I recently learned that someone I loved left the church. I began questioning my testimony. I began to wonder why I am part of the church and why I believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I turned to the scriptures and opened up to the title page of the Book of Mormon it states...
"An abridgment taken from the Book of Ether also, which is a record of the people of Jared, who were scattered at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, when they were building a tower to get to heaven—Which is to show unto the remnant of the house of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever—And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself into all nations."
The scripture is saying that the Book of Mormon is here to help people come unto Christ. He will be known throughout the world. I understand that I have come to know that throughout my time with the church and learning about God and His son. The Book of Mormon has brought me closer to Jesus Christ. This church brings me closer to Jesus Christ and focuses on "convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ.'
I then started to ponder on how do you come to know that there is a God? What evidence supports this idea?
I know that feelings are not evidence but that is how I have come to know God. I have never physically seen, heard or felt Him, but without a doubt I know that He lives. How do I know this?
I asked God himself. It takes faith to talk to air but God will tell you that he is there. I didn't have a big moment where I heard His voice or a huge ray of sunshine come upon me. I had a feeling of overwhelming peace. I just know that had to come from God.
"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."
What does a sincere heart mean?
The dictionary definition of sincere states: ``free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings."
It is coming to the Lord without having a second agenda. You may be coming to the Lord with your own will or trying to prove something else. You might not get the truth that you were looking for.
What does real intent mean?
What are your motivations for learning the truth? Are you really here to learn about the book of Mormon being the word of God? What do you truly want to learn about?
What does faith in Christ mean?
And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me. Faith means that I can do anything with the help of Christ.
This is all evidence to me. As the scripture says ask and you shall receive. And I received it. I know that the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints is the true church on this earth. I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know this because I have asked with a sincere heart and real intent with my faith in Christ. This is why I am part of the church. Jesus is the Christ. I have felt that. I know that He is alive. He is real. He has come and will come again. He speaks to us and loves us. I cannot doubt my faith in Him and His church.
This is my testimony.
Have Hope. Stay Strong and Follow Christ
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