Scripture Study: Perfected in Jesus Christ

Hello Everyone!

I know we are officially done reading the Book of Mormon together but I still have so much to share with you all!  I am going to use this blog as a personal study of my scripture reading.  I hope you will still continue to join along!  If you are new to my Book of Mormon blog and are just getting started, click HERE to read from the beginning.  If you need a copy of the Book of Mormon click HERE and I would love to send you one personally!

I wanted to share more pictures of our trip to Utah.  These first two pictures are of my sisters-in-law, Mary & Linnea.  They both finished the entire Book of Mormon Book Club with us!  Way to go Sisters!

I am so blessed to have the best in-laws in the world.  I have learned so much from them.  My father-in-law also completed the Book of Mormon Book Club with us and he also encouraged me with regular phone calls.  

When I woke up today one thing was very clear in my mind.  I needed to ponder and study how to become like my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I know that we are asked to be "Perfect in Christ" but what does that actually mean?  I know that I am nowhere near perfect!

3 Nephi 12:48
"Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect."

I know that the only way that I can become perfect is through the Atonement of my Savior, Jesus Christ.  My Heavenly Father has a plan for me and He knows me!  He knows that I am not perfect BUT He knows that I have the potential to be.  That is the key word…. potential.  We all have the potential to be like our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ.  One of the reasons why we were sent to the earth was to learn to be like Him.  How can we do that?

I love this picture by Greg Olsen.  What an inspirational photo.

I know my Father in Heaven wants me to be happy.  He wants me to succeed!  I know that He cheers me on when I am on the right path and He sorrows when I choose the wrong path.  I also know that He wants these things for you, too!

One of my favorite scriptures from the Book of Mormon is found in Moroni 7.  We actually just read this about a week ago!  Charity is the pure love of Christ.  If we learn how to have Charity then we are learning how to be like Christ.

Moroni 7:45

 "And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily  provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."

I found the following on lds.org…

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of charity. In His mortal ministry, He always “went about doing good,” teaching the gospel and showing tender compassion for the poor, afflicted, and distressed (see Matthew 4:23; Mark 6:6; Acts 10:38). His crowning expression of charity was His infinite Atonement. He said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). This was the greatest act of long-suffering, kindness, and selflessness that we will ever know.

The Savior wants all people to receive His love and to share it with others. He declared to His disciples: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35). In relationships with family members and others, followers of Christ look to the Savior as their example and strive to love as He loves, with unfailing compassion, patience, and mercy.

Here is one of my favorite church hymns "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee", sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  I hope you feel a peace as you listen to it and ponder the words.

I want to close today by sharing one of our church's newest videos on "The Reason Behind Christmas".  It is a reminder to all that Jesus Christ should be the center of our hearts this season and all year round.  He truly is the reason for the Season.

Love to you all!  I can't wait to share more of my scripture study with you!

Hugs,
Robyn

Day 90: Moroni 8-10

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

We did it!  After this post we have read the entire Book of Mormon together!  Thank you so much for spending your time with me and learning more about my church and beliefs.  I hope you will pray about what you have read over these past 4 months and ask our Father in Heaven to know for yourself if these things are true.  I promise that you will receive your very own answer if you ask with real intent and an honest and pure heart.

I am in Utah right now visiting my family (both my husband's side and my side, too).  Oh, how I love this place!  This is the view from the room I am in right now.  I woke up early this morning right before the sunrise and the temple was so beautiful!

Yesterday we drove up to Heber Canyon with my husband's side of the family where we had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving dinner!  His parents returned home from their 2 year mission in San Diego, California and this was such a great time to spend as a family.  While we were up in the beautiful canyon and snow I decided to go ahead and do our yearly family pictures.  I think they turned out super cute!

(Had to add the mushy one, too!  LOL!)

Today we are reading in chapters 8-10 of Moroni.  These chapters have special meaning to me today.  When I was learning more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from the missionaries, they asked me one day to read in Moroni 10:3-5 and then get down on my knees and pray to know if it was true.  I did just that and felt a special warm feeling in my heart that what I was reading was, indeed, true.  I was baptized into the church within 2 weeks after that and my life has not been the same since.  I am so thankful to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life!  I know that I have come a long way from the person who I used to be and I also know that I have a long way to go to be the person God wants me to become.  I can do it!!  I just need to hang in there and press forward.  Do you know what??  He also wants you to become the person He has planned for you to become!

In Chapter 8 Moroni is sharing an epistle from his father Mormon.  I was touched by the following verse that was written for Moroni.  It shows of a father's love for his child.

Moroni 8:3
"I am mindful of you always in my prayers, continually praying unto God the Father in the name of his Holy Child, Jesus, that he, through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you through the endurance of faith on his name to the end."

I especially loved this verse because we are asked to "liken the scriptures" unto ourselves.  I know that every day when I pray I am also asking my Father in Heaven to watch over and protect my little children.  To help them to be safe, to help them to make good choices, and that they know how much I love them.  I found the following video on Youtube of some teenage boys who are singing to their mothers.  It really touched my heart so I wanted to share it with you.


In Chapter 8 of Moroni it also teaches us about baptism of little children.  We believe that a little child is innocent and has no need for baptism until they reach the age of accountability which is 8 years old.

Moroni 8:8
"Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God.  Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them…"

Moroni 8:10-12
"Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach -- repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children.

"And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism.  Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins.

"But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism!"

Here is a great talk given by one of our Apostles, Boyd K. Packer.



This talk reminded me of how precious my little children are.  Here is a picture of my two daughters who are now 13 & 15.  They have always made me smile.  I am grateful that our Heavenly Father trusted me to raise these sweet spirits on this earth.  Although it is a challenge sometimes, I know that I receive great blessings from my children every day.

Moroni 8:16-18
"Wo be unto them that shall pervert the ways of the Lord after this manner, for they shall perish except they repent.  Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear.

"And I am filled with charity, which is everlasting love; wherefore, all children are alike unto me; wherefore, I love little children with a perfect love; and they are all alike and partakers of salvation.

"For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity."


Okay, now let us move on to Chapter 9 in Moroni.  Mormon is giving another epistle to his son Moroni and telling how bad the conditions are with the Nephites.  There was one verse that really stuck out to me.

Moroni 9:6
"And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under the same condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God."

This verse really made me think.  Am I laboring diligently with the truths I have been taught?  Are other people's reactions affecting how I share the Lord's message?  Am I standing faithful in all situations no matter what my friends are doing?

I am touched by the last words of Mormon to his son Moroni.

Moroni 9:25-26
"My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever.

"And may the grace of God the Father, whose throne is high in the heavens, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who sitteth on the right hand of his power, until all things shall become subject unto him, be, and abide with you forever.  Amen."

Moroni 9:26. The Grace of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

• •
  Mormon knew that Moroni faced overwhelming challenges due the wickedness of the Nephites. Nevertheless, Mormon also knew that Moroni could endure with the assistance of divine grace. True to the Faith explains that grace provides strength to persevere in the daily struggles of life:
  “The word grace, as used in the scriptures, refers primarily to the divine help and strength we receive through the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. …
  “In addition to needing grace for your ultimate salvation, you need this enabling power every day of your life. As you draw near to your Heavenly Father in diligence, humility, and meekness, He will uplift and strengthen you through His grace”.

I found the following on lds.org…

Grace

---

Grace is the help or strength given through the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through the grace of God, everyone who has lived will be resurrected—our spirits will be reunited with our bodies, never again to be separated. Through His grace, the Lord also enables those who live His gospel to repent and be forgiven.

Additional Information

Grace is a gift from Heavenly Father given through His Son, Jesus Christ. The word grace, as used in the scriptures, refers primarily to enabling power and spiritual healing offered through the mercy and love of Jesus Christ.

Everyone on earth experiences physical death. Through the grace of Jesus Christ, all will be resurrected and will live forever (see 1 Corinthians 15:20-22; 2 Nephi 9:6-13).

Because of personal choices, everyone also experiences the effects of sin (see 1 John 1:8-10; Mosiah 16:4). These effects are called spiritual death. No one can return to the presence of God without divine grace. Through the Atonement, we all can be forgiven of our sins; we can become clean before God. To receive this enabling power, we must obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, which includes having faith in Him, repenting of our sins, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and trying to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ for the rest of our lives (see Ephesians 2:8-9; James 2:17-22; 2 Nephi 25:23; 31:20).

The grace of God helps us every day. It strengthens us to do good works we could not do on our own. The Lord promised that if we humble ourselves before Him and have faith in Him, His grace will help us overcome all our personal weaknesses.

Now we are moving on to the chapter in the Book of Mormon that changed my life forever!  I promise you that if you read this chapter, ponder it's words, and then kneel and pray to know for yourself if it is true, the Lord will answer you.  I know that this is true!  Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers and will grant you the desire of your heart.

These next 3 verses are all I had read from the Book of Mormon before I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  They are truly special verses to me.  You can learn more about my church by clicking HERE.

Moroni 10:3-5
"Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

"And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

Moroni 10:3. “When Ye Shall Read These Things”

• •
  Elder Gene R. Cook, while serving as a member of the Seventy, spoke of the importance of pondering God’s mercy as a means to achieving greater faith and humility:
  “The last five words of [Moroni 10:3] offer an important admonition—‘ponder it in your hearts.’ What is the antecedent of ‘it’—the thing that we are to ponder? It is ‘how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things.’ We are to remember how loving, how provident, how good, how forgiving our Heavenly Father has been toward us.
  “What usually happens when we begin to ponder how merciful the Lord has been to mankind? To us personally? What happens when we count our blessings, or perhaps our sins for which we must ask hisforgiveness, and recognize his hand in our individual lives? Is it not true that our hearts turn to the Lord in love and gratitude? Do our faith and humility increase? Yes, and that, in my judgment, is the impact ofverse 3—following the counsel therein helps us to become more humble, more willing and ready to receive new information and knowledge with an open mind” (“Moroni’s Promise,” Ensign, Apr. 1994, 12).

Moroni 10:4–5. Receiving a Testimony of the Book of Mormon

• •
  President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, shared the process he went through to receive a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon:
  “When I first read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover, I read the promise that if I ‘would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if [the things I had read were] true; and if [I would] ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he [would] manifest the truth of it unto [me], by the power of the Holy Ghost’ (Moroni 10:4). I tried to follow those instructions as I understood them.
  “If I expected a glorious manifestation to come at once as an overpowering experience, it did not happen. Nevertheless, it felt good, and I began to believe. …
  “I learned that anyone, anywhere, could read in the Book of Mormon and receive inspiration. …
  “My experience has been that a testimony does not burst upon us suddenly. Rather, it grows. …
  “Do not be disappointed if you have read and reread and yet have not received a powerful witness. You may be somewhat like the disciples spoken of in the Book of Mormon who were filled with the power of God in great glory ‘and they knew it not’ (3 Nephi 9:20).
  “Do the best you can” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2005, 5–7; orEnsign, May 2005, 6–8).
• •
  Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offered more insight into how to gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon by pondering a question while reading:
  “There is another and simpler test that all who seek to know the truth might well take. It calls for us simply to read, ponder, and pray—all in the spirit of faith and with an open mind. To keep ourselves alert to the issues at hand—as we do read, ponder, and pray—we should ask ourselves a thousand times, ‘Could any man have written this book?’
  “And it is absolutely guaranteed that sometime between the first and thousandth time this question is asked, every sincere and genuine truth seeker will come to know by the power of the Spirit that the Book of Mormon is true, that it is the mind and will and voice of the Lord to the whole world in our day” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1983, 106; orEnsign, Nov. 1983, 73–74).
• •
  President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) issued the following challenge and promise to readers of the Book of Mormon:
  
  “I offer a challenge to members of the Church throughout the world and to our friends everywhere to read or reread the Book of Mormon. …
  “Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God” (“A Testimony Vibrant and True,” Ensign, Aug. 2005, 6).

Moroni 10:4. “With Real Intent”

• •
  Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles commented on Moroni’s promise of having “real intent”: “Moroni did not promise a manifestation of the Holy Ghost to those who seek to know the truth of the Book of Mormon for hypothetical or academic reasons, even if they ‘ask with a sincere heart.’ The promise of Moroni is for those who are committed in their hearts to act upon the manifestation if it is received. Prayers based on any other reason have no promise because they are not made ‘with real intent’” (Pure in Heart[1988], 19–20).

I know that being baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has not only changed my life but brought me enormous blessings.  I am so thankful to have a family that I know that if I endure, and press forward, repenting of my sins, and always trying my best to cling to the rod of iron…. I will be with them FOREVER along with Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father.  These blessings can be yours, too.  Heavenly Father invites all to come unto Jesus Christ and be "born again" through Faith, Repentance, and Baptism by those having the proper authority.   You can learn more about it HERE.

I was looking through my pictures this morning and wanted to share some of them with you.  When I was 21 years old looking into my future, I would have never imagined having a family who I could love and who would love me in return.  

Here are some of my other favorite verses from Moroni 10 (but I really love them all!)

Moroni 10:20-23
"Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity.

"And except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God; neither can ye be saved in the kingdom of God if ye have not faith; neither can ye if ye have no hope.

"And if ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh because of iniquity.

"And Christ truly said unto our fathers:  If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me."

Moroni 10:32-34 (Moroni's final words)
"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

"And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.

"And now I bid unto all, farewell.  I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead.  Amen."

It looks like it is time for me to close my last post on our Book of Mormon reading!  I want to thank you all for reading with me.  I know that I have grown spiritually by having done this with you.  

I want to close by bearing you all my testimony of the Book of Mormon.  I know, without a doubt, that this is the word of the Lord and it was brought forth and translated by the prophet Joseph Smith.  I know that when I read from its pages, I feel closer to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  I know that I am not perfect and have a long way to go but through the Atonement of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I can be made perfect!  I know that if I press forward, feasting upon these words, repent, and endure to the end that I can live with my Heavenly Father and Savior again along with my family.  I have seen miracles in my life and in the lives of others through the fullness of the gospel.  I know that the Lord loves me and that I am HIS daughter!  He knows me personally and wants me to succeed in my life.  He wants YOU to succeed, too, and make it back to him.  You are also his sons and daughters.  I know that we came to this earth to learn to be like Him and that this journey is tough but we can do it if we rely upon Him!  I also want you to know that you all are loved.  Whenever you feel down or unloved I want you to imagine that you feel the Savior's arms wrapped around you.  When I am praying for you all, I pray that you can feel His love.  I want you all to know that!  I also know that we have a living prophet on the earth today who received revelation from Heavenly Father for us!  His name is Thomas S. Monson.  I know that by living the gospel we can become who He intends us to be.  I love you all and am so thankful for this wonderful journey we get to spend together.  I hope you continue to pray and find your own answers.  I know that He will answer you.  I say these things in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Here are all the links you might need….

To request your own copy of the Book of Mormon from me click HERE!

To read the Book of Mormon online click HERE!

To have the missionaries come and teach you about the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, click HERE.

To attend one of our church meetings in your area click HERE.

To start at the beginning click HERE!

Big hugs to all of you!
Robyn

Day 89: Moroni 6-7

Hello Everyone!

I hope you are having a good week so far!  Have you enjoyed reading the Book of Mormon?  I absolutely LOVE this book and I know that I feel closer to my Savior when I read about his teachings.

This week has been hectic and crazy as usual.  I am thankful for this time on earth to be a mother but sometimes it is a struggle.  I know that I am learning more about patience, true love, and service as I raise my children.  :)

In the midst of all our craziness, I have moments like the following.  The sweet glimpse of Heaven on Earth through the face of my precious gift from above.

Today we are reading about Baptism in Chapter 6 of Moroni.  I have highlighted every verse in this chapter so I will share it all with you.

Moroni 6

1 And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it.

 2 Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins.

 3 And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.

 4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.

 5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.

 6 And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.

 7 And they were strict to observe that there should be no iniquity among them; and whoso was found to commit iniquity, and three witnesses of the church did condemn them before the elders, and if they repented not, and confessed not, their names were blotted out, and they were not numbered among the people of Christ.

 8 But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven.

 9 And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done.

I love this chapter because this is exactly what our church follows and believes.  Baptism is such an important step on our path back to our Heavenly Father.  Even Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist.  He set the example we must follow to learn to be like Him.

Here are some pictures of our children on their baptism days.  4 out of 5 have been baptized so far and our youngest will have that opportunity after he turns 8 next year.  

Here is a great talk on baptism or being "Born Again" by one of our past General Authorities, James E. Faust.


In Chapter 6 we also read about having a broken heart and a contrite Spirit.  What does that mean to you?

Moroni 6:2. “A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit”

• •
  What does it mean to have “a broken heart and a contrite spirit”? President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) explained that it is the same as godly sorrow, which is “a deep realization that our actions have offended our Father and our God. It is the sharp and keen awareness that our behavior caused the Savior, He who knew no sin, even the greatest of all, to endure agony and suffering. Our sins caused Him to bleed at every pore. This very real mental and spiritual anguish is what the scriptures refer to as having ‘a broken heart and a contrite spirit.’ (3 Ne. 9:20; Moro. 6:2; D&C 20:37; 59:8; Ps. 34:18; 51:17; Isa. 57:15.) Such a spirit is the absolute prerequisite for true repentance” (“A Mighty Change of Heart,” Ensign, Oct. 1989, 4).
  Elder Bruce D. Porter of the Seventy explained further, defining the meaning of “a broken heart and a contrite spirit”:
  “When our hearts are broken, we are completely open to the Spirit of God and recognize our dependence on Him for all that we have and all that we are. The sacrifice so entailed is a sacrifice of pride in all its forms. Like malleable clay in the hands of a skilled potter, the brokenhearted can be molded and shaped in the hands of the Master. …
  “… Those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit are willing to do anything and everything that God asks of them, without resistance or resentment. We cease doing things our way and learn to do them God’s way instead. …
  “There is yet another dimension of a broken heart—namely, our deepgratitude for Christ’s suffering on our behalf. … When we remember the Savior and His suffering, our hearts too will break in gratitude for the Anointed One.
  “As we make the sacrifice to Him of all that we have and all that we are, the Lord will fill our hearts with peace. He will ‘bind up the brokenhearted’ (Isaiah 61:1) and grace our lives with the love of God” 

I just found this sweet video with some of the Primary children singing the song When I Am Baptized.  I hope you feel a sweet spirit as you watch this and listen to the words.


Here are the words to that song.  I want you to know that I know and believe the words in this song to be true.  They are not only for me but for you as well.  You can be clean and all your sins can be washed away through baptism and the atonement of our savior, Jesus Christ.  He not only died and atoned for my sins but he did for yours, too!

When I Am Baptized

1. 1. I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain
   And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.
2. 2. I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away,
   And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.
3. Chorus
   I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.
   I want to be the best I can and live with God again.
4. Words: Nita Dale Milner, 1952-2004; adapted. (c) 1989 IRI
   Music: Nita Dale Milner, 1952-2004. (c) 1989 IRI

Here I am with the missionaries who taught me about the  Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The day I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was the beginning of my new life.  I was truly "Born Again".  I am grateful that a sinner like myself could be washed clean through the atonement of Jesus Christ and be like new.  I also know that I am not perfect and sin daily.  It is by repenting and taking the Sacrament every Sunday that I can renew my baptismal covenants that I made when I was 22 years old.

Now let's move on to Moroni 7.  Sooooo many great teachings in this chapter, too!  I will share some of the scriptures I have highlighted.

Moroni 7:5
"For I remember the word of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also."

Moroni 7:12-19
"Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.

"But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

"Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.

"For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

"For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

"But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

"And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged.

"Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ."

Moroni 7:12–19. The Light of Christ

• •
  The Bible Dictionary provides the following explanation:
  “The light of Christ is just what the words imply: enlightenment, knowledge, and an uplifting, ennobling, preserving influence that comes upon mankind because of Jesus Christ. For instance, Christ is ‘the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world’ (D&C 93:2; John 1:9). The light of Christ fills the ‘immensity of space’ and is the means by which Christ is able to be ‘in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things.’ It ‘giveth life to all things’ and is ‘the law by which all things are governed.’ It is also ‘the light that quickeneth’ man’s understanding (see D&C 88:6–13, 41). In this manner, the light of Christ is related to man’s conscience and tells him right from wrong (see Moro. 7:12–19).
  “The light of Christ should not be confused with the personage of theHoly Ghost, for the light of Christ is not a personage at all. Its influence is preliminary to and preparatory to one’s receiving the Holy Ghost. The light of Christ will lead the honest soul who ‘hearkeneth to the voice’ to find the true gospel and the true Church and thereby receive the Holy Ghost (see D&C 84:46–48)” (“Light of Christ,” 725; see also Guide to the Scriptures, “Light, Light of Christ”; True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 96).
• •
  “Conscience is a manifestation of the Light of Christ, enabling us to judge good from evil” (True to the Faith, 96). The “Spirit of Christ” (Moroni 7:16) and the “light of Christ” (verses 18–19) are scriptural phrases that are often used synonymously.
  President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, testified that this light is a gift that will help us discern between good and evil:
  “Regardless of whether this inner light, this knowledge of right and wrong, is called the Light of Christ, moral sense, or conscience, it can direct us to moderate our actions—unless, that is, we subdue it or silence it. …
  “Every man, woman, and child of every nation, creed, or color—everyone, no matter where they live or what they believe or what they do—has within them the imperishable Light of Christ” (“The Light of Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 2005, 8, 10).
• •
  President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) identified some differences between the Holy Ghost and the Light of Christ:
  “The Holy Ghost should not be confused with the Spirit which fills the immensity of space and which is everywhere present. This other Spirit is impersonal and has no size, nor dimension; it proceeds forth from the presence of the Father and the Son and is in all things. We should speak of the Holy Ghost as a personage as ‘he’ and this other Spirit as ‘it,’ although when we speak of the power or gift of the Holy Ghost we may properly say ‘it.’
  “The Holy Ghost, as we are taught in our modern revelation, is the third member in the Godhead and a personage of Spirit. These terms are used synonymously: Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of Truth, Holy Spirit, Comforter; all having reference to the Holy Ghost. The same terms largely are used in relation to the Spirit of Jesus Christ, also called the Light of Truth, Light of Christ, Spirit of God, and Spirit of the Lord; and yet they are separate and distinct things. We have a great deal of confusion because we have not kept that clearly in our minds” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 1:49–50).
• •
  God’s inspiration through the Light of Christ is not limited to the members of this Church only. The Light of Christ has influenced many world leaders.
  “The First Presidency has stated:
  “‘The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God’s light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals. …
  “‘We believe that God has given and will give to all peoples sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation’ (Statement of the First Presidency regarding God’s Love for All Mankind, 15 Feb. 1978)” (James E. Faust, in Conference Report, Apr. 1980, 15; orEnsign, May 1980, 12).
• •
  Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained a relationship between the Light of Christ and the gift of the Holy Ghost:
  “Each of us brings a light to the earth—the Light of Christ. …
  “By using the Light of Christ to discern and choose what is right, we can be led to an even greater light: the gift of the Holy Ghost” 

In verse 19, it talks about laying hold upon every good thing.  How can we do that?  Here are some of my thoughts.  I hope hope you will share your own thoughts as well.

Reading & studying the scriptures:



Having a Secure Anchor in the Gospel of Jesus Christ:


Moroni 7:25
"Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ."

I love verses 29 and 30!  These bring me great hope.  I know that the Lord almighty is ever powerful and can do all things!

Moroni 7:29-30
"And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased?  Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men.

"For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness."

Moroni 7:29–31. Ministering Angels

• •
  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained that the Book of Mormon reveals the reality of angels:
  “I am convinced that one of the profound themes of the Book of Mormon is the role and prevalence and central participation of angels in the gospel story. …
  “One of the things that will become more important in our lives the longer we live is the reality of angels, their work and their ministry. I refer here not alone to the angel Moroni but also to those more personal ministering angels who are with us and around us, empowered to help us and who do exactly that (see 3 Ne. 7:18; Moro. 7:29–32, 37; D&C 107:20). …
  “I believe we need to speak of and believe in and bear testimony to the ministry of angels more than we sometimes do. They constitute one of God’s great methods of witnessing through the veil, and no document in all this world teaches that principle so clearly and so powerfully as does the Book of Mormon” (“For a Wise Purpose,” Ensign, Jan. 1996, 16–17).
• •
  Elder Bruce C. Hafen of the Seventy taught that angels still continue to minister to the children of man:
  “The ministry of these unseen angels is among the most sublime forms of interaction between heaven and earth, powerfully expressing God’s concern for us and bestowing tangible assurance and spiritual sustenance upon those in great need. …
  “When do the angels come? If we seek to be worthy, they are near us when we need them most”.

Here are more powerful verses in this chapter.  Honestly, the entire chapter is full of great power!  I hope you will pray and ponder as you read these words.

Moroni 7:43-47
"And again, behold I say unto you that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart.

"If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and the lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he musts needs have charity.

"And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faith.  Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must faith - - 

"But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

There are so many more things that I would like to share today but I will close with a talk about Charity given by our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson.  You can learn more about my church HERE.