Defending the Faith

There are many things I do not know, and great deal I still need to learn. This weekend I was privileged to be in the presence of faithful men and women, strong in their convictions and true to their mainstream Christian faiths. As ministers and active believers, their love for God was clearly felt. Admirable, I might add.

And as a Mormon (as I’m commonly referred these days), the topic of legitimacy clearly rose. It was then that I realised that I have much to work on – especially in defending my faith while respecting theirs.

1 Peter 3:15 tells us: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

I failed in that regard this past weekend, as my responses left much to be wanted, much to be answered. I resorted to the same old response the missionaries left me with when I asked the same questions and the conversation died before resolution was made. So that is what I’d like to address today.

From their perspective, the gospel was clearly taught to the disciples and recorded in the Bible. From then, it has been the gospel Christians have lived by until the 1800s came. Then, suddenly, Churches sprang out with new doctrine and new teachings that opposed that which was carried on from the days of the apostles.

Galatians 1:8-9 was presented and I was asked how I felt about having “another gospel”.

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

From this perspective, yes, I agree that it can be viewed as a perversion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

But this is not how we see it. And foundation of our conclusion resides in the churches that did exist before any such restoration took place. Our understanding of the above verse brings to pass the difference in understanding of the term “gospel”.

Let us go back, back to the days of Joseph Smith, when his journey for truth began.

In his immediate vicinity, the topic of religion was rife and the denominations existing already strong. There were Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians of immediate concern. His family was torn between the splits and his mind was not yet made. These were the days when congregations fought strongly about who was right and who was wrong.

Already, before any “restoration”, there was much confusion regarding the truthfulness of any current denomination. It is not surprising that many began their own search for truth, coming to many of their own conclusions.

In the words of Joseph Smith, “for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.”

The “gospel” had not been preserved. The teachings that now came forth taught that God no longer spoke to man; that dreams and visions were not possible (as opposed to Acts 20:17) and that one should NOT pray (as opposed to 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

This was the reality for Joseph Smith. Clearly, an apostasy had occurred, as these men and women relied on teachings, rather than testimony; teachings that varied greatly, one from another. As we see it, a restoration needed to take place. Man needed God, not the interpretations of man.

So Joseph Smith prayed to God and the first vision came to pass. The Book of Mormon was revealed to reaffirm what the Bible taught. Together, they would stand as scripture to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon was not and is not another gospel, but another testament of Jesus Christ. It is further scripture to teach the same gospel, because the Bible had been through so many hands and preached with so many tongues and interpretations.

So no, I don’t believe Paul was talking about Moroni or Joseph Smith or the Book of Mormon in Galatians 1. I don’t believe the Book of Mormon teaches “another gospel”, because it teaches us to come unto Christ, as does the Bible; it teaches us to call on His name so that we can be saved, as does the Bible; it teaches us that He is the focus, He is the centre, and He is the reason for all things, as does the Bible. It teaches us the means by which we can be saved – faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end – and that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the same gospel he taught to His disciples and it is the same gospel taught today.

One thing I have noticed, however, is that contemporary Christianity is not the same as Christianity was just prior to the “restoration”. Christianity changed from trusting in reason to trusting in revelation, they went from being Draconian to relying solely on grace, and began developing a relationship with God instead of preaching damnation.

I find this change interesting as the words to Joseph Smith in the First Vision were, “they draw near unto me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”

I strongly believe this has changed from then to now. Yes, there are many who fall under this category still, but Christianity today is about the relationship. At least, that is what I’ve noticed.

There are many who seek the Lord and follow Him with all their heart.

Another question was asked, if we believe that a person has to be Mormon in order to get into heaven. And granted, there are many that do believe this. But one thing we do know is that we, LDS, will be surprised at the judgement bar to see those who do, in fact, receive celestial glory (Matthew 5:10).

As important as the three kingdoms are in our faith, I don’t really like discussing them with those who don’t share it; mostly because they don’t exist yet. Rather, I prefer to focus on paradise (Luke 23:43) and prison (1 Peter 3:19), the current heaven and hell. This is where Mormonism and mainstream Christianity works together, for the most part.

There are many things pertaining to the restoration which would require much study, much time, and much discussion. I don’t have the answers to many things, but I know that this is the path God has put me on. For I, myself, had great difficulty in accepting the restored gospel, but when God speaks, you listen. When the Spirit whispers, you pay attention.

Future Elder Smith

I'd just like to emphasize the Future part of the title. Yes, Future Elder Smith. As in, not quite yet Elder Smith.

It's interesting to see that my surname has been the topic of many a conversation since my joining of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Not only among members, but also among my non-LDS friends.

"Face it, the only reason you joined the Church is because of Joseph Smith. Such vanity."

Yes, definitely. My entire testimony is dependent on a man I didn't even like while investigating the Church. I only developed a testimony of Joseph Smith long after accepting the Book of Mormon and the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ. Granted, I do admire him now, but it actually has very little to do with my decision to be baptized and confirmed as a member of the Church.

"Smith is a common surname in America."

Yes, and it is a common name everywhere else in the westernized world. It doesn't change my repellent stance on the promised land. Yea, that's another thing I'm going to have to work on before Zion comes.

"Maybe you're related to Joseph Smith."

Yes, because all Smiths are related. I mean, Will Smith is my uncle. Besides, the entire thought is a moot point, especially considering the great difficulty involved in finding any relative before my great grandparents. My immediate family tree is complicated enough. I don't even want to think about the chaos that'd unfold in tracing back to 1830. I'll take the 1900s and leave the rest to my kids.

Interesting tidbit. My sister and I are the only remaining Smiths in our entire family (the ones that we know of, that is).

I digress. My biggest pet-peeve regarding my surname is Elder Smith. I am still Jonothan. I wasn't an Elder when I was first called Elder Smith and, even though I'm Elder now, the title itself is reserved for Apostles and those they (or the First Presidency) have called and set apart as such (directly or indirectly).

That being said, I am a Future Elder Smith - considering that my mission papers are currently being processed. And I do understand the attempted humor and affection involved in calling me Elder Smith. But this is me - blunt, technical, and attemptively accurate to a perfectionistic degree.

That, and I don't like being put on a pedestal. You see, the reasoning behind the affectionate humor is that I am quite zealous with regards to the Gospel. I take my calling as a Ward Missionary seriously, but more seriously is my obligation as a Member Missionary, yea, even a disciple of Jesus Christ.

But I don't like being reminded, or having it pointed out. Because there is something about the way people say it that makes it seem like I'm doing more than I actually am.

Brother Farquharson once pointed out that I shouldn't see it as flattery. Rather, I should list them as facts and remove all nuances and exaggerations. And I suppose the derivatives thereof support others' views of me.

But it doesn't make me comfortable. Perhaps that's the blue in me (see color code here), I don't know.

Regardless of my ranting, however, I am grateful for the friends I do have. They are supportive, encouraging and uplifting. Even though I often cringe at the things they say, and outright tell them they're wrong, they do teach me a lot. And it's that spirit I'd like to bring with me when I do, finally, go on mission.

So here's to serving the Lord the best I can. Here's to friends, whom I cherish. And here's to being a Future Elder Smith. Perhaps there'll be more when I'm a father, one day.

Priest's Mission Experience

Now, I've mentioned the Priest's mission experience a couple of times already, so here's a post all about it. Yes, this time, there will be pictures.

It was on the 12th of April 2014. Brother Kevin Farquharson and other stake leaders organised a day for Priests to pair off with missionaries for the day. My companion was Elder Deichman.

Meet Elder Deichman

The day started off... okay, the night started out at the MTC (Mission Training Centre) - now this wasn't my first time at the MTC, but that's another story. We were supposed to start at 6:30pm, but this is Mormon time and African time combined, so we started at 7:30pm instead. New missionaries taught us as we pretended to be investigators (this is what the MTC is for - to train young men and women to preach the gospel to strangers in two short weeks).

We moved on to Kempton Park Ward where families kindly agreed to let us stay for the night - we were treated as missionaries from get go. With greetings and preparations set, i wrote in my journal, said my prayers amd we were off to bed.

It was an "early" morning as we followed the missionary schedule. I say that because 6am is still quite reasonable. We said our prayers, had our showers, cleaned up and left the family with a prayer.

At the chapel, many young men found enjoyment throwing balls at one another. The excitement continued as breakfast arrived and the seminar began. We learnt of mission and the secret of missionary work, which isn't - or really, shouldn't - be a secret. That secret is work. We went over PMG (Preach My Gospel) and then moved on to be paired off with a missionary.

Now we're all caught up. We sang hymns, had people talk and then had lunch.

Lunch!

I didn't know if the food had been blessed, or not, so we did so just in case.

Yes, I'm wearing tekkies. Don't judge me.

We then moved out to our areas. Elder Deichman and I had Birchacres where he'd been serving for the past seven months. He had appointments set up (only one of which pulled through). It was a young lady (still in high school) who met missionaries elsewhere. We discussed the Bible and the Book of Mormon, just getting to know her and her sister. She had a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ already, which was phenomenal since nobody in her family taught her or even believed themselves. She told us about her own missionary efforts at school which was great.

The not so great part was how her dog peed on my bag and she gave us coke which I drank. The first and only time I drank coke as a member (and yes, I know, it's not technically against the Word of Wisdom).

We tracted a great deal and handed out pass along cards. There were many drunk people and quite a few rude people, but it was a great experience in the end. We met another Jonathan which was great.

Elder Deichman and I discussed many things and, as it turns out, we share a great deal of common interest in music. He wants to be a psychologist. He has a strong testimony, especially considering how his brothers did not. FYI, he was born in covenant.

Once the walking was over, we returned to report what we had done, sang and heard people bear their testimonies. It was great.

IDK

Brother Kevin wanted a funny photo of us, but - as it turns out - Elder Deichman was just as indecisive as I was.

What do you think?

We really don't know.

So we settled on this.

We then took group photos. This was funny; I was standing right behind Elder Deichman when he said, "I need to find my conpanion. Jonothan!"

Elder Pulley! On the right.

The group of Priests and Missionaries

Don't ask me what's happening here.

So that was it. A day I'll never forget. With moments I'll all always cherish. Who knows? I may just run in to Elder Deichman again one of these days.

One Year and Counting

Exactly one year ago, as of 08:22 CAT this morning (15 December 2014), I was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One year, exactly, and what a year it’s been.

I’ve been to the Temple (baptisms only) and distribution centre, completed this year’s Institute modules, done Home Teaching, received both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood, given talks, taught lessons, blessed and passed the Sacrament, given blessings, gone out teaching with the missionaries, been called as a Ward Missionary, attended PEC and coordination meetings, handed in my mission papers, completed tithing settlement, attended firesides (spoke to Elder Hamilton) and went to activities (ward, stake and multi-stake), participated in Helping Hands projects and the Stake Fair, and even experienced mission life as a Priest through a coordinated Centurion Stake activity.

And to think, just over a year ago I tried to prove the Church wrong.

This is my life now. I have people waiting to talk to me in places almost too far to schedule, daily conversations over WhatsApp and Facebook and intense discussions with friends and family – all because, “I want to hear Jonothan’s explanation first.”

It can be frustrating at times, though. Often, I find that me teaching them goes well, but the moment I involve missionaries everything seems to go awry. They talk to me, but not to them (and this goes both ways – missionaries and informal investigators).

I have a friend who asks me, and only me, questions about the scriptures and gospel doctrine and principles. I have an inactive member just hanging on a thread, making excuses every time I mention the word missionary, but openly discusses with me and constantly requests that I visit. I have a family friend waiting for me to tell him about the Church, but won’t see the missionaries, listen to anyone else or read anything related until such time as I find a chance to visit (which may very well be good with regards to Anti-Mormon literature).

I’ve had had positive and enthusiastic referrals who simply fell off the radar after meeting with (or trying to meet with) missionaries. I’ve had missionaries stand up investigators and investigators stand up missionaries. I’ve had cancelled appointments and wrong addresses and all no-shows.

But the change I see in my friends and family since I joined the Church has been remarkable. My immediate family sees the missionaries every other Sunday. My friends are constantly on my case about when I leave for mission and my best friend (who happens to be agnostic) witnessed my ordination to Elder out of his own free will; seriously, he asked me if he could come.

Beyond that, I’ve made friends trying to preach the gospel and planted seeds wherever I could.

As bad as the response often is, beauty almost always shines through.

It feels like a decade has passed, but it’s only been a year. And I am grateful for all the people who came into my life to make a difference. I’m grateful for the missionaries from the start, even though I often complain. It is thanks to them that I am on the path I am on; for they guided me towards truth and, in all their patience, I finally accepted.

So I felt like making a list of all the people who helped make me the Latter-day Saint I am today.

• Kevin Farquharson, who I knew before the world was.
• Shan Farquharson, who sussed me out from the start.
• Dylan Farquharson, who invited me over the night I met the missionaries.
• Elder Beenfield (Daniel Beenfield), the first missionary I ever met.
• Elder Black (Jordan Black), who lied about not being American.
• Elder Dalton (Dakota Dalton), who owes me a photo – now that I think about it.
• Elder Baker (Alex Baker), who I taught about John’s tarrying.
• Elder Zulu (Siyabonga Armstrong Zulu), the first non-American missionary I ever met.
• Elder Tew (David Tew), who I saw as an older brother.
• Elder Mukarati (Alphaa Alphanum Mukarati), the first foreign, non-American missionary I met.
• Elder Day (Brandon Day), who I’ll meet at Tribulation.
• Elder Deichman, my first unofficial companion (Priest's mission experience).
• Elder Carpenter, who made me shake my head more than twice.
• Elder Pulley, who sang me a generic song I swear he plagiarised.
• Elder McAllister, who took me teaching everywhere (most of the time).
• Elder Martin, who loves Diablo III – as well.
• Elder Broadhead, who hugged me without my permission.

So this is my journey thus far. Missionary work seems to be the focus, but soon I’ll be doing my dad’s work and have my chaotic family tree up and running on the genealogy site. Then comes my endowments and then I’m off to mission. I hope I at least get to experience a couple of Institute lessons – it is Doctrine & Covenants, after all.

The New and Everlasting Covenant

The scriptures speak of covenants between God and man; from Adam to Moses to Abraham, and even David. It is interesting to find that the purpose of such covenants is almost always the same and, even today, we are bound to such a covenant. Even the same covenant from the beginning, the new and everlasting covenant.

Curious, isn’t it? A covenant which always has been is new, even today. Bruce R. McConkie explains, “It is new because it has been revealed anew in our day;” in accordance with Acts 3:21. He continues by saying, “it is everlasting because it has always been had by faithful people”. So what is the new and everlasting covenant?

D&C 66:2 “Verily I say unto you, blessed are you for receiving mine everlasting covenant, even the fulness of my gospel, sent forth unto the children of men, that they might have life and be made partakers of the glories which are to be revealed in the last days, as it was written by the prophets and apostles in days of old.”

That’s interesting… The above verse states that it is the fullness of the gospel AND that it was written by ancient prophets and apostles. This is a new conundrum, in that the restoration of the gospel in 1830 is commonly believed to be the ushering in of the dispensation of the fullness of times, even the restoration of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And yet it is. And we knew this.

So, why then do we find that many of the ordinances that have been restored are considered “new”? Why do we not find these ordinances in other denominations, creeds and sects? Why do we rely mostly on latter-day revelation to reveal to us the doctrines, principles and ordinances of a God that is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8)?

The simple answer is apostasy. Apostasy has given way to much confusion, much thirsting and just as Amos prophecies in chapter 8 verse 12, “they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.”

Why?

Isaiah 24:5 “The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.”

So we needn’t be surprised to see the world and all its faiths moved so far from the truths of the new and everlasting covenant.

Let’s take a step back. Let us revert to the first recorded statement from God regarding this covenant:

Genesis 17:7 “And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.”

So the covenant was made, from the beginning, for God to be a God to our first parents, as well as to us. And that God, even our God went on to make a covenant of peace.

Numbers 25:13 “And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.”

Jeremiah 32:40 “And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.”

Isaiah 55:3 “Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.”

D. Todd Christofferson summarised as follows, “the doctrines and commandments of the gospel constitute the substance of an everlasting covenant between God and man that is newly restored in each dispensation.”

So the new and everlasting covenant is a promise between God and man that He will be their God and they will come unto Him; a binding contract to keep them together. These are the doctrines and principles by which we have been called to live.

Joseph Fielding Smith said that the new and everlasting covenant was the total sum of every contract, obligation, and performance that pertains to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is sealed by the Holy Ghost of promise. This tells us that the higher priesthood is required – and that, in order to become partakers of the fullness of God’s blessings, we need to enter into every gospel ordinance made available to us.

That starts with the first ordinance of baptism, “the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water” (2 Nephi 31:17), and then confirmation. John 3:5 “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

Now those are the easy ones – mentioned countless time in both new and ancient scripture.

Sacrament is another ordinance, one which is observed weekly in The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints, “This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me … This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:19-20). Interestingly, though, this ordinance is somewhat debated in the Christian community. Fortunately, latter-day saints have the Book of Mormon to clarify – 3 Nephi 18:6 “And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.”

The trouble comes in latter-day ordinances such as priesthood ordination and temple ordinances. This is where we need to apply our knowledge of Biblical prophecy, specifically, the restitution of all things as mentioned in Acts 3:21.

We’ve seen how the covenant had been broken and how apostasy had taken from the truths of the gospel, so this is where we need to rely on the spirit of prophecy, where we need to trust in living prophets and modern scripture. For without the New Testament, one would never know of baptism. How sacred and important an ordinance. Imagine if we didn’t have it – we surely could not enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5).

Now, I speak concerning marriage specifically, for as much as endowments have been stated in modern scripture, nothing in ancient scripture even appears to refute/contradict. And genealogy, well, you’d have to be blind to miss those in the Bible. But marriage, now that’s been the source of much disputation (even in my family – none of my family members are LDS). But worry not, I’ll address endowments in a later post.

So what does God say concerning marriage?

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh," (Gen. 2:24).

"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder," (Matt. 19:6).

You see, I’ve always had a problem with the term “’til death do us part”. I mean, we sure do advocate resurrection and eternal life as Christians, so why then do we forsake our teachings of family and marriage when it does come? Why would God institute the ordinance here on earth, but tear it apart in heaven? Did he not say that they’ll be joined as one? Did he not say let no man put asunder?

Now I know what you’re thinking, that verse applies to man and not God. But what about our initial covenants with God regarding peace and everlasting priesthood? Why would he take marriage away?

The truth is, he won’t. He doesn’t. There is no Biblical evidence that He will.

Let’s just think about the following verse before we delve into the Sadducees question to Christ, “Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,” (Ephesians 3:15).

Have you thought about it?

Now, Mark 12:25, “For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.”

Here Christ was asked regarding the companionship of the women who was given in marriage to her husband’s brothers after he had passed away in the life to come – this was tradition in those days. Now that’s interesting. They had a knowledge of marriage in the eternities already.

Let’s look at Christ’s response, which sure is true. “They” would neither marry, nor be given in marriage.

D&C 132:15-16 says, “Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world. Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in marriage; but are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory.”

This instance was an example of marriage for time and not for eternity. Now I won’t get into Talmage’s explanation of her sealing to her first husband (or the promise to those faithful to get a spouse in the next life if they weren’t able to do so in this one), but what I will say is that Christ’s words in this account still rings true to LDS today. The time to get married is here on earth and the ordinance to be sealed needs to be done through the Melchizedek Priesthood. Otherwise, we will be as the angels in heaven.

Beyond this, there is no apparent disputation with regards to eternal marriage. In fact, considering the restoration thereof in these latter days, you won’t find much else on the matter in ancient scripture.

For just as baptism appeared to arrive in the New Testament, so has Eternal Marriage arrived in the Doctrine and Covenants. This is where latter-day revelation becomes important. We cannot become so blinded as to ignore God’s words to us in these days by focussing wholly on what He said in those days. The saints have always followed prophets – we’re just fortunate to have the Bible as a record of what has been said. But we must never forget to keep listening to what is being said.

To quote the Lord in 2 Nephi 29:8, “Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word?”

Family is central to God’s plan. The rock upon which Christ’s Church was built is revelation. And marriage is eternal. I know this – scriptures approve it and prophets have said it. This is my testimony which I leave with you in the name of Jesus Christ.

Search the Scriptures

Today was Seminary and Institute graduation and I was asked to give a talk on the topic, to share my insights and experiences and to encourage others to participate. I decided on the importance of scripture study, because that is the focus in these courses, something everyone should be doing regardless of age or attendance (which is highly recommended).

Here it is:

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“We have a great responsibility ... in the Church to make sure our own members, our own young people, do not fall into that unfortunate category of being blinded, of being good, fine, worthy young men and women who are kept from the truths of the scriptures because they do not know where to find those truths and because they do not possess confidence between the covers of their standard works... We ought to have a Church full of women and men who know the scriptures thoroughly, who cross-reference and mark them, who develop lessons and talks from the Topical Guide, and who have mastered the maps, the Bible Dictionary, and the other helps that are contained in this wonderful set of standard works” (Howard W. Hunter, in his address to CES religious educators, Eternal Investments).

Here, in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church leaders have developed a phenomenal set of courses known as the Seminaries and Institutes of Religion. For just as Howard W. Hunter said, it is important to know the truths of the scriptures well.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).

We thus see the objective of these classes as being a guide for youth and young adults to understand and rely on the teachings and Atonement of Jesus Christ, to qualify them for the blessings of the temple, and assist in preparing them, their families, and others for eternal life with our Father in Heaven.

I recall the first time I attended an Institute of Religion class – and I recall the Spirit that filled that room as we enjoyed an evening of interaction and minor competition. In fact, I wasn’t even a member at the time, but as the questions came to our group concerning the Book of Mormon, I witnessed the fulfilment of John 14:26.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

I don't remember which group answered the most correct questions – but I learnt more in that hour than I did in the previous seven months of investigating the Church.

I learnt that a deseret was a honeybee, that Coriantumr was the last survivor of the Jaredite nation, that the Urim and Thummim (which Joseph Smith used) were used in Old Testament times as well, that it only took sixty five working days for Joseph Smith to translate the Book of Mormon with Oliver Cowdery acting as his scribe, that our testimonies are the most powerful tools in preaching the Gospel to others, that the Lord sometimes expects us to come up with the answers on our own, and that there are a great many things we are expected to learn, to know, and to do as Heavenly Father’s children in these Latter-days. I learnt the surest, fastest way of uncovering Gospel truths; yea, even as the Lord instructed Oliver Cowdery in Doctrine & Covenants 9:8.

“But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.”

Yea, that night I learnt the true power of testimony as adults (young and old, return missionary and prospective missionary, born-in-covenant and convert) bore conviction of what they knew to be true. And the Book of Mormon stood, burning bright, as the Spirit pierced, testifying of both Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Think about it; men and women gathered together, with ONE eternal goal, to learn of their Saviour, draw closer to Him and study out His Atonement so that they may know the best way to apply it in their lives.

I enrolled for the following year’s Institute program that night, the last night of the 2013 Institute program, and was baptised a week later. More comforting, however, was that I only knew two people going in that night (whom I probably spoke to least), and now – well – now we’re constantly on each other’s cases about when we’ll see each other next.

President Thomas S. Monson urged, “If you are a single college student … make participation in institute a priority. Married students and other young adults are also welcome and encouraged to attend. Think of it. Friends will be made, the Spirit will be felt, and faith will be strengthened. I promise you that as you participate in institute and study the scriptures diligently, your power to avoid temptation and to receive direction of the Holy Ghost in all you do will be increased. Divine favor will attend those who humbly seek it. That is a promise which I leave with you.”

And that is a promise I affirm. For there are few moments in life when the Spirit testifies so strongly – and actively studying and applying the scriptures in our lives is one of those moments.

John 5:39 says, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

Yea, even 3 Nephi 23:5, “And whosoever will hearken unto my words and repenteth and is baptized, the same shall be saved. Search the prophets, for many there be that testify of these things.”

The scriptures are there for our profit, for our benefit, to teach us the things of the Lord, and to testify of Him.

John 20:31, “But these [things] are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

In every Institute lesson we are urged to read the scriptures, to study them academically and to ponder them with a full purpose of heart, we then need to earnestly pray and, step by step, apply the principles we’ve learnt in our lives. This becomes essential in learning for ourselves if these things be true, but also to show obedience and to prove ourselves worthy before the Lord.

The Saviour counselled, “And now, whoso readeth, let him understand; he that hath the scriptures, let him search them.” (3 Nephi 10:14)

Let us develop a love for the scriptures just as Nephi where he says, “…For my soul delighteth in the scriptures…” (2 Nephi 4:15)

Let's follow the counsel of Howard W. Hunter as he says, “Those who delve into the scriptural library, however, find that to understand requires more than casual reading or perusal - there must be concentrated study” (Howard W. Hunter, Reading the Scriptures, Ensign, Nov. 1979, 64).

Therefore, it is essential that we dedicate ourselves to active scripture studies. This means that we need to take time out, for the Lord alone, pray, search, ponder, relate and apply. We learn more doing this than we ever could simply reading. We need to look for specifics, we need seek out answers, we need to be prepared for the Spirit to work in us and reveal to us the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. If we don’t, we won’t recognise the answers when they do come our way.

We learn in Alma 13:20, “Now I need not rehearse the matter; what I have said may suffice. Behold, the scriptures are before you; if ye will wrest them it shall be to your own destruction.”

Take this to heart, I urge you. For, in that day, when the fiery darts of doubt come our way, we’ll have the comforting words of God reassuring us; we will know the truth and shall not be swayed by every wind of doctrine that comes our way.

Nephi says, in 1 Nephi 15:24, “And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.”

I remember my first day at the Bedfordview Institute class, after transferring from the Centurion class, a sister (of the tribe of Judah, nonetheless) spoke to me specifically concerning the importance we, as individuals, have in our own personal salvation. It is our responsibility to do the things we need to do. It is our responsibility hearken unto the words of the Lord, and – in order to do that – we need to study the scriptures. We need to learn for ourselves. We need strive to reach that fourth level of faith (even perfection) through constant effort and improvement. We need to work at it and come to know for ourselves and, thus, do.

Joseph Smith said, “Search the scriptures—search the revelations … and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to His glory nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 11–12.)

Institute has provided the most sound means of understanding the teachings of the prophets (both new and old). It has taught me how seriously we need to take the doctrines and principles of the Gospel. And it has increased my confidence between the standard works.

More so, however, institute has kept me to my covenants, pushed me to do the things prophets have counselled us to do, and drawn me closer to our Heavenly Father and His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. It has kept me up to date with Church affairs and reminded of my responsibility as a young single adult.

Yes, young single adults should be actively searching for an eternal companion, so that they can marry and be sealed in the temple; and, in Institute, they won't let you forget this. So when a Church leader says that he asks his sons every week who they've gone out with, you can be sure that when you rock up for Institute on a Tuesday night your Institute lecturer will ask, "So who have you gone out with this week?"

So parents, I urge you to send your children to seminary. Young adults, I urge that you seriously consider attending Institute. As for everyone else, I sincerely sincerely ask that you earnestly study the scriptures so that when that day comes, of fiery darts and trial, you may know for yourself. So that you may draw closer to your Heavenly Father and know what it is you need to do in your own lives, so that we may know what we need to do to help others when they so need.

This is my testimony which I leave with you in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.