(08/19/2007 – 23rd Ward)
Brothers and sisters – it‘s a pleasure to be here today.
One of the greatest privileges of being in the Stake Presidency is the opportunity we have to attend different wards and associate with such great people.
Sacrament meeting is a sacred occasion. Indeed Nephi’s words ring true -
And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ… that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
The Apostle Paul said something similar -
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
Truly we should rejoice in the declaration that Jesus is the Christ – the Son of the living God. As Nephi stated – we do it so our children or those whom we testify too “may know what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”
I testify that the life, death and resurrection of the Savior Jesus Christ – are and will always be the greatest events to transpire. Without the Atoning sacrifice of the Savior – all other events would be of little consequence.
This past month one of our friends and neighbors moved to California – they moved to Logan more than five years ago. I still remember the day we met them, we were walking home from church and there was a U-haul truck in their driveway. A couple of the neighbor and I took off our suit jackets and started to carry in furniture and boxes.
Over the next couple of years we had opportunity to associate with them and build a great relationship – we sat next to them at sporting events, had parties – dinner and played games on a regular basis.
Indeed we were good friends in all but one area – I once asked them about their son possible participation in our ward scout troop, which I was serving as the scout master. The response was immediate and direct – and with a spiteful tone stated: “not if it has anything to do with that church.” Their belief was that we as member of the Church of Jesus Christ were not Christian and worshiped the Prophet Joseph Smith – they also believed we had no concept of the Savior himself.
Their Church isn’t the only one that takes offence with D&C 1:30 -
And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased…..—
The only true and living church – When the Prophet Joseph Smith prayed to know which church to join the Savior himself answered.
JS 1:19
I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”
Is there any wander Joseph Smith was ridiculed and persecuted for saying that he had seem a vision of this magnitude. He stated –
JS 1:25
So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.
As hard as admitting this event was – the persecutions and hatred of man would eventually pass at his death – but to offend God was something the young Joseph Smith was unwilling to do. What faith and courage that must have taken.
After the Saviors life and atoning sacrifice – this vision and the restoration of the gospel is the next greatest event for our personal salvation. If accepted by the world, just think what this wonderful event teaches us –
That God lives
Jesus Christ – lives and is the Christ, the son of God
They are in reality separate and distinct individuals
That God hears and answers our prayers
That the true and living church is restored upon the earth
That revelation from God continues to be a possibility for all men
God in reality know each one of us individual
The occurrence of this wonderful vision is the pivotal point of knowledge that will allow us to receive a testimony of this great work, and the path to receive exaltation.
This is how Joseph Smith’s First Vision blesses our own personal lives, the lives of families, and eventually the whole human family—we come to believe in Jesus Christ through the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Prophets and apostles throughout the history of mankind have had divine manifestations similar to Joseph’s. Moses saw God face-to-face and learned that he was a son of God “in the similitude of [His] Only Begotten”. The Apostle Paul testified that the resurrected Jesus Christ appeared to him on the road to Damascus and made Paul one of His great missionaries. Hearing Paul’s witness of his heavenly vision during the trial at Caesarea, the powerful King Agrippa admitted, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian”.
I remember as a missionary and on other occasions after telling this story the surprise and many times disbelief that many people had that such an event could be possible. Then in the same conversation they would acknowledging that the scriptures state that “Jesus Christ (is) the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” and that he talked to Moses – Paul in like manner. Would it not then make sense that this would not only be possible but necessary in order to restore the any truth that had been lost? No we do not warship the Prophet Joseph Smith – but we honor and follow his example and teachings as one of the great prophet in history.
The logic of most religions of why we aren’t Christian – is the comment our friends made that we have no idea of the personality of the Savior. The first vision answered that question. That the world has changes the definition of the personally or nature of God.
During the Lords prayer – when he stated: Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. In the garden of Gethsemane when he asked, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Then on the cross when he stated - Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Were all statement given in humble pray to his loving Father – not declarations to himself.
Our knowledge of the Savior takes a new perspective as we look at Him as the Son of God – literally our brother and friend. What great love and concern He has for each of us – willing to suffer and lay down His life in our behalf. This knowledge also helps us to understand the atoning sacrifice. During that time of great suffering, He was able to see those that would accept His offering.
Mosiah 15: 10-11
And now I say unto you, who shall declare his generation? Behold, I say unto you, that when his soul has been made an offering for sin he shall see his seed. And now what say ye? And who shall be his seed?
He then answers his own question-
Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God.
I hope that all of us are some of those individuals that He was able to see – just think of the strength and hope it must have given Him to know that it wasn’t in vane. This supernal act opened the gate and paid the price of sin – allowing us to repent and to be clean before our Father.
A few moment ago most of us had the opportunity to partake of the sacrament, in remembrance of the body and blood of the Savior. We also renewed our promises we made at baptism – to taken upon us the name of Christ, always remember Him, keep His commandments and be a witness for Him.
He then promises to forgive us of our sins and send His spirit to be with us. Like all covenants there are promises that each of us make – and the blessing always far out weights the sacrifice that we are asked to do.
His act was motivated by pure love for each of us.
“There is no greater expression of love than the heroic Atonement performed by the Son of God. Were it not for the plan of our Heavenly Father, established before the world began, in a very real sense, all mankind—past, present, and future—would have been left without the hope of eternal progression. As a result of Adam’s transgression, mortals were separated from God and would be forever unless a way was found to break the bands of death. This would not be easy, for it required the vicarious sacrifice of one who was sinless and who could therefore take upon Himself the sins of all mankind.”
This plan was set up before the foundation of the world – to answer the ends of the law.
His atoning sacrifice – assures that all of us will be resurrected. Because of Him we know that we can be with loved ones that have gone before us
Not only does it show God’s love for each of us – but it also shows how important our salvation is- Indeed it is God’s work and glory to bring to past the immortality and eternal like of man.
Elder Ballard cont.
“Brothers and sisters, I believe that if we could truly understand the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, we would realize how precious is one son or daughter of God. I believe our Heavenly Father’s everlasting purpose for His children is generally achieved by the small and simple things we do for one another. At the heart of the English word atonement is the word one. If all mankind understood this, there would never be anyone with whom we would not be concerned, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or social or economic standing. We would strive to emulate the Savior and would never be unkind, indifferent, disrespectful, or insensitive to others.
If we truly understood the Atonement and the eternal value of each soul, we would seek out the wayward boy and girl and every other wayward child of God. We would help them to know of the love Christ has for them. We would do all that we can to help prepare them to receive the saving ordinances of the gospel.
Surely, if the Atonement of Christ was foremost in the minds of ward and branch leaders, no new or reactivated member would ever be neglected. Because every soul is so precious, leaders will counsel together to see that each one is taught the doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Brothers and sisters – if we truly understood the Atoning Sacrifice of the Savior Jesus Christ, I think it would be harder for us to willingly commit any transgression. As Elder Ballard stated – the needs of others would be higher on our priority list. I’m sure we would treat our spouses with greater respect – the selfish and destructive practice of viewing pornography would be seen in its true light.
One of the greatest spiritual experiences of my life was the opportunity I had to attend a solemn assembly in the upper room of the Logan Temple – there President Hinckley pleaded with us to avoid pornography like the plague that it is.
Indeed, brother and sisters “the natural man is an enemy to God.”
I don’t think any of us consciously think when we are sinning – that those actions cause additional suffering to The Savior. His selfless act of LOVE was a necessary event that He willingly allowed to happen because of His knowledge of the plan of salvation. Indeed John wrote of this love when he quoted the Savior when He stated - “greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.(John 15: 13) He then requires of us a broken heart and contrite spirit, to repent of our sins and come unto Him. But if we don’t accept His offering the out come is sure.
D&C 19:16-18
For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—
I think that all of us lose sight of the consequences of our actions on occasion – that the things of the world blind us into justifying our actions. The Savior himself even said in 3 Nephi that “(we) have joy in (our) works for a season. But then he warned us of the impending doom- “and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return..(3 Ne. 27: 11)
This momentary pleasure or joy is fleeting, then the reality of our actions begin to take hold – sadly it takes longer with some people to understand that true happiness is only possible through righteousness and the atonement of Jesus Christ.
President Spencer W. Kimball
Sin will always, always, result in suffering. If a person hasn’t suffered, he hasn’t repented.”
Brothers and sisters – thank you for your dedication and faith in the redeeming power of the Savior Jesus Christ. No other topic is more important to our happiness and eternal salvation.
Testimony
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