The 180th semi-annual general conference was held on October 2-3, 2010.
Themes, Topics, Scriptures Referenced, Speakers and Word Occurrences
Five temples announced
SPEAKERS:
Saturday Morning:
President Thomas S. Monson
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Rosemary M. Wixom
Elder Claudio R. M. Costa
David M. McConkie
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Saturday Afternoon:
President Henry B. Eyring
Elder Robert D. Hales
Elder Quentin L. Cook
Bishop Richard C. Edgley
Elder Kevin R. Duncan
Elder Gerrit W. Gong
Elder Neil L. Andersen
Elder Richard G. Scott
Priesthood Session:
Elder Russell M. Nelson
Elder Patrick Kearon
Elder Juan Uceda
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
President Henry B. Eyring
President Thomas S. Monson
Sunday Morning:
President Henry B. Eyring
President Boyd K. Packer
Elder Jay E. Jensen
Mary N. Cook
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
President Thomas S. Monson
Sunday Afternoon:
Elder L. Tom Perry
Elder David A. Bednar
Elder Larry R. Lawrence
Elder Per G. Malm
Elder Jairo Mazzagardi
Elder Mervyn B. Arnold
Elder M. Russell Ballard
President Thomas S. Monson
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Five Temples Announced
Five new temples were announced at the October 2010 General Conference:
Hartford, Connecticut
Indianapolis, Indiana
Tijuana, Mexico
Urdaneta, Philippines
Lisbon, Portugal
Hartford, Connecticut
Indianapolis, Indiana
Tijuana, Mexico
Urdaneta, Philippines
Lisbon, Portugal
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Burning Koran
Below is the official statement from the LDS Church on Koran burning:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through a spokesman, issued the following statement today in response to news media inquiries:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through a spokesman, issued the following statement today in response to news media inquiries:
“A key tenet of our faith is to accord everyone the freedom to worship as they choose. It is regrettable that anyone would regard the burning of any scriptural text as a legitimate form of protest or disagreement.”
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Presiding Bishopric
Presiding Bishopric:
Bishop: H. David Burton
1st Counselor: Richard C. Edgley
2nd Counselor: Keith B. McMullin
Bishop: H. David Burton
1st Counselor: Richard C. Edgley
2nd Counselor: Keith B. McMullin
Monday, September 13, 2010
Presidency of the Seventy
Presidency of the Seventy:
Ronald A. Rasband
Claudio R. M. Costa
Steven E. Snow
Walter F. Gonzalez
L. Whitney Clayton
Jay E. Jensen
Donald L. Hallstrom
Ronald A. Rasband
Claudio R. M. Costa
Steven E. Snow
Walter F. Gonzalez
L. Whitney Clayton
Jay E. Jensen
Donald L. Hallstrom
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Urim and Thummim
The Urim and Thummim is mentioned in the Bible and, with added details about its use and significance, in latter-day scriptures. It is an instrument prepared by God through which revelation may be received. Abraham learned about the universe through the Urim and Thummim (Abr. 3:1-4). The Prophet Joseph Smith "through the medium of the Urim and Thummim…translated the [Book of Mormon] by the gift and power of God" (HC 4:537; D&C 10:1; JS-H 1:62). Servants of God who are allowed to use the Urim and Thummim have been known as seers (Mosiah 8:13), among whom were Abraham, Moses, the brother of Jared, Mosiah 2, Alma 1, Helaman 1, Moroni 2, and Joseph Smith.
In Antiquity at least two different Urim and Thummim existed, and possibly three. Chronologically, the brother of Jared received the first known one (D&C 17:1). This same set came into the hands of Mosiah 2 and other Book of Mormon prophets, subsequently being deposited with the gold plates (JS-H 1:35). The fate of the second set, given to Abraham (Abr. 3:1), remains unknown. Unless Abraham's Urim and Thummim had been passed down, Moses received a third set mentioned first in Exodus 28:30. The Urim noted in 1 Samuel 28:6,probably an abbreviated form of Urim and Thummim, was most likely the one possessed by Moses (cf. Num. 27:18-21). What happened to this one is also unknown, though certainly by postexilic times the Urim and Thummim were no longer extant (Ezra 2:63; Neh. 7:65).
Joseph Smith described the Urim and Thummim as "two transparent stones set in the rim of a [silver] bow fastened to a breast plate" (HC 4:537; JS-H 1:35). Biblical evidence allows no conclusive description, except that it was placed in a breastplate over the heart (Ex. 28:30; Lev. 8:8).
Urim and Thummim is the transliteration of two Hebrew words meaning, respectively, "light(s)" and "wholeness(es)" or "perfection(s)." While it is usually assumed that the -im ending on both words represents the Hebrew masculine plural suffix, other explanations are possible.
The Urim and Thummim to be used during and after the Millennium will have a functional similarity to the Urim and Thummim mentioned above. God's dwelling place is called a Urim and Thummim; and the white stone of Revelation 2:17is to become a Urim and Thummim for inheritors of the Celestial Kingdom (D&C 130:8-10).
Source: Encyclopedia of Mormonism
In Antiquity at least two different Urim and Thummim existed, and possibly three. Chronologically, the brother of Jared received the first known one (D&C 17:1). This same set came into the hands of Mosiah 2 and other Book of Mormon prophets, subsequently being deposited with the gold plates (JS-H 1:35). The fate of the second set, given to Abraham (Abr. 3:1), remains unknown. Unless Abraham's Urim and Thummim had been passed down, Moses received a third set mentioned first in Exodus 28:30. The Urim noted in 1 Samuel 28:6,probably an abbreviated form of Urim and Thummim, was most likely the one possessed by Moses (cf. Num. 27:18-21). What happened to this one is also unknown, though certainly by postexilic times the Urim and Thummim were no longer extant (Ezra 2:63; Neh. 7:65).
Joseph Smith described the Urim and Thummim as "two transparent stones set in the rim of a [silver] bow fastened to a breast plate" (HC 4:537; JS-H 1:35). Biblical evidence allows no conclusive description, except that it was placed in a breastplate over the heart (Ex. 28:30; Lev. 8:8).
Urim and Thummim is the transliteration of two Hebrew words meaning, respectively, "light(s)" and "wholeness(es)" or "perfection(s)." While it is usually assumed that the -im ending on both words represents the Hebrew masculine plural suffix, other explanations are possible.
The Urim and Thummim to be used during and after the Millennium will have a functional similarity to the Urim and Thummim mentioned above. God's dwelling place is called a Urim and Thummim; and the white stone of Revelation 2:17is to become a Urim and Thummim for inheritors of the Celestial Kingdom (D&C 130:8-10).
Source: Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Friday, September 10, 2010
Visiting Teaching
Visiting teaching is an organized means whereby the women of the Church receive regular instructional and compassionate service visits-usually by personal contact in the home-from other female members of the Church. The purpose is to promote sisterhood, present inspirational messages, and note instances of need wherein the temporal and spiritual resources of the Church might be helpful.
In practice, the ward Relief Society president or those assisting her assign pairs of visiting teachers to keep in contact with specific families over a period of several months or even years. More frequent contact is made with women and families exhibiting special needs, such as those new to the Church, the less active, single parents, the divorced, the widowed, the aged, and those faced with illness, death, or other difficulties.
The need for such visitors was recognized soon after the founding of the Relief Society in 1842. At the second meeting of the society on March 24, Emma Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith, suggested appointing persons to wait upon the poor. On July 28, 1843, a Necessity Committee of sixteen was named "to search out the poor and suffering, to call upon the rich for aid, and thus as far as possible, relieve the wants of all." The original functions of this committee were twofold: "to ascertain the condition of the families visited, and to accept contributions for charitable purposes" (General Board, 1942, pp. 43-44; 1966, p. 68).
In the early years of the Church in Nauvoo, Illinois, visiting teachers reported their visits at the regular Relief Society meeting before all members present, citing specific instances of need. It was also customary for visiting teachers during this period to apportion and distribute to needy families the commodities donated to the society.
In 1921 visiting teachers were relieved of the personal responsibility of both ascertaining and meeting the material needs of families, but since then they have continued to report confidentially (to the ward Relief Society president) any instances of illness or need requiring attention. Upon hearing such reports, the Relief Society president either visits the family herself or designates the visiting teachers or someone else to give aid as a representative of the society. In cases of economic need, the Relief Society president and ward bishop confidentially inquire concerning the family's condition to arrange for any needed assistance from Church resources and for means to remedy the situation causing need. This modification of assignment brought visiting teachers into the more agreeable role of friendly visitors carrying messages from the society to the home, yet still fulfilling the original assignment from the Prophet Joseph Smith to "provoke the brethren to good works in looking after the wants of the poor-searching after objects of charity, and in administering to their wants" (General Board, 1966, p. 18).
An observation of Eliza R. Snow, an early president of the Relief Society organization, encapsulates the spirit of visiting teaching: "Many times a kind expression-a few words of counsel, or even a warm or affectionate shake of the hand-will do more good and be better appreciated than a purse of gold" (General Board, 1966, p. 40).
The importance of visiting teaching has been consistently reemphasized by Church Presidents. Spencer W. Kimball exhorted visiting teachers to do as the priesthood teachers do: "Watch over the Church always"-not twenty minutes a month but always-"and be with and strengthen them"-not a knock at the door, but to be with them, and lift them, and strengthen them, and empower them, and fortify them-"and see that there is no iniquity,…neither hardness,…backbiting, nor evil speaking" (D&C 20:53-54)…. How glorious is the privilege of two sisters going into a home, soft-pedaling anything that could be detrimental, and instead, building up all the authorities of the Church, the Church itself, its doctrines, its policies, its practices-"And see that [they] meet together often, and…do their duty" (D&C 20:55) [Ensign, June 1978, p. 24].
Visiting teaching allows every sister to serve in the Church. Whether active or inactive, single or married, newly baptized or a member of long standing, each can serve effectively as a visiting teacher.
Because of their sensitivity to the home and family and their consequent ability to identify needs that might otherwise go unobserved, visiting teachers give complementary support to the bishop and Relief Society president. They can also become a readily organized corps in times of emergency, crisis, or death. Countless recorded stories demonstrate the effectiveness of the visiting teaching program in extending essential service, love, and compassion to members, particularly the sisters of the Church.
Source: Encyclopedia of Mormonism
In practice, the ward Relief Society president or those assisting her assign pairs of visiting teachers to keep in contact with specific families over a period of several months or even years. More frequent contact is made with women and families exhibiting special needs, such as those new to the Church, the less active, single parents, the divorced, the widowed, the aged, and those faced with illness, death, or other difficulties.
The need for such visitors was recognized soon after the founding of the Relief Society in 1842. At the second meeting of the society on March 24, Emma Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith, suggested appointing persons to wait upon the poor. On July 28, 1843, a Necessity Committee of sixteen was named "to search out the poor and suffering, to call upon the rich for aid, and thus as far as possible, relieve the wants of all." The original functions of this committee were twofold: "to ascertain the condition of the families visited, and to accept contributions for charitable purposes" (General Board, 1942, pp. 43-44; 1966, p. 68).
In the early years of the Church in Nauvoo, Illinois, visiting teachers reported their visits at the regular Relief Society meeting before all members present, citing specific instances of need. It was also customary for visiting teachers during this period to apportion and distribute to needy families the commodities donated to the society.
In 1921 visiting teachers were relieved of the personal responsibility of both ascertaining and meeting the material needs of families, but since then they have continued to report confidentially (to the ward Relief Society president) any instances of illness or need requiring attention. Upon hearing such reports, the Relief Society president either visits the family herself or designates the visiting teachers or someone else to give aid as a representative of the society. In cases of economic need, the Relief Society president and ward bishop confidentially inquire concerning the family's condition to arrange for any needed assistance from Church resources and for means to remedy the situation causing need. This modification of assignment brought visiting teachers into the more agreeable role of friendly visitors carrying messages from the society to the home, yet still fulfilling the original assignment from the Prophet Joseph Smith to "provoke the brethren to good works in looking after the wants of the poor-searching after objects of charity, and in administering to their wants" (General Board, 1966, p. 18).
An observation of Eliza R. Snow, an early president of the Relief Society organization, encapsulates the spirit of visiting teaching: "Many times a kind expression-a few words of counsel, or even a warm or affectionate shake of the hand-will do more good and be better appreciated than a purse of gold" (General Board, 1966, p. 40).
The importance of visiting teaching has been consistently reemphasized by Church Presidents. Spencer W. Kimball exhorted visiting teachers to do as the priesthood teachers do: "Watch over the Church always"-not twenty minutes a month but always-"and be with and strengthen them"-not a knock at the door, but to be with them, and lift them, and strengthen them, and empower them, and fortify them-"and see that there is no iniquity,…neither hardness,…backbiting, nor evil speaking" (D&C 20:53-54)…. How glorious is the privilege of two sisters going into a home, soft-pedaling anything that could be detrimental, and instead, building up all the authorities of the Church, the Church itself, its doctrines, its policies, its practices-"And see that [they] meet together often, and…do their duty" (D&C 20:55) [Ensign, June 1978, p. 24].
Visiting teaching allows every sister to serve in the Church. Whether active or inactive, single or married, newly baptized or a member of long standing, each can serve effectively as a visiting teacher.
Because of their sensitivity to the home and family and their consequent ability to identify needs that might otherwise go unobserved, visiting teachers give complementary support to the bishop and Relief Society president. They can also become a readily organized corps in times of emergency, crisis, or death. Countless recorded stories demonstrate the effectiveness of the visiting teaching program in extending essential service, love, and compassion to members, particularly the sisters of the Church.
Source: Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Wentworth Letter
John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat, wrote Joseph Smith in 1842 to request information about the Church for a friend who was writing a history of New Hampshire. The "Wentworth Letter" was written by the Prophet Joseph Smith in response to this inquiry.
The letter contains a brief History of the Church to 1842, including the key events in the restoration of the gospel. It states that the purpose of the Church is to take the gospel to every nation and prepare a people for the Millennium. The letter also describes concisely the origin, contents, and translation of the Book of Mormon. It concludes with thirteen doctrinal statements that have since become known as the Articles of Faith and are published in the Pearl of Great Price (HC 4:535-41).
The contents of this letter were published March 1, 1842, in the Nauvoo Times and Seasons. There is no evidence that Wentworth or his friend, George Barstow, ever published it. In response to other inquiries in 1844, Joseph Smith sent revised copies of this letter to several publishers of works about various churches and religious groups. It has been published several times over the years (for the complete text of the letter, see Appendix item "Wentworth Letter" in Vol. 4).
Source: Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Zion's Camp
Zion's Camp was a Latter-day Saint expedition from Kirtland, Ohio, to Clay County, Missouri, during May and June 1834. The Mormon settlers in adjacent Jackson County, Missouri, had been driven out in the fall of 1833 by hostile non-Mormon elements, and the initial objective of Zion's Camp was to protect those settlers after the Missouri militia escorted them back to their homes. The camp was to bring money, supplies, and moral support to the destitute Saints.
A revelation to Joseph Smith in July 1831 (D&C 57) designated Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, as the site of Zion, a gathering place for the Saints and the location for the New Jerusalem spoken of in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. By the summer of 1833, the Latter-day Saints numbered about one-third of the population in Jackson County. Their increasing numbers and distinctive beliefs troubled the other settlers, who shortly demanded that the Church members leave. When these demands were not immediately complied with, the Missourians attacked the settlements, compelling the Saints to flee. Most went north across the Missouri River to Clay County in November 1833.
Lyman Wight and Parley P. Pratt brought word of their plight to Joseph Smith and the main body of Saints in Kirtland, Ohio, on February 22, 1834. Wight and Pratt informed the Prophet that after their conversation with Governor Daniel Dunklin, Attorney General Robert W. Wells of Missouri promised to supply a force to escort the exiles back to their homes. With this in mind, Joseph Smith saw the wisdom of sending a force to protect his people from further attacks once they were safely back in Jackson County.
A revelation on February 24, 1834 (D&C 103), commanded the Saints to send to Missouri a relief force consisting of at least 100 and as many as 500 volunteers. Eight Church leaders were told to recruit participants for the March, which later was called Zion's Camp. Four teams of two men each went east to obtain men, money, and supplies. A fifth pair, Lyman Wight and Joseph Smith's brother Hyrum Smith, went to Michigan and Illinois. The northern group was to join the marchers from Kirtland at the house of James Allred, a Church member living on the Salt River in eastern Missouri about one hundred miles northwest of St. Louis.
An advance party of 20 left Kirtland on May 1, 1834, to prepare the first camp at New Portage, near present-day Akron, Ohio, and the main group of about 85 joined them on May 6. When Joseph and Hyrum's contingents rendezvoused at the Allred settlement, east of Paris, Monroe County, Missouri, there were approximately 200 men, 11 women, and 7 children. Included in these figures were the 20 men, women, and children comprising Hyrum's company from the Pontiac, Michigan, area.
The marchers were well armed, carrying muskets, pistols, swords, and knives, and they attempted to prevent the Missourians from knowing of the expedition. But Jackson County residents learned of their coming and burned down virtually all the remaining Mormon buildings. Lacking in military training, the members of Zion's Camp conducted military exercises and sham battles along the way of the 900-mile journey. They were organized into groups of ten and fifty, with a captain over each. After the rendezvous at the Salt River on June 8, Lyman Wight, a veteran of the War of 1812, was elected general of the camp, and William Cherry, a British dragoon for twenty years, was made drill master.
Contrary to the attempted military discipline, the men sometimes quarreled among themselves. On June 3, as the group approached the Mississippi, Joseph warned them that in consequence of their misconduct a scourge would strike the camp. His words proved prophetic when, at the conclusion of their journey on June 23 at Rush Creek in Clay County, Missouri, cholera struck the camp. Some sixty-eight men were afflicted, and thirteen of them and one woman died of the disease. Earlier at Fishing River a band of about 300 armed Missourians threatened to invade the camp, but a fierce hailstorm drove them off and prevented a conflict.
In the meantime, negotiations were conducted between the Zion's Camp leaders, Missouri State officials, and the citizens of Jackson County. Joseph Smith learned that, contrary to expectations, Governor Dunklin would not provide troops to escort the Mormons into Jackson County, fearing a civil war if he did. The two sides exchanged proposals for buying out each other's property in Jackson County, but these efforts broke down.
On June 22, 1834, while still at Fishing River, the Prophet received a revelation that rebuked some members of the Church for not sufficiently supporting Zion's Camp, but accepted the sacrifice of the camp members. They were not to fight but to wait for the Lord to redeem Zion (D&C 105). The experience had been intended to test their faith. The revelation directed the Saints to build goodwill in the area in preparation for the time when Zion would be recovered by legal rather than military means. Since there was little more to be done to help the displaced Jackson County Saints, the remaining Zion's Camp supplies were distributed to the refugees, and the camp disbanded on June 30, 1834. Most of the troops soon returned to Ohio.
Zion's Camp failed to achieve its ostensible purpose of protecting the Jackson County Saints. In retrospect, however, Brigham Young and other participants felt that they learned valuable lessons. In subsequent migrations, the Mormons used the organizational experience gained in Zion's Camp. Most importantly, they had answered the Lord's call (D&C 103). Nine of the first twelve apostles and all of the first Quorum of Seventy (seven presidents and sixty-three members) were later called from the ranks of Camp members.
Source: Encyclopedia of Mormonism
A revelation to Joseph Smith in July 1831 (D&C 57) designated Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, as the site of Zion, a gathering place for the Saints and the location for the New Jerusalem spoken of in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. By the summer of 1833, the Latter-day Saints numbered about one-third of the population in Jackson County. Their increasing numbers and distinctive beliefs troubled the other settlers, who shortly demanded that the Church members leave. When these demands were not immediately complied with, the Missourians attacked the settlements, compelling the Saints to flee. Most went north across the Missouri River to Clay County in November 1833.
Lyman Wight and Parley P. Pratt brought word of their plight to Joseph Smith and the main body of Saints in Kirtland, Ohio, on February 22, 1834. Wight and Pratt informed the Prophet that after their conversation with Governor Daniel Dunklin, Attorney General Robert W. Wells of Missouri promised to supply a force to escort the exiles back to their homes. With this in mind, Joseph Smith saw the wisdom of sending a force to protect his people from further attacks once they were safely back in Jackson County.
A revelation on February 24, 1834 (D&C 103), commanded the Saints to send to Missouri a relief force consisting of at least 100 and as many as 500 volunteers. Eight Church leaders were told to recruit participants for the March, which later was called Zion's Camp. Four teams of two men each went east to obtain men, money, and supplies. A fifth pair, Lyman Wight and Joseph Smith's brother Hyrum Smith, went to Michigan and Illinois. The northern group was to join the marchers from Kirtland at the house of James Allred, a Church member living on the Salt River in eastern Missouri about one hundred miles northwest of St. Louis.
An advance party of 20 left Kirtland on May 1, 1834, to prepare the first camp at New Portage, near present-day Akron, Ohio, and the main group of about 85 joined them on May 6. When Joseph and Hyrum's contingents rendezvoused at the Allred settlement, east of Paris, Monroe County, Missouri, there were approximately 200 men, 11 women, and 7 children. Included in these figures were the 20 men, women, and children comprising Hyrum's company from the Pontiac, Michigan, area.
The marchers were well armed, carrying muskets, pistols, swords, and knives, and they attempted to prevent the Missourians from knowing of the expedition. But Jackson County residents learned of their coming and burned down virtually all the remaining Mormon buildings. Lacking in military training, the members of Zion's Camp conducted military exercises and sham battles along the way of the 900-mile journey. They were organized into groups of ten and fifty, with a captain over each. After the rendezvous at the Salt River on June 8, Lyman Wight, a veteran of the War of 1812, was elected general of the camp, and William Cherry, a British dragoon for twenty years, was made drill master.
Contrary to the attempted military discipline, the men sometimes quarreled among themselves. On June 3, as the group approached the Mississippi, Joseph warned them that in consequence of their misconduct a scourge would strike the camp. His words proved prophetic when, at the conclusion of their journey on June 23 at Rush Creek in Clay County, Missouri, cholera struck the camp. Some sixty-eight men were afflicted, and thirteen of them and one woman died of the disease. Earlier at Fishing River a band of about 300 armed Missourians threatened to invade the camp, but a fierce hailstorm drove them off and prevented a conflict.
In the meantime, negotiations were conducted between the Zion's Camp leaders, Missouri State officials, and the citizens of Jackson County. Joseph Smith learned that, contrary to expectations, Governor Dunklin would not provide troops to escort the Mormons into Jackson County, fearing a civil war if he did. The two sides exchanged proposals for buying out each other's property in Jackson County, but these efforts broke down.
On June 22, 1834, while still at Fishing River, the Prophet received a revelation that rebuked some members of the Church for not sufficiently supporting Zion's Camp, but accepted the sacrifice of the camp members. They were not to fight but to wait for the Lord to redeem Zion (D&C 105). The experience had been intended to test their faith. The revelation directed the Saints to build goodwill in the area in preparation for the time when Zion would be recovered by legal rather than military means. Since there was little more to be done to help the displaced Jackson County Saints, the remaining Zion's Camp supplies were distributed to the refugees, and the camp disbanded on June 30, 1834. Most of the troops soon returned to Ohio.
Zion's Camp failed to achieve its ostensible purpose of protecting the Jackson County Saints. In retrospect, however, Brigham Young and other participants felt that they learned valuable lessons. In subsequent migrations, the Mormons used the organizational experience gained in Zion's Camp. Most importantly, they had answered the Lord's call (D&C 103). Nine of the first twelve apostles and all of the first Quorum of Seventy (seven presidents and sixty-three members) were later called from the ranks of Camp members.
Source: Encyclopedia of Mormonism
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Articles of Faith
The Articles of Faith are a concise listing of thirteen fundamental doctrines of Mormonism. They were composed by Joseph Smith, Jr. as part of an 1842 letter sent to John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat.
1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
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.
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.
6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
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.
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.
6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
George P. Lee Dies
George P. Lee died on July 28, 2010 in Provo, Utah. He was the first Native American to become a general authority for the LDS Church. He was excommunicated on December 1, 1989.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
God’s Kingdom - A Kingdom of Order | January 1971 Ensign
God’s Kingdom—
A Kingdom of Order
By President Harold B. Lee
First Counselor in the First Presidency
Harold B. Lee, “God’s Kingdom—A Kingdom of Order,” Ensign, Jan 1971, 8
The great historian Will Durrant once said, “In my youth I wanted freedom. In my mature years I want order.” There is nothing so important in the kingdom of God as order; yet the tendency today is to
resist law and order, which must be maintained in the kingdom of God if we are to be pleasing in the sight of the Lord. “Be one,” the Lord said, “and if you are not one you are not mine.” The only way
we can be one is by following the leadership of the Church as the Lord has directed.
Even in the matter of temple ordinances, there is sometimes a resistance to order. We have many requests from young couples who want to have a civil marriage first for some reason—perhaps someone in
one of the families is not a member of the Church—and then they want to have a temple marriage immediately thereafter. When we say no and that a sealing following a civil marriage is not a temple
marriage but a sealing after marriage, they frequently ask, “Why isn’t such a subsequent sealing just as valid as a temple marriage in the first place?” The simple answer has to be, “Because a temple
marriage is the Lord’s way by his command.” Any other way than that lacks some of the blessings that could have been enjoyed if the Lord’s way had been chosen.
There are frequent requests from sealers in one temple who want to perform sealings in another temple. When we tell them that their work must be confined to the temple for which they have been set
apart, they ask why. And we tell them that there must be order in the kingdom of God. Sometimes a former temple president asks years after his release if he can have permission to go back into the
temple to perform another sealing, perhaps for a grandchild. His request is denied because that isn’t God’s way. When a member releases the keys that he formerly held, the keys do not belong to him
anymore. They belong to somebody else, and he doesn’t have the authority he once had because there is order in the Church.
The request for persons other than bishops and stake presidents to perform civil marriages is a frequent one. Some ask, “Why not by permission?” And again we answer, “Because there is order, and stake
presidents and bishops are ordained ministers and are so certified to civil authorities.”
The requirements for entry into the temple are that a newly baptized member should not be given a temple recommend for even his own temple ordinances until he has been a member of the Church at least
one year. Any flexibility in this requirement would be out of order in the Lord’s Church. It is analogous to making sure that before one is ready to eat meat, he is taught to drink milk; and one year
is the length of time prescribed for this learning process.
There was a convert to the Church who had a Ph.D. in psychology, and after eight months in the Church it was suggested that he have his temple endowments. When we said no and that it was contrary to
the rule, it was implied that because this man was a professor in a university he should be different. I answered, “Yes, he may have a Ph.D. in science or philosophy, but he is only an eight-month-old
child in the Church. Until he has been schooled in the fundamentals of the Church, he will never understand and enjoy to the fullest the temple ordinances.” We say that until he is prepared, it would
be folly to have him go to the temple for instructions that would be beyond his understanding.
The simple answer to all these exceptions mentioned could be given by the single phrase, “Trust in the Lord’s way.”
I sat by the senior editor of the Reader’s Digest at a luncheon sometime ago, and he asked if the lack of modern revelation and a dwindling trust in the Lord was our biggest problem today. I said that
it wasn’t a problem with us. We know that the Lord gives revelation today. We are waiting for the Lord to reveal his mind and will. The only people who find it a problem are those who don’t believe in
revelation. Therein lies one of the greatest problems among those who are criticizing and finding fault and wanting exceptions. They don’t trust the Lord. They are not willing to listen to the
admonition of the Lord as he prefaces his revelations in this dispensation. These are his words:
“And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and
apostles, shall be cut off from among the people.” (D&C 1:14.)
A brother who was critical of the Church one day asked a rather interesting and even presumptuous question: “In the early days, the Prophet Joseph Smith, when faced with a difficult ecclesiastical
problem in the establishment of the Church, went before the Lord and sought a revelation for the direction and guidance of the Church. Are you brethren so living today that you might receive similar
guidance?”
My reply was a quotation from the words of Moroni after he had been compiling the teachings of the Jaredites. Having read the great experience of the brother of Jared, I suppose, Moroni closed with
this thought: “And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen. …”
And then, quoting from Moroni again, I said to this professor, “… wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” (Ether 12:6.) Then I asked
this brother, “Have you ever thought that you’re the one who ought to be doing some praying and getting close enough to the Lord to know whether or not what the brethren are saying today is the mind
and will of the Lord?”
All we have to do to test the faith of the Saints is to try out something new and see how they react. As we have talked about introducing some new Church magazines, the greatest acceptance of this
proposal has come from the leaders of youth. When it was announced that the youth would have a magazine that would be directed to the needs of youth, how gloriously the youth leaders hailed the news.
But some of the older folks, when told of a new adult magazine, reacted as though they had been cut off from the Church. They weren’t willing to accept the change as had the youth and their leaders.
President N. Eldon Tanner and I, in talking about this great evidence of the faith of our people, agreed that when we see the simple faith of our people, we, as leaders, must be sure that we are right
as we move ahead with Church programs to meet the challenges of the day in which we live. Let me comment about that.
Keep in mind that the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ are divine. Nobody changes the principles and doctrines of the Church except the Lord by revelation. But methods change as the inspired
direction comes to those who preside at a given time. If you will analyze all that is being done and the changes that are taking place, you will realize that the fundamental doctrines of the Church
are not changing. The only changes are in the methods of teaching that doctrine to meet the circumstances of our time. You may be sure that your brethren who preside are praying most earnestly, and we
do not move until we have the assurance, so far as lies within our power, that what we do has the seal of divine approval.
I wish we could have the simple faith of a bishop in California who said to me recently, “Day after day—sometimes hour after hour—as the many problems of my people come to my attention, I have made an
interesting discovery. Every problem my people bring to me can be solved by talking to Jesus Christ. Every problem!” That is an interesting discovery for all of us to make. Every problem that afflicts
humankind can be solved if we can only talk to the Lord and then, equally important, listen when the Lord answers. Thus, in the management of affairs of the Church, those who believe that the Lord
reveals himself today are not worried. They are waiting until the Lord speaks, and then obediently they follow. But there will always be detractors in the Church who will resist anything that fails to
harmonize with their own ideas.
On one occasion I asked some people to define the words liberal, conservative, and radical. I received some interesting answers. One answer was given by a prominent person in educational circles whose
definition of liberal in the Church was very simple: “A liberal in the Church is simply one who doesn’t have a testimony.” That’s all. If you’re liberal in the Church and making decisions on your own,
it is because you lack a rock-bottom testimony and faith in the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the leadership that presides today.
A summation of what I have said concerning the Lord’s revelation as a guide to teachers and students and layman leaders is found in a revelation given in the early days of the Church. Many
missionaries went out and then came back prematurely because they didn’t understand the various spiritual manifestations that were abroad in the earth. And they asked the Prophet Joseph how they could
tell which were of the Lord and which were not. Well, the Prophet was a young man; he didn’t have the answer because he hadn’t been out in the world. But he sought the answer to this problem, just as
that bishop in California does, and he went to the Lord. And the Lord gave what we call the fiftieth section of the Doctrine and Covenants. The reading of that entire section would be very profitable
to you if you would read it and analyze it logically as the Lord reasoned it out. It contains in part this significant truth: “Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that
receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth?
“Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.
“And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.
“That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
“And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you.” (D&C 50:21–25.)
A Kingdom of Order
By President Harold B. Lee
First Counselor in the First Presidency
Harold B. Lee, “God’s Kingdom—A Kingdom of Order,” Ensign, Jan 1971, 8
The great historian Will Durrant once said, “In my youth I wanted freedom. In my mature years I want order.” There is nothing so important in the kingdom of God as order; yet the tendency today is to
resist law and order, which must be maintained in the kingdom of God if we are to be pleasing in the sight of the Lord. “Be one,” the Lord said, “and if you are not one you are not mine.” The only way
we can be one is by following the leadership of the Church as the Lord has directed.
Even in the matter of temple ordinances, there is sometimes a resistance to order. We have many requests from young couples who want to have a civil marriage first for some reason—perhaps someone in
one of the families is not a member of the Church—and then they want to have a temple marriage immediately thereafter. When we say no and that a sealing following a civil marriage is not a temple
marriage but a sealing after marriage, they frequently ask, “Why isn’t such a subsequent sealing just as valid as a temple marriage in the first place?” The simple answer has to be, “Because a temple
marriage is the Lord’s way by his command.” Any other way than that lacks some of the blessings that could have been enjoyed if the Lord’s way had been chosen.
There are frequent requests from sealers in one temple who want to perform sealings in another temple. When we tell them that their work must be confined to the temple for which they have been set
apart, they ask why. And we tell them that there must be order in the kingdom of God. Sometimes a former temple president asks years after his release if he can have permission to go back into the
temple to perform another sealing, perhaps for a grandchild. His request is denied because that isn’t God’s way. When a member releases the keys that he formerly held, the keys do not belong to him
anymore. They belong to somebody else, and he doesn’t have the authority he once had because there is order in the Church.
The request for persons other than bishops and stake presidents to perform civil marriages is a frequent one. Some ask, “Why not by permission?” And again we answer, “Because there is order, and stake
presidents and bishops are ordained ministers and are so certified to civil authorities.”
The requirements for entry into the temple are that a newly baptized member should not be given a temple recommend for even his own temple ordinances until he has been a member of the Church at least
one year. Any flexibility in this requirement would be out of order in the Lord’s Church. It is analogous to making sure that before one is ready to eat meat, he is taught to drink milk; and one year
is the length of time prescribed for this learning process.
There was a convert to the Church who had a Ph.D. in psychology, and after eight months in the Church it was suggested that he have his temple endowments. When we said no and that it was contrary to
the rule, it was implied that because this man was a professor in a university he should be different. I answered, “Yes, he may have a Ph.D. in science or philosophy, but he is only an eight-month-old
child in the Church. Until he has been schooled in the fundamentals of the Church, he will never understand and enjoy to the fullest the temple ordinances.” We say that until he is prepared, it would
be folly to have him go to the temple for instructions that would be beyond his understanding.
The simple answer to all these exceptions mentioned could be given by the single phrase, “Trust in the Lord’s way.”
I sat by the senior editor of the Reader’s Digest at a luncheon sometime ago, and he asked if the lack of modern revelation and a dwindling trust in the Lord was our biggest problem today. I said that
it wasn’t a problem with us. We know that the Lord gives revelation today. We are waiting for the Lord to reveal his mind and will. The only people who find it a problem are those who don’t believe in
revelation. Therein lies one of the greatest problems among those who are criticizing and finding fault and wanting exceptions. They don’t trust the Lord. They are not willing to listen to the
admonition of the Lord as he prefaces his revelations in this dispensation. These are his words:
“And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and
apostles, shall be cut off from among the people.” (D&C 1:14.)
A brother who was critical of the Church one day asked a rather interesting and even presumptuous question: “In the early days, the Prophet Joseph Smith, when faced with a difficult ecclesiastical
problem in the establishment of the Church, went before the Lord and sought a revelation for the direction and guidance of the Church. Are you brethren so living today that you might receive similar
guidance?”
My reply was a quotation from the words of Moroni after he had been compiling the teachings of the Jaredites. Having read the great experience of the brother of Jared, I suppose, Moroni closed with
this thought: “And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen. …”
And then, quoting from Moroni again, I said to this professor, “… wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” (Ether 12:6.) Then I asked
this brother, “Have you ever thought that you’re the one who ought to be doing some praying and getting close enough to the Lord to know whether or not what the brethren are saying today is the mind
and will of the Lord?”
All we have to do to test the faith of the Saints is to try out something new and see how they react. As we have talked about introducing some new Church magazines, the greatest acceptance of this
proposal has come from the leaders of youth. When it was announced that the youth would have a magazine that would be directed to the needs of youth, how gloriously the youth leaders hailed the news.
But some of the older folks, when told of a new adult magazine, reacted as though they had been cut off from the Church. They weren’t willing to accept the change as had the youth and their leaders.
President N. Eldon Tanner and I, in talking about this great evidence of the faith of our people, agreed that when we see the simple faith of our people, we, as leaders, must be sure that we are right
as we move ahead with Church programs to meet the challenges of the day in which we live. Let me comment about that.
Keep in mind that the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ are divine. Nobody changes the principles and doctrines of the Church except the Lord by revelation. But methods change as the inspired
direction comes to those who preside at a given time. If you will analyze all that is being done and the changes that are taking place, you will realize that the fundamental doctrines of the Church
are not changing. The only changes are in the methods of teaching that doctrine to meet the circumstances of our time. You may be sure that your brethren who preside are praying most earnestly, and we
do not move until we have the assurance, so far as lies within our power, that what we do has the seal of divine approval.
I wish we could have the simple faith of a bishop in California who said to me recently, “Day after day—sometimes hour after hour—as the many problems of my people come to my attention, I have made an
interesting discovery. Every problem my people bring to me can be solved by talking to Jesus Christ. Every problem!” That is an interesting discovery for all of us to make. Every problem that afflicts
humankind can be solved if we can only talk to the Lord and then, equally important, listen when the Lord answers. Thus, in the management of affairs of the Church, those who believe that the Lord
reveals himself today are not worried. They are waiting until the Lord speaks, and then obediently they follow. But there will always be detractors in the Church who will resist anything that fails to
harmonize with their own ideas.
On one occasion I asked some people to define the words liberal, conservative, and radical. I received some interesting answers. One answer was given by a prominent person in educational circles whose
definition of liberal in the Church was very simple: “A liberal in the Church is simply one who doesn’t have a testimony.” That’s all. If you’re liberal in the Church and making decisions on your own,
it is because you lack a rock-bottom testimony and faith in the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the leadership that presides today.
A summation of what I have said concerning the Lord’s revelation as a guide to teachers and students and layman leaders is found in a revelation given in the early days of the Church. Many
missionaries went out and then came back prematurely because they didn’t understand the various spiritual manifestations that were abroad in the earth. And they asked the Prophet Joseph how they could
tell which were of the Lord and which were not. Well, the Prophet was a young man; he didn’t have the answer because he hadn’t been out in the world. But he sought the answer to this problem, just as
that bishop in California does, and he went to the Lord. And the Lord gave what we call the fiftieth section of the Doctrine and Covenants. The reading of that entire section would be very profitable
to you if you would read it and analyze it logically as the Lord reasoned it out. It contains in part this significant truth: “Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that
receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth?
“Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.
“And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.
“That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
“And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you.” (D&C 50:21–25.)
Message from the First Presidency | January 1971 Ensign
Message from the First Presidency
President Joseph Fielding Smith
Joseph Fielding Smith, “Message from the First Presidency,” Ensign, Jan 1971, inside front cover–3
My dear brothers and sisters: This is a rare opportunity to reach members of the Church in this way. It is estimated that nearly 350,000 families will receive the first issue of our new adult magazine, the Ensign, and this recorded message.
As you listen and read, may I remind you of just how important the family unit is in the overall plan of our Father in heaven. In fact, the Church organization really exists to assist the family and its members in reaching exaltation.
Image
President Harold B. Lee, First Counselor in the First Presidency; President Joseph Fielding Smith, President, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; President N. Eldon Tanner, Second Counselor in the First Presidency. (Photography by Merrett Smith.)
Family unity and family commitment to the gospel are so important that the adversary has turned much of his attention to the destruction of families in our society. On every side there is an attack on the basic integrity of the family as the foundation of what is good and noble in life. Private and government efforts to limit the size of families, sometimes under the guise of saving the world from overpopulation, are gaining acceptance by some Latter-day Saints. And these efforts now include proposals to place some sort of legal penalties on those who may have more than two children. Liberalization of abortion laws throughout the world suggests the existing disregard for the sacredness of life. Families are torn apart by increasing use of illegal drugs and the abuse of legal drugs. Contempt for authority by more and more young people usually begins with disrespect and disobedience in homes. Respected magazines proclaim “the myth of motherhood” and champion the more radical ideas of women’s liberation.
As the forces of evil attack the individual by tearing away at his family roots, it becomes critical for Latter-day Saint parents to maintain and strengthen the family. There may possibly be a few very strong individuals who can survive without the support of a family, but more of us need the love, teaching, and acceptance that come from those who care very deeply.
The primary function of a Latter-day Saint home is to insure that every member of the family works to create the climate and conditions in which all can grow toward perfection. For parents, this requires a dedication of time and energy far beyond the mere providing of their children’s physical needs. For children, this means controlling the natural tendency toward selfishness.
Do you spend as much time making your family and home successful as you do in pursuing social and professional success? Are you devoting your best creative energy to the most important unit in society—the family? Or is your relationship with your family merely a routine, unrewarding part of life? Parent and child must be willing to put family responsibilities first in order to achieve family exaltation.
Just a word about several programs of the Church to assist you. Since 1965 the Church has offered the family home evening lessons. Parents who ignore the great help of this program are gambling with the future of their children.
The new magazine, the Ensign, which has carried this message to you, is another effort on the part of the Church to help individuals and families stay closer to the Lord. This magazine can be a great influence for good if you will read it. Over the months it will help build your testimony and offer aid in coping with the problems of the world. In like manner, younger people of the Church will be motivated and strengthened if they have access to the children’s magazine, the Friend, or the magazine for our youth and young adults, the New Era.
We live in a marvelous time, my brothers and sisters. There are great blessings attached to being part of this final dispensation. But there are also great challenges and temptations. I pray that our Heavenly Father will give all of us the strength to reach our true potential. I invoke his Spirit on the homes of the Church, that there may be love and harmony found there. May our Father preserve and exalt our families, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
President Harold B. Lee
My brief remarks are to be directed especially to the youth of the Church—you young men of the Aaronic Priesthood, you Beehive, Mia Maid, and Laurel girls, and you young adults of college age.
It has become almost trite to say that we are living in a momentous period of the earth’s history, but it is true, and we need to remind ourselves of this as we struggle to overcome the difficulties of life.
Because we are privileged to live at this special time, we may be faced with intense challenges to our faith. Today, perhaps more than ever before, there are temptations for us to put aside the faith of our fathers.
The apostle Paul declared: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph. 6:11–12.)
In saying this, the apostle Paul implied that our most deadly contest in life is not with human enemies, which may come with guns or bombing planes to destroy us, but with enemies that strike out of darkness and may not be perceived by human senses.
Continuing, the apostle Paul pictures each of us a warrior being clothed with the essential armor to protect the four parts of the human body, which apparently Satan and his hosts have found to be the most vulnerable, through which the enemies of righteousness may invade the human soul: “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
“And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
“And take the helmet of salvation. …” (Eph. 6:14–15, 17.)
Truth is to be the substance of which the girdle about your loins is to be formed, if your virtue and vital strength are to be safeguarded. You should all strive to keep yourselves worthy to enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage in the temple for time and all eternity.
Now what about the breastplate which will safeguard your heart, or your conduct in life? It shall be made of stuff called righteousness. The righteous man strives for self-improvement, knowing that he has daily need of repentance for his misdeeds or his neglect.
His body is not dissipated by the burdens imposed by the demands of riotous living; his judgment is not rendered faulty by the follies of youth; he is clear of vision, keen of intellect, and strong of body.
Your feet, which represent your goals or objectives in life, are to be shod with “the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Preparedness is the way to victory, and “eternal vigilance is the price of safety.” Whether in speech or in song, in physical or moral combat, the tide of victory rests with him who is prepared.
Now to the last piece of the prophet-teacher’s armored dress. We will put “the helmet of salvation” upon our head. Our head or intellect is the controlling member of the body. It must be well protected against the enemy, for “as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Salvation means the attainment of the eternal light to live in the presence of God the Father and the Son as a reward for a good life in mortality. With the goal of salvation ever in our mind’s eye, as the ultimate to be achieved, our thinking and our decisions, which determine action, will always challenge all that would jeopardize that glorious future state.
Today is a wonderful time in which to be a young person. The fullness of the gospel is on the earth; all the blessings of the Lord are available to those willing to pay the price.
I realize that in the face of violence, immorality, uncleanliness, war, and other evils of modern life, there may be a tendency to become discouraged. I say to you, my young brothers and sisters, don’t give up! The gospel of Jesus Christ has answers to all these problems, and you have the responsibility and charge to stand firm; so enjoy your youth, but “put on the whole armour of God” and resist those things of the world that will destroy your testimony and your chance to accomplish a great work here. May the Lord preserve you and bless you and give you strength to withstand temptation and a determination to make the most of your life so you will be able to reap blessings throughout eternity is my humble prayer, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
President N. Eldon Tanner
You boys and girls are growing up in a wonderfully exciting time. Even a very few years ago most people thought it would never be possible to land men on the moon, to watch that or other events on colored television sets in homes all over the world, to turn a button and have instant heat or lights or coolness. How blessed you are to be alive in this day and time!
You are blessed, too, because you know who you are and why you are here. Most boys and girls who live today, and even grownups, don’t know these two important facts: who they are and why they’re here. They don’t know, as you do, that they are children of our Heavenly Father, who planned this beautiful world and made it possible for us to be born, to grow, and to become more like him and his Son Jesus Christ.
They don’t realize that Jesus Christ is at the head of his church today, but we know that he is! Because we know this and many other things about him, then surely all of us must know him better and love him more than other boys and girls or even grownups in the world today.
The most important thing that Jesus Christ taught when he was on earth is that we must love one another. He told us that “love is of God” and commanded us to “love one another.” (1 John 4:7.)
The prophet Mormon said: “… all children are alike unto me; wherefore, I love little children with a perfect love. …” (Moro. 8:17.) The most perfect of all love is, of course, the love our Heavenly Father and Jesus have for each one of us. Their love is so great that we can’t even begin to comprehend it.
Probably the nearest thing to their love is the great love your parents have for you. They loved you even before you were born. When you finally came to them from your heavenly home, you brought them a great joy that you will feel someday too when you become fathers and mothers. Your parents’ love increases as you grow, and their love for you will never cease.
Sometimes your parents have to tell you no when you want so much for them to say yes. They say no only because they love you, and they know you have been unwise in what you have asked for. Sometimes what you want to do might be unfair to others in your family; sometimes it actually would be against our Heavenly Father’s laws. His laws have been given to us to guide, protect, and strengthen us and give joy and meaning in our lives.
When you truly love, you will receive love in return. Many leaders of churches in the time of the Prophet Joseph Smith asked why he was able to attract so many people who were anxious to follow him in spite of the suffering they had to endure. He answered them: “Because I possess the principle of love … I can offer the world … a good heart and a good hand.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith [Deseret Book Company, 1968], p. 313.)
How can you learn to keep the commandment to love one another, your parents, your brothers and sisters, your friends? Someone said that we learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, and just so, we learn to love by loving. We need to express our love to those around us by telling them every day that we do love them, and mean what we say. Sometimes it is even more important to show people that we love them than it is just to say “I love you.”
But if we tell them of our love and also show that we feel a love for them by being kind and thoughtful and courteous, then each one of our homes can become a little piece of heaven.
Yes, it is a wonderfully exciting time to live, but there are many problems, too, for boys and girls who are growing in today’s world. There are many people and things to tempt you to forget who you are and why you are here. But always remember, beloved children, that all will be well with you if you live as you are taught to live by your parents and teachers and our Heavenly Father and Jesus, who love you most of all. This is my prayer for you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
President Joseph Fielding Smith
Joseph Fielding Smith, “Message from the First Presidency,” Ensign, Jan 1971, inside front cover–3
My dear brothers and sisters: This is a rare opportunity to reach members of the Church in this way. It is estimated that nearly 350,000 families will receive the first issue of our new adult magazine, the Ensign, and this recorded message.
As you listen and read, may I remind you of just how important the family unit is in the overall plan of our Father in heaven. In fact, the Church organization really exists to assist the family and its members in reaching exaltation.
Image
President Harold B. Lee, First Counselor in the First Presidency; President Joseph Fielding Smith, President, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; President N. Eldon Tanner, Second Counselor in the First Presidency. (Photography by Merrett Smith.)
Family unity and family commitment to the gospel are so important that the adversary has turned much of his attention to the destruction of families in our society. On every side there is an attack on the basic integrity of the family as the foundation of what is good and noble in life. Private and government efforts to limit the size of families, sometimes under the guise of saving the world from overpopulation, are gaining acceptance by some Latter-day Saints. And these efforts now include proposals to place some sort of legal penalties on those who may have more than two children. Liberalization of abortion laws throughout the world suggests the existing disregard for the sacredness of life. Families are torn apart by increasing use of illegal drugs and the abuse of legal drugs. Contempt for authority by more and more young people usually begins with disrespect and disobedience in homes. Respected magazines proclaim “the myth of motherhood” and champion the more radical ideas of women’s liberation.
As the forces of evil attack the individual by tearing away at his family roots, it becomes critical for Latter-day Saint parents to maintain and strengthen the family. There may possibly be a few very strong individuals who can survive without the support of a family, but more of us need the love, teaching, and acceptance that come from those who care very deeply.
The primary function of a Latter-day Saint home is to insure that every member of the family works to create the climate and conditions in which all can grow toward perfection. For parents, this requires a dedication of time and energy far beyond the mere providing of their children’s physical needs. For children, this means controlling the natural tendency toward selfishness.
Do you spend as much time making your family and home successful as you do in pursuing social and professional success? Are you devoting your best creative energy to the most important unit in society—the family? Or is your relationship with your family merely a routine, unrewarding part of life? Parent and child must be willing to put family responsibilities first in order to achieve family exaltation.
Just a word about several programs of the Church to assist you. Since 1965 the Church has offered the family home evening lessons. Parents who ignore the great help of this program are gambling with the future of their children.
The new magazine, the Ensign, which has carried this message to you, is another effort on the part of the Church to help individuals and families stay closer to the Lord. This magazine can be a great influence for good if you will read it. Over the months it will help build your testimony and offer aid in coping with the problems of the world. In like manner, younger people of the Church will be motivated and strengthened if they have access to the children’s magazine, the Friend, or the magazine for our youth and young adults, the New Era.
We live in a marvelous time, my brothers and sisters. There are great blessings attached to being part of this final dispensation. But there are also great challenges and temptations. I pray that our Heavenly Father will give all of us the strength to reach our true potential. I invoke his Spirit on the homes of the Church, that there may be love and harmony found there. May our Father preserve and exalt our families, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
President Harold B. Lee
My brief remarks are to be directed especially to the youth of the Church—you young men of the Aaronic Priesthood, you Beehive, Mia Maid, and Laurel girls, and you young adults of college age.
It has become almost trite to say that we are living in a momentous period of the earth’s history, but it is true, and we need to remind ourselves of this as we struggle to overcome the difficulties of life.
Because we are privileged to live at this special time, we may be faced with intense challenges to our faith. Today, perhaps more than ever before, there are temptations for us to put aside the faith of our fathers.
The apostle Paul declared: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph. 6:11–12.)
In saying this, the apostle Paul implied that our most deadly contest in life is not with human enemies, which may come with guns or bombing planes to destroy us, but with enemies that strike out of darkness and may not be perceived by human senses.
Continuing, the apostle Paul pictures each of us a warrior being clothed with the essential armor to protect the four parts of the human body, which apparently Satan and his hosts have found to be the most vulnerable, through which the enemies of righteousness may invade the human soul: “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
“And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
“And take the helmet of salvation. …” (Eph. 6:14–15, 17.)
Truth is to be the substance of which the girdle about your loins is to be formed, if your virtue and vital strength are to be safeguarded. You should all strive to keep yourselves worthy to enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage in the temple for time and all eternity.
Now what about the breastplate which will safeguard your heart, or your conduct in life? It shall be made of stuff called righteousness. The righteous man strives for self-improvement, knowing that he has daily need of repentance for his misdeeds or his neglect.
His body is not dissipated by the burdens imposed by the demands of riotous living; his judgment is not rendered faulty by the follies of youth; he is clear of vision, keen of intellect, and strong of body.
Your feet, which represent your goals or objectives in life, are to be shod with “the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Preparedness is the way to victory, and “eternal vigilance is the price of safety.” Whether in speech or in song, in physical or moral combat, the tide of victory rests with him who is prepared.
Now to the last piece of the prophet-teacher’s armored dress. We will put “the helmet of salvation” upon our head. Our head or intellect is the controlling member of the body. It must be well protected against the enemy, for “as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Salvation means the attainment of the eternal light to live in the presence of God the Father and the Son as a reward for a good life in mortality. With the goal of salvation ever in our mind’s eye, as the ultimate to be achieved, our thinking and our decisions, which determine action, will always challenge all that would jeopardize that glorious future state.
Today is a wonderful time in which to be a young person. The fullness of the gospel is on the earth; all the blessings of the Lord are available to those willing to pay the price.
I realize that in the face of violence, immorality, uncleanliness, war, and other evils of modern life, there may be a tendency to become discouraged. I say to you, my young brothers and sisters, don’t give up! The gospel of Jesus Christ has answers to all these problems, and you have the responsibility and charge to stand firm; so enjoy your youth, but “put on the whole armour of God” and resist those things of the world that will destroy your testimony and your chance to accomplish a great work here. May the Lord preserve you and bless you and give you strength to withstand temptation and a determination to make the most of your life so you will be able to reap blessings throughout eternity is my humble prayer, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
President N. Eldon Tanner
You boys and girls are growing up in a wonderfully exciting time. Even a very few years ago most people thought it would never be possible to land men on the moon, to watch that or other events on colored television sets in homes all over the world, to turn a button and have instant heat or lights or coolness. How blessed you are to be alive in this day and time!
You are blessed, too, because you know who you are and why you are here. Most boys and girls who live today, and even grownups, don’t know these two important facts: who they are and why they’re here. They don’t know, as you do, that they are children of our Heavenly Father, who planned this beautiful world and made it possible for us to be born, to grow, and to become more like him and his Son Jesus Christ.
They don’t realize that Jesus Christ is at the head of his church today, but we know that he is! Because we know this and many other things about him, then surely all of us must know him better and love him more than other boys and girls or even grownups in the world today.
The most important thing that Jesus Christ taught when he was on earth is that we must love one another. He told us that “love is of God” and commanded us to “love one another.” (1 John 4:7.)
The prophet Mormon said: “… all children are alike unto me; wherefore, I love little children with a perfect love. …” (Moro. 8:17.) The most perfect of all love is, of course, the love our Heavenly Father and Jesus have for each one of us. Their love is so great that we can’t even begin to comprehend it.
Probably the nearest thing to their love is the great love your parents have for you. They loved you even before you were born. When you finally came to them from your heavenly home, you brought them a great joy that you will feel someday too when you become fathers and mothers. Your parents’ love increases as you grow, and their love for you will never cease.
Sometimes your parents have to tell you no when you want so much for them to say yes. They say no only because they love you, and they know you have been unwise in what you have asked for. Sometimes what you want to do might be unfair to others in your family; sometimes it actually would be against our Heavenly Father’s laws. His laws have been given to us to guide, protect, and strengthen us and give joy and meaning in our lives.
When you truly love, you will receive love in return. Many leaders of churches in the time of the Prophet Joseph Smith asked why he was able to attract so many people who were anxious to follow him in spite of the suffering they had to endure. He answered them: “Because I possess the principle of love … I can offer the world … a good heart and a good hand.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith [Deseret Book Company, 1968], p. 313.)
How can you learn to keep the commandment to love one another, your parents, your brothers and sisters, your friends? Someone said that we learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, and just so, we learn to love by loving. We need to express our love to those around us by telling them every day that we do love them, and mean what we say. Sometimes it is even more important to show people that we love them than it is just to say “I love you.”
But if we tell them of our love and also show that we feel a love for them by being kind and thoughtful and courteous, then each one of our homes can become a little piece of heaven.
Yes, it is a wonderfully exciting time to live, but there are many problems, too, for boys and girls who are growing in today’s world. There are many people and things to tempt you to forget who you are and why you are here. But always remember, beloved children, that all will be well with you if you live as you are taught to live by your parents and teachers and our Heavenly Father and Jesus, who love you most of all. This is my prayer for you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Payson Utah Temple Announced
President Monson announced that a temple will be built in Payson, Utah. It will ease the burden on the Provo temple. It will be the 15th temple in Utah. The temple will be located at about 930 West and 1550 South. It will serve 22 stakes from Spanish Fork to Nephi. It will bring the total number of temples to 152.
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