Prophets

God sent Moses to save the Israelites from the Egyptians (Exodus 3:9-10). He sent Noah to save them from the flood (Genesis 6:17-18). He sent Christ to save them from their sins (John 3:16-17). And He sent Joseph Smith to save them from the silence (D&C 1:17).

God sends prophets to save His people from bondage. He did so in times past, and continues to do so now. Divine assistance from above gives guidance, counsel, and answers; especially in a world sinking, sometimes drowning, in chaos, confusion, and despair.

A Book of Mormon prophet, Abinidi, taught that "[W]hosoever has heard the words of the prophets... all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people ... they are the heirs of the kingdom of God" - Mosiah 15:11.

The prophets communicate with God (Numbers 12:6. Amos 3:7), and bear witness of the One who is greater than them all (Acts 10:43). Through them we learn more of the Saviour, Redeemer, Messiah, Jesus the Christ - and how, through Him, we can find peace, comfort, forgiveness, strength, and most importantly the way back home.

This weekend we had the opportunity to attend a viewing of the 186th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And we were honoured to find eleven of our investigators with us. The experience was phenomenal.

One of our investigators, planning on leaving after the first session, decided to stayafter feeling the Spirit prompt. A man, just moved to Bethlehem, saw the chapel and decided to visit (not knowing who we were) - desiring to return, and have us over for a home visit.

I was touched to hear the messages, and can barely begin to explain the ten hours of pure, spiritual bliss.

We were reminded of the absolute love our Father in Heaven has for us, no matter where we are, no matter what we've done. We were encouraged to cry out, and trust in our Saviour, and to allow others to do the same.

Of course, the temple was an emphasis, as it is the place where the greatest of the Lord's blessings are manifest. We can be blessed as men, women, children, and families by living this gospel, involving our Father in Heaven, and each other. It is our faith that keeps us going.

I was grateful for the instruction on how to remember our Saviour, and on how to recognise the promptings of the Holy Ghost. My eyes were opened even wider to the happenings in the world, and the rality of the adversary's deceptions - because of his misery and limitations (limitations that we as children of God do not have).

In all, remembering who we are will be our greatest strength in facing life's trials and temptations (it will not be easy, but it is worth it). We are begotten sons and daughter of God, with divine potential, and we are without limitation!

P.S. To listen, watch, or read what was said by the Lord's chosen visit https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04?cid=HP_SU_3-4-2016_dPFD_fGC_xLIDyL1-B_&lang=eng.

What does the Bible say about Prophets?

Have you ever noticed how people turn to the pages of the Bible to find answers to questions, or things they may not fully understand? Me neither. To find someone who actually reads - for understanding, to boot - is a rarity. Therefore, I have set out to find answers from the most well-known, recorded source of God's dealings with mankind. And, as a Latter-day Saint, I'll start with one of the foundations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - prophets. For such is my charge, to feed His sheep.

The Articles of Faith, written by Joseph Smith to state the official beliefs of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, state that we believe in prophets.

Articles of Faith 1:6 "We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth."

We believe these things as they have been revealed through prophets of God, both ancient (from the Bible and the Book of Mormon) and modern (called of God by the laying on of hands). Additionally, the Holy Bible supports this statement, and provides the purpose.

Ephesians 4:11-16 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

It is to protect the saints from the craftiness of men, and the winds of doctrine which would have us tossed to and fro. It is to be the foundation until "the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God". It also places Christ as the head of His Church, which we perpetuate as members of The Church of Jesus Christ.

So what is the purpose of a prophet?

Amos 3:7 "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

So prophets receive revelation from God - as it is His chosen means of work with the children of men.

Luke 1:70 "As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:" (See Luke 1:68)

Prophets are the Lord's spokesman, and have been in existence since the beginning of the world.

Acts 10:43 "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins."

And they witness of Christ, and His redeeming love. This, I believe to be of strong importance, as we are taught to try the spirits, whether they be of God.

1 John 4:1-3 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."

We are warned of many false prophets, so we test them to see of whom they testify.

So how do we identify a prophet?

Numbers 12:6 "And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream."

I find this verse particularly interesting, because it shows that God reveals Himself to His prophets through a vision [and speaks to them in a dream].

Joseph Smith, a prophet of God, not only testified of Christ, but saw God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, in a vision, in the Spring of 1820.

Another evidence would be whether or not they have received authority to do so from God.

Articles of Faith 1:5 "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."

An account given in the Old Testament shows how Moses ordained Joshua, as commanded by God, by the laying on of hands.

Numbers 27:22-23 "And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses."

Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were ordained by John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John (respectively) as a part of the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ, specifically, the restoration of the Priesthood of God.

And by their fruits, ye shall know them.

Matthew 7:20 "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

Joseph Smith was the instrument of God in the bringing back of His Church in these latter days. He was the instrument used in the translation of a record recorded on golden plates, even the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, which testifies of Christ.

2 Nephi 25:26 "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."

Ephesians 2:19-21 even teaches us that prophets form part of the foundation in the household of God (so prophets were not abolished in the New Testament). And Isaiah even prophecies of the restoration of these judges and counselors from the beginning (Isaiah 1:26).

This is what the Bible says. The question is, What does this mean for us?

It is He

by JG Smith

It is He, yes, that Great Spirit;
That created the heaven and the earth.
Yes, God is His name and in heaven He dwells.
Oh, and He loves us, how much He loves us.

Family He has given us,
In so much He has blessed us.
Truth He has given us.
The Gospel He has shown us.

But then, from faith we fell,
From presence we were cut off.
Men followed the lusts of their heart
And beguiled in sorrow, for they knew not their God.

The world looked out for God to save,
It cried out for the One and Only
And so many prophets He gave.
He's coming, He's coming, they said.

And so He came:
Revealing His truth... ministry and task.
He healed the sick and raised the dead.
For our sins He perished, so much He bled.

Back to heaven, He gave His Spirit
Such a great gift, of sins forgiven.
But then his disciples they killed
And saints they slaughtered.

Left to man, their churches started.
Even that dark and terrible age.
Doctrines rose, the Spirit wept.
"Listen!" "Listen!" it cried, to no avail.

Until one day a boy did cry,
In that sacred Grove.
A promise given of truth restored.