Does God Have A Body?

The other day my step dad and I were talking about a scripture in  Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 where it says:

The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.

Now to many religions this is false doctrine because they have been taught that the godhead is one person and they don't have bodies of flesh and blood. This is not true, Heavenly Father and Jesus have bodies and the Holy spirit doesn't as it says in the above scripture. The idea that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ don't have bodies and that they are one person was decided at the Council of Nicaea by 300 bishops. This is wrong because men cannot decide what God is like or any other doctrines of the gospel. God has to tell his people what he is like and the doctrines of the gospel or else it is not true. So now your probably saying, "What has God said about His having a body or not and if He is one person or just one of three individuals in the Godhead?" Well, the scripture above can be proof enough for many LDS, but for many others it means nothing so my step dad mentioned a place in the bible.

Near the end of Jesus' 40 day time on Earth after His resurrection He gathered His disciples and it says:

 9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

So why when Jesus was gone would God send two angels to talk to his disciples? What I believe is that God would send those two angels to tell his apostles not only about the second coming, but also that since Jesus left with a body He will return "in like manner."

Throughout the scriptures it refers to God having a body such as:

Genesis 32:20
"...for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved."

Exodus 24:10
 10 And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.

I would like to bear my testimony that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are separate beings and that God and Jesus have bodies of flesh and blood. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Anxiously Engaged

 

In D&C 58:27 it says

“Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;”

So it says to be anxiously engaged, but what does it mean to be anxiously engaged? To be anxiously engaged you have to excel beyond the norm. This can be applied to most aspects of your lives, but especially when it comes to the gospel. Don’t let life pass you by; be “anxiously engaged” in life and in the gospel.Push yourself to do better in your callings in church or in serving others or in whatever Christ-like attribute that you lack. For me I have school coming up and when school starts I do not have much time to study the scriptures. I may be studying for an important class however I need to be anxiously engaged and not only study my scriptures, but write down the spiritual impressions. The whole idea behind being anxiously engaged is choosing to do something extra. We must go the extra mile and push a little further. The way I like to see it is like this:

When you see Christ on Judgment day do you want a handshake or a hug?

President Thomas S. Monson said:

*"We well could pay heed to the Lord’s divine instructions when He declared, “Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.”    1    He added:

“For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

“Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

“For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.”    2

The sacred scriptures provide for you and me a model to follow when they declare, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”    3    And He “went about doing good, … for God was with him.”    4   

I have observed in studying the life of the Master that His lasting lessons and His marvelous miracles usually occurred when He was doing His Father’s work. On the way to Emmaus He appeared with a body of flesh and bones. He partook of food and testified of His divinity. All of this took place after He had exited the tomb.

At an earlier time, it was while He was on the road to Jericho that He restored sight to one who was blind.

The Savior was ever up and about—teaching, testifying, and saving others. Such is our individual duty as members of priesthood quorums today."

I would like to bear my testimony that I know that if you are anxiously engaged in a good cause your life will be blessed and when you see Christ on judgment day he will hug you instead of a handshake.

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Sources:

*https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/10/anxiously-engaged?lang=eng#watch=video

He's been there before

HE'S BEEN THERE BEFORE

By Elder Troy Whittle,

Texas, Houston

Mission

The alarm rings at 6:30; I stumble to my feet.

I grab my  companion's bedding and pull off his sheet.

A groan fills the room, is it  already time to arise?

It seems like just a second ago I was able to  shut my eyes.

The morning activities follow - study, prayer, and  such.

When it's time to leave the apartment, you feel you haven't  accomplished much.

"We have a super day planned," my comp says with a  grin.

I lowly utter a faithless breath, "Yeah, if anyone lets us  in.

"With the word of God and my faithful Schwinn, we ride off in the  street

Prepared to face another day of humidity and heat.

It's 9:30 in the  evening, the day is almost through;

My companion and I are riding home, not  accomplishing what we thought to do.

We ride up to the mailbox, hoping to  receive a lot.

Only to look inside and hear my echo reverberate "Air  Box."

We go up to our apartment, the day is now complete.

The only thing  to show for our work is a case of blistery feet.

It's past 10:30 PM, my  companion is fast asleep.

Silence engulfs me all about and I begin to  weep.

In the midst of sadness, I kneel down to pray;

I need to talk to  Father, but I'm not sure what to say.

"Oh, Father," I begin, "What happened  to us today?

I thought we'd teach somebody, but everyone was away.

My  hands, my aching hands - worn, hurt and beat;

If our area was any smaller,  we'd have knocked every street .."

"Why on missions are the days so much alike?

The only difference about today was the flat tire on my bike.

Will  you send some cooler weather? The heat is killing me.

I sweat so bad, it gets  in my eyes; It's very hard to see."

"Why do I have to wear a helmet, isn't  your protection enough?

People always laugh at me and call me stupid  stuff.

Please send us investigators so I may give them what they lack;

I  want to give them Books of Mormon, the weight of them hurts my back."

"And  what about my family? They don't have much to say,

I'm sick of not hearing  from home, day after day after day.

Oh Father, why am I here, am I just  wasting time?

Sometimes I just want to go home, I'm sorry but that's on my  mind."

"My companion, Heavenly Father, what are you giving me?

The way he  rides his bicycle, I don't think he can see.

Now you have it, I can't go on  I don't know what to do;

That, my Father in Heaven, is the prayer I have for  You.

"My prayer now finished I stand up, then jump right into bed.

I need  my rest for tomorrow; we have another long day ahead.

Sleep starts to  overtake me; I seem to drift away,

Then it seems a vision takes me to another  time and another day.

I'm standing alone on the hill, the view is very  nice;

A man walks towards me and says, "My name is Jesus Christ."

Tears of  joy well up inside, I fall down to His feet,

"Arise," He states, "Follow Me  to the shade - you and I need to speak.

"My attentions toward the Savior,  total and complete.

He says, "Your mission is similar of what happened to  Me,

I understand how you feel, I know what you're going through;

In fact  it would be fair to say I've felt the same as you."

"I even know how you felt when no one listened to you.

At times I felt not quite sure what else I could  do.

I know you don't like to ride a bicycle, for you a car would be  sweet;

Just remember the donkey I rode wasn't equipped with 21 speeds."

"I  understand you don't like sweating, in fact it's something you hate;

I  remember when I sweat blood from every pore, oh the agony was great!

I see  you don't like your companion - you'd rather have someone else.

I once had a  companion named Judas who sold my life for wealth."

"It's hard to wear a  helmet and have people make fun of you.

I remember when they put thorns on my  head and called me King of the Jews.

So you feel burdened down by the weight  of your pack.

I recall how heavy the cross was when they slammed it on my  back."

"Your hands hurt from tracting and knocking on doors all day.

I  guess when they pounded nails into mine, I ached in a similar way.

It's hard  not to hear from home when your family's not there to see;

I lost my  communication on the cross and cried, "Father, why hast Thou forsaken Me."

He  embraced me with His arms, His light filled me with His love,

With tears in  my eyes I watched as He went back to the Father above.

I stood with awe and  wonder when a beep rang in my head,

I listened and heard the alarm, then  realized I was in my bed.

My companion let out a groan, "6:30 already, no  way!"

I sat up and said, "Come on, I'll even carry your scriptures  today!"

No matter what we go through, when we feel we can’t take  more;

Just stop and think about Jesus Christ. He has been there before.

The greatest conversation of your life

I would like to tell you about three friends of mine. When I see friend 1, instantly we start talking back and forth. As a consequence we are extremely close. When I see friend 2, instantly he starts talking, but I don't know him that well so I don't speak up much. However he keeps trying to get to know me. When I see friend 3 we say hello and talk when necessary. It's really awkward cause he will try to start a conversation, but I usually am not paying attention, so I won't respond

When studying your scriptures and praying you have a "conversation" with your Heavenly Father. Studying your scriptures is like Him talking to you giving you advice. You praying is you responding to him. I would like you to think how often do I pray or study my scriptures? Are you like friend 3 and I  talking awkwardly and only when necessary? Or are you getting his side of the conversation and not responding as much as you should like friend 2? Or are you and Him going back and forth constantly studying and praying like friend 1? Take a moment to think about which one you are.

If you are like friend 3, I encourage you to begin to have your conversation with the Lord.  Study your scriptures and pray each morning and evening at the least. I guarantee that by doing this your relationship with your Heavenly Father will increase significantly.

If you are like friend 2 you are half way there, do not stop short. If you are ignoring either of the two parts of the conversation with your Heavenly Father I encourage you to begin to do that task and continue the task you were doing previously. There is no other way to have a conversation with the Lord without both studying and praying. They are essential and go hand in hand. As you do this your relationship with your Heavenly Father will grow.

If you are like friend 1 you are doing tremendously and I encourage you to continue your great work. As you continue to confide in the Lord you will find you growing closer to him.

I would like to bear my testimony that if you pray and study your scriptures you will be blessed. I know that the Lord always has an outstretched hand to us and if we reach out we will once again be with him. 

In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Defending the Faith

I was sitting on a bus the other day silently studying my scriptures. It was very difficult to focus between the sound of the motor, heater, people laughing, arguing, or talking. Since I was trying to focus on reading I didn’t really hear anything. i sort of set up a wall between myself and the world However four words breached through my defences. My friend whom is a proclaimed atheist yelled at my friend who is in my teachers quorum “Jeez I hate Mormons!” Shocked I looked up. My LDS friend had been bothering her so I let it go. However its not just my atheist friend. Consistently throughout my day I hear the word Mormon used derogatorily towards other LDS and myself. In instances such as “ooh you’re Mormon” or “Why are you Mormon?” I would like to show to all thoses people who call LDS people “Mormon” this excerpt from Ask the Missionaries!.They can help you! by Elder Russell M. Nelson.

"Some of you may wonder about the name Mormon. It is a nickname for us. It is not our real name, though we are widely known as Mormons. The term is derived from a book of sacred scripture known as the Book of Mormon.

The true name of the Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is the reestablished original Church of Jesus Christ. When He walked upon the earth, He organized His Church. He called Apostles, Seventies, and other leaders to whom He gave priesthood authority to act in His name. After Christ and His Apostles passed away, men changed the ordinances and doctrine. The original Church and the priesthood were lost. After the Dark Ages, and under the direction of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ brought back His Church. Now it lives again, restored and functioning under His divine direction."

Often as LDS we have to defend our faith. In The Cost- and blessings-of discipleship by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland it says…

"With admiration and encouragement for everyone who will need to remain steadfast in these latter days, I say to all and especially the youth of the Church that if you haven’t already, you will one day find yourself called upon to defend your faith or perhaps even endure some personal abuse simply because you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Such moments will require both courage and courtesy on your part.

For example, a sister missionary recently wrote to me: “My companion and I saw a man sitting on a bench in the town square eating his lunch. As we drew near, he looked up and saw our missionary name tags. With a terrible look in his eye, he jumped up and raised his hand to hit me. I ducked just in time, only to have him spit his food all over me and start swearing the most horrible things at us. We walked away saying nothing. I tried to wipe the food off of my face, only to feel a clump of mashed potato hit me in the back of the head. Sometimes it is hard being a missionary because right then I wanted to go back, grab that little man, and say, ‘EXCUSE ME!’ But I didn’t.”...

And therein lies a message for every young man and young woman in this Church. You may wonder if it is worth it to take a courageous moral stand in high school or to go on a mission only to have your most cherished beliefs reviled or to strive against much in society that sometimes ridicules a life of religious devotion. Yes, it is worth it, because the alternative is to have our “houses” left unto us “desolate”—desolate individuals, desolate families, desolate neighborhoods, and desolate nations."

I know that defending our faith can be difficult however we cannot simply sit by watching our faith be slandered. However these situations often lead to missionary opportunities and conversion. I would like to bear my testimony that this church is true and that it should be defended

In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Sources:

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-cost-and-blessings-of-discipleship?lang=eng#watch=video

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/ask-the-missionaries-they-can-help-you?lang=eng&query=name+mormon

I knew it, and I knew that God knew it

 

 

 

I would like to talk about the keystone of our religion, The Book of Mormon. However I would like to focus on the translator of that book, Joseph Smith Jr. I can’t think of anyone better to explain it than Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in his talk Safety for the soul:

 

May I refer to a modern “last days” testimony? When Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum started for Carthage to face what they knew would be an imminent martyrdom, Hyrum read these words to comfort the heart of his brother:

“Thou hast been faithful; wherefore … thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father.

“And now I, Moroni, bid farewell … until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ.”       

A few short verses from the 12th chapter of Ether in the Book of Mormon. Before closing the book, Hyrum turned down the corner of the page from which he had read, marking it as part of the everlasting testimony for which these two brothers were about to die. I hold in my hand that book, the very copy from which Hyrum read, the same corner of the page turned down, still visible. Later, when actually incarcerated in the jail, Joseph the Prophet turned to the guards who held him captive and bore a powerful testimony of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon.     Shortly thereafter pistol and ball would take the lives of these two testator.

As one of a thousand elements of my own testimony of the divinity of the Book of Mormon, I submit this as yet one more evidence of its truthfulness. In this their greatest—and last—hour of need, I ask you: would these men blaspheme before God by continuing to fix their lives, their honor, and their own search for eternal salvation on a book (and by implication a church and a ministry) they had fictitiously created out of whole cloth?Never mind that their wives are about to be widows and their children fatherless. Never mind that their little band of followers will yet be “houseless, friendless and homeless” and that their children will leave footprints of blood across frozen rivers and an untamed prairie floor.    9   

Never mind that legions will die and other legions live declaring in the four quarters of this earth that they know the Book of Mormon and the Church which espouses it to be true. Disregard all of that, and tell me whether in this hour of death these two men would enter the presence of their Eternal Judge quoting from and finding solace in a book which, if not the very word of God, would brand them as imposters and charlatans until the end of time? They would not do that! They were willing to die rather than deny the divine origin and the eternal truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

For 179 years this book has been examined and attacked, denied and deconstructed, targeted and torn apart like perhaps no other book in modern religious history—perhaps like no other book in any religious history. And still it stands. Failed theories about its origins have been born and parroted and have died—from Ethan Smith to Solomon Spaulding to deranged paranoid to cunning genius. None of these frankly pathetic answers for this book has ever withstood examination because there is no other answer than the one Joseph gave as its young unlearned translator. In this I stand with my own great-grandfather, who said simply enough, “No wicked man could write such a book as this; and no good man would write it, unless it were true and he were commanded of God to do so.”    10

Joseph Smith was tarred and feathered, lost several children, mocked, jailed, and eventually martyred. Why would he go through all of this? I think its like he said in Joseph Smith History 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 edeny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.

I can think of no logical reason why a man would go through so many trials for a BOOK. The only reason that makes sense is that he really did see God the Father and his only begotten son Jesus Christ.

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know that he saw God the Father and his son Jesus Christ. He would not go through that much pain if it were not true. I will not deny my testimony of The Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. I do not want to get to the judgement seat and be denied my eternal salvation. I believe Joseph Smith. I am eternally grateful for what he did. Like Jeffrey R. Holland “[I] give [my name] unto the world, to witness unto the world that which [I] have seen.” And like them, “[I] lie not, God bearing witness of it.”

 Sources:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/safety-for-the-soul?lang=eng#watch=video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHY-Y9yraR8
http://classic.scriptures.lds.org/en/js_h/1/25d