If you are reading this blog, chances are I have met you before. However, in case this is not true, allow me to give a brief introduction. My name is Benjamin, and I served as a missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Louisville, Kentucky area from summer 2014-2016. While there, I discovered a great love for all things relating to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many times I would be asked questions to which I did not have a ready answer. I like to know as much as I can about the gospel, so if I did not know the answer, I would find it.
Recently I was able to spend some time with some of my friends I met while on my mission, and they reminded me of the great times I had searching for answers to gospel questions. In the past month or so, a couple of friends had asked me questions, which prompted me to post the things I found on Facebook. After talking with my mission friends, they encouraged me to start a blog, since this sort of environment is more conducive to long posts than is Facebook. This is my first blog post, so I will attempt to outline exactly what I intend this blog to be.
Before I go any further, I will warn that I tend to be very verbose when answering questions to make sure that I cover all parts of the question. Thus, braving one of my posts is not for the faint of heart. However, I believe that this is in line with a principle found in Alma 12:9,
"It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him."
Those who actually care about the topics found herein will have no problem reading a long post (though I don't blame them for breaking it up over a couple of days). Those who are less interested are likely to be deterred by such a long post, and will lose on learning precious principles.
Despite my great love for the scriptures, I have a hard time myself coming up with things to research. Thus, the continued existence of this blog is, at least in part, dependent on those who read it and the questions I receive. I thought it would be appropriate to begin such an endeavor with a discussion about revelation.
Why do we need to receive revelation? Without it, we cannot learn the things of God (1 Cor. 2:14). Things pertaining to mortality can be learned by mortal means, such as observation or experimentation. If we desire to learn more about things of a spiritual nature, we must turn to the source of spiritual strength, found in our Father in heaven.
How is a person led to learn more about the gospel? We are told in John 1:9 that Jesus Christ is "the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." In addition to this, the Bible Dictionary teaches that "The light of Christ will lead the honest soul who "hearkeneth to the voice" to find the true gospel and the true Church and thereby receive the Holy Ghost." We should not confuse the personage of the Holy Ghost with the Light of Christ.
The Holy Ghost is "a personage of Spirit," and a member of the Godhead. It is his responsibility to give those following the Light of Christ "a testimony of Jesus Christ and of His work and the work of His servants upon the earth" and to testify of all truth. When a person receives the gift of the Holy Ghost, they receive "the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost. For those who receive this gift, the Holy Ghost acts as a cleansing agent to purify them and sanctify them from all sin" (Bible Dictionary).
What does all of this have to do with receiving revelation? Without the gift of the Holy Ghost, we can only receive so much knowledge from God, but once we have that gift, the blessings start to flow in abundance. However, in order to get answers to questions, we first have to ask. There is a promise given that those who seek will find (Matthew 7:7).
I know that all of those who desire to find answers can find them. You may be seeking answers to a specific question now or in the future. You can find the things you seek. I am always willing to help those in their search for truth.
Recently I was able to spend some time with some of my friends I met while on my mission, and they reminded me of the great times I had searching for answers to gospel questions. In the past month or so, a couple of friends had asked me questions, which prompted me to post the things I found on Facebook. After talking with my mission friends, they encouraged me to start a blog, since this sort of environment is more conducive to long posts than is Facebook. This is my first blog post, so I will attempt to outline exactly what I intend this blog to be.
Before I go any further, I will warn that I tend to be very verbose when answering questions to make sure that I cover all parts of the question. Thus, braving one of my posts is not for the faint of heart. However, I believe that this is in line with a principle found in Alma 12:9,
"It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him."
Those who actually care about the topics found herein will have no problem reading a long post (though I don't blame them for breaking it up over a couple of days). Those who are less interested are likely to be deterred by such a long post, and will lose on learning precious principles.
Despite my great love for the scriptures, I have a hard time myself coming up with things to research. Thus, the continued existence of this blog is, at least in part, dependent on those who read it and the questions I receive. I thought it would be appropriate to begin such an endeavor with a discussion about revelation.
Why do we need to receive revelation? Without it, we cannot learn the things of God (1 Cor. 2:14). Things pertaining to mortality can be learned by mortal means, such as observation or experimentation. If we desire to learn more about things of a spiritual nature, we must turn to the source of spiritual strength, found in our Father in heaven.
How is a person led to learn more about the gospel? We are told in John 1:9 that Jesus Christ is "the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." In addition to this, the Bible Dictionary teaches that "The light of Christ will lead the honest soul who "hearkeneth to the voice" to find the true gospel and the true Church and thereby receive the Holy Ghost." We should not confuse the personage of the Holy Ghost with the Light of Christ.
The Holy Ghost is "a personage of Spirit," and a member of the Godhead. It is his responsibility to give those following the Light of Christ "a testimony of Jesus Christ and of His work and the work of His servants upon the earth" and to testify of all truth. When a person receives the gift of the Holy Ghost, they receive "the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost. For those who receive this gift, the Holy Ghost acts as a cleansing agent to purify them and sanctify them from all sin" (Bible Dictionary).
What does all of this have to do with receiving revelation? Without the gift of the Holy Ghost, we can only receive so much knowledge from God, but once we have that gift, the blessings start to flow in abundance. However, in order to get answers to questions, we first have to ask. There is a promise given that those who seek will find (Matthew 7:7).
I know that all of those who desire to find answers can find them. You may be seeking answers to a specific question now or in the future. You can find the things you seek. I am always willing to help those in their search for truth.
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