5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
We believe that the Priesthood authority was restored to Joseph Smith in these latter days. We believe that a man must be called of God and given this authority by the laying on of hands. There are many people who feel they are called of God, and act as if they have God's approval who have not received this ordination, and have not been called of God. Some begin churches, some act in God's name. But we believe, as is taught in Hebrews, "4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." Heb. 5:4
Elder Boyd K. Packer taught, "We do not call ourselves to offices in the Church. Rather we respond to the call of those who preside over us. It is the responsibility of those who preside to prayerfully consult the Lord as to His will concerning a position in the Church. Then the principle of revelation is at work. The call is then delivered by the presiding officer who is acting for the Lord." Boyd K. Packer, “What Every Elder Should Know—and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government,” Ensign, Feb 1993, 7
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Quotes From Modern Day Prophets and Apostles
Pres. Spencer W. Kimball:
“Of all treasures of knowledge, the most vital is the knowledge of God: his existence, powers, love, and promises” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 390).
“Of all treasures of knowledge, the most vital is the knowledge of God: his existence, powers, love, and promises” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 390).
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Article of Faith 4
4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
This article of faith gives us a progression of steps that help us to become more like our Savior. There are two principles mentioned, and two ordinances mentioned.
The first principle is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. If we have faith in Him, and His atonement for us, we will then be able to progress to the second principle which is repentance. If we repent of our sins, we will then be worthy to participate in the two ordinances mentioned.
The first ordinance is baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. Jesus was also baptized by immersion to "fulfill all righteousness". Being baptized is symbolic of a spiritual washing. It is also symbolic of a new birth. When we are baptized we covenant with our Heavenly Father to keep His commandments and always remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us.
The last ordinance mentioned in this article of faith is the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. This ordinance is performed after baptism. When we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost, and are confirmed a member of the church, we then can qualify to have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion to lead, guide and comfort us.
This article of faith gives us a progression of steps that help us to become more like our Savior. There are two principles mentioned, and two ordinances mentioned.
The first principle is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. If we have faith in Him, and His atonement for us, we will then be able to progress to the second principle which is repentance. If we repent of our sins, we will then be worthy to participate in the two ordinances mentioned.
The first ordinance is baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. Jesus was also baptized by immersion to "fulfill all righteousness". Being baptized is symbolic of a spiritual washing. It is also symbolic of a new birth. When we are baptized we covenant with our Heavenly Father to keep His commandments and always remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us.
The last ordinance mentioned in this article of faith is the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. This ordinance is performed after baptism. When we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost, and are confirmed a member of the church, we then can qualify to have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion to lead, guide and comfort us.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Article of Faith 3
3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
We do believe that it is by grace that we are saved, after all that we can do. But we do believe that it is essential for our eternal progression that we repent. A loving parent would want their child to learn from their experiences and not repeat mistakes. Similarly, our loving Heavenly Father wants us to live righteously, and repent of sins that we commit. Because of the atoning sacrifice of our savior Jesus Christ, we can be saved from the effects of sin. Elder Boyd K. Packer said, "“For some reason, we think the Atonement of Christ applies only at the end of mortal life to redemption from the Fall, from spiritual death. It is much more than that. It is an ever-present power to call upon in everyday life. When we are racked or harrowed up or tormented by guilt or burdened with grief, He can heal us. While we do not fully understand how the Atonement of Christ was made, we can experience ‘the peace of God, which passeth all understanding’ (Philip. 4:7).” —President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Touch of the Master’s Hand,” Ensign, May 2001, 23.
One of the important ordinances spoken of in this article of faith is baptism. The New Testament records Jesus' teachings about baptism: "5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John 3:5
In the Book of Mormon, we learn more about the importance of baptism: "5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!" 2 Nephi, 31:5
Obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel helps us to more fully accept the atonement made by our Savior.
We do believe that it is by grace that we are saved, after all that we can do. But we do believe that it is essential for our eternal progression that we repent. A loving parent would want their child to learn from their experiences and not repeat mistakes. Similarly, our loving Heavenly Father wants us to live righteously, and repent of sins that we commit. Because of the atoning sacrifice of our savior Jesus Christ, we can be saved from the effects of sin. Elder Boyd K. Packer said, "“For some reason, we think the Atonement of Christ applies only at the end of mortal life to redemption from the Fall, from spiritual death. It is much more than that. It is an ever-present power to call upon in everyday life. When we are racked or harrowed up or tormented by guilt or burdened with grief, He can heal us. While we do not fully understand how the Atonement of Christ was made, we can experience ‘the peace of God, which passeth all understanding’ (Philip. 4:7).” —President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Touch of the Master’s Hand,” Ensign, May 2001, 23.
One of the important ordinances spoken of in this article of faith is baptism. The New Testament records Jesus' teachings about baptism: "5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John 3:5
In the Book of Mormon, we learn more about the importance of baptism: "5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!" 2 Nephi, 31:5
Obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel helps us to more fully accept the atonement made by our Savior.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
A Scripture for the Day 1/6/09
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8).
Article of Faith 2
2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
This article might seem easily understood, but there are religions that believe that because of Adam and Eve's transgression in the Garden of Eden, we are all still under condemnation. However, in our religion we believe that each person is accountable for their own sins, not for the sins of others.
An important part of this belief is that we are accountable for our sins. We do believe that at the judgement day we will have to answer for our actions, and will be judged by them. If we have repented of our sins, they will not be held against us. Jesus Christ's atonement pays for our sins if we have fully repented.
This article might seem easily understood, but there are religions that believe that because of Adam and Eve's transgression in the Garden of Eden, we are all still under condemnation. However, in our religion we believe that each person is accountable for their own sins, not for the sins of others.
An important part of this belief is that we are accountable for our sins. We do believe that at the judgement day we will have to answer for our actions, and will be judged by them. If we have repented of our sins, they will not be held against us. Jesus Christ's atonement pays for our sins if we have fully repented.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Article of Faith 1
I thought it might be helpful if I detailed and explained each of the articles of faith.
1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
We believe that God, the Father is the literal physical father of Jesus Christ. We believe that they both have bodies of flesh and bone. Their bodies are perfect and immortal. We believe that the Holy Ghost is still only a spirit. This is important for him to fulfill his mission which is to testify to our spirits of the truthfulness of any thing. In the book of Doctrine and Covenants (a book of modern day revelation) we learn: 22 "The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.
23 A man may receive the Holy Ghost, and it may descend upon him and not tarry with him." D.& C. 130, 22, 23
These three personages make up the Godhead. They are three separate beings, but are one in purpose. We pray to God the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Ghost we are given inspiration and guidance from God.
1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
We believe that God, the Father is the literal physical father of Jesus Christ. We believe that they both have bodies of flesh and bone. Their bodies are perfect and immortal. We believe that the Holy Ghost is still only a spirit. This is important for him to fulfill his mission which is to testify to our spirits of the truthfulness of any thing. In the book of Doctrine and Covenants (a book of modern day revelation) we learn: 22 "The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.
23 A man may receive the Holy Ghost, and it may descend upon him and not tarry with him." D.& C. 130, 22, 23
These three personages make up the Godhead. They are three separate beings, but are one in purpose. We pray to God the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Ghost we are given inspiration and guidance from God.
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