(Many instances of repentance are based on what a father said or taught when the child seemingly was not listening.–remove)

Examples in the Book of Mormon do not stand alone. There are several very clear and parallel examples of fathers in The Bible and in the Doctrine and Covenants (modern scriptural record) who deviated from paternal responsibilities. Eli, the priest who raised Samuel, comes to mind, as one who stood by silently as he sons engaged in wickedness. The scriptures record that it fell upon a young Samuel to pass the Lord’s message to his mentor: “In that day will I perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house . . . For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not” (1 Samuel 3:12-13). There are more modern examples of the Lord chastising other fathers, including at one time the entire First Presidency and the Bishop of the early Church (D&C 93:40-50).

The Book of Mormon offers additional insight into fatherhood. In fact, it does so more than any other body of scripture. It is the perfect guidebook to men, who – in today’s world – want to become better fathers (Title, Ensign, May 1988).

Nephi was “born of goodly parents” (1 Nephi 1:1). Surely, one of the ways his father was “goodly” was by instilling in his son a testimony: “I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father” (1 Ne. 2:16 (emphasis added)). And we are all familiar with Lehi’s desires for the salvation of his two oldest sons, Laman and Lemeul, exhorting “them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words.”

Unfortunately, “tenderness” did not seem to always work with Laman and Lemeul. And, so, in verse after verse in 2 Nephi, chapter 1, Lehi repeatedly admonishes his sons to repent with strong language. Just one example will suffice: “Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound” (2 Nephi 1:23).

Jacob followed the example of his father in teaching the gospel to his children. The words of Enos give us a glimpse of Jacob’s role as a father: “Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk keep into my heart (Enos 1:3) (emphasis added). While growing up Enos probably did not act like he was listening to or watching his father. But he was – and that made all the difference.

King Benjamin bore testimony to his sons before his bore testimony to his people: “O my sons, I would that ye should remember that these sayings are true, and also that these records are true. . . . I would that ye should search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby . . . . And many more things did king Benjamin teach his sons” (Mosiah 1:6-8). What did King Mosiah think about his father? He thought he was awesome: “[I]f ye could have men for your kings who would do even as my father Benjamin did for this people—I say unto you, if this could always be the case then it would be expedient that ye should always have kings to rule over you” (Mosiah 29:13).

The most poignant example perhaps in the entire Book of Mormon is from the Alma the Elder and Alma the Younger. Alma the Elder, who for a period of time did “many things which were abominable in the sight of the Lord,” later repented and helped convert many hundreds of Nephites (Mosiah 23:9). On the surface, it appears that he was unable to reach his oldest son, Alma the Younger, and that the angel was brought in to do the job that the father could not. But a deeper look reveals a different answer. Alma the Younger later relates to one of his own sons what happened after the angel departed: “[A]s I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sons of the world” (Alma 36:17) (emphasis added).

Like Enos, it was the words of Alma the Younger’s father etched in his memory that gave him the faith sufficient to repent and partake of the atonement. Later, Alma the Younger spent considerable time talking to his three sons, Helaman, Shiblon and Corianton – especially Corianton, who must have reminded Alma the Younger of himself (and his father). He did so out of love and because the Spirit of the Lord thus commanded him (Alma 39:12).

The examples continue. In the book of Helaman, Helaman names his two sons Nephi and Lehi after the first prophets of the Book of Mormon and exhorts them to keep the commandments of God. Helaman’s talk with his sons produces perhaps one of the most memorable verses of the Book of Mormon: “And now, my sons, remember, remember, that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation” (Helaman 5:12). And perhaps, equally important, is the response of his sons: “And they did remember his words” (Helaman 5:14).

The ultimate example of a father and son comes in 3 Nephi, which teaches us about the intimate and eternal relationship of the Father and the Son (3 Nephi 11:11 (“I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father has given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.”). Then, talking especially to the fathers in the “multitude” he taught this simple principle, among many others: “Pray in your families unto the Father, in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed” (3 Nephi 18:21) (emphasis added). Jesus showed, by example, how to pray to his Father for others in a beautiful series of prayers in 3 Nephi 19.

Little is known about Mormon’s relationship with his father, although we do know that his name was Mormon as well and they were “pure descendants” from Lehi (Mormon 1:5 and 3 Nephi 5:20). But much is written about Mormon’s own relationship with his son, Moroni. Though the two apparently were not around each other very much—Mormon mostly communicated with Moroni through letters from the “front lines”—the exchanges were always tender and loving. One example, which follows the commandment Jesus gave to fathers to pray for their children, suffices: “My beloved son, Moroni . . . I am mindful of you always in my prayers, continually praying unto God the Father in the name of his Holy Child, Jesus, that he, through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you through the endurance of faith on his name to the end” (Moroni 8:3).

And the love was reciprocated. After all, in his declining years when he “wandered” for the “safety of [his] own life, Moroni kept his father’s letters in his possession and added them to the Book of Mormon after he “had supposed not to have written any more.” (Moroni 1:4.)

It was a loving and lasting testament to the book his father compiled that “was written for us today.” (“The Book of Mormon is the Word of God,” Ensign, May 1975, 63).

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people (Alma 7:11).

I’m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I believe in Jesus Christ.  There are so many wonderful passages from the Bible that teach us about His life and His teachings.  But I am especially grateful for the Christ-centered focus of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

The Book of Mormon is filled with illuminating details that further illustrate and enhance the account of the Savior’s mission set forth in the Bible.  In fact, the principle writer himself, the ancient prophet Mormon, details in the introduction that the purpose of the book is to “the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations” (Title page, emphasis added).

The word nations is key, because the Book of Mormon teaches that after Christ’s life and sacrifice in Jerusalem, He appeared to several other groups of people and taught them the same principles He had instructed to his followers in the Holy Land.  The Book of Mormon is the story of one of them.

Even in the earliest pages of the book, there is an active devotion to and anticipation of the coming of the Messiah.  It begins with a small family, living at the time of King Zedekiah, who are told by revelation to flee Jerusalem before the infamous Babylonian siege.  As they travel into the desert and eventually to the Americas, their writings are full of prophesy of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Nephi, the younger son, writes, “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 know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins” (2 Nephi 25:26).

The Book of Mormon goes on to detail the account of the descendants of this family.  Nearly six hundred years are accounted for in the first three quarters of the book, culminating with the Savior’s appearance.  Throughout the book, there is a constant cyclical theme of faithful worship, peace and prosperity blessed through Jesus Christ, followed by downfalls into pride, war, and misery because of unbelief.

Those who read the pages of the Book of Mormon realize that nearly every verse and recorded account speaks about Jesus Christ.  The overall message within the text is drawing closer to the Lord.  “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men” (2 Nephi 32:20).  The words are optimistic, full of hope and personal resolve to change for the better.

As a mother of young children, I have often opened my scriptures for inspiration to deal with questions and troubles.  Jesus Christ’s plan and teachings apply to all of us, even parents like me.  “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God” (Alma 37:37).  Indeed, the various writers and prophets that speak through the Book of Mormon knew the power of Christ’s words.  They exhort all to “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:3).

When I was sixteen, I was attending a party with my high school swim team.  The movie that was agreed upon was one I knew my parents would not approve of, nor one that would be in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ.  Trying to make the right decision, I quickly left the party and went home.  The following day in school, I received several snide comments about how my leaving was rude and unfeeling.  Several peers thought I was being overly sensitive and even ridiculous.  Needless to say, I came home from school in tears.  My father listened patiently on the couch as I poured out my frustrations.  I was tired of my faith.  I was tired of being ‘different’.  I was sick of the restrictions and the weight of responsibility on my shoulders.  When I had finished my tirade, my father was silent.  He gathered me at his side and opened the Book of Mormon.  In a soft voice he read, “And now, my sons,” at this point he looked pointedly at me and said it was equally meant for a daughter,

“…remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall” (Helaman 5:12).

Everything suddenly felt better and did get better after that talk with my dad.

The conclusion of the Book of Mormon is tragic.  Nearly a thousand years had passed since the original family left Jerusalem and four hundred years had passed since Jesus Christ appeared to the people.  Now nearly all of them have rejected the Savior’s teachings and fallen away from their religion.  There have been tremendous wars and bloodshed between the two main opposing nations and Mormon’s own death is near at hand.  He is preparing to deliver his records into the hands of his son, Moroni – the last surviving follower of Christ.

Mormon’s conclusion is surprisingly optimistic for a situation that is dire.  He pleads with the loving compassion of a tender parent to all who would read his words to follow the Savior.  He concludes, “Hearken unto the words of the Lord and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need.  Doubt not, but be believing and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart and work out your own salvation…”  (Mormon 9:27).

Rachael Carver McKinnon holds a BA in Humanities and an MBA from Brigham Young University. She currently lives in Draper, Utah with her husband, Greg. When she isn’t keeping up with one of her four children, she loves road biking and lap swimming.

Additional Resources:

Jesus Christ in Mormonism

The Bible in Mormonism

Mormon Doctrines

Admonishing Timothy, the apostle Paul wrote:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Of course, in the historical context, the Apostle was referring to the Old Testament that Timothy had access, however, we have additional scriptures that help guide us as we meditate [upon them] day and night (Psalm 1:2). Thus, in the broader sense, we also come to understand and know that our Heavenly Father has provided additional revelation through these sacred records that provide each one of us an understanding of how we ought to live our lives and base our faith and testimony. Because of this, we have an opportunity in this coming year to read, study, ponder and meditate on the Book of Mormon. Whether one has devoted daily reading and studying, or this is the first time one has read the Book of Mormon, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have an opportunity of strengthening our testimony.

President Ezra Taft Benson (a late prophet from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, inadvertently called the “Mormon Church” by friends of other faiths) published a book in 1998 titled A Witness and a Warning: A Modern-day Prophet Testifies of the Book of Mormon. Benson, Mormon prophet, writes:

The Book of Mormon (Another Testament of Jesus Christ in addition to The Bible) brings men to Christ through two basic means. First, it tells in plain manner of Christ and His gospel. It testifies of His divinity and of the necessity for a Redeemer and the need of our putting trust in Him. It bears witness of the Fall and the Atonement and the first principles of the gospel, including our need of a broken heart and a contrite spirit and a spiritual rebirth. It proclaims we must endure to the end in righteousness and live the moral life of a Saint.

Reflecting upon this, a personal perusal of the Book of Mormon led to Mosiah 3:5-8where King Benjamin, a prophet in ancient America, is continuing his address to the multitude of people that had gathered to hear him speak. Prophetically, King Benjamin proclaims the coming of the Messiah, his mission and ministry, and the ultimate sacrifice the Messiah would make. This substantiates all of the ancient prophecies of the coming of a Messiah that we read throughout the Old Testament, and the fulfillment of those prophecies as we read and study in the New Testament.

Speaking on the subject of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Joseph Smith taught that it is: (1) the keystone of our religion, (2) contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ, (3) most correct of any book on earth, and that (4) a person would be able to draw closer to our Heavenly Father (Benson, 1986 – The Book of Mormon – Keystone of Our Religion; see also History of the Church,4:461).

President Benson continues with the second reason on how the Book of Mormon brings a person unto Jesus Christ:

Second, the Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention (See 2 Nephi 3:12.) It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. The type of apostates in the Book of Mormon is similar to the type we have today. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat false educational, political, religious, and philosophical concepts of our time.

Today, we are living in trying times. General Authorities (leaders of the LDS Church) have spoken out on having faith, enduring and strengthening our testimonies. President Thomas S. Monson (Living Prophet, Seer, and Revelator of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) spoke at the April 2009 general conference with his message of Be of Good Cheer

….[There] have been continuing signs that circumstances in the world aren’t necessarily as we would wish. The global economy, which six months ago appeared to be sagging, seems to have taken a nosedive, and for many weeks now, the financial outlook has been somewhat grim. In addition, moral footings of society continue to slip, while those who attempt to safeguard those footings are often ridiculed and, at times, picketed and persecuted. Wars, natural disasters, and personal misfortunes continue to occur.

Speaking at the April 2011 general conference, Elder Russell M. Nelson (a Latter-day Saint apostle) spoke on how we ought to face the future with faith:

We live in a time of turmoil. Earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under attack, and divorce rates are rising. We have great cause for concern. But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith. We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith.

Along with these admonishments and counsel from Prophets and Apostles, the Book of Mormon, along with the other standard works of the Church, provide insight as to how we ought to conduct ourselves, live out our faith, and encourage us to face whatever obstacle or challenge we may face in our lives. God is a God of love and provides help and hope through divine messages and messengers.  As indicated in the Book of Mormon, those who are faithful in holding onto the iron rod–not perfect but faithful– (See 1 Nephi 15:23-24) are making their way to the Tree of Life.  That tree represents the love of the Savior and His presence!  In partaking of His life and love, we are filled with gifts and abilities to follow Him, to have joy, to make decisions that will optimize outcomes in our lives.

As we progress through the New Year, and the course of study within the Book of Mormon, let us contemplate the reality that the Book of Mormon truly is written for us today. Its message is more important for the world and for Latter-day Saints today than ever before. We should not neglect the reading and studying of the Book of Mormon. This is because as the days grow darker, the storm clouds forming and slowly moving in, the sifting of God’s followers will begin, and if we do not have a firm grasp and testimony, many of us will fall prey to false doctrines, ideologies, or our hearts will begin to fail us as we look at the condition of the world today.

As stated, the Apostle Paul revealed the purpose of scripture, and the Psalmist provides the blessings attributed to reading from, meditating and pondering upon the scriptures [law], and how we have been counseled on the importance of daily scripture study. This includes our own personal and family scripture study through the Book of Mormon. Finally, we ought to take solace in knowing that as we continue on our mortal journey, holding fast to the iron rod, and pressing forward with great faith and endurance, we will ultimately be blessed in partaking of the Tree of Life that is our Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ. Let us become that man of God who is perfect, thoroughly furnished unto good works.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about the Book of Mormon at the official site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”).

Request a free copy of the Book of Mormon.

Locate a meetinghouse near you. Visitors are always welcome at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently referred to by friends of other faiths as, “Mormon Church”)

In the book of 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon, an ancient prophet Nephi talks all about the coming of Jesus Christ and the great plan of salvation and happiness

Why do we need a Savior?

Before we can understand what Jesus Christ expects of us, it’s important to first understand why we need a Savior. God sent us to this earth to learn, grow, gain a body, and learn to become like Him. But God knew that because of our imperfect state, all of us would sin and make mistakes which prevent us from coming back into the presence of God. In the Holy Bible it says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” To enable us to return to live with Him, Heavenly Father prepared a Savior to come to this earth to pay the penalty of our sins and redeem us. He suffered for our sins in the garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. Jesus Christ was chosen as our Savior before the earth was created. Without Jesus Christ, there would be no hope for us to return to live with our Heavenly Father and the law of justice would require us to pay the full penalty of our sins and we would lose our salvation. In the Book of Mormon it says this about Christ:

And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam (2 Nephi 9:21).

What does Jesus Christ Expect of Me?

Because of the gift of the Atonement that Jesus Christ gave to us, He wants us to follow Him, and take Him to be our creditor, Redeemer, and Savior. He expects us to do our best to follow Him and keep the commandments. He desires us to accept His grace and redeeming power. He loves us and wants us to accept Him so that we can be healed and find true peace. In the Book of Mormon it says:

And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.

Through obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ we can receive of His grace and mercy and be cleansed from our sins. These words in the Book of Mormon help us see that we must seek out Jesus Christ in order to find true satisfaction and happiness in our lives. It says:

Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.

Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice (2 Nephi 9:51-52).

I testify that Jesus Christ lives and is the Lord and redeemer over the whole earth. I know that it is only through Him that we can be saved and find true joy. I’ve felt His wonderful and powerful love many times in my life. I’ve felt my spirit touched and warmed with sweet feelings of love, peace and truth that have come to me through the Holy Spirit of God, testifying to me that Jesus Christ is truly real. God’s plan, which is centered on Jesus Christ, is truly the plan of happiness for all of us. I’ve felt joy and happiness in my home, and personally, with my family as we have strived to live the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Additional Resources:

Get a free copy of the Book of Mormon.

Learn more about how we can be born again through Jesus Christ and His gospel.

Learn more about what Jesus Christ expects of us at the official website for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths, the “Mormon Church”).

The Book of Mormon is a record of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It gives an account of the ancient inhabitants of the American continent and God’s dealings with them. There are many passages in The Book of Mormon that testify of the reality of God. In the book of Alma chapter 22, Alma was an ancient prophet of Jesus Christ, in The Book of Mormon, we read of an experience where a missionary named Aaron taught a king about God. We see a pattern for how we can come to know if God is real in this chapter. First we must have a desire to know if He is real.  We must desire to learn more about Him. In this scripture account, the king had recently come across a missionary who had converted his son to the gospel. The king was curious and wanted to learn more. This is what he said:

What is this that ye have said concerning the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, this is the thing which doth trouble me. And also, what is this that Ammon said—If ye will repent ye shall be saved, and if ye will not repent, ye shall be cast off at the last day? (Alma 22:5-6).

Coming to Know God Exists

This scripture then helps us see that we should seek to learn all that we can about God, what his words are, and what He asks us to do–then we can come to know Him more. This should be from a good source, such as the scriptures, an authorized minister of Jesus Christ, and through prayer. Aaron then expounds and teaches the king all about God and His plan of happiness for each of us. He teaches the king question by question, a little at a time. The king showed a desire and determination to believe in his words, and follow Jesus Christ:

And it came to pass that when Aaron saw that the king would believe his words, he began from the creation of Adam, reading the scriptures unto the king—how God created man after his own image, and that God gave him commandments, and that because of transgression, man had fallen.

And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the creation of Adam, laying the fall of man before him, and their carnal state and also the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name.

And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory; and Aaron did expound all these things unto the king (Book of Mormon: Alma 22:12-14).

After Aaron taught the gospel of Jesus Christ to the king, the king felt a desire in his heart to be forgiven of his sins and to become clean through Jesus Christ. The king showed a willingness to do the Lord’s will. He had a humble heart, which I’ve learned is important when I want to come to know God and feel His love and guidance in our lives. He said:

What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy (Book of Mormon: Alma 22:15).

Knowing About God vs. Knowing God

Aaron then asked the king to pray and ask God for the hope that He desired. In order to know if God is real, I’ve found that it is so vital that we pray. We can study all the books about God in the whole world if we want to, but if we don’t pray, we will never really know if God is real. When we pray, God’s Holy Spirit witnesses to our spirit that He is real (Holy Bible: Romans 8:16). He communicates knowledge to our souls with a divine impression that helps us know He is real. This is what happened with the king in The Book of Mormon. He knelt down and prayed and asked to know if God was real, and he said that he would “give up all my sins” to know God (Alma 22:18). When the king said this, he had a glorious experience of being overwhelmed with the power and love of God.

This scriptural example helps us see how we can know God is real. It helps me see that we must seek after Him. God has told us:

Ask, and it shall be ^bgiven you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened (Matthew 7:7-8).

Personal Witness that God Exists

I know that as we seek out God and the Lord Jesus Christ, they will make themselves manifest to us. Through the power of prayer, and through studying and living the words of Jesus Christ, I’ve come to feel the power of the God’s love within me. He has told my spirit that He lives and loves me. All of us can have this experience. God is waiting for us to seek after Him, and He will answer.

Additional Resources:

Is there a God? For more information visit the official site for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”).

Request your free copy of the Book of Mormon today.

Attend a local meetinghouse.

Keith L. Brown is a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and serves as the Ward Mission Leader in the Annapolis, Maryland Ward.

 It was a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed “Mormons,”),  Franklin D. Richards, who once said, “Life is God’s greatest gift to man, and what we do with our life is our gift to God.” (LDS Conference Report, April 1971, p. 38.) Stephen L. Richards, another prominent LDS leader taught, “Life is a mission and not a career.” (Quoted by Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 1988, p. 54.) And it was President Boyd K. Packer, apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, who taught, “No matter what citizenship or race, whether male or female, no matter what occupation, no matter your education, regardless of the generation in which one lives, life is a homeward journey for all of us, back to the presence of God in his celestial kingdom.” (Ensign, May 1987, p. 24.)

On Friday evening, 17 October 1958, at approximately 10:17 PM, a baby boy was born to John Wallace Brown and Frances Mae Harmon. He would become the second child born to the proud young parents, as John was only 23 years of age, and Frances had just barely turned 21 years of age on 24 September 1958.

Having already begun raising a now one year old son, these young, but still rather new parents, welcomed their newborn into the world with both joy and with the realization of the challenges in being the best parents that they could possibly be to him and his older sibling. Throughout his early childhood, and well into his early adult years, these loving parents would nurture and instruct their son in the way that he should go. They had their own hopes and aspirations of what he would one day become, but at the same time, like his brother before him, they had dedicated his life into the hands of the Lord, and they were confident that as long as he never let go of God’s unchanging hand and was obedient to God’s will for his life, everything was going to be alright.

Hugh Nibley, Mormon scholar, once said, “No matter where we begin if we pursue knowledge diligently and honestly, our quest will inevitably lead us from the things of earth to the things of heaven.” And it was President David O. McKay, late prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ (inadvertently called The Mormon Church by friends of other faiths) who taught, “Knowledge comes through personal effort. Its acquisition involves labor. Exact and definitive knowledge comes to us in exact ratio with the amount of diligence, moral courage, and perseverance we put into the active search for it.”

At a very early age this son became a seeker of knowledge and truth. He developed a love for books and learning, and even during his elementary school years was fascinated by the treasures of knowledge that were found within the pages of not only his school textbooks, but other volumes that were available to him as well. Whereas most young boys tend to have a desire to get actively involved in some type of sports activity, he was more of an academic and preferred spending time in a library or looking through the encyclopedias and books at home to glean any morsel of knowledge from them that he could. However, even with his new found discoveries, he never seemed to be fully satisfied. There was still a hunger and a thirst to know even more.

In school, he devoted many hours to his studies, always wanting to do his best to achieve academic excellence. As he moved from elementary school into Junior High and High School, he became an even greater seeker of knowledge. Oftentimes he would be found studying different subjects on his own, outside of the subjects that he was taught in the classroom. He soon learned that he had a special passion for learning anything to do with mathematics and foreign languages. By the time that he graduated High School he had successfully passed one year of Latin and five years of Spanish. In fact, he had participated in a national Spanish exam in his senior year of High School and tied for fifth place. He was not a straight ‘A’ student, but he always managed to keep most of his grades in the ‘A’ and ‘B’ range and his name was very often found amongst the list of names of students who were on the honor roll. It was also in High School when he discovered a love for the English language and thoroughly enjoyed writing essays, short stories, and research papers. Oddly enough, some of his least favorite subjects were history and the sciences, although he enjoyed chemistry class mainly because of the mathematics involved in solving and balancing formulas and equations.

His quest for knowledge did not end with his graduation from Wicomico Senior High School in Salisbury Maryland in June 1976. At the young age of 18 years, having a love for learning new things in mathematics, he became interested in computers and how they functioned, and so he enrolled in a local community college and began his studies in Data Processing Technology. While working full time as a dishwasher in a local family restaurant, he pursued his studies at Delaware Technical and Community College in Georgetown Delaware, completing all of his requirements for graduation two weeks ahead of schedule, and graduating with an A.A.S. degree in Data Processing Technology in June 1979.

LDS (“Mormon”) leader and scholar, Hugh B. Brown once said, “Every landing field is also a runway for a new take-off. We must resist the temptation to abide upon arriving at an intermediate goal. There can be no loitering on life’s airfield. One must get on the plane or be left behind.” (Address, Brigham Young University, May 24, 1962, p. 3.) After graduating from Delaware Technical and Community College he decided to put further traditional classroom training and learning on temporary hold and continued working full time in the local restaurant. This; however, did not put an end to his quest for knowledge. He continuously pondered what he would eventually do with his life and began setting goals for some of the things that he hoped to accomplish. Perhaps he would become a teacher or even a preacher of the Gospel, as he also loved reading and studying the scriptures, and at the young age of 21 years had already read the Bible several times in its entirety.

 Mormon Missionaries and The Book of Mormon

Even with his vast knowledge and study of the Bible, he felt that there was still much more that he needed to know. There were many questions in his young mind that seemed to be left unanswered. And so, one day while watching television he saw a commercial for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and at the end of the commercial they offered a free Book of Mormon. Having no knowledge of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and having a curiosity as to what The Book of Mormon might be about, he sent and asked for a copy.

About a week later two young men dressed in suits and riding bicycles arrived at the door of his parents’ home where he was living at the time. They introduced themselves as missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and said that they had The Book of Mormon that he had requested. Wanting to learn more about the Church and The Book of Mormon, he invited them in. This was in October 1980, and shortly after he had joined the Navy under the delayed entry program. Leaving home and traveling the world while serving his country was one of the goals that he had set for himself. As President Spencer W. Kimball taught, “Goals are good. Laboring with a distant aim sets the mind in a higher key and puts us at our best.” (Regional Representatives’ Seminar, April 3, 1974.) And as Elder Richard G. Scott taught, “To reach a goal you have never attained, you must do things you have never before done.” (Ensign, May 1990, p. 76.)

He met with the missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ (nicknamed, “Mormon missionaries” but truly ambassadors of the Savior) on numerous occasions over the next 6 months, and even began reading The Book of Mormon. Finally, in March 1981, he thanked the missionaries for the things that they had taught him and promised that he would continue investigating the Church and reading The Book of Mormon at a later date. For now his mission in life was to be in the Navy serving his country. He did not realize that his mission would actually become his career.

During his military service he was blessed with the opportunity to travel to many foreign lands that he had only read about in books. He also continued his quest for knowledge by continuing to take courses in different subjects. He even enrolled in Bible College in the Tabernacle Baptist Church Theological Seminary while stationed in Norfolk Virginia with hopes of someday becoming a Baptist minister. He only had a chance to study in the Seminary for a little over a year, and during that time again realized that there was so much more that he wanted answers to. It would not be until 1997, some 17 years after his initial investigation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons is a nickname for its members, but this is the full name of the Church), while stationed in Keflavik Iceland, that he would finally find the answers that he had been seeking when he again began reading the Book of Mormon and meeting with the missionaries. On Tuesday evening, 10 March 1998, in the little LDS (Mormon) Chapel in Reykjavik Iceland he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the rest as they say is history.

My name is Keith Lionel Brown. I am that son of whom this narrative refers. The first 52 years of this journey called life have been truly amazing. There have been many mountain top experiences, as well as, many valley experiences. Nevertheless, all of the experiences have helped to mold me into the person that I am today. Truly I stand all amazed at the love that the Savior Jesus Christ offers me.

In a  short 52 years I have been blessed to travel all over the world, meet influential and interesting people from all walks of life – entertainers, authors, movie directors, actors,  and producers, a former President of the United States, and General Authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormons”). I have also been blessed with many wonderful opportunities – things that as a young boy I could have only imagined.

My two goodly parents were indeed right in their humble estimation that as long as I hold on to God’s unchanging hand and do what His will is for my life, everything is going to be alright.

I do not know what tomorrow may bring, but I do know the Lord Jesus Christ–the One who holds all of my tomorrows in the palms of His hands. He never sleeps and He never slumbers. He is always right there beside me and has promised never to leave me alone. I don’t have to worry or be afraid. I know that I can make it. In Him I know I can stand. For no matter what may come my way, my life is in His hands, even the hands of Jesus Christ

Additional Resources:

Get a free copy of The Book of Mormon

Trust in the Atonement of Jesus Christ

Learn about Jesus Christ from an official site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as “The Mormon Church”).

by Eric Kotter, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormon”), Eric is a student at BYU-Idaho studying communications.

The Book of Mormon is a volume of ancient scripture which testifies of Jesus Christ’s teachings. It is an account of Christ’s words as given to ancient prophets who lived on the American continent. The Lord spoke to these prophets just as He did to Moses, Abraham, or other Biblical prophets.

Taking on a Name & Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ

William Shakespeare’s renowned play “Romeo and Juliet” is a timeless theatrical classic masterpiece. In the play Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet meet and fall in love despite the fact that they are doomed from the start as members of two warring families. In an effort to prove her unfaltering love for Romeo, Juliet comments, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” The point that Juliet was endeavoring to make was that a name is an artificial and meaningless convention. She loved the person who is called “Montague”, not the Montague name and not the Montague family. In turn, Romeo, out of his passion for Juliet, rejects his family name and vows, as Juliet asks, to “deny (his) father” and instead be “new baptized” as Juliet’s lover.

There is a Japanese proverb that states, “Tigers die and leave their skins; people die and leave their names”. At the end of the play both Romeo and Juliet are dead, but the names Montague and Capulet live on. It was Logan Pearsall Smith, an American-born essayist and critic, who once said, “Our names are labels, plainly printed on the bottled essence of our past behavior”. And so, perhaps after the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, whenever the names Montague and Capulet were mentioned, it was with a sense of melancholy, as the names of these two young lovers were brought to remembrance. Therefore, the question still begs to be asked, “Is a name merely an artificial and meaningless convention as Juliet described, or does the name which we hold have some significant relevance?”

What Jesus Christ Reveals about the Power of a Good Name

In the public mind, name “is also associated with the character or reputation of an individual who holds it, and by extension, with the family of that name and all of the members thereof.” We are taught by Jesus Christ’s inspired record, the Holy Bible, in Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”

As a young boy growing up those who knew me well always called me by my given name which is Keith. Even though they knew my name, they still associated me with being the son of John and Frances Brown. My parents were not rich or famous by the world’s definitions, but they maintained a good name throughout the community by the lives that they lived and the examples that they set before people. People who were total strangers to me would often say hello in passing while noting that they did not know my name, but they knew that I was “John and Frances’ boy.” Because of that knowledge which they possessed, I was expected to live up to a certain standard and to protect my family’s name. Even while I was in school, having an older brother who proceeded me, most of my teachers referred to me as his younger brother, and thus expected me to live up to a certain level of academic excellence which had already been established. As a result I always strived to do the very best that I could to ensure that the Brown family name remained in good standing as far as academic achievements and excellence was concerned.  This is not to say that people did not respect me for the person that I am, but they knew the name “Brown” and they knew the people who represented that name.

Our Name is a Reflection of Our Devotion to Jesus Christ; our Christian Discipleship

Having a good name, a good reputation, is a great thing, and it is something we should strive for. In Judges 6:25-32 Gideon who was known for his fight against the false god Baal becomes known as Jerubbaal (“let Baal contend”). In 3 John 12 we learn that Demetrius had a “good report of all men, and of the truth itself” and the people in the church bore record of this fact. In like manner, as Christians we should strive to have a good reputation and a good name among the church, as well as, among the people in the world, and be known for our convictions.

Striving to Speaking & Act As Representatives of Jesus Christ

As representatives of Christ to the world, our reputation reflects on Him. Therefore, we should follow the admonition of Paul as given in Titus 2:1-5: “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed”.

Paul goes on to exhort us that we should always use “sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of [us]” (Titus 2:8). In Galatians 2:20 Paul reminds us that Christ lives in each of us as he exclaims, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”. He further teaches us that if we do not live up to our name and reputation as Christians, we blaspheme the name of God. In Romans 2: 21-24 we read: “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written”.

Just as our own good name is important, it is also important to not damage the good names of others. In James 4:11-12 we are taught, “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” And in Titus 3:2 we are reminded to “speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men”.

If we as Christians do not maintain a good name and our reputation is negative, that is how people will see the church. And if that is how people see the church, what are the chances of them converting?

Additional Resources:

Request a free copy of The Book of Mormon

Learn more about Jesus Christ in The Book of Mormon.

I grew up learning about the Book of Mormon, its stories, teachings and revelations such as; Lehi’s dream, Nephi and the Brass Plates, the miracle conversion of Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah, stories about an ancient civilization in the Americas, the poignant writings of the prophet Moroni, and much more.  Most importantly, interwoven throughout the Book of Mormon we learn that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Redeemer and Savior of the world.  That through Him and by Him, we can be reunited with our loved ones after we die, and we can have the opportunity to live with our Father in Heaven again, to live for all eternity.  Through Jesus Christ, each of us has the opportunity to gain exaltation.

As a child I believed the book to be true because this is what my wonderful parents and church leaders taught me.  At some point though, I had to receive my own testimony of the divinity of this book.  I do not remember this happening all at once.  My faith and testimony in the Book of Mormon came about in different ways, in various degrees and at different times throughout my life.  Time and again I have received a witness of the truthfulness of the book through the Spirit of the Lord.

Regarding the prophet Joseph Smith, who translated the Book of Mormon, I remember a visit to Carthage Jail in the winter of 1995.  My immediate family and I were visiting extended family in Missouri at the time.  My husband, my sister Wendy and I took a day trip to Nauvoo, Illinois.  The historical grounds look beautiful under the blanket of snow.  It was cold, yet still and peaceful.  We could see our breath as we walked on these beautiful and historical grounds.  I was surprised at the experience I had within the very room Joseph Smith was shot which led to his martyrdom.  As we stood there in that room, the guide pushed the button that began the audio recording, a re-creation of those final moments of the prophet’s life.  John Taylor was singing one of Joseph’s favorite hymns, “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.”  I fully expected to feel sadness and perhaps even some bitterness.  To my surprise, I felt peaceful and had an overwhelming feeling of love for Joseph Smith and his brother.  What was more astonishing was a strong feeling of love and forgiveness for those who killed the prophet and his brother.  It was as if Joseph had not only forgiven them, he loved them with all of his heart.  That was the impression I received.   There was no logical reason for me to come into this place and have those impressions about those who killed a prophet of God.  These feelings did not come from my own heart, my own mind.  They came from the spirit of God.  It was a strong witness to me of the truthfulness that Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of God.  This experience strengthened my testimony of the Book of Mormon.

If someone were to ask me how the Book of Mormon has blessed my life, I would tell them that reading and pondering the words have calmed my troubled soul, brought answers to my questions and have helped me put my life into perspective.  I cannot stress this enough.  Even better, I have found that living the teachings of Jesus Christ and other prophets in the Book of Mormon has blessed me (and those I love) beyond words.  Supping from these Holy Scriptures is akin to finding the miracle cure to cancer, spiritually speaking.  Miracles have come to pass.  They are occurring right now.  They will continue to do so.  To read testimonies by other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, regarding the Book of Mormon and other gospel principles, go to www.mormon.org.  I testify of these things in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Get a free copy of the Book of Mormon.

12And there was but little alteration in the affairs of the people, save it were the people began to be more hardened in iniquity, and do more and more of that which was contrary to the commandments of God, in the eighty and ninth year of the reign of the judges.

13But it came to pass in the ninetieth year of the reign of the judges, there were great signs given unto the people, and wonders; and the words of the prophets began to be fulfilled.

14And angels did appear unto men, wise men, and did declare unto them glad tidings of great joy; thus in this year the scriptures began to be fulfilled.

Satan is evil: totally and always. He ever seeks to defeat the gospel plan and ‘destroy the souls of men.’ (Doctrine and Covenants 10:27.) . . .

It’s no surprise that the vision of who God and Jesus Christ really are, becomes blurry as conceptions of Him fade into the background of secularist thought. The adversary is real, and his tactic works from both ends of the belief spectrum: If he blurs the reality of God as a glorified personal Father, and then denies the reality of Satan as one who creates that distortion to keep us from sensing our divine identity, he accomplishes his goal of dwarfing our sense of purpose and our hope of an inconceivably glorious destiny.

A nationwide survey of adults’ spiritual beliefs suggests that Americans who consider themselves to be Christian have a diverse set of beliefs – but many of those beliefs are contradictory or, at least, inconsistent.

Views on Spiritual Beings

The Barna survey asked questions about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Satan, and demons.

All 1,871 self-described Christians were asked about their perception of God. In total, three-quarters (78%) said he is the “all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of the universe who rules the world today.” The remaining one-quarter chose other descriptions of God – depictions that are not consistent with biblical teaching (e.g., everyone is god, god refers to the realization of human potential, etc.).

For the other survey items a four-point opinion scale was used to measure people’s reactions to statements about each spiritual entity.

Four out of ten Christians (40%) strongly agreed that Satan “is not a living being but is a symbol of evil.” An additional two out of ten Christians (19%) said they “agree somewhat” with that perspective. A minority of Christians indicated that they believe Satan is real by disagreeing with the statement: one-quarter (26%) disagreed strongly and about one-tenth (9%) disagreed somewhat. The remaining 8% were not sure what they believe about the existence of Satan (Barna).

Mormon Beliefs: Satan is Real

Mormons believe in the reality of Satan. He is real spirit personage who gave up his right to come to earth because of an overwhelming craving to be the king of kings–the one worshipped on the throne. He sought to overthrow the Savior and the Father in a council before birth, in a pre-earth life. In the words of one Mormon leader (apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ):

Satan is irrevocably committed to countering and overcoming the influence of the Spirit of Christ upon men (Marion G. Romney, Conference Report, Apr. 1971, p. 24; or Ensign, June 1971, p. 36).