Is it possible that God speaks to us today?

General Conference is almost here!!  This is the time of the year when we Mormons gather around and listen to the words of the prophet.  It's a brillant opportunity to receive motivation, inspiration, and instruction from Church leaders.

A prophet, as a righteous and inspired leader, is the mouthpiece of the Lord; a representative of God.  They will always be a special witness of Jesus Christ.  They literally pass on God's words to us, His people, to teach, inspire, refine, and warn us.
So their words will help us come closer to Christ and know God's will.

God has always spoken to prophets.  Always.  And today is no different.
Ever since Adam was roaming around here and here.  Think about it.  Heavenly Father loves us; He's not going to leave us to wander through this mortal life without direction and guidance.  That defeats the purpose of being alive.
It truly is such a simple and wonderful concept - we are God's children, we are in constant need of direction and advice, and so regardless of the era we live in, God will always speak to us via prophets (see Amos 3:7 in the Old Testament).
(this is, of course, in addition to personal answers to prayers and personal inspiration)

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.  [1]

To anyone who may wonder if this is possible ... I invite you to come and see.

Read the word of God as found in the scriptures.  Listen to general conference with an ear willing to hear the voice of God given through His latter-day prophets.  ...  For if you seek “with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, [God] will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost” (Moroni 10:4).  [2]

Remember .. we believe he is God's spokesperson for everyone, not just Mormons.
Which means you can all tune in to listen or read copies of the address.  Perhaps the answers to your questions will be found somewhere over this weekend.

Visit lds.org/study/prophets-speak-today to learn more about prophets and apostles speaking today.


"General conference is intended to be a revelatory experience as participants learn from living prophets and apostles through the power and influence of the Holy Ghost.  Proper preparation will help ensure that you get the most out of your conference experience." [3]

How can I possibly prepare for this event?
Here are three basic concepts to help us to better receive, remember, and apply the words spoken by the Lord’s servants: [4]

1. Members of the Church are entitled to personal revelation as they listen to and study the inspired words spoken at general conference.
So think of questions you need to have answered. Weall have some challenges to face, and we all need direction and guidance to face them.

2. Don’t discount a message merely because it sounds familiar.
God isn't going to introduce a new commandmentor teaching now.  His laws are eternal, and have always been around.  Which means His prophets have always taught by repetition.  It's how we learn.

So you and I will probably continue to hear messages on similar issues from time to time ... because the Lord is teaching and impressing upon minds and hearts certain foundational principles of great eternal importance that must be understood and acted upon before we can move on to other things.

Sometimes we just ain't listening, so He'll try again ...

3. The words spoken at general conference should be a compass that points the way for us during the coming months.Ever heard of a Liahona?  How about a compass?

The Holy Ghost, like a compass, will guide us ... but we need to listen and then apply the messages the Lord provides for us.

For this is no ordinary blessing.

In preparation for General Conference this October, Stephanie at Diapers and Divinity is doing a little series about the 14 Fundamentals in Following the Prophet.

If you need an alternative, or are on the road, you can download this app here and watch conference live.

[1] Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Why Do We Need Prophets?", Liahona, March 2012

[2] ibid

[3] source

[4] Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "General Conference - No Ordinary Blessing", Liahona, Sept. 2001

The Book of Mormon: I came to know for myself.

There are various kinds of evidences that go toward proving the Book of Mormon is really what we say it is:  scripture written by ancient prophets on the American continent.  But physical evidence isn't the way to go to convince yourself of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.  "It is a matter of faith and personal revelation." [1]

I recently posted how you can know if the Book of Mormon is true, here.  It's a simple matter of reading the book we call scripture for yourself, and praying to know if it is true or not.

The reason I ask you to test the book in this way, is because it is the only sure way to know for yourself.  The Holy Ghost is a testifier of truth.  If you take the challange, as the prophet Moroni invites you to do, you could find out for yourself, for sure.

I did it.

And we encourage all to do it.

From the Book of Mormon come other precious promises, including promises of peace, freedom, and blessings if we “will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ” (Ether 2:12).

From its pages comes the promise of “never-ending happiness” to “those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual” (Mosiah 2:41).

From its pages comes the promise of “incomprehensible joy” to those who become “instrument[s] in the hands of God” in rescuing His precious sons and daughters (Alma 28:8; 29:9).

From its pages comes the promise that scattered Israel will be gathered—a work in which we are engaged through our great worldwide missionary efforts (see 3 Nephi 16; 21–22).

From its pages comes the promise that as we pray unto the Father in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, our families will be blessed (see 3 Nephi 18:21).

From a study of its pages comes the fulfillment of the prophetic promise that “there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.”

And from the pages of the Book of Mormon comes Moroni’s promise that through prayer, real intent, and faith in Christ, we may know the truth of these promises “by the power of the Holy Ghost” (see Moroni 10:4–5).

With other latter-day prophets, I testify of the truthfulness of this “most correct of any book on earth,” even the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ. Its message spans the earth and brings its readers to a knowledge of the truth. It is my testimony that the Book of Mormon changes lives. May each of us read it and reread it. And may we joyfully share our testimonies of its precious promises with all of God’s children.” [2]

Read and ponder the Book of Mormon, then ask God if it is true with a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in Christ.

Then do me a favour:  Have the confidence that the Holy Ghost will testify to you.

How did YOU come to know that the Book of Mormon is true?

If you have any experience of reading the Book of Mormon or praying to know for yourself, post it below with the plethora of others who have done the same.  Go ahead, read their experiences and thoughts on the book.  Be curious.  Be prayerful.  And be uplifted.





If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.

[1] http://lds.org/ensign/2011/10/common-questions-about-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng
[2] Read this.  Thomas S. Monson, ‘Precious Promises of the Book of Mormon, Ensign, Oct. 2011

 

The Book of Mormon will answer your questions - part 1.

Most of us have some hard questions in the back of our minds – the kind no one else can really answer for us. Some are far-reaching questions about the nature of our existence …


Does the Book of Mormon replace the Bible? Doesn’t the Bible contain all of God’s word?

The Book of Mormon does not replace the Bible in any way.  As a believer and follower of Christ, I want to read as much scripture as I can.  I want the assurance that both really are scripture, and the assurance of any further clarification on the word of God.

The Book of Mormon is a book of scripture, similar to the Bible.  The Bible contains the writings of ancient prophets in the old world, roughly spanning from the creation to AD 100.  The Book of Mormon contains the writings of ancient prophets on the American continent, roughly spanning 600 BC to AD 400.

We know God is God to all, and there is no way that this loving Heavenly Father would reveal his word to some children and not others.  Both scriptures testify of Jesus Christ, and teach us both history and the word of God as given to man and lived by man throughout that history.

And so, we believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God just as we believe the Bible to be the word of God (as far as it is translated correctly). Which is handy. The Book of Mormon proves that the Bible is the word of God. It completely supports and compliments it – as it should, if it really were the word of God. It also clarifies and further explains some parts of the Bible, and vice versa.

But behold, there shall be many… of the Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible.


But thus saith the Lord God: O fools … Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?


… Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two enations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.


And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever.


Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.


For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.
(2 Nephi 29:1-11)

“But why is the Book of Mormon so essential if we already have the Bible to teach us about Jesus Christ? Have you ever wondered why there are so many Christian churches in the world today when they obtain their doctrines from essentially the same Bible? It is because they interpret the Bible differently. If they interpreted it the same, they would be the same church...” [1]

“The Bible is one witness of Jesus Christ; the Book of Mormon is another. Why is this second witness so crucial? The following illustration may help: How many straight lines can you draw through a single point on a piece of paper? The answer is infinite. For a moment, suppose that single point represents the Bible and that hundreds of those straight lines drawn through that point represent different interpretations of the Bible and that each of those interpretations represents a different church.

What happens, however, if on that piece of paper there is a second point representing the Book of Mormon? How many straight lines could you draw between these two reference points: the Bible and the Book of Mormon? Only one. Only one interpretation of Christ’s doctrines survives the testimony of these two witnesses.” [2]


That is the cool thing about this is: this book is a brilliant example of God’s “system of plural witnesses” [3].  For every major event or anytime doctrine is being revealed to man, there has always been more than one witness to testify of it.

In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
(2 Corinthians 13:1)

There were both wise men and shepherds called to witness the birth of the Saviour.
When the Saviour was resurrected, He appeared to Mary, the two men on the road to Damascus, and the apostles – all to be witnesses and testify of His resurrection.
There are three members of the Godhead – God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost – and as separate beings, they witness and testify of each other all the time.
The Book of Mormon testifies of the Bible, and the Bible testifies of the Book of Mormon.  Together, they are witnesses of Jesus Christ.

[1] and [2] Read this or watch the clip below.
[3] Jeffrey R. Holland, ‘”For a Wise Purpose”’, Ensign, Jan. 1996

How can I know if the Book of Mormon is true?
Simple.  Put it to the test.

I’ll post more on this particular question later this month, but know this: you are entitled to know the truth of all things.  Such knowledge is obtained through the Holy Ghost.  Whether you consider yourself worthy or not, baptised or not, a Christian or not, you are a child of God and you are able to know the truth of these things.

Toward the end of the Book of Mormon, there is a scripture that explains:

And when ye shall receive these things … ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.


And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
(Moroni 10:3-5)

It is simple.  Put it to the test.  Read the Book of Mormon for yourself, and ask God to know if it is true or if it is not. 

I'm a Mormon, and I too have put the Book of Mormon to the test.  We are all encouraged to do so.  I have read the words on the pages, and felt so uplifted and happy.  I don't always feel that way from reading the Bible, and sometimes my understanding of Jesus Christ and his teachings is greater when I read both scriptures side by side.





If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.

The Book of Mormon: the answer to your every question

Can the Book of Mormon answer your every question?

We all have great questions - questions of the soul – but for a single book to literally answer all your questions?  Come on, peoples, surely not.  Surely some questions are just … unanswerable?

Well, I served as a missionary on Temple Square – church HQs, if you like.  It is the mecca for Mormons – where our prophet and other church leaders live, where General Conference is held and publically broadcast bi-annually, and where we all flock at least once in our lives to visit the iconic Salt Lake Temple, to hear the Mormon Tabernacle choir sing live in their never-ending radio program, and to see where Brigham Young said those famous words:  “This is the place”.

This was the place … to put the Book of Mormon to the test.

As a missionary, I carried the Book of Mormon in my hand every single day.  From 9am to 9pm, we were there, available to answer questions.  And I can promise you, we were asked heaps of questions every single day.  There were the typical questions, asked almost daily, and we could easily refer to the Book of Mormon in our hands for answers.  Other questions were quite left-field, and further study and reflection was needed, or sparked great discussions and study topics for further conversations.

Here are a few examples:

Common questions regarding our belief in the Book of Mormon:

1. Does the Book of Mormon replace the Bible?  Doesn’t the Bible contain all of God’s word?  My answer here.
2. How can I know if the Book of Mormon is true?  My answer here.

Questions testing us on our doctrine:

1. What is my purpose?  Why do you believe we exist?
2. Do you believe we are saved by grace?
3. What happens to us when we die?
4. Why was Christ baptised?
5. Why is the atonement necessary?
6. Do you believe we are accountable for our choices or actions, and to what extent?

Other questions during conversation:

1. How can I balance my family and career?
2. How can I strengthen my relationship with my spouse?
3. How can my family find peace and unity?
4. How could I/we possibly avoid the evil that threatens the family today?
5. Does God even know me?
6. Does God hear and answer my prayers?
7. What does Christ expect of me?
8. Is there life after death?
9. How could a belief in Christ help me?
10. Why does God allow suffering?

Here is where the fun begins.

I’m going to answer these questions – and more, if you ask me – this month.  It’s a great month to focus on the Book of Mormon, after all.

Perhaps your ‘great questions of the soul’ include:  Is there really a God?  Did I exist before I was born?  Will I live after I die?  What is the purpose of life?  Is Jesus really the Saviour?

They may include questions regarding more temporal needs:  How can I improve my relationship with my spouse?  How can I help my teenagers avoid drugs or immorality?  How can I find work to support my family?

Let me show you that the Book of Mormon DOES answer your every question.

If you wish to order a free copy, let me know or click here.
Feel free to read or listen to it here.