85 9/23/24 Book of MOrmon

 Another week gone. A lot of change here on the home front this week. We had a new bishopric called in our Ward, with Bishop Tuft released and Bishop Hawkes called. Also last night there was a special meeting at the Stake for a boundary realignment of our ward. It is a good reminder that change is inevitable, and how important it is to be grounded in things most important.

We had a sweet Come Follow Me this week. It is so impressive to me to see the strength of the kids testimonies and to witness them implementing the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives. I wish you could have all been there to hear Avery’s testimony, it was sweet, and powerful. It gives Mama and me so much comfort knowing you kids have developed testimonies of your own. Pretty special!

I also enjoyed so much the chapters we were reading in Come Follow Me this past week. They are another confirming witness of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon for me. These chapters remind me of our time now. So much greed and deceit in our world. The morals of society literally withering before our eyes, and the loudest voices justifying their decline. Attempts of assassination of a government leader. Many of the people far removed from the concept of God, or the need for Him in their lives. Prophets warning of spiritual destruction for those who choose not to repent, and few listening. Our times mimic those of Nephi’s day in 3 Nephi 1-7. It’s crazy the similarities! And then Chapter 8. Here comes the day of reconning. Three days of darkness and upheaval of the Earth signifying the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  

As I think of the structure of the Church of Jesus Christ in our day, I can see this same structure as I read the scriptures of the Nephite day. We read of prophets called of God who serve as a His mouthpiece. These prophets were led to choose others who were ordained to the Holy Priesthood to help strengthen the believers, and teach faith, repentance, and baptism by immersion. Miracles and blessings of peace and strength are poured out on the faithful in the middle of all the chaos that surrounded them. Those Saints were encouraged as we are today to “exert themselves in their might to do according to the words” of the prophet. (3Neph3:16) It is such a testimony to me of the truthfulness of the Gospel and that Jesus Christ is at the head of His church, the Church of Jesuch Christ. 

Consider this thought as we approach General Conference in a couple of weeks. We are so eager to hear the words of living prophets and apostles. We look forward to their messages, because they bring us direction, comfort, and reassurance. They build our faith in Jesus Christ. This was the same for the people in the Book of Mormon time. But this wasn’t the pattern of religion that was familiar to Joseph Smith in his day. Modern day prophets didn’t exist. Yet here we are. Our day almost an exact replica of the days of Nephi at the time of the crucifixion of Christ. The faithful saints looking to their prophet for direction once again. The words of Christ bringing comfort to the faithful few who will listen, and who are “looking for” and preparing for His return. Another testimony of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a living prophet. 

Invitation: My invitation to each of us this week is to prayerfully seek for a reaffirming witness of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. It is the keystone of our religion for a reason. It testifies once again that a Prophet of God is on the Earth, and that Jesus Christ is indeed our Savior and Redeemer, and the only source of truth and happiness. It teaches of the need for repentance, and preparation for His return.

Love, 

Dad