcing the coming of Messiah's kingdom; but as a rule a prophet was a forthteller rather than a foreteller. In a general sense a prophet is anyone who has a testimony of Jesus Christ by the Holy Ghost, as in Numbers 11:25-29; Revelation 19:10."

Modern prophets do not usually say, "Thus saith the Lord," but their words are from the Lord whenever they speak under the influence of the Holy Ghost. I appreciate the opportunity to sit at the feet of prophets, seers, and revelators and listen to the counsel they give for the coming six months. I encourage all of you to tune in to hear the word of God for His children on earth today.

Prophets

God has spoken to His prophets since the time of Adam and continues to speak to His prophets in our day. In fact, the prophet Amos said, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7). Through Joseph Smith, this statement was corrected to read, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing until he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets" (JST Amos 3:7) (emphasis added). From these two statements, we learn that God always warns His people through a prophet before He does anything affecting His children.

Adam was a prophet who walked and talked with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. After Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit and were cast out of the Garden of Eden, God continued to instruct them by revelation through the Holy Ghost.

God spoke to Noah and instructed him to cry repentance to the people, and Noah preached to the people for 120 years before the Flood came. God also told Noah how to build the ark. Noah followed God's instructions and was able to save his family and some animals from the Flood.

God spoke to Enoch and instructed him to call his people to repentance. Enoch and his people built the city of Zion and became so righteous that the entire city of Zion was translated and taken into heaven.

God spoke to Moses and instructed him to take the Israelites out of Egypt. By following God's instructions, Moses led thousands, maybe millions, of people out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land.

God spoke to Lehi 600 years before the birth of Jesus Christ and warned him to take his family and flee out of Jerusalem because the city was going to be destroyed. Lehi was obedient and took his family to the American continents.

God spoke to Nephi, the son of Lehi, and he became a great leader. He and those prophets who came after him left many important writings in the Book of Mormon.

The mission of John the Baptist was to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus Christ. According to Jesus Christ, there were no prophets greater than John.

Joseph Smith was a modern-day prophet who translated the Book of Mormon, organized the Lord's Church once again on earth,and laid the foundation to prepare the people in our day for the Second Coming of Christ.

The Lord's prophet for all the people on earth today is Thomas S. Monson, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is a prophet, seer, and revelator. He is assisted by fourteen other men who are the two Counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Council of Twelve Apostles.

A prophet is a man that has been called by God to be His spokesman on earth. When a man speaks for God, it is as though God himself were speaking. A prophet testifies of Jesus Christ as His special witness and teaches the gospel of Jesus Christ. A prophet explains or interprets the word of God and teaches His truth. He calls all sinners to repentance. He receives directions, instructions, and other revelations from God to bless all mankind. He can see into the future and know of events to come in order to warn the world. How grateful I am to know that God does speak to His children and that He does so through His prophets.

A prophet may be old or young. He may be uneducated or highly trained. He may be an engineer, a doctor, a farmer or a businessman. He does not look like the prophets of old with long beards, tunics, and staffs. Modern day prophets look like businessmen with their suits, briefcases, and Blackberries. A true prophet can be identified because he is always chosen by God and called through proper priesthood authority.

Many people are able to believe in the prophets of old but do not believe in prophets today. Heavenly Father always works through His prophets on earth. We need prophets today to help us with today's problems. The information that God gave to Noah on how to survive the Flood or to Moses about leading the Israelites to the Promised Land will not help us to know what we need to do today. God always reveals to the living prophet whatever He wants his people to know. I know that the Lord speaks to his prophet today and tells him what we need to survive these troubled times.

Our duty is to pray for the prophet and to pay attention when he speaks. We should be completely obedient to his teachings. When we follow the prophet obediently, blessings flow down from heaven.

I know we have a prophet on earth today, even Thomas S. Monson. I have received many blessings through following the counsel of prophets and am always anxious to hear the counsel given by the living prophet. President Monson, our current prophet, recently reminded us of the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17. As Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. He was met by ten lepers who called to Him to have mercy on them. When He saw them, He told them to go to the priests. As they went, they were healed of their leprosy. One of them, a Samaritan, turned back to thank Jesus for the healing. "And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? … Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."

President Monson added, "Through divine intervention those who were lepers were spared from a cruel, lingering death and given a new lease on life. The expressed gratitude by one merited the Master's blessing; the ingratitude shown by the nine, His disappointment.

"My brothers and sisters, do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love."

President Monson then quoted the late prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley as saying: (Whenever a prophet quotes another prophet, we need to pay particular attention because it means that the information is very important.) "When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives."

President Monson added, "A grateful heart, then, comes through expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for all that they bring into our lives. This requires conscious effort - at least until we have truly learned and cultivated an attitude of gratitude. Often we feel grateful and intend to express our thanks but forget to do so or just don't get around to it. Someone has said that `feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."

President Monson summarized his thoughts, "My brothers and sisters, to express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven." (See Ensign, Nov 2010, pp 87-90.)

I thank God everyday that He has a prophet on earth today to guide us through these troubled days.

Church of Jesus Christ Today

Jesus Christ established His only true Church while He lived on earth. He wanted everyone to have the truths of His gospel and to receive the ordinances of it. He organized His Church in order that those truths and the ordinances could be administered with proper authority. It was through this organization that Christ could bring the blessings of salvation to all mankind. After Christ ascended into heaven men started changing the ordinances and doctrines of His gospel. The Apostles were killed, exiled, or otherwise incapacitated, and apostasy took place. (See 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3.) Because of the apostasy, there was no direct revelation from God, and the true Church of Jesus Christ was no longer on the earth. Other men organized different Churches and claimed them to be the true Church of Christ, but they taught conflicting doctrines. This brought much confusion and contention over religion. Ancient prophets foretold that the apostasy would take place and that the Lord's Church would be restored in the latter days. Christ told Isaiah, "I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and wonder" (Isaiah 29:14). People lived in spiritual darkness for many years. About 1700 years after the time of Christ, people started to search for truths about God and religion. By careful study of the scriptures, people could see that the gospel of Christ was no longer on earth. Some realized that there was no revelation or true authority on earth. The time had arrived for the Church of Jesus Christ to be restored to earth. One of the most important events in the history of the world happened in the spring of 1820 because it was time for the marvelous work and wonder spoken of by Isaiah to take place. Joseph Smith was searching for the true Church of Jesus Christ and went into the woods near his home to pray. With humility and real intent to know the truth, he asked Heavenly Father which church he should join. In answer to his humble prayer, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared personally to Joseph Smith. The Savior told Joseph that he should join none of the churches because the true church was not on the earth. He also said that the creeds of the various churches presently on earth were "an abomination in his sight" (Joseph Smith-History 1:19; see also verses 7-18, 20). After this visit from the Father and the Son, there was direct revelation from heaven once more. The Lord chose a new prophet and the heavens opened again. Joseph was chosen to help restore the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and each of the chosen prophets continue to receive revelation to this day. As part of the restoration of the gospel, God gave the priesthood to men once again. John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in 1829. (See Doctrine and Covenants 13; 27:8.) Later Peter, James, and John, who composed the office of the presidency of the Church in ancient times, came to Joseph and Oliver and gave them the Melchizedek Priesthood and the keys of the kingdom of God. (See Doctrine and Covenants 27:12-13.) Additional keys of the priesthood were restored later by other heavenly messengers such as Moses, Elias, and Elijah. (See Doctrine and Covenants 110:11-16.) The priesthood was returned to earth. Men who hold this priesthood today hold the authority to perform ordinances of the gospel such as baptism as well as to direct the Lord's work on earth. Under the direction of the Savior, His Church was organized on earth again on April 6, 1830. (See Doctrine and Covenants 20:1.) His Church is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (See Doctrine and Covenants 115:4.) Jesus Christ stands at the head of His Church today just as He did in ancient days. Jesus Christ Himself has said that this Church is "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased" (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30). Joseph Smith was sustained as prophet and "first elder" when the Church was first organized. He was sustained as President when the First Presidency was organized. The framework of the Church was set up when it was first organized. As the Church grew, the organization of the Church continued to develop. The Church was organized after the pattern of the ancient church. It has the same offices in the priesthood as were in the ancient church, including apostles, prophets, seventies, evangelists (patriarchs), pastors (presiding officers), high priests, elders, bishops, priests, teachers, and deacons. Acting under the direction of the Lord, a prophet leads the Church. He is also the President of the Church and holds all the necessary authority to direct the Lord's work on earth. (See Doctrine and Covenants 107:65, 91.) Two counselors assist the President. The Twelve Apostles are special witnesses of the name of Jesus Christ who teach the gospel and regulate the affairs of the Church all over the world. Other general officers of the Church have special assignments, such as the Quorums of the Seventy and the Presiding Bishopric. They serve under the direction of the First Presidency and the Twelve. Because the Church is much larger than in the days of Christ, He has revealed additional units of Church organization. Wherever the Church is fully organized in an area, the local divisions are called stakes. Each stake is presided over by a stake president and two counselors. They are assisted by twelve high counselors. Priesthood quorums are organized under the direction of the stake president. Each stake is divided into wards. Each ward is presided over by a bishop and two counselors. Districts and branches, similar to stakes and wards, are organized in developing areas of the Church. The Church today teaches the same principles and performs the same ordinances as were performed in the time of Christ. The first principles and ordinances of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. (See Article of Faith 1:4.) Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, which contains the plain and precious truths of the gospel, through the gift and power of God. He received other revelations, which are recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. Some of those important truths include the following: 1) Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are real beings with tangible, perfected bodies of flesh and bones. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit. 2) We existed as spiritual children of God in a premortal life. 3) The priesthood is necessary to administer the ordinances of the gospel. 4) We will be punished for our own sins and not for Adam's transgression. 5) Children do not need baptism until they are accountable and are at least eight years old. 6) There are three kingdoms of glory in the heavens. People will be rewarded according to the desires of their hearts and according to their actions. 7) Through the sealing power of the priesthood, family relationships can be eternal. 8) Ordinances and covenants are required for salvation and are available for both the living and the dead. The Church of Jesus Christ will never be taken from the earth again. Its mission is to take the truth to every person on earth. There are now members of the Church in almost every nation on earth.

Former Day Church of Christ

Jesus established His church while he was upon the earth. He called His church the Church of Jesus Christ. The members of His church were called Saints (Ephesians 2:19-20). He received His instructions from His Father in Heaven. He then personally instructed and directed the leaders of His church. His church was directed by God and not by men. The Savior taught his followers that He would build His church on the "rock" of revelation (Matthew 16:16-18). Jesus continued to guide His church after He ascended into heaven. He sent the Holy Ghost to the members of His church to comfort them and to reveal information to them (Luke 1:12; John 14:26). He visited Saul in a vision (Acts 9:3-6). He taught Peter that the gospel was for the world and not just the Jews. The New Testament shows many ways that Jesus revealed His will for guidance to His Church and enlightenment of its members. The book of Revelation is a record of many glorious truths that were revealed to John Jesus received authority to organize His church from His Father (Hebrews 5:4-6). Then He ordained His Apostles and gave them the power and authority of the priesthood to direct the work of the ministry. Jesus organized His church very carefully. He compared the church to a properly constructed building. He said that He was the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20) and that the Apostles and prophets were the foundation. Seventies were called to assist the Twelve Apostles and to do missionary work. Other people were called to the work of the ministry. The Church of Jesus Christ had two basic principles: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance. After converts had faith that Jesus was the Son of God and the Savior of the world and repented of their sins, they received two ordinances - baptism by immersion and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 19:1-6). Jesus taught that both the living and the dead needed the gospel ordinances in order to enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:5) and that the living could perform the ordinances for those who had died (1 Peter 3:18-20; 4:6; 1 Corinthians 15:29). The New Testament shows that the church organization was intended to continue as Christ had established it. When Judas died, Matthias was chosen to be the twelfth Apostle, thus continuing the pattern of the church being led by twelve Apostles. Evil people have always tried to destroy the work of God. Even while the Apostles were living, false ideas and beliefs crept into the church. Some people openly rebelled at the teachings. Church members were persecuted, tortured and killed for their beliefs. The Apostles were killed one by one or otherwise taken away. The authority and priesthood keys given to the Apostles were taken from the earth because of wickedness, and the church organized by Jesus Christ ceased to exist on the earth. Pagan beliefs replaced the teachings of Christ, and the predicted Great Apostasy (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) came into being. God had foreseen the Apostasy and made preparations to restore His gospel to the earth again at a later day (Revelation 14:6).

Scriptures

From the time of Adam, God has commanded His prophets to record His revelations and His dealings with mankind. When prophets speak or write under the influence of the Holy Ghost, their words become scripture (see Doctrine and Covenants 68:4). The Bible is a book of scripture which is a collection of sacred writings. Its pages cover many centuries from the time of Adam through the years of the Apostles of Christ. Many different prophets wrote the words contained in the Bible, which is divided into two sections. The Old Testament contains much history of the people and many prophecies foretelling the coming of the Savior. The New Testament gives us information on the life of the Savior, who is Jesus Christ. Many truths lost from the Bible through the centuries were restored or corrected by Joseph Smith in the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Christ. It is a sacred record of some of the people who lived in the Americas between 2000 B.C. and 400 A.D. It contains the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It tells of the visit of Jesus Christ to the people in America soon after His resurrection. Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon into English by the gift and power of God. He said that the Book of Mormon is "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" (introduction to the Book of Mormon). The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of modern-day revelations. This book contains revelations concerning the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ in these last days. The Pearl of Great Price contains the book of Moses, the book of Abraham and some inspired writings of Joseph Smith. The book of Moses is an account of visions and writings of Moses as revealed to Joseph Smith. It gives more information about the Creation as well as clarifying teachings and doctrines that have been lost from the Bible. The book of Abraham is a translation by Joseph Smith from a papyrus scroll taken from the Egyptian catacombs. This book contains information about the Creation, the gospel, the nature of God, the priesthood, and our premortal life. The writings of Joseph Smith include part of his inspired translation of the Bible, selections from his History of the Church, and the Articles of Faith. I treasure the words of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. I study them and try to live by them. I also treasure the words of our living prophets, which I also consider to be scripture. One of our Articles of Faith states, "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" (Article of Faith 1:9). The scriptures are here for our benefit. We should study them every day and teach the truths from the scriptures to our children. Our children need to see us studying the scriptures and applying their teachings in our lives. Our children also need us to study the scriptures with them in order that they might learn to love the scriptures and live by the truths in them. We can avoid the evils of the world by feeding our minds with the truth and righteousness found in the scriptures. As we read, ponder, and pray about the scriptures, we will grow closer to God and to each other. When we sincerely and with real intent ask God to help us understand the scriptures, the Holy Ghost will bear witness to us of the truth of the scriptures. By studying the scriptures and receiving the testimony of the Holy Ghost, we can know the truth and avoid deception. I love to read the scriptures and feel the love of God through His words, through the words of His prophets, and through presence of the Holy Ghost.