by Bradley Bishop

This week in my Book of Mormon class we have been studying in the last chapters of Ether and in the first chapters of Moroni. Chapters 1-7 of Moroni cover quite a wide variety of topics, but the passage I would like to share with you this week is found in chapter 7 which talks about the offerings we make up to God. In verse 6 we read that,

“a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing.” Continuing in verse 9 we read that, “And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such.”

It is so interesting to me that the Lord would state that if we don’t say our prayers with real intent it’s basically the equivalent of us not praying at all. This is a very powerful statement and actually makes me a little fearful. There might be more than one way to interpret this scripture based on what it means to have “real intent” but no matter what your definition is the Lord makes it plain that real intent is required of us or our prayers won’t be worth anything for us.

So, what makes a prayer have real intent? I think that one of the first parts of having real intent in our prayers is faith. Without faith that God is hearing and answering our prayers, those prayers become a ritual in which real intent cannot exist. After we have faith in God, we must also make sure that we are not offering up vain or repetitive prayers. By becoming repetitive in our prayers we go back to showing a lack of faith in God and his ability to hear and answer our prayers because if he really exists as an actual being then he wants to have an actual conversation with us…not just a list of things we need or want. So, going back to the original scripture, how does an evil man turn to good if his prayers profit him nothing? Again I offer up my opinion that the only way a man can turn from evil to righteousness is by exercising a particle of faith that allows him to pray with the real intent of coming to know God. After reading this passage I have come away with a renewed desire to pray with real intent unto God. I know that He lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

by Anne Graff

We’ve been reading in Ether right now in my Book of Mormon class and we paused on Ether 12:27 to discuss something. That scripture talks about coming unto Christ so that he will show unto us our weakness; in return we are promised that if we do our best the Lord’s grace will be sufficient. This scripture really struck me.

Recently I’ve been doing some self-evaluating and found myself lacking in a few areas. I knew where I wanted to be, but I wasn’t there and I wasn’t sure how to get there. It was frustrating that I was not the person I wanted to be and that the qualities I had were not as strong as I wanted. I didn’t know what was wrong. I was trying to be good but all I could see was how I was not good enough. Then I had this lesson and realized a few more things.

So I wasn’t where I wanted to be, but the important thing was that I was trying. I had turned to the Lord to see how I was doing and in return he showed that I was weak. Previously this had only made me depressed and frustrated with myself. The lesson, however, made me realize that the feelings of insufficiency I was experiencing were part of the Lord’s plan, and that he was actually helping me by showing them to me. It brought a lot of comfort to me that, even though I had/have a lot of work towards improvement in front of me, the Lord recognized me and was/is willing to help me grow. I have accepted the challenge to improve myself with the hope and knowledge that the Lord’s grace will be sufficient for my efforts.

by Jonathan Ott

I received a great insight as I read in Mormon Chapter 9 regarding revelation. In Mormon 9:7 it says,

“And again I speak unto you who deny the revelations of God, and say that they are done away, that there are no revelations, nor prophecies, nor gifts, nor healing, nor speaking with tongues, and the interpretation of tongues; Behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not understand them.”

We cannot believe in Christ if we don’t believe in revelations! That is how His Church was built, through revelation. Prophets receive direct revelation from God in order to guide His church today. The scriptures are pieces of revelation that prophets of old have received and written down. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is built upon revelation. If there is no revelation, there is no gospel.

We as individuals have the sacred opportunity to receive personal revelation for our lives. I am so grateful for that opportunity. Without personal revelation, I would be lost in this world of chaos and tumult. As I read the scriptures and ponder upon its words, Heavenly Father leads me and guides me through personal revelation, which He provides for me. It is very difficult to deny revelation after reading the scriptures. Scriptures help create that channel of revelation, in order to answer life’s questions. Revelation is a key doctrine in the church that holds the gospel together.

We believe in modern revelation and we believe that a prophet leads and guides us this day through revelation. I know that President Monson is a prophet of God who communicates with God through revelation in order to lead us through these difficult times. I am also grateful for the inspiration of the Holy Ghost to enhance that channel of revelation. The Holy Ghost is essential in receiving personal revelation. As we strive to live righteous lives and stay in tune with the Holy Ghost, we will recognize many pieces of revelation that will be given to us “line upon line, precept upon precept.” We must detract from the noises of the outside world and focus on that still small voice of the spirit in order to receive those precious pieces of revelation. In doing so, we will develop a stronger testimony, and will be led every step of the way by the Holy Ghost.

by Catherine Cuesta

Dear Mami,

Last week I read in Mormon 2:13-14 where it says,

“…and they did not come unto Jesus with broken hearts and contrite spirits, but they did curse
God, and wish to die…”

This is talking about the Nephites in the last days of their existence (430 years after the
Redeemer appeared in the Americas) and how they were extremely wicked- to the point where
Mormon had grown up seeing them do nothing but abominations! Mormon saw that they were
sorrowing and he was hopeful, but sorrowing ever necessarily means their repenting. The
Nephites were sorrowing because they lost the materialistic things in their lives and Heavenly
Father would not let them last happily in sin.

That’s crazy! I started thinking about how I would never do that! But I got to actually thinking and found that we do things like that in our lives. Maybe not as outright as sorrowing and wailing why God wouldn’t let us do bad things and be happy. But think about it mama. We each have our pet sins (little sins that we don’t give up because their not that bad). Like watching rated-R movies, telling little white lies, cheating on homework, etc. We suffer the consequences and inside somewhere we might rebel and wonder why God won’t let us get away with it and be happy.

Well, we WON’T be happy. It’s an illusion created by Satan. We’ll be satisfied for a bit of time, but that’s nothing compared to eternity.

So I invite you Mami, to improve on something a little better, or rather, to stop doing anything that you may be doing that may be a little wrong. (I know you’re perfect because you’re my mom, but look hard!) And I will do this with you! I will try to clean up my language (it’s not bad, but it could be better).

Te amo muchisisisisisisimo!
Catherine Cuesta

by Caitlin Eppich

Many people today have said that we already have a Bible so why do we need a Book of Mormon (like in the scripture, sorry I can’t think of actual scripture but there is one that says that exact thing in Alma.) On the other side of this, there are other people in the Church who may begin thinking that we have the Book of Mormon, thus we do not need the Bible, but both of these thought processes are complete false.

From an LDS perspective it is easy to see why we need the Book of Mormon. It is the truest book on Earth, however, the Bible is just as important as the Book of Mormon. Neither is greater or less important than the other. In Mormon 7:9, Mormon says:

For behold this [Book of Mormon] is written for the intent that ye may believe that [Bible]; and if ye believe that [Bible]
ye will believe this [Book of Mormon] also; and if ye believe this [Book of Mormon] ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them.

The Book of Mormon and the Bible work hand in hand as two witnesses of one another and of Christ and neither should be overlooked when studying the scriptures. Also, I want to point out that these were some of Mormon’s last words. This was in his goodbye, so remembering that the Book of Mormon and the Bible go hand in hand must be a very important principle, and it is! So remember to study the Bible along with the Book of Mormon. They will testify of one another and make scripture study that much more powerful.

by Kira Ho Ching

This week in my Book of Mormon class, my professor shared with us a parable or comparison that I really loved! When we look at some kind of sculpture or piece of art, we automatically think of the beauty of the piece and the outcome of the art that is displayed. However, we forget about the specific and significant tools that are used to create and form the beautiful art that is admired.

In comparison, we are the chisels to a sculpture. We are the tools that are capable of creating something remarkable and beautiful! However, there are multiple steps that are needed to become a qualified chisel in the eyes of God. In order for this to be possible, we need to go through a tough, challenging, and somewhat painful process that will allow us to grow and learn in the end. As humans it is our part of who we are to make mistakes and then learn from them to become a better person. We, as the chisels are heated, pounded, and molded continuously over and over again, as God would test and try us. Once we have gone through that painful process of being molded to the ideal image God would have us become, we have the potential to create something beautiful with the help of the Lord. If we have the focus on the Lord and seek him always, then we will survive this trialing process and return to His Kingdom again one day.

In 3 Nephi 28:3 the Lord’s disciples are a perfect example of becoming beautiful tools in his hands. “And he said unto them: Blessed are ye because ye desired this thing of me; therefore, after that ye are seventy and two years old ye shall come unto me in my kingdom; and with me shall find rest.” Every single one of us has the potential to go upwards or downwards. The Lord will always be there to help us become great tools if we trust in him and push to overcome those trials to get there.

by Marissa Stevens

3 Nephi 27 of the Book of Mormon contains fairly deep doctrine. In Chapter 27, Christ tells us how He wants His church named. Typically, names are given to people when they are born, and in the LDS church, the name is bestowed upon the child with a blessing by their father. However, something was pointed out that I had never considered before. Before giving his name to the child, the father must first give the mother his name, or first they must be married. In several instances in the scriptures, Christ refers to the Church as his “bride.” So it is only fitting that the Church should bear His name, because it is His Church. Like it says in this chapter (3 Nephi 27), if it were the church of Moses, then it would be named as such, if it was the church of man, then it would bear his name. This is the church and gospel of Jesus Christ, so they bear His name.

The official name of the church was decided in 1838, 8 years after the establishment of the church. It was given the name The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The first word, “the” implies that it is the only one, not one of many. This is the only Church of Jesus Christ. The next part, “Church of” implies ownership or possession of “Jesus Christ”, the next part of the title. It is first and foremost His church. However, the next part “of Latter-Day Saints” implies that Jesus gives us part ownership as well.
We have a responsibility to maintain and take care of His church. His gospel is for our benefit. Saints, as critics would claim, does not mean that we are perfect. It means we are striving to become like the perfect example, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints. I know that it is the only true Church on the Earth.

The morning sunlight peeked through my bedroom curtains, coaxing me from my sleep. I pushed off the blankets gently so I would not disturb my still-sleeping husband. I thought my toddler must also be asleep as I stepped quietly into his bedroom. But he was not in his crib. I started quickly searching our small home for him. He had recently learned to climb out of the crib, but where was he? And was he safe? I must have called out in alarm, because my husband joined me in my search. We found our son asleep on the kitchen floor, in front of the open refrigerator. My husband reasoned, “Well, this must have been the only light he could reach to turn on.”

My son is a grown man now, with sons of his own. But even as an adult, he—and all of us actually—occasionally finds himself lost in metaphorical darkness and yearns for a light to comfort or guide him. The light that brings us lasting comfort and guides us out of darkness comes from God.

Sources of Darkness

Disobedience to God’s commandments can cause us to feel lost in darkness.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently called the Mormon Church), described other causes of metaphorical darkness:

It is part of our condition as mortal beings to sometimes feel as though we are surrounded by darkness. We might have lost a loved one; a child might have strayed; we might have received a troubling medical diagnosis; we might have employment challenges and be burdened by doubts or fears; or we might feel alone or unloved.

But even though we may feel lost in the midst of our current circumstances, God promises the hope of His light—He promises to illuminate the way before us and show us the way out of darkness.1

The Light of Christ: The Way out of Darkness

The scriptures teach us about the source of the light that helps us out of the dark, discouraging, and isolating experiences of our lives.

John declared that “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).

Jesus Christ taught that He is “the light of the world,” and that whoever followed Him would “not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). The Gospel of Jesus Christ is “a light to the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:9). As a tender mercy from God, we are commanded to “walk in the light of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:5). Christ said: “Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you” (3 Nephi 18:16).

Three Steps that Lead You out of Darkness toward the Light

President Uchtdorf said:

God’s light is real. It is available to all! It gives life to all things. It has the power to soften the sting of the deepest wound. It can be a healing balm for the loneliness and sickness of our souls. In the furrows of despair, it can plant the seeds of a brighter hope. It can enlighten the deepest valleys of sorrow. It can illuminate the path before us and lead us through the darkest night into the promise of a new dawn.

This is ‘the Spirit of Jesus Christ,’ which gives ‘light to every man that cometh into the world.’

Nevertheless, spiritual light rarely comes to those who merely sit in darkness waiting for someone to flip a switch. It takes an act of faith to open our eyes to the Light of Christ.2

The perfect place to start, said President Uchtdorf, “is exactly where you are right now. . . . The very moment you begin to seek your Heavenly Father, in that very moment, the hope of His light will begin to awaken, enliven, and ennoble your soul.”3 He said that just as surely as light comes with the dawn, the darkness will start to dissipate.

The second step is praying to God. Start by expressing gratitude to Him and then tell Him about the trials you are facing. “Plead with Him in Christ’s name for strength and support. Ask that your ears may be opened, that you may hear His voice. Ask that your eyes may be opened, that you may see His light.”4

When you see His light, the third step is to follow it. The Gospel of Jesus Christ provides the principles and patterns that will help you overcome the mistakes you make and lead you out of the darkness.

The Promise from the Savior

President Uchtdorf offered an invitation and a promise to all who seek a way out of the metaphorical darkness in their lives:

I invite each of you to open your heart to Him. Seek Him through study and prayer. Come to His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Learn of Him and of His gospel, participate actively, help each other, and joyfully serve our God. . . .

Even after the darkest night, the Savior of the world will lead you to a gradual, sweet, and bright dawn that will assuredly rise within you.5

Additional Resources:

“The Hope of God’s Light” full video and transcript by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Lord Jesus Christ in Mormonism

BYU (Brigham Young University) is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often mistakenly called the “Mormon Church.”  As part of their undergraduate coursework, BYU students take multiple semesters of spiritually uplifting, stimulating religion classes.

In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America.  (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names.  We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.)

Let us know if you’d like to receive your own copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.

Mormon Religion: One By One
Closer to My Savior

I think many can relate to the feelings I have that I would do anything to feel closer to my Savior, Jesus Christ. I cherish the moments when I feel Him near me and try to remember back on those times when things get hard, which they do.

I think that is why the account of Jesus coming to the Americas in the Book of Mormon and ministering to the people one by one really moves me.

Jesus beckons to the multitude, “Have ye any that are sick and afflicted among you? Bring them hither.” (3 Nephi 17:7,9) “He then healed every one as they were brought forth unto him.”

He then prays with the multitude to the Father, and His words were so sacred that they were not to be written down. After they arose from the earth, He said unto them, “Blessed are you because of your faith. And when He had said these words, He wept.” He then took their little ones, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.”

What a compassionate Savior. Can you imagine the Savior crying because He loves you so much and is moved by your faith? I only hope to be that disciple for Him.

What do you think it would have felt like to be one of those children embraced by the Savior and was prayed for by the Savior? His love is certainly infinite, but it is also intimate. He loves me as Eliza. He loves each of us one by one.

I was sitting in the Rexburg temple, which is beautiful by the way, with my dear friend Caitlin this weekend when I came to visit BYU-I. As I sat and pondered while doing baptisms for the dead, I realized that as they confirm those who have passed with the gift of the Holy Ghost, they do it in the name of Jesus Christ, which means the priesthood holders are standing in place of Jesus Christ and are representing Him. It is as if Jesus Christ literally has His hands on your head. This fills me with peace and the Savior’s love, as I am given the opportunity to be a worthy vessel to be confirmed with the Holy Ghost for those who have passed. When visiting the Americas, this must be something like what it must have felt like as a child to have the Savior place His hands on your head to heal you and pray for you.

This reminds me of part of the lyrics to a song I wrote called Dear Lord Jesus:

To be with thee Lord Jesus

I long for that day

To see thee and be in thy arms

And forever there to stay

Won’t that be glorious? The Lord is so kind, merciful and full of love! My testimony is strengthened by attending the temple, pondering on the things of the Lord and diligently searching the scriptures so that I know Jesus loves me, cares about me, and prays for me one by one.

Yours always,

Eliza

Additional Resources: 

Mormon Beliefs

BYU (Brigham Young University) is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often mistakenly called the “Mormon Church.”  As part of their undergraduate coursework, BYU students take multiple semesters of spiritually uplifting, stimulating religion classes.

In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America.  (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names.  We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.)

Let us know if you’d like to receive your own digital copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.

The Lord Requires our Sacrifice

“Return unto me and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts. But ye say: Wherein shall we return…In tithes and offerings” (3 Nephi 24:7-8).

When I first read this scripture, I did not fully grasp the fact that the way to return to the Lord’s covenant is to pay tithes and offerings. It seemed too arbitrary and simple, and even though Christ specifically says, “in tithes and offerings,” I discounted the words in my mind and moved on. Little did I know that tithing represents sacrifice. Once Brother Griffin clarified this concept, the scripture finally made sense. All of the commandments given to us, after all, entail some sort of sacrifice–sacrifice of time, unhealthy emotions, addictions, past times, sometimes of relationships… Our church is a church of sacrifice. I know this and I have never resented it. However, sometimes I have forgotten that all of my sacrifices give absolutely no benefit to the Lord.

Often I sacrifice (obey the commandments) with the mindset that I am doing my duty to sustain God and His church. The parable that Brother Griffin shared in class—of the mother cat who gave a mouse to the naturalist who saved her kittens—cleared this misconception. My sacrifice is just as useful to Heavenly Father as a dead mouse is to the naturalist. I desperately need to sacrifice my money, time, etc. for my sake, not His. Christ and the Lord need nothing from me, but in order to show that I have given Him my heart and desire to become part of His covenant, I must sacrifice the things precious to me. Though it benefits Him in no possible way, out of His love for me He will sanctify my sacrifice and receive me into His covenant.

Yours,

Diane

Additional Resources:

Mormon Beliefs