In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America. (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names. We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.)

Let us know if you’d like to receive your own copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.

Mormon Thoughts: The Physical Representation of the Effects of Sin
Letter to a Friend

Dear David,

I hope you are doing well. I know it’s been awhile since we last talked, but I would really like to explain better now why the destruction of the ancient inhabitants of America was so terrifying in chapters 7-10 of Third Nephi in The Book of Mormon.

God, the master of words that he is, had several purposes for having this descriptive account recorded for us in this time. One that we talked about in my Book of Mormon class that is fairly clear is to show the fate of the wicked at the last day that they will not be allowed to abide in Jesus Christ’s or God’s presence.

Another reason I learned about recently is to describe with physical events the spiritual pain we go through when we sin. Our guilt may burn and consume us like fire. Our souls are thrown into upheaval as those things that were once one way are drastically changed into another, just as the scriptures said that the smooth places were made rough and the rough places were made flat.

Another description of the effects of sin is drowning: unable to draw breath and panicking. The inhabitants of ancient America were also described as swallowed up by the earth and rocks falling down to bury them. Similarly, when we sin we feel a weight and pressure upon us, crushing and immobilizing us. All these effects of sin destroy us and leave us destitute, but these effects can be contrasted to the joy and healing to be found when we repent of our sins and turn unto Christ.

God lets us know exactly what we can expect when we sin and when we repent. Please try to understand these things because they will bring you the greatest joy in life.

Your friend,

Ryan

Additional Resources:

Mormon Beliefs

In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America. (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names. We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.)

Let us know if you’d like to receive your own copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.

Mormon Thoughts: Intimate Atonement
Letter to Author’s Sister

I am writing you early this week because I don’t want to forget the feelings I just had in class. I was incredibly tired, and prayed at the beginning of class to pay attention and feel the spirit. Oh boy, did I feel the tender spirit as we read through only half the chapter together as a class and discuss this unique passage of scripture. My hand didn’t stop writing until we watched a short video at the end of class.

There are three witnesses that occur in chapter 11 of 3 Nephi of the divinity of the Savior Jesus Christ. The first and most powerful in all scripture is the testimony of the Father, “Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him” (3 Nephi 11:7). Second, Christ testifies of himself. Finally, and most importantly, the Savior invited the multitude to, “Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know (3 Nephi 11:14, emphasis added).

Interesting that after the testimony of the Father and the Son, the personal confirmation of the Spirit is the most lasting testimony we can receive. Christ understands our mortal state and the effect of our senses to increase our knowledge and understanding of principles. But I truly believe that what the people needed most of all was to feel his love for each of them personally as it was conveyed by the spirit.

This is my favorite scripture among all latter-day revelation:

And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come (3 Nephi 11:15, emphasis added).

This scripture demonstrates the infinite and intimate nature of the Atonement. I know that Christ suffered for the sins of the world, but he also suffered for our infirmities, pains, afflictions, temptations, sicknesses, etc., as stated in Alma 7:11-12.

My teacher made the statement, “When you come to Jesus he will be exactly what you need him to be.” If you need someone to cry with, he’ll weep with you, or smile with you, or comfort you. He knows what we need when we need it.

I know that you and I are daughters of God. I know that through sincere, consistent prayer I feel that the Savior is exactly the kind of friend, father, or brother that I need him to be. I have my struggles, like everyone does. The Atonement is how I take these to him daily, weekly, and monthly to reconcile, strengthen, and succor me through this life.

I love you and hope that this was understandable.

Hailey

Additional Resources:

Mormon Beliefs

In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America. (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names. We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.)

Let us know if you’d like to receive your own copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.

Mormon Thoughts
Letter to Author’s Grandmother

Grandma,

It has been a bit since Joy and I last saw you. We just made a scrapbook for the year 2011 and another for 2012, and we included pictures of us going to the Las Vegas temple with you and Sherida. Joy and I have set goals to attend the temple as it is so very close to us. Next time we come down, it would be nice to go again with you guys.

With my studies I have been studying the scriptures with Joy, and something made me think of you and your life. You have a few years on me, and I still have much to learn, but I admire those who give themselves to a cause and to a belief. In 3 Nephi chapter 9 verses 19 and 20, we read how Jesus introduces the higher law that coincides with His sacrifice. He teaches that we should not offer blood or burnt sacrifices anymore. Instead, He explains what He requires of each of us: “And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit.”

I believe that sacrifice in ancient times is not so different from what it means today. While we do not offer up a physical animal to sacrifice, we offer up the animal in each of us. The carnal and natural man must be offered up as sacrifice. In ancient days, “sacrifice” meant to make something or someone holy. This can be very difficult, and it is supposed to be.

I think we all have daily opportunities to sacrifice for the God that suffered and died for us. Going to the temple, studying the scriptures, and magnifying my callings are the ones I am working on. It seems like the only thing I lack in my abundance is time. Days and weeks fly by and that means tests and papers. But each time I lay myself on the altar and give up snowboarding or movies or video games to do His work, I really feel closer to Him.

I sure do admire that you have been faithful for so many years and I know it has affected a lot of people outside our family to have a grandma who taught her kids about the church.

Stay healthy and write when you can.

Brandon

Additional Resources:

Mormon Beliefs

In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America. (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names. We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.)

Let us know if you’d like to receive your own copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.

Mormon Thoughts
Letter to Brother on a Mission

Dear Ryker,

This week we have been studying chapters 7 through 10 in 3 Nephi. In these chapters it shows how the people are becoming more and more wicked right before the Savior’s coming. A few concepts that caught my attention were how there are many paths to wickedness but only one path to Christ, and how signs or miracles can be overlooked if our spiritual eyes are shut.

Satan wishes to deceive all mankind by distracting us from the good and preaching against the doctrine of Christ. Although there are many signs in these chapters that followed the great sign of the star (the sign which had been prophesied would appear at Christ’s birth), the people become ignorant in their wickedness. They turn hardhearted and prideful as their attention strays from God. I believe that happens to us at times as well.

We know that we live in the last days and that Christ will soon come again, but with the many vain things of the world fighting for our attention we lose focus on our true and eternal goal. President Uchtdorf (member of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) talked once in a story about a time when the navigation on his plane began to malfunction. As the controls went out, there was only a small compass to lead their coarse. With that they believed they were on track but little did they know they were only a few degrees off. Little by little they strayed from their destination and when they reached journey’s end, they realized they had ended up very far off course.

Satan will try and sway us only a little bit at a time as to confuse us and make us not notice where we are in the storm of life. We must hold fast to the word of God and follow our modern-day Liahonas (ancient spiritually guided compass), such as the living prophets, to guide and direct us with the Spirit. For if we don’t, we will become desensitized to even the greatest of God’s miracles, like the people in 3 Nephi did when they watched Nephi cast out devils and raise his brother from the dead.

I testify that there are miracles in our days and the closer we are to God, the more clear they come into our vision so that we can look to God and feel secure that he is in control. Thanks for being such a great example and preaching the good word to those who so desperately need it. You are the miracle that can help them see Christ’s love and accept Him as their Savior.

Love ya tons!

Brock Guthrie

Additional Resources:

Mormon Beliefs

In this series (see below), students enrolled in scripture study classes have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections on the Book of Mormon in the form of letters to someone they know. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.

In publishing these, we fulfill their desire to speak to all of us of the relevance, power and beauty of the Book of Mormon, a second witness of Jesus Christ and complement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon includes the religious history of a group of Israelites who settled in ancient America. (The names they use are those of prophets who taught the Book of Mormon peoples to look forward to the coming of Christ—Nephi, Lehi, Alma, Helaman, and other unfamiliar names. We hope those names will become more familiar to you as you read their inspiring words and feel the relevance and divinity of their messages through these letters.)

Let us know if you’d like to receive your own copy of the Book of Mormon, and/or if these messages encourage and assist you spiritually as well.

Mormon Thoughts: God’s Plan
Letter to an Old Highschool Friend

There have been several times in my life where I have come to you in desperate need of advice and guidance. I am forever grateful that you were willing to listen to me and esteem me even during the times when I did not deserve your attention. You have a fine quality of listening which makes you a good friend. Listening has been one thing that I find myself doing a lot lately.

Recently, I have been surrounded by amazing spiritual giants that have helped shaped me to become a better and more loving person. I am humbled every day when I listen to them because they have such strong righteous desires and insights and I feel a bit inadequate at times when I am around them. Because of their example I have taken it upon myself to become a stronger disciple of Jesus Christ. I find myself listening throughout the day for the Spirit because I long to hear Him. I love being able to feel my whole body warm up and feel lighter when He enters into my heart.

After these past few weeks I have come to the conclusion that I need to hear God’s plan for me. There are times when I know that I am doing what He wants me to, even when no one else agrees with my decisions. Recently, the prophet of our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) announced an age change for missionaries. Young men are now allowed to served when they are 18 and young women are able to serve when they are 19. Many young women decided they were going to serve a mission and the pressure to join them was immense. I pondered many hours as to whether I should go on one or not and I received my answer: I knew it was not my time to serve a mission. Perhaps when I am older I can serve a mission with my husband after retirement. However God wants me to stay here for now.

It was difficult to tell people that I was not going because I could tell they expected me to go. My family did not push me, but I could tell there was a bit of hesitation when the subject was brought up. There will be times in your life where only God will understand what is best for you. You will receive confirmation from Him and no one else will. It is important to understand the authority and power that God has, especially during times like these where no one seems to understand or want to listen. He will guide you to where you need to be even when it seems like He is not in your life. We cannot let those around us distract us from hearing what God wants us to do. Even our most loved ones can block the Spirit at times.

I am telling you this because I want you to realize that God does love each of His children and will challenge their faith in order to make them grow. The Book of Mormon, scriptures that are a second witness of Jesus Christ, contains a scriptures in 2 Nephi 2:11 that states, “For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad.”

I pray that you will be able to find God’s plan for you and when He reveals it to you I hope that you will be strong enough to never let go of it, even when those around you say otherwise.

Additional Resources:

Mormon Beliefs

Mormon Thoughts: You Can’t Do Wrong and Feel Right

We all make mistakes on a daily basis. Not one of us is perfect, and not one of us is expected to be perfect. Not one of us is ever going to be perfect on our own. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are taught that Jesus Christ is the only perfect being that has ever walked on this earth. We are also counseled to become like Him. Without Him, we are not able to progress in our lives simply because we AREN’T perfect and we need His help in order to return to live with Him and our Heavenly Father. We are able to be forgiven of the things that we do wrong on a daily basis because of Jesus Christ’s infinite Atonement. Whether the mistakes we make are large or small, it doesn’t matter. We have the opportunity, and have been commanded, to repent of our wrongdoings.

A prime example of this was Alma the Younger, a prophet in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon stands as another testament of Jesus Christ alongside the Bible. Alma, in his youth, went about trying to destroy and bring down the Church. Because of the seriousness of his actions, he was visited by an angel who struck Alma dumb for 3 days. When Alma was finally able to speak again, he admitted his mistakes and the truthfulness of the gospel. He lived the rest of his life as a teacher and leader in the Church. Alma, in later years, recounts this experience to his sons. It seems that while Alma was “harrowed up” by his sins (Alma 36:12), the feelings he experienced were that of “torment,” “destruction,” “bondage,” “pain” and “damnation.” He experienced the pains of hell. It was during this time of horror, when Alma was experiencing the regret of his sins, that he remembered what his father had taught him in his youth about Jesus Christ who atoned for the sins of the world. Once he thought about Christ, he began to pray and to plead for the mercy of his own soul. Only after he turned to Christ did he begin to be free of the pains he had previously felt. He instead began to experience “joy,” “mercy,” “support,” “marvelous light,” “strength,” “sweetness,” “deliverance,” “singing and praising” and “glory.” He began to experience the exquisite joys of heaven.

It was only after Alma the Younger turned to Jesus Christ that he was saved from the damning feelings that were harrowing up his soul. Jesus Christ is always the turning point in the Book of Mormon. He is always the turning point in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And He is always the turning point in our lives, if we let Him be. His arms are always outstretched. He is always there waiting for our return, for our commitment, or recommitment, to Him. It is never too late. We have never gone too far. We will never be out of the reach of Christ’s eternal love and infinite Atonement. When we truly turn ourselves to Christ and desire to take part in His love and His light, we will feel the influence of the Atonement in our lives. We will be healed by the love that our Savior Jesus Christ has for every one of us as His children.

Additional Resources:

Mormons and Christ

I Believe: Expressions of Faith

Meet with Mormon missionaries

And now, because of the steadiness of the church they began to be exceedingly rich, having abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in need—an abundance of flocks and herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also abundance of grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things, and abundance of silk and fine-twined linen, and all manner of good homely cloth (Book of Mormon, Alma 1:29).

The Church of Jesus Christ teaches that obedience to the commandments brings blessings according to will of the Lord, who wants His obedient children to partake all the goodness of the earth and also even giving them the greatest gift of all, which is eternal life. The Lord said,

There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 130:20-21).

The story of Job is one of the perfect examples of abundance through Jesus Christ. Job is considered one of the richest men in his area, as recorded in the Old Testament. He had everything that a man would want to have, nevertheless he was not obsessed with his possessions. Job was a righteous man, and he loved the Lord. But later in his life, Job experienced trials that tested all of his good qualities, including patience, kindness, love, faith, humility, understanding and obedience to God’s commandments. The trials became so intense that he lost everything he possessed, including his wealth, health, and worst of all, his family. Despite all that had happened to him, he still wanted to obey God. He said,

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me? Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword, that ye may know there is a judgment (Old Testament, Job 19:25-29).

Perhaps the greatest lesson that all of us can get out of the story of Job is that what matters most is our obedience to commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ. Everything depends on God; the rise and fall of an individual or a family or a nation depends on their obedience to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. He had also seven sons and three daughters. And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Keren-happuch. And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old and full of days” (Old Testament, Job 42:12-17).

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all are treated alike. The Church also reaches out to the world, especially during calamities in giving relief to those who have been affected, regardless of nationality, race, or religion. The greatest good is manifest, however, not in humanitarian aid, but in how the gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives for the better. It is a testimony of what the fullness of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ can do for someone’s life. Of course, God wants us all to be happy, well, and abundant in all things, not only temporally but everlastingly.

All people are commanded to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and follow His commandments.

Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend. For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind? And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a remission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with joy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 4:9,19-20).

This article was written by Roy, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

References:
1) Book of Mormon, Alma 1:29
2) Doctrine and Covenants, Section 130:20-21
3) Old Testament, Job 19:25-29
4) Old Testament, Job 42:12-17
5) Book of Mormon, Mosiah 4:9,19-20

Additional Resources:

Jesus.Christ.org

Provident Living

LDS Philanthropies: Helping to Save and Change Lives

Jesus Christ represents all that is good, true, virtuous, merciful, just and godly. Lucifer is the adversary of everything that Christ stands for. He embodies all that is evil, false, immoral, and devoid of any trace of goodness or divine light. He is the enemy of God and of every human being who seeks to follow Christ (Newsroom, December 12, 2007).

This post answers the question “Is Satan real?” and how one can withstand his temptations.

Who Is Satan Really?

Satan is known as the adversary, the devil, Lucifer, Satan, Perdition, and the serpent who tempted Adam and Eve. The modern prophet Thomas S. Monson has taught that:

Lucifer, that clever pied piper, plays his lilting melody and attracts the unsuspecting away from the safety of their chosen pathway, away from the counsel of loving parents, away from the security of God’s teachings. He seeks not just the so-called refuse of humanity; he seeks all of us, including the very elect of God. King David listened, wavered, and then followed and fell. So did Cain in an earlier era and Judas Iscariot in a later one. Lucifer’s methods are cunning; his victims, numerous. We read of him in 2 Nephi: “Others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security.” “Others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell … until he grasps them with his awful chains.” “And thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.” (“The Three Rs of Choice“, Ensign, November 2010)

Is Satan really bad? Yes, Lucifer is bad because he rejected God and His plan for us. The devil wanted to take all of God’s glory and power for himself. Satan really wants us all to be as miserable as he is. Once someone understands the plan of salvation, it is easy to know the answer to the question “Is Satan real?”. One needs only glance at a newspaper to read about all the evil in the world today such as robberies, violence, and wars. Fortunately, the choice to choose good/evil is ours. Our modern prophet Thomas S. Monson taught the importance of agency or the right to choose for ourselves:

We know that we had our agency before this world was and that Lucifer attempted to take it from us. He had no confidence in the principle of agency or in us and argued for imposed salvation. He insisted that with his plan none would be lost, but he seemed not to recognize—or perhaps not to care—that in addition, none would be any wiser, any stronger, any more compassionate, or any more grateful if his plan were followed.

We who chose the Savior’s plan knew that we would be embarking on a precarious, difficult journey, for we walk the ways of the world and sin and stumble, cutting us off from our Father. But the Firstborn in the Spirit offered Himself as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of all. Through unspeakable suffering He became the great Redeemer, the Savior of all mankind, thus making possible our successful return to our Father (Thomas S. Monson, “The three Rs of choice”, Ensign, October 2010).

Is Satan real? Yes. He tempts us to disobey God and choose things that take us further away from Him. But there is also hope through Jesus Christ and one can overcome such temptations through our Savior.

How is Satan Real?

Ancient prophets in the Americas wrote in the scriptures (Introduction, The Book of Mormon) to invite us to Christ and have taught us how to recognize if Lucifer is real.

Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually. But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil. For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him (Moroni 7:12-17).

Little children seem to have an innate ability to feel or know right from wrong. Some people may consider this their conscience yet others may consider it guidance from the Holy Ghost or the Light of Christ. God has given us the Holy Ghost to guide us and help us know right from wrong. The Holy Ghost can help us recognize if something will take us closer to God or further away and towards the devil. Therefore, the Holy Ghost can answer the question “Is Satan real?” if you ask in sincerity. This can be done through prayer. Since we are all children of God, we have the right to ask Him anything. If you don’t believe me, ask for yourself and you will get an answer (most likely through the Holy Ghost).

Additional Resources:

Read another article about Satan.

Visit a local “Mormon” meetinghouse near you.

Mormon Beliefs: Is Satan really part of God’s plan?

In our class discussion regarding Egyptology, we were able to see just how much we learn from revelation. There are so many things we think that we know, only in later years to realize how wrong we really were. In my discipline, which is exercise science, I am able to learn about the body and its movement through biology and chemistry classes. Through my studies, I have learned first-hand how little we know. The book I used at the beginning of my study would no longer be applicable at this time in my trek. So much of modern science changes month to month upon receiving new information. These “revelations,” help us to be the most accurate in our study. That’s not to say that what we found first was wrong, just that it was incomplete information.

We discussed how revealed revelation helped the Church in understanding more about how to run. Joseph Smith was able to receive new scripture purely off of revelation; through those revelations we have learned more about this Gospel. Revealed revelation should add to our knowledge and help us understand that we are always learning. Something may not have been in our prior knowledge, but that doesn’t mean we won`t learn it at some point. In my discipline then, I need to make sure I am learning all that I can, but keeping an open mind that some things may later be revealed that add to or are contrary to a previous thought. Being stuck on one idea leaves us close-minded and naïve. Most areas of study would like to believe we know everything. That is fine, but we know better. Never take something as concrete, unless it is the sole fact that God lives and loves us. This knowledge will help me to realize nothing is quite set in stone. More information can be given to us at any point.

Obviously finding and discovering information for ourselves is a big way to learn in my field, but that doesn’t mean it is the only way to learn. I hope to become a physical therapist someday, and realize that different theories could change from now to when I am actually out working. This is fine. It will teach me that I need to have an open mind to received information. I know the Gospel, I know the principles, and I know my Heavenly Father is there and that He will reveal to us what we need to know, at the right time. With this information, I know that everything is second to the Gospel. That if I learn something in my field contrary to what I know to be true, I simply can pray and my Father will help me to understand what is to be learned. If I take my discipline as law, then I will find my faith shaken and confused. The Gospel is always true, though my field of study, scientifically founded as it is, is not. I need to listen closely to the prophets and to what my Father personally tells me and with and open mind  learn what my discipline has to teach me.

Additional Resources:

Read/watch/listen to a talk titled “In Tune with the Music of Faith” given by one of today’s apostles Quintin L. Cook.

Learn more about the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Also known as Mormons) believing in modern revelation.

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Heavenly Father Loves All of His Children

In the Pearl of Great Price, a book of scripture held sacred by Latter-day Saints “Mormons”, we learn that the most paramount truth Moses learned from speaking with God is that he is God’s son (See Moses chapter one in the Pearl of Great Price). The relationship between a father and his son is dependable and familiar, filled with trust, admiration and love. This is never truer than when describing the relationship between our Heavenly Father and his children. As Moses came to learn of his divine nature as a son of the Father, it became a source of strength for him in difficult times. The knowledge that an all-knowing God, the creator of the universe, is ever-present and endlessly supportive was undoubtedly an immense comfort to Moses. When suddenly faced with Satan’s temptations in verse 12, Moses was able to say with confidence, “Who art thou? For I am a son of God…” No amount of enticement from the adversary could quell this inherent truth. As I learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “Mormon Church”, my testimony of this fact is continually reinforced. I am a daughter of God and as such I have an inherently divine nature. Like Moses, I gain strength and assurance from this every day. Though I may not conduct myself the way the world expects a young woman to, I know it does not matter. I know that I can walk in confidence as long as I measure up to God’s standard. The opinions of man hold little value and my worth is not contingent upon them. I know who I am and I have a loving Heavenly Father who knows who I am. He is aware of me and anxious for me to achieve the best things in this life. As my knowledge of what it truly means to be a daughter of God grows, I am constantly reminded of the profound love our Heavenly Father has for each of His children. As I strive to grow closer to my Heavenly Father and Savior each day, I know that I, much like Moses, will be continually edified and the knowledge of this sacred relationship reinforces my resolve to strive to live up to my divine potential.

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