Entering into His rest

I’m from California where the economy has not only affected my family but friends and neighbors. I have heard of people just giving up hope and struggling to find peace amid this uncertain future. Some have doubted God and miracles that can still be performed in their lives. In times of disturbed peace one can always turn to the scriptures for answers. There are two principles that allow us to regain that peace in our lives. They are both attributes of the Savior himself; faith and hope.

The Book of Mormon states, “Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope. Hope is the great motivator and our optimism. (Moroni 7:42) Hope stems from having faith. Faith in God and what he can and has already done for us. Faith that the Savior; Jesus Christ knows our sorrows and fears, because he has already experienced them through his Atonement.
The Book of Mormon continues to make a very important point, “Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.”
Satan would have our faith diminished, he would have us doubt to the point of unbelief. Yet the scriptures tell us to press forward and do the things that require faith. Pray with real intent, study earnestly, and continue to purify yourself so that the Holy Spirit of peace can abide with us. I have seen this happen, I know it to be true.

The naming of the true church

This week I reread 3 Nephi 27 in the Book of Mormon. Here the doctrine of Christ's church is stated quite clearly. As I served my mission in the southern states I came to know and talk with people from various churches. Many proclaiming the doctrine of Jesus Christ. I soon realized that there is confusion among Christian churches today concerning the naming and structure of Christ's church.

In 3 Nephi 27, Christ makes a very direct comment that if a church is not named under his name, then it is not his church. There are many Christian churches that do not carry the name of Jesus Christ in it's title.

"And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel."( 3 Nephi 27:8)

Here we understand that not only does the church need to be called by his name but also teach his same doctrine. The true church would also have to show forth good works, perhaps even a "marvelous work and a wonder", as Isaiah said.
"And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it."(3 Nephi 27:10)

I'm grateful for many churches in the world that continue to teach people how to live and strive to become more like Christ. While there are so many different churches I know that Christ's true church must bear his name, have His priesthood authority (power to perform baptisms, give the gift of the Holy Ghost, healing the sick and all other saving ordinances), have the structure of Apostles and Prophets (Ephesians 2:20) and teach His doctrine.

From study and prayer I know that these evidences of truth are found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

SIGNS

I have spoken to many who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and those who are being taught by missionaries who seek for signs to know the will of God. I think it is important to know what signs really are.
Signs are wonders and miracles; they always are manifest by the faithful. More or less, signs are gifts of the Spirit given to those that believe and obey the commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Revelation given to Joseph Smith found in the Doctrine and Covenants 63:9-12, more clearly defines what signs are and how we obtain them: "But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe.
Yea, signs come by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please, but by the will of God.
Yea, signs come by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith no man pleaseth God; and with whom God is angry he is not well pleased; wherefore, unto such he showeth no signs, only in wrath unto their condemnation."

Sings come from faith and are a product of it. They can often strengthen the faithful; they act as a reward to the faithful. That is why those without faith often ignore or rationalize the power of God and the miracles that stream from it.

In 3 Nephi chapters 1-10, the people were seeking for signs. Although it had been prophesied to them the Messiah was to come visit them after his resurrection in Jerusalem, they still doubted. Patience failed them as many turned from words of faithful prophets. Those that endured with patience were rewarded and saw Jesus Christ descend unto them. They were able to touch the prints in his hands and feet and were privileged to be taught at the feet of the Savior. To those who wait patiently and follow the signs and continue to prepare, the rewards do come.

Great passages

Recently I was asked, "What the greatest passage was in the Book of Mormon?" I had to think of that because I of course have my favorite scriptures on the Atonement, baptism, faith, obedience, trials etc. I had to really think about what perhaps is one of the greatest passages in the Book of Mormon.

Towards the end of the Book of Mormon, Christ appears to the Nephites after his resurrection. He like in Jerusalem calls apostles and a prophet. The priesthood authority is given by the laying on of hands to be able to perform such ordinances as baptism, giving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and blessing the sick. This occurs in chapter 11 of 3rd Nephi. The next chapter over is when Christ teaches the people the "Beatitudes" similar to that found in Matthew yet slightly different. The very last verse of this chapter reads, "Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect."

While the task of becoming perfect was only effectively carried out by our Savior Jesus Christ, we can attain a certain degree of perfection here on this earth as we obey with exactness. The whole Book of Mormon teaches the reader how to come unto Christ and receive eternal joy. We begin to come unto Christ as we are baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, if you are a man- you receive the Priesthood and then serve a mission, later you get married in the temple. These steps require more promises made between you and Heavenly Father, thus allow you become more like our Savior Jesus Christ.