I'm embarrassed that it's been three months since I've written anything here; it certainly isn't because I don't have any messages to share. It's more a combination of being busy and the timing not being quite right for some of the messages I do want to share.
Anyway, I do have a message I want to share today...
Each year, in every ward in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Primary kids, ages 3 to 11, present a Primary program during sacrament meeting, where the kids sign songs and do quick little speaking parts . The day of the Primary program is pretty much the most anticipated Sunday of the year...unless you happen to be the person in charge of writing and directing this program, in which case it is the most terrifying Sunday of the year because you're worried that someone's parents will be upset with how it turned out or some kid will trip and fall on his face and break his nose, or the super wiggly kids will bounce on the seats...or who knows what. So, the past couple weeks as we've been practicing for the program, and especially this morning as I knew we were only hours away from putting on this program. Actually, I really, really didn’t want to go to church. I
didn’t feel very good and I was pretty nervous about all the million things that could go wrong.
Of course, I went to church, and was pretty nervous still. We had the opening hymn for the day, and the prayer, and the sacrament, and as I was sitting there partaking of the sacrament, stressing out about the Primary program, the thought came to me that there are things that are way more important than the Primary program--like the sacrament where we reflect on the atoning sacrifice of our Savior and all that He has done for us. That was definitely a good reminder for me and helped me focus better and not stress out so much.
After that, we got all the kids settled into their places on the stand, and as soon as the first few kids got up to say their parts, I realized it was all going to be okay. And it was way more than okay--the kids
did a super job and I was very impressed with them. They sang the songs so well and spoke so clearly. Since I was facing them, I could see their faces and as I was looking at them, it hit me why we go through all the effort
and stress and worrying to do something like this—because whether they know it or not, those kids were feeling the
Spirit. I could just see it in their faces as they were singing, that they were
feeling it, that the Spirit was
teaching them that the things they were singing about and talking about were
true. And that’s what made all the stress (like having 6 kids move in after I
had the program written and having to add parts for all of them!) worth it, because it’s worth
anything for them to be able to feel the Spirit and to have their testimonies
grow. It was just awesome to see that. It wasn’t about making the parents happy
or putting on a good program or anything; it was about giving the kids the
opportunity to share the things that they believe so that the Spirit could
testify to them of the truthfulness of those things. And as an added bonus, the adults got to feel the Spirit to and to rejoice in how blessed we are to have a Savior and to be taught by His little children today.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
God's Sense of Humor
Perhaps that post title seems strange, but let me explain how this came about. One of the oft-quoted scriptures in my life is, "we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do" (2 Nephi 25:23). I've been thinking a lot about grace, and and how to qualify for grace, and how to let God be God in my life. I think I have high expectations for myself--I mean, I'm smart and capable and determined, so I should be able to do lots of things, right? I feel like I should try my hardest--and then at that point, I can turn to God and ask for help, when I feel that I've done all that I possibly can...except, the problem for me tends to be that I always feel like there always is something more I should do, so it makes it hard for me to feel like I ever deserve grace. I've been realizing lately how wrong this is--yes, I do believe that God expects us to do our best, but He will also help us to do our best, and will grant us grace even as we're trying (and sometimes failing). Anyway, recognizing that I need to think differently about this, and essentially, let God love me instead of feeling like I have to do everything, I've been trying to think more about the character of God and what I know about Him through my personal experiences with Him--not just something that I've read or been but something that I know from my own interaction with Him. I started a list, where I could write down some ideas and experiences, and the very first thing that I had to write down was that He has a sense of humor. Maybe that seems weird, but I really think it's true. A couple examples:
Bright and early one Saturday morning, I wanted to go to the temple; the problem was that I was tired, and they seat you in these nice comfortable chairs, and I was afraid I'd fall asleep, which I didn't want to do. So, I prayed earnestly for help not to fall asleep, and when it came time to participate in an endowment session, I went with the group to the assigned room...and it turned out that there was one seat too few, so the temple workers pulled out a folding chair, set it in the aisle, and directed me to it. Let me assure you, I didn't fall asleep. The chair wasn't as comfy, but I was also afraid that if I did doze off, I'd end up falling off the chair and everyone would know! So, let me tell you, I was wide awake, and when I said a silent, "That's not quite what I meant," I felt a chuckle in response (which is not to say that I think God was laughing at me, but I really felt like He was in fact laughing and we shared a funny moment.)
Just a few days ago, I was thinking about our struggles with infertility and how they have dragged on and on and on...and on. Being that it was close to Pioneer Day (which is in fact, today), a day when the Latter-day Saints honor the early pioneers of the church who sacrificed so much to be members of the church, who were driven out of their homes multiple times and eventually settled in the Rocky Mountains to try to find safety, I had pioneers on the brain, I guess. The thought that I had was, "It didn't take the pioneers as long to cross the plains as it's taken us to be able to have children," (which is kind of a selfish thought, I know. I'm not particularly proud of it.),and immediately a very droll response came: "Some of them had to stay in Winter Quarters." I was instantly corrected--since many, many of the Saints did in fact have to stay in Winter Quarters, a settlement in Nebraska where they stayed when it became obvious they were not going to make it across the plains in one summer. And while it was a serious answer, the way that it came--this dry, one-sentence answer really did have a drollness to it that was both effective in conveying the correction but also not making me feel like a horrible person for having a whiny moment. I don't know, maybe it's one of those you-had-to-be-there moments, but I have had enough of those moments with God to really feel strongly that He has a sense of humor, and I like that about Him. :)
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Prayers Are Answered in the Best Way
A couple of weeks ago, we need a last-minute substitute for one of our Primary classes, and the easiest solution was to have me teach, since it was my month to be the Presidency "rover." Well, I pulled up the lesson online and saw that it was titled "Prayers Are Answered in the Best Way" and the associated scripture story is about John the Baptist--or rather, how Zacharias and Elisabeth had wanted children and weren't blessed with them until they were pretty far past child-bearing age. My first reaction was, "Are You kidding me?"
As I've previously mentioned, my husband and I have been struggling with infertility, and while I admit the story of Hannah is comforting, the thought of waiting until I'm Elisabeth's age to have children is not. (I guess I don't for sure know Hannah's age, but I don't remember her being past normal child-bearing years, so I assumed she was much younger than Elisabeth when her prayer was answered.)
There were other stories to share as well--one where the prayer was answered with an immediate yes, one with a no--and then Elisabeth and Zacharias with a "wait until the time is right."
So, it took some extra effort on my part to be able to teach this lesson, since it was touching on a matter so close to my heart, but as I was teaching the children about the different types of answers we can get, I knew that the Lord was trying to teach me as well and to remind me that He truly answers in the way that is best...even when we can't understand why that's the best answer. While I do sometimes struggle to remember that, what I can say is that the Lord wants to help and sustain us. I don't think it was just a coincidence that I ended up teaching this particular lesson; I think He knew I needed a reminder that He knows what He's doing and that if I just hold on, things will work out how they should. I'm still hoping and praying hard that children will come sooner rather than later, but in the meantime, I'm grateful for a God who knows what our struggles are and sends us the faith-boosting messages that we need to carry on.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
The Living Christ
In April 2000, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles issued a statement called The Living Christ, which I'm going to put in here in its entirety. I don't want to add any commentary at this time, but I will mention that a year or two ago, I decided I wanted to memorize it, and while I can't recite the whole thing word for word now, there was something very special about the process of trying to memorize it. Reading through those words time and time again, reading them aloud, and trying to recite them gave the Holy Spirit the opportunity to testify to me time and again that these words are true. So, maybe you don't have time to memorize it--but maybe try reading it out loud a couple times and let the Spirit take the words from the page into your heart.
The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).
Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).
Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).
We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).
We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.
The First Presidency
The Quorum Of The Twelve
The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).
Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).
Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).
We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).
We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.
The First Presidency
The Quorum Of The Twelve
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Help Thou Mine Unbelief
It has been a difficult few days for us, as our sweet little Ruby Rabbit has been quite sick, along with the other trials we've been facing. I pulled out a copy of Elder Holland's classic talk, "However Long and Hard the Road," and as I read through it, I was struck by a part where he talked about the difficulties the early Latter-day Saints faced as they struggled to build the Salt Lake temple--an undertaking that took FORTY years. And in the midst of those struggles, they were called upon to build several other temples as well. Elder Holland quotes Brigham Young and his comments to the people:
"'Can you accomplish this work, you Latter-day Saints of these several counties?' he asked. And then in his own inimitable way he answered. 'Yes; that is a question I can answer readily. You are perfectly able to do it. The question is, have you the necessary faith? Have you sufficient of the Spirit of God in your hearts to say, yes, by the help of God our Father we will erect these buildings to His name? Go to now, with your might and with your means, and finish this Temple.”'
As I focused on his question--"Have you the necessary faith?"--I was reminded of the story in Mark 9:17-29, when a loving father brings his son to the Master to be healed after the apostles have tried and failed to rebuke the spirit that possesses the boy.
"And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
"And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
"He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
"And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
"And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
"And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
"And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
"When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
"And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
"But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose."
The father's response is so interesting--"Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." How does he believe and yet not believe, all at once? He had faith enough to bring his son to the Lord, but did He have faith enough to believe that the Lord would heal his son?
I think that's something that I struggle with; I believe that the Lord can, but I don't necessarily believe that He will. I expect the answer to be "No." But sometimes, as in this case, the answer is "Yes." The Lord just told this father that if he believed, all things were possible, essentially, I think, telling him that if he believed, his son would be healed. And the father had to drum up the courage to believe that "yes", to believe not just that the Lord could but also that He would.
I think I really struggle with believing that the answer will ever be yes--despite the fact that the Lord HAS said "yes" in many instances in my life. Although it's a little too personal to share in this blog, I did, after pondering and reflecting on this story, sit down and make a list of some experiences when the Lord has said "yes." And while I probably will still be plagued by doubts sometimes, it definitely helped my unbelief--it helped me to see that not only can the Lord help me but He will.
"'Can you accomplish this work, you Latter-day Saints of these several counties?' he asked. And then in his own inimitable way he answered. 'Yes; that is a question I can answer readily. You are perfectly able to do it. The question is, have you the necessary faith? Have you sufficient of the Spirit of God in your hearts to say, yes, by the help of God our Father we will erect these buildings to His name? Go to now, with your might and with your means, and finish this Temple.”'
As I focused on his question--"Have you the necessary faith?"--I was reminded of the story in Mark 9:17-29, when a loving father brings his son to the Master to be healed after the apostles have tried and failed to rebuke the spirit that possesses the boy.
"And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
"And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
"He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
"And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
"And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
"And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
"And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
"When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
"And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
"But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose."
The father's response is so interesting--"Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." How does he believe and yet not believe, all at once? He had faith enough to bring his son to the Lord, but did He have faith enough to believe that the Lord would heal his son?
I think that's something that I struggle with; I believe that the Lord can, but I don't necessarily believe that He will. I expect the answer to be "No." But sometimes, as in this case, the answer is "Yes." The Lord just told this father that if he believed, all things were possible, essentially, I think, telling him that if he believed, his son would be healed. And the father had to drum up the courage to believe that "yes", to believe not just that the Lord could but also that He would.
I think I really struggle with believing that the answer will ever be yes--despite the fact that the Lord HAS said "yes" in many instances in my life. Although it's a little too personal to share in this blog, I did, after pondering and reflecting on this story, sit down and make a list of some experiences when the Lord has said "yes." And while I probably will still be plagued by doubts sometimes, it definitely helped my unbelief--it helped me to see that not only can the Lord help me but He will.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Jesus Christ Is the Son of God
I had to speak in church today (again...yeah, I don't know why they keep having me to do that), and as the newly-called Primary President in my ward, I was asked to speaking about the Sharing Time topics (Sharing Time=instruction that we do with children 3 to 7 years old and 8 to 11 years old). My two counselors and I each covered 4 of the monthly topics, and while I don't think anyone really wants to read through my entire talk, I just thought I'd post part of it. Our theme for this year is Choose the Right, and I spoke about some of the foundational principles that we need to understand if we're really going to make a lifetime of right choices.
Jesus Christ Is the Son of God.
Of all the messages we’re talking about in Sharing Time this year, I think this is the most important. Each of us, as a child of God of whatever age, needs to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God—and we need to know what that means for us.
I think that wrapped up in that short sentence, we have pretty much everything we need to know. I think it means that Jesus Christ is exactly who He said He was and He did everything He said He would do.
I want to quote from The Living Christ, since the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expressed, way better than I ever could, what it means to us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God:
“We offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
“He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth…He 'went about doing good,' yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
“He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth…
“We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world…
“We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.”
What it means for us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is that it’s all real, and eternal life and eternal families and happiness and all of the blessings of the Gospel are really possible. Because He is the Son of God and He did everything that He said He would do, the plan of salvation works and choosing the right will lead us back to the presence of our Father.
I testify that Jesus Christ really is the Son of God, and that because of that, eternal life is possible. I want to join my testimony with the words of our closing hymn [we sang I Believe in Christ]—I believe in Christ; I believe that He is the Son of God, that He came to earth and lived a perfect life, that He healed the sick, raised the dead, and marked the path for each of us. He did make it possible for each of us to be freed from Satan’s grasp, and we can have lives that are joyous and filled with love. He has made eternal life possible for all those who will follow Him. Jesus Christ lives, and He is the Son of God, the Savior of the world. He is all that He said He is, and He is everything that we need.
Jesus Christ Is the Son of God.
Of all the messages we’re talking about in Sharing Time this year, I think this is the most important. Each of us, as a child of God of whatever age, needs to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God—and we need to know what that means for us.
I think that wrapped up in that short sentence, we have pretty much everything we need to know. I think it means that Jesus Christ is exactly who He said He was and He did everything He said He would do.
I want to quote from The Living Christ, since the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expressed, way better than I ever could, what it means to us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God:
“We offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
“He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth…He 'went about doing good,' yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
“He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth…
“We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world…
“We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.”
What it means for us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is that it’s all real, and eternal life and eternal families and happiness and all of the blessings of the Gospel are really possible. Because He is the Son of God and He did everything that He said He would do, the plan of salvation works and choosing the right will lead us back to the presence of our Father.
I testify that Jesus Christ really is the Son of God, and that because of that, eternal life is possible. I want to join my testimony with the words of our closing hymn [we sang I Believe in Christ]—I believe in Christ; I believe that He is the Son of God, that He came to earth and lived a perfect life, that He healed the sick, raised the dead, and marked the path for each of us. He did make it possible for each of us to be freed from Satan’s grasp, and we can have lives that are joyous and filled with love. He has made eternal life possible for all those who will follow Him. Jesus Christ lives, and He is the Son of God, the Savior of the world. He is all that He said He is, and He is everything that we need.
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