That Ye May Believe

Hello Everyone!

This week I would like to take a short while to speak about the scriptures and their importance in guiding us back to our Father in Heaven.  A few weeks ago I finished reading the Book of Mormon, and a verse in the Book of Mormon caught my eye.  

8. Therefore repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus, and lay hold upon the gospel of Christ, which shall be set before you, not only in this record but also in the record which shall come unto the Gentiles from the Jews, which record shall come from the Gentiles unto you.

9. For behold, this is written for the intent that ye may believe that; and if ye believe that ye will believe this also; and if ye believe this ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them.(Mormon 7:8-9)

We are here in this mortal state to learn and to grow.  To receive a body and learn of all the good and bad that comes with being imperfect.  The above verses stand as Mormon's testimony of how we can return to live with our Father in Heaven.  His testimony contains three main points:

1. Lay hold upon the gospel of Christ

2. Repent

3. Be Baptized

I wish to speak somewhat today about the importance of the first, and how it is the basis of any faith in Christ.  

Mormon wrote in the above verses that the Book of Mormon was "written for the intend that [we] may believe" the writings that came from the Jews to the Gentiles, or in other words the Holy Bible.  The Book of Mormon seeks to establish greater faith in our lives by providing a second witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ, and of his all-important role as our Savior and advocate with the Father.  

Many often wonder how members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can believe what we believe, and how we can live lives the way we do.  And in a discussion with a member of the ward here, we came to the conclusion that the reason this belief exists is because of personal spiritual experiences.  It's an amazing thing to be a missionary, it truly is.  If you haven't served a mission, and are able, I would recommend it to all.  And if you have served a mission, remember the experiences you had that were unique to you.  For two years I have the opportunity to invite others to come unto Christ.  And I use the term invite for a specific reason.  I am here beckoning like Lehi of old to come and partake of the joy of Christ's Atonement.  I am here encouraging others to experience what I have experienced so that they can know for themselves the truth of this message.  

There is no point to missionary work if all we seek to do is indoctrinate.  We invite others to have their own spiritual experiences and to find for themselves a testimony, instead of relying on others for strength.  These spiritual experiences either start with scripture, or are strengthened by scripture.  The scriptures are written that we might believe and know for ourselves that Christ is our Savior, and the principles contained in them will bring the Spirit into our lives so that he may teach us of godly truths.  

To be brief, my advice to all is to seek and lay hold upon the gospel of Christ.  Earnestly seek to know the truth and delve deep into the word of God.  There is truth to be found, and sometimes all that is needed to find it is a prepared mind and a willing heart.  

I hope that you all have a great week!

-Elder Gailey