Friday, March 25, 2011

Come unto Him



I have always loved music. It always seems to touch me in a special way. This clip is a song titled "Come ye Disconsolate" sung by Jason Barney. It depicts the story of Jesus Christ appearing to the people living on the American Continent as recorded in the Book of Mormon in 34 A.D. (3 Nephi 11). It is stirring in its lyrics, depiction, and the comfort it can give to us all.

I know that this event truly happened and that Jesus Christ is the savior for all. That he is the savior of "whom the prophets testified [would] come into the world." He appeared to these people and healed their sick, blessed the children, and prayed in behalf of them. I know that through him we can all return back to our Heavenly Father and that in him we can find true peace in our lives.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Why Works?



I would like to start this post by posing a question. What is the point of Jesus Christ teaching and ministering about loving your neighbor, God, enemies, etc. If he would abolish the need for such actions through his pain and suffering in the Garden, his dying on the cross, and his resurrection three days later? Why teach the parable of the good Samaritan? (Luke 10:30-35). If it doesn't matter, why would Christ teach it? It is because Jesus Christ never, took away our personal responsibility to do good works in this life.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Revealed Answers to Life's Great Questions

Questions of the soul may include such questions as these: 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 Savior? Other questions may focus on more temporal needs: How can I improve my relationship with my spouse? How can I find work to support my family?

The Gospel of Jesus Christ helps us answer both kinds of questions. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, particularly, addresses questions such as these:


- Is there a God? (Alma 22)
- What does Jesus Christ expect of me? (2 Nephi 9)
- How can a belief in Jesus Christ help me? (Alma 36)
- Is there life after death (Alma 40)
- What is the purpose of life? (Alma 34)
- Why does God allow evil and suffering to occur? (2 Nephi 2; Alma 14: 9-11; Alma 60:13)
- Does my infant need to be baptized? (Moroni 8)
- Does God know me? (Alma 5: 38,58)
- Does God answer prayers? (Enos 1)
- How can I find peace and joy? (Mosiah 2,4)
- How can my family be happier and more united? (Mosiah 2)
- How can I balance my family and career? (3 Nephi 13)
- How can I strengthen my relationship with my spouse? (3 Nephi 14)
- How can I avoid the evils that threaten my family? (Alma 39)
- How can I avoid sin? (Helaman 5)

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

A Temple: The House of the Lord

If you're wondering what a temple is, this article is dedicated to helping you learn, know, and feel of the sacredness and sanctity of temples around the world. You will find that every temple will have the phrase, "Holiness to the Lord, the House of the Lord" inscribed on it somewhere. The temple is just that, the house of our lord and savior, Jesus Christ. It is a very sacred building that is set "apart" from the world, both literally and spiritually.

Cochabamba, Bolivia Temple
If you were to visit a temple it would look much like the picture to the right. The temple itself will have been built with extreme care and exactness. The walls will often be white resembling the holiness of the building itself or beautiful stone perhaps, suggesting the rock (Jesus Christ) we must build the foundations of our lives on. The landscape surrounding the temple will mirror the beauty of the temple itself and will be maintained and carefully tended too. Even the location of the temple will often convey the message that it is "apart" from the world. It is often set upon a hill, overlooking the city/town it resides in and/or away from major highways and roads. Lastly, the inside of the temple will be exquisitely clean and quiet.