President Gordon B. Hinckley on the Book of Mormon

"I take in my hand the Book of Mormon. I read its words. I have read Joseph Smith's explanation of how it came to be. To the unbelieving it is a story difficult to accept, and critics for generations have worn out their lives writing books intended to refute that story and to offer other explanations than the one given by Joseph the Prophet. But to the open-minded, this critical writing has only stimulated them to dig deeper; and the more deeply they dig, the greater the accumulation of evidence for the validity of Joseph Smith's story. Still, as has been demonstrated for a hundred and fifty years, the truth of the Book of Mormon will not be determined by literary analysis or by scientific research, although these continue to be reassuring. The truth about the origins of the Book of Mormon will be determined today and tomorrow, as it has been throughout the yesterdays, by reading the book in a spirit of reverence and respect and prayer."
(Praise to the Man, Ensign, Aug 1983, 4)

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Day 35: Mosiah 1-2

In a few hours, we have the opportunity and blessing of listening to the Lord's prophets, apostles, and general authorities of the Church. This is a time we should give thanks to the Lord and listen with open hearts and minds; fully intending to perform the work we are impressed on by the Spirit.

How timely we read in these chapters now the "General Conference" that was held about 124 B.C. and their preparations for listening to the prophet and king. In order for the Spirit to fully penetrate our lives, we too must make preparations before hearing the good word of God.

- For the Nephites, they did go to the temple to offer sacrifices and give thanks. Have we gone before the Lord in prayer and scripture study?
- Each family pitched their tents around the temple with the door towards the temple. Do we go to church to listen and watch, or if at home, keep all other distractions away during the conference proceedings; including the songs/prayers?
- The Nephites were later given written copies for those who could not hear. We are provided the words spoken in the Ensign and Liahona magazines' are we studying their words?

May we be grateful for a living prophet today and for the technology and conveniences of receiving the words of the Lord through His prophet immediately. Let us use this gift with gratitude and purpose, and enjoy conference!

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