For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, everything in our lives centers on Jesus Christ, and that is why our homes and what happens within its walls, becomes a manifestation of our love and commitment to follow the Savior.
At the center of many LDS families, is the daily gathering to read the scriptures. The October 2011 Ensign is a very special edition, that is completely dedicated to the Book of Mormon. Some of you may have already received a copy, and if not you can either download the PDF, or read it online, HERE.
Most outside of our faith, are perplexed by the emphasis that members of the LDS Church place upon the Book of Mormon. Many feel that this is done to the exclusion of the Bible. As Latter-day Saints, we know that these two volumes of sacred scripture, both testify of Jesus Christ, and witness the divinity of the other. The subtitle to the Book of Mormon reads: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. The purpose of the Book of Mormon is to testify of Jesus Christ and brings its readers to Him. The Book of Mormon and the Bible, together, are a powerful witness that Jesus Christ Lives! However, the Book of Mormon also has a very specific mission in the restoration of the gospel. It is the keystone of our religion, and contains a very important promise for those seeking to know the truthfulness of the Church. Therefore, it is imperative that it is shared with others.
President Gordon B. Hinckley on the Book of Mormon:
"The Bible had stood for centuries. It is a precious and wonderful book. Now there was a second witness declaring the divinity of Christ. The Book of Mormon is the only book ever published, of which I know, that carries in it a promise that one who reads it prayerfully and asks concerning it in prayer will have revealed to him by the power of the Holy Ghost a knowledge that it is true." The Stone Cut Out of the Mountain
I've already spent some time reading the October Ensign, and am very excited about it. Not only is this issue an excellent resource for LDS families, but also a great way to share with others, who might be interested, a basic introduction to the Book of Mormon. As you know, interest in the LDS Church is high right now, and that's a good thing. It gives us a unique opportunity to share. Most won't ask us directly what we believe. Most will use Google to search themselves. The problem with that is, unfortunately, Google does not always return the kindest of results. Too often, the results when searching for information about the Book of Mormon, or Mormon Church, are from less than credible sources. That means, that you and I need to be better at putting the good stuff out there to be found. And really, the best way to make that happen is for us to use our social networks, like Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, etc... Or you can blog, like me!
With the October emphasis on the Book of Mormon, many online have created various opportunities and resources to help you share the gospel online, by sharing the Book of Mormon. I would really encourage you to find one, or several, and participate -- including sharing the link to the October Ensign.
I hope you enjoy this beautiful video, created by Seth Adam Smith. Seth has a special gift for creating LDS videos, and is always so good about using this talent to bring others to Jesus Christ. Sharing this video is a good way to share your feelings about the Book of Mormon -- by making a brief statement when you post. Recently, on this blog, I shared my personal testimony of the Book of Mormon.
Jeffrey R. Holland Testifies: The Book of Mormon
I really hope that this is a post you will take the time to share with others...
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
I've been collecting various links to resources, articles and posts, about the Book of Mormon, over the last month, that I'd like to share with you...
LDS Newsroom: Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
On Faith: From the Bible to the Book of Mormon: How do Latter-day Saints interpret Scripture?
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