Jesus the Christ

Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.  Our older Brother, and friend.  He is the Creator of the Earth and the one who has permitted us to return to the Father.  He works under the instruction of God, our Heavenly Father for our salvation and exaltation.  He willingly chose to suffer in our behalf for the many sins we each have made and still make. 

I love this scripture I feel that it helps others understand why I love Jesus Christ. "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may look for a remission of their sins." 2 Nephi 25:26

I like this statue of Christ in the Temple Square North Visitors Center in Salt Lake City, Utah

I feel His open arms helps us understand His undeviating love for each of us to become more like Him.  His way is a way of peace and happiness. 

The more I live as Christ would the more I feel complete.  I find my life gets easier, despite my work load being the same.  I find myself as being kinder, more understanding of others, smiling more, and being able to focus on what is really important in life. 

Baptism and the Holy Ghost

As part of His mortal ministry Jesus Christ went to His cousin John to be baptized.  When I thought about this act by the Master I was curious why the Savior of the world chose to be baptized.  After all, isn't baptism to wash away our sins?  If the Savior was the only perfect person, why did He choose to be baptized? 

I love these words from 2 Nephi 31: 5-11

And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!

 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?

 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

 Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove.

 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them.

 And he said unto the children of men: follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?

And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.

On the 15th of May, 1829 John the baptist, the same person who baptized Jesus laid his hands upon a man named Joseph Smith, and gave him the proper authority to baptize after centurys of being lost.

 Later the authority to confer the Holy Ghost was also given to Joseph Smith through Peter, James, and John. 

The Holy Ghost is a spirit of comfort, of who's influence we can feel.  He comes to testify of truth, give comfort, give instruction, and do all that our Heavenly Father would have him do. “We are given the gift of the Holy Ghost after our baptism, but often we leave this gift on the shelf, forgetting that He will help us in the most important judgments of our lives. The Lord gave us this gift, knowing we would face difficult decisions in life. Listening to this voice is vital in developing good judgment. A relationship of listening often requires a quiet environment in which we can take time to ponder and hear the still, small voice. This peaceful environment is both external and internal.”

Gregory A. Schwitzer, Developing Good Judgment and Not Judging Others," May 2010, 105

I am so greatful that I have received the gift of the Holy Ghost.  I use His influence on a daily basis with all circumstances I find myself in.  It is a wonderful and most precious gift that I know will always be with me as long as I am faithful in keeping God's commandments.

If you have not received these blessings, I hope you will talk to the missionaries.  If you have any questions you can email me at mark.lewis@myldsmail.net

Commandments and Blessings

What are commandments?  Why are commandments important? 

In St. John 14:15 Christ spoke of commandments. He simply said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

As far as I understand, commandments are specific actions Jesus Christ asks us to do.  Many commandments are spoken directly from Him.  The New Testament in the Bible is the text to His words.  Other commandments come through the voices of prophets; holy men of God with a purpose to act, and speak in His name.  The Bible, and Book of Mormon are two such books that contain the words of prophets who have spoken for Christ to tell us of His will and Gospel. 

Commandments are much more than words, they are guides, that if followed, have promises connected with them.  When we keep commandments we are blessed, when we fail to keep a commandment we do not qualify for the special blessing.

John 7: 17 says, "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."  I take this to mean that if we shall do His (Christ's) will, we shall know He gave it to us.  We will know the doctrine of Christ.

The Doctrines and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints supports John with this passage in section 82:10, "I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise."

I love this!  I know that keeping/following commandments brings blessings of happiness.  I am a witness to that.  Throughout my entire life I have found that when I do keep commandments, I am happier than when I don't.  My life gets easier.  I found that the tasks that normally bother me are reduced.  I feel more peaceful. 

In 3 Nephi 14:21 Christ said, " Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven."

I believe that commandments brings blessings... even to the point of entering into the kingdom of heaven as Christ taught.   I know that keeping commandments leads us to be happy.  I feel this is because when keep commandments we are showing our love for Christ and our Heavenly Father. 

I invite everyone to be aware of commandments and to watch for their blessings.  The blessings, may not be  immediate, or in our timing, but I promise they will come as we keep Christ's commandments.