Prophets

One thing that makes our church unique is that we believe in a living prophet who leads and guides the world today. If you are familiar with the Bible at all you will know that because God loves us He has always sent a prophet. He called Noah to tell all of the people that because of their wickedness they would need to repent or a great flood would come. Moses was also another prophet who was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

A prophet is someone who is a mouthpiece for God. He gets direct revelation from our Heavenly Father and tells us the way to get back to our heavenly home to live with Him again. Through a living prophet we have had God's power and authority restored to the earth again. This authority makes ordinances like baptism, the conferral of the Holy Ghost, and the eternal binding of families, possible. He is a special witness of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He teaches us more of Him and how we can get close to Him. The prophet teaches the world which paths will bring peace and ultimately give us the most joy.

 Our prophet's name today is Thomas S. Monson. I know that he has been called of God because every time I listen to his words, and apply them into my life, I know I am in accordance to God's will. I feel closer to my Savior, when I follow His chosen prophet.

The Plan of Salvation

   So this week I've been thinking a lot about my Grandpa. My Grandpa passed away a couple weeks ago. He has been in pretty bad health for the last little while so it wasn't too unexpected but it was still sad to see him go. As I was listening to his funeral on a CD last night, I was thinking about how grateful I am for the Plan of Salvation. The Plan of Salvation, or the Plan of Happiness, is the plan that our Heavenly Father has provided for us. It answers the questions: "Where did I come from?" "Why am I here?" and "Where am I going?"

  The "Where am I going?" answer, specifically has brought the most comfort. Eventually, we all leave our mortal body. Our body stays in the ground and our spirit goes to a place called the Spirit World. The Spirit World acts as, somewhat of a waiting place for spirits. It is a place where missionary works still continues. Where those who have heard the gospel of Jesus Christ can teach it to those who never got the opportunity in earth life.  Then those spirits will get the chance to accept or reject the message (see 1 Peter 4:6).

  After the Resurrection, where are body and spirits reunite (never again to be separated), we are judged based off of our deeds and desires of our heart. We are then placed in one of three kingdoms of glory (see 1 Corinthians 15:40-41). The Telestial Kingdom is comparable to a star in glory, it is for those who didn't repent or accept Jesus Christ. The Terrestial Kingdom is comparable to the moon in glory, it is for those who were honorable but weren't valiant in their testimony of Jesus Christ. The Celestial Kingdom is comparable to the sun in glory, this is where our Heavenly Father dwells and where our families can be together forever. This is for those who accept the gospel of Jesus Christ and remain true to their testimonies of Him throughout time and eternity.

   I love our Heavenly Father's plan for us. I know that it is truly His because I have prayed to know. The Holy Ghost has whispered to my spirit the surety of this plan. How grateful I am to know where my Grandpa is! How grateful I am to a God who loved us enough to provide His Son who made this whole plan possible.

 If you want to learn more about the Plan of Salvation click here.