"Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost." -Alma 36:24 (The Book of Mormon)

Monday, October 24, 2011

The Sacrament

Whew!! So, this week we put on an "Open House" for our church. It was chaotic and crazy but it was a lot of fun to put together. We had all of the different programs and auxiliaries that our church is involved in come and talk about some of the things that we offer. It was a really fun night where anyone could come in and learn a little bit more about our church and at the end we had our Mission President, President Jack R. Christianson, give a devotional. He talked about the incredible programs and auxiliaries that the church offers, but that the main focus and reason for our Sunday attendance is the Sacrament.

When we enter into the waters of baptism we make a covenant, or a two-way promise, with God. We promise God that we will:
-Always remember His Son, Jesus Christ
-That we will take the Savior's name upon us
-That we will keep His commandments

He in return promises that we can:
-Have the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit
-Get a remission for our sins
-Be born again

We don't have to be re-baptized to renew these covenants. That is what the sacrament is for. Every week, at church, we get to partake of the water and the bread, that is blessed and passed to the congregation by those holding the power and authority of God. When we partake of these emblems it is as if we are being re-baptized. Our covenants are renewed. Those mistakes that we made, and repented of, that week are washed away just like the day you were baptized. You've got another clean slate! What a miracle!!

I love the sacrament. I'm so grateful for it. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us, He wants us home again with Him. I know that is by making, keeping, and renewing these precious covenants that we're going to make it there.

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