Probably the most distinct difference between what Mormons believe and the rest of the Christian world believe is the doctrine that God speaks to man today as He did before in the scriptures, face to face, and without confusion or darkness. With modern prophets we are able to know what the ancient prophets meant in their counsels and revelation. Also, with modern prophets we benefit from knowing the Lord's will for His people in modern times. The prophets don't just tell us what not to do. Mostly we're taught what to do, such as forgiving and loving others, putting the kingdom of God before all other activities, keeping the sabbath day holy, serving, giving tithes etc.
The question is thus why? Why should we care? What is the result of doing one thing and not another? David O. McKay (prophet of the church till 1970) said that the church was organized "to make life sweet today, to give contentment to the heart today, to bring salvation today... today is part of eternity." A prophet is defined by anyone that says "if you do this then this will happen and if you do that then that will happen" and as the scriptures teach "by their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7:20). If you wish to know the truthfulness of a prophet then you can know by the fruits of their doctrine if they are of God or not. Every time I worry about money I try to give money to someone else or I make sure to pay my tithing (10% of income) and then before I know it I have plenty of money to go around. I would advise against thinking tithing is a get rich quick scheme. But, keep in mind the Lord did reveal to Malachi- "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10). The lesson is that money doesn't matter as much as faith. Of course if you are consumed with money then it will destroy you. But, if you are consumed in God then you cannot be destroyed. So by keeping the commandments I find that my soul is stronger, my heart purer, and my luck increases. I would invite you to taste the fruits of the counsels of the prophets as well.
This is the premier edition of the Mormon Expositor. I find it very impressive to name this blog after the circulation of a false report, on the church that resulted in a series of events, that led to the martyrdom of the first prophet of this dispensation, Joseph Smith. The aim of this publication is not to encourage more false reports, but to expell them, as well as to uplift and encourage the ongoing of Mormonism in the world.
What are my credentials to expell false reports and to encourage the banner of Mormonism in the world? I'm a mormon. A regular, returned missionary and priesthood holder of the Melchizedek status. I've gone through the temple several times in a variety of ordinances and procedures. I'm a believer in God, Christ, and the Holy Ghost as actual beings that communicate and share insights and wisdom into the hearts of men and the workings of righteousness and wickedness. Basically, I have a testimony of the truthfullness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
I will not be basing my arguments on anything but the witness of the Holy Ghost and faith in Jesus Christ. If you need more empirical evidences of the existence of God or His workings with men then I suggest you visit the findings of FAIR- http://fairlds.org/. I would suggest reading their articles and evidences for your trivia, but keep in mind, if you want to know if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is truly organized and guided by God, then you will have to go through the same gate all go through that have a testimony of the Church, by asking God directly and exercising faith.
As stated, I wish to uplift and encourage Mormonism. I'm definitely always learning new things about my faith and hope to expose my beliefs so as to say "We're not cultish weirdos" and "We're aware that people might think that, and maybe some are, but, I'm not and I do all right, so, lets reason together."
Key words: Dispensation- This is a word Mormons throw around a lot and in this context its whenever God gives man the authority to act in the His name and establish His church. Webster's def - 1 a : a general state or ordering of things; specifically : a system of revealed commands and promises regulating human affairs b : a particular arrangement or provision especially of providence or nature 2 a : an exemption from a law or from an impediment, vow, or oath b : a formal authorization.
Returned Missionary- The Church leaders have commanded that all worthy young men serve a mission in a foreign location for 2 years. In that mission they live on a strict schedule of 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM and are commanded to find, preach, and baptize, with an assigned companion, in an assigned area of the mission. Sometimes having to learn a second language to accomplish this fete.
Melchizedek- From the Church's definition online it says "This greater priesthood was given to Adam and has been on the earth whenever the Lord has revealed His gospel...There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic" (D&C 107:1). The Melchizedek Priesthood, which is "after the Order of the Son of God" (D&C 107:3), is the greater of these. It "holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church" (D&C 107:8). It also holds "the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church" (D&C 107:18). It is named after a great high priest who lived during the time of the prophet Abraham (see D&C 107:2–4; see also Alma 13:14–19). The offices of the Melchizedek Priesthood are Apostle, Seventy, patriarch, high priest, and elder. The President of the High Priesthood is the President of the Church (see D&C 107:64–66). Men in the Church must be worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holders in order to receive the temple endowment and be sealed to their families for eternity. They have the authority to administer to the sick and give special blessings to family members and others. With the authorization of presiding priesthood leaders, they can bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost and ordain other worthy men to offices in the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods. When a man receives the Melchizedek Priesthood, he enters into the oath and covenant of the priesthood. He covenants to be faithful, magnify his calling, "give diligent heed to the words of eternal life," and "live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God." Those who keep this covenant will be sanctified by the Spirit and receive "all that [the] Father hath." (See D&C 84:33–44.)
Temple- The temple is a place of worship of the Highest in the holiest of places. There are ordinances and endowments that take place there to bring us closer to God through Jesus Christ. The Lord has commanded that His house be "even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God” (D&C 88:119). This video might help for understanding as well-
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints- The name revealed to be the church of Jesus Christ restored on the earth through revelation given to Joseph Smith in 1838. “Thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (D&C 115:4). "Mormons" is a nickname for the followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Key Phrases: 1-“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isa. 1:16–18).
