"C" is for Christ ~ That's Good Enough For Me

"C" is for Christ~ That's Good Enough For Me
By: Jacob Sok




I have often satirically commented that I pride myself in having been raised in the great artistic classics. My parents understood early on my that exposure to the poignant social themes and the current cultural constructs of a toddler would be crucial for my development. While Shakespeare and Aristotle would come in time,  I however refer to the great works of Jim Henson and the Sesame Street characters. Of these profound contributors to my early education was the ever favorite, Cookie Monster. Cookie Monster and his devote dietary patters famously coined the lyric, "C is for cookie and that's good enough for me".

This week when considering what I could share with you my mind went back to a passage of scripture that really struck home, and offered this train of thought- "C is for Christ, and He is good enough for me.". I truly feel that sometimes we in our limited mortal mindset, forget or tend not to understand how Great and Infinite the Lord of Lords truly is.

As stated in the scriptures, we are to often taunted by the finger of scorn and left to think He is nothing but an idle tale or something of the frenzied mind. Leave it to the adversary who has nothing to want us to feel as if the Gospel of Christ amounts to nothing. While I believe we never blatantly accept this lie directly, I have seen that we can feel at times that the Savior and His plan are limited; in a way as to almost exclude His love and power from reaching ourselves and our personal situations.

One of my favorite religious educators, John Bytheway, has taught: "that while the Lord will guide us  line upon line and precept upon precept, The adversary will try to lead us away lie upon lie and decept upon decept.". My dear friends, I know that this is true and we do not have to fall victims of these lies and deceptions. Satan would want us to think that Christ is not enough; not enough for the type of person we are or things we have done. I pray that something of what I share can help begin to dispel at least some of the seeds of this mental rationalization.

For Christ is enough! Elder Jeffery R Holland has promised, "It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ's Atonement shines. There is nothing ...that you have done that cannot be undone. There is no problem which you cannot overcome. There is no dream that in the unfolding of time and eternity that cannot yet be realized. The Lord of the vineyard stands beckoning."

The prophet Isaiah while sometimes difficult to interpret, is still one of the most beautifully testators of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and His messianic mission. Isaiah himself was not only a prophet but one of the great Hebrew poets of his time. One of the most beautiful passages he ever penned is actually quoted in the Book of Mormon. In Mosiah chapter 14 we find a Messianic prophesy called the Suffering Servant, through which Isaiah uses his seer-ship to foretell the atoning mission of Christ.

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and we his as it were our faces from him (see Mosiah 14:3)...Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows,; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted (see Mosiah 14:4). "

In His mortal sojourn Christ, literally waked the path of mortality to enable Him to be "enough". Enough to not only know our grief and our sorrows, but have personally experienced them, and lived them the way we have lived them. As the price of our mortal limitations and frailties would amount He payed the debt in full not just to fulfill the ends of a law, but to empower us to a path that would bring us back home.

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed. (see Mosiah 14:5)."

Laurel C Day once invited that we should "find comfort in His scars". This is not to say we take satisfaction in the pain and suffering He under went, but rather that we should stand tall and grateful- reassured that for all He went through it was the ultimate sacrifice that would be available to anyone and could be used for anything. When Christ declared from the cross, "It is finished", He was reassuring the world that through His power and divinity that all He had set out to do, was not only done,  but done individually and completely for each one of us (not missing one part, one soul, nor one mortal experience).

The prophet Alma described this power as the "great and last sacrifice...the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal (see Alma 34:14).".  The Lord's sacrifice being both Infinite and Eternal , means that it is endless and limitless.


The Lord knows how I tend to think mathematically and I remember being able to understand this a lot more using a graph I made:

In math one can graph the domain and range of anything using two planes (an X and a Y axis).

On the Y axis, we can see the Infinite power of the Atonement: this means it can cover any sin or problem for any person.

On the X axis, we can see the Eternal domain of the Atonement: this shows that it can be available anytime, and as often as required.

As the blue line (which represents the Lord's power and grace) extends-- it covers all that we could possibly need it to.

While this does not condone sinful conduct, nor suggest we should continue in bad habits-- This means we can take heart in the fact that His power can be crafted to our needs and His grace is sufficient, to help us become who we are meant to become.

Christ truly is enough, and we need not doubt it. God being the author of diversity, constructed a plan of redeeming love not only for all diverse people, but their diverse and individual lives.



My faith has been strengthened in this principle as I have come to know through the scriptures and personal experiences my Savior. God is a god of second- third- fourth-....or as many chances and we need, so long as we continuing to reach for His help. Truly there is no limit on our chances because, Christ did not want to leave our future-- to chance! Rather, He stands ever watchful ready for us to come and follow Him, to be strengthened in Him.

I find it interesting what the prophet Moroni said, "Come and be perfected in Christ"(see Moroni 10:32), he never said "be perfect and then come to Christ".

I love the story in the New Testament of the Lord, who at the Last Super, preforms the service of washing the feet of His apostles. In ancient custom this was considered to be the lowliest of chores, reserved for only the bottom of the social class. The Savior proceeded to gird himself up with a towel and individually wash the feet of his disciples. I imagined only slightly embarrassed by the state of his feet, Peter asks; "Lord, dost thou wash my feet?" (see John 13). Peter could not understand why the Lord would take the time to perform this service, being who He was. Peter expressed how it was unnecessary for Jesus to do that for Him, as if he did not want to put Christ to the trouble.The Savior in return explains, how Peter did not understand why He was doing so, but for Peter to have part with Him it was necessary.

I have seen moments in my life when I mistakenly feel that, I am almost doing the Lord a favor by saying, "you don't need to trouble yourself with me, and my problems"- when in reality it is not trouble for Him at all. I have come to find that part of the process of changing our hearts and coming unto Him, is believing and trusting that we are worthy of His services, His time and grace.

Brad Wilcox said, "We are not here earning heaven, but learning heaven". While we are commanded to repent and come unto Him-- His grace is already available to those who simply call upon Him and try to do better each and everyday. The price of our mistakes was paid for, there is no hidden fee or extra interest we need to pay off-- we are already worthy of rescue and He knows how to help us step by step. In Preach My Gospel, it talks about how the change that comes with repentance means, rethinking how we view God and our selves. We should not see Him as some we need to convince to help us, pitching our candidacy to be recipients of His grace- rather, He asks that we let not our hearts be troubled, and see ourselves as He sees us: "that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves" (see John 17).

I am not a betting man but if I had to put my chips on something it is Christ and His plan of redeeming love. While I many times have never felt adequate or enough for all the Lord offers me, He truly is enough for us. We need not second guess the plan or the payment, that was made on our behalf. I know that He and His angels are around us serving and loving and healing us. We will come to feel this more and more as we embrace His love fully, and personally. I testify today that surely as we come to trust that C is is for Christ, that's good enough for me; we will come to see that He says- C is for you my child, and you are good enough for me!
 I so share with love, in His Holy Name.

For Further study on this topic please consider the following sources:

- The Laborers in the Vineyard, By: Jeffry R Holland (LDS.org)
- Mosiah Chapter 14 (Book of Mormon)
- John Chapter 13/17 (New Testament)

{All Images provided through Google Imaging; Paintings are property of the LDS Gospel Library. Citations remain that of their author's from their respective publishings}

My Father's Business- To Seal You His

My Father's Business- To Seal You His.

 ~A Reason For Easter~

By: Jacob Sok

*It is my prayer that the Spirit of our Lord and Savior may accompany the reader in this, a humble attempt to share my testimony of this Easter Season. I do not wish to Blog in hope of seeking a chance to flex spiritual prowess or for a want of praise- and if there be any good from this article: I pray it than can serve as a means by which His light and love can touch your heart this Easter.*

Since I first heard the song in my youth, this lyrical testimony as penned by Michael McLean, has caused much reflection and now even beyond its melody- the words are what I have come to appreciate in this piece. Consider this encounter in the lyrics of this special song: 

He was working late one evening, 

With the wood he knew so well,

When she thought,

She recognized him,

Though at first,

She really couldn't tell,

As she humbly begged his pardon,
A strange sadness swelled inside,
When she asked,
"aren't you the father
Of that man they crucified?"
Then the carpenter repeated,
What he's said so many times,
He said, "I was not His father,
He was mine."

The song continues:

Then they talked for hours of Jesus,

And how He knew He was divine,

He said, "I was not His father,

He was mine.

For how could one, 

So foolish and so flawed,

Ever hope to raise,

The Son of God?"

Then he spoke,

Of the misgivings,

That he had had,

a thousand times,

And how Jesus found,

the tender moments,

To let him know,

He had done just fine

Then the carpenter recited,

The greatest truths,

he'd ever learned

And testified

they all came from Jesus

And then her heart

within her burned,

They embraced as she departed,

And Joseph told her one more time,

"Tell them I was not His father

Tell them He was mine,

No, I was not His father,

He is mine!"

{I Was Not His Father, By: Michael McLean}

While I recognize that this interaction between Joseph and this woman is not official scriptural canon; I still can not help but feel the truthfulness behind the message of the piece and what I have come to feel and accept to be this carpenter's sentiments. 

Joseph truly was not the father of Christ, Christ is ours.

Christ, Lord of Lords and King of Kings- Is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. He is the Only begotten Son of the Father, our elder Brother. The only one to have lived a perfect life, giving His will to that of His Father's. These truths I hold in my heart, and are accepted amongst most believers.

However, I wish to emphasize one particular role of the Savior, alongside the lyrics of the song we just read together. A role, not particularly recognized, yet none the less real: Christ as our Father. From what we know about the nature of the godhead and as stated by the First Article of Faith; "We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ. And in the Holy Ghost." Three distinct personages, yet one in purpose. 

To then call Christ,  the Father, might spawn some confusion. The Book of Mormon offers some clarity on this truth in the Book of Ether Chapter 3. In verse 19 we read, "Behold I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and daughters." This statement by the Lord is not a contradiction to the truth that we know to be of there being both God the Father, and Jesus the Son. 

This verse actually only complements that truth with a another part of doctrine, also found in the scriptures. In John chapter three the Savior taught the Pharisee Nicodemus that, "man must be born again". The role of a Father is to beget life. God the Eternal Father, is He who begot our spiritual lives in that great pre-mortal realm. Our father's here on earth  were those who helped beget our mortal lives. With Christ then to be the father of our spiritual rebirth, in fulfillment of this commandment to "be born again", a new commencement or life in Christ. 

I pray that this truth will not appear trivial or irrelevant, rather that it may serve as foundation to show why I feel the reason to celebrate, and sing songs of praise; especially this time of year. With a true understanding of the roles of the Savior, we are only left to ponder and internalize His eternal importance. I find myself rather at a loss for words, and pray this humble declaration only pays tribute to Him, of whom I testify. 

The title for my message comes from the Book of Luke, where we find the account of the young Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem. There He was found teaching the Chief Priests and Teachers of the land. This was done unbeknownst to his earthly father and mother, Joseph and Mary. They in recognition of His absence, return to Jerusalem in a desperate search for their young Son. In what I imagine to be a cacophony of anxiousness and sudden relief, they find the Lord in the aforementioned temple. 

Jesus then draws unto His overwhelmed parents and is asked, why He had departed from their sights? "Son, why hast thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing."(Luke 2:48) "And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"(Luke 2:49). 

When contemplating the importance of Easter, My mind drew unto this simple teaching from the Savior; that He is about His Father's business. What is His Father's business?  May I suggest that the simple fact that the young Lord being found in the company of the people, serves a testimony that WE are His Father's business. 

"For God so loved the world", for He so loved us, "that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). The more I study and come to know the Savior, the more I realize it was not about Him- the whole concept of our existence was about a divine plan and love for us. I have shared it before and I will share it again, God is more that mere deity- He is our Eternal Father, invested in the life of you and me. No hidden agenda, no red tape clauses or dogeared policy- Jesus took it upon Himself, the task of making sure that we not only feel welcomed home but also know the path to once again return home. 

The role of Jesus Christ in His Father's business, was predestined to be- an atonement being both infinite and eternal on behalf of all of God's children. This eternal sacrifice would enable Christ to beget new spiritual life, a redemptive rebirth on our path to our heavenly home. This is done as we draw near unto Him through adherence to His teachings and a conscious effort in keeping sacred covenants. 

In the Book of Mosiah chapter 5 we are taught, "because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons and daughters; for this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him..." (Mosiah 5:7)

"And under this head are ye made free...I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives." (Mosiah 5:8). This path offers the blessing of having His name written on our hearts (see Mosiah 5:12), by which one day we shall be called and known as "the name of Christ." (see Mosiah 5:9).

Recently I have contemplated the significance of having His name, upon us. I came across this insight from one of my favorite Gospel Instructors- Brad Wilcox who shared this:
"When Michelangelo carved the Pieta  the beautiful renaissance sculpture of Mary holding the dead Christ in her arms, it was considered a masterpiece from the moment it was created. This masterpiece of masterpieces drew people from far and wide. They marveled at how flesh-like the stone had become, they marveled at the delicate folds in Mary's clothing, and marveled at the expressions on the face of Mary and her dead son. They marveled at the out of world peace this artist was able to communicate.

And one after they other said that there is no way that this could have been made by Michelangelo. He was twenty-three, and they said no way could something this wonderful be made by an artist so young. That very night Michelangelo picked up his chisels once more, and he went and by the light of candles; he carved on the banner that went across Mary's chest: Michelangelo of Florence Made This. He signed it. When we covenant and renew our covenants, it is as if Christ is writing across our hearts: Jesus of Nazareth is Making This. We don't just take His name, He signs us- for He is making us." (Time Out For Women Address, 2012).

Is not that His Father's business, to make more of us than we ever could of ourselves. This truly is the miracle of Easter- the miracle of everyday. For once more we read in the Book of Mosiah Chapter 5 verse 15, "be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all."

If we are to sing of that silent night in the peace of a lowly stable, or claim to take joy in the chorus of Hallelujahs pronounced from a gloriously empty garden tomb- It would be because the life of Jesus Christ was lived in His Father's business, the trade of loving us. The miraculous event on the Holy Week and the event prior to, gave Christ the capacity to not just pay the price for our sins but the price for us. Christ is the Father of new life, second chances and hope.

It will serve as my testimony and humble witness that Christ wills to seal us His. I know that I matter to Him. I know the joy of walking in His path, and calling upon His name. I know the living Lord is invested in me. I never sat at the Mount of Olives to witness the resurrection, I was not present at the ministry of Him in the Americas long ago, I was not found in 1820 in a sacred groove of tress when His work and business would be issued again: but in my own simple and personal way wish to hold my own ground and say I know Jesus is the Christ. Just as a loving father would, He hears and answered my calls for help, and that is enough for me to sing-

"He lives, my sure rock of faith,
The one bright hope of men on earth,
The beacon to a better way,
The light beyond the veil of death"
{My Redeemer Lives, By: Gordon B. Hinckley}

This I share with my love for you and my prayer that we enjoy the reason for this Easter season!
In His name Amen.



For further study please consider the following sources-
- Luke 24 (New Testament)
-Mosiah 5 (Book of Mormon)
- None were with Him, By: Elder Jeffery R Holland (General Conference 2009, LDS.org)


{All images found through Google Imaging and Paintings are property of the LDS Gospel Library. Citations for scriptures and discourses remain that of their Author's.}

Becoming Our True Selves- A Rendering Unto God

Becoming Our True Selves- A Rendering Unto God
By: Jacob Sok

This week while listening to a favorite christian comedian, I was intrigued by a comment he made. Towards the end of his routine he closed his performance with a brief testimony, on how he came to have faith in God. While citing a quote, he stated "God often allows moments, for a man to get downwind of himself; to get a whiff of the man he is.". This concept of "getting a whiff" of the type of people we are has been on my mind and heart all this week, connecting perfectly to a scriptural phrase that has always stirred much thought; that is - to render unto to God, that which is God's.

The phrase is taken from a New Testament account of the Savior, who was confronted by a group of the Chief Priests and Scribes, in Jerusalem.  It was the intention of these men, to entrap the Lord into a self-condemning testimony; to which they would be able to try and punish according to their laws.
The account in the Book of Luke chapter 20, records the interaction as follows: In an attempt at enticing by flattery the Scribes, holding a piece of tribute money (the common tax) asked the Savior: "Master we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or no." This question would place the Savior in position of much conflict, if answered poorly. The result would give cause for the Scribe to deliver Him unto Roman punishment, with an obvious display of opposition to the rule and taxation of the land.

However Jesus perceiving their hearts, returned their question with one of his own saying, "Why tempt ye me?. Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it?" To which in their confusion they answered him saying, "Caesar's". Of which Jesus would so brilliantly retort, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.".This story has been one of a great deal of reflection over the past few years, as I have truly wished to come to understand, what it means to render unto God "the things which be God's".

I prayerfully hope the Spirit of the Lord will direct us in considering this idea, of what it means to:  Render Unto God.

In the dictionary, the word to render has listed several definitions. Meaning: to represent or depict, to give or to provide, to become or cause to be, and  to return (see Dictionary.com/ Websters-Merriam.com). Knowing this we can further see the illustrated teaching when the Savior asks whose image was found on the penny. Knowing that Caesar's image or superscription was found thereon, He commands that we give unto Caesar all that which beholds his image and therefore give to God all that which beholds His. Of truth, this principle was taught as  reminder of " who we are", and "why we are".

                      Who We Are:

In Genesis chapter 1 verse 27, we are taught, "So God created man in his own image". We are not only of the image of God, in conceptual likeness, but we are His children. This fact is so commonly disused amongst us that we often can lose sight of it's significance. As stated in the primary hymn, "I am a child of God, and He has sent me here" (see I am a Child of God). Our worth can not be measured, can not be changed nor substituted; for it is, as God is, eternal. We are of divine origin- a beginning that which our common adversary, would want us so easily to forget.  We must not fall victims to his threats and jaunts at our faith and knowledge in this fact! It would serves us good in our recognition of us as, servants and believers to place dominate emphasis in our celestial parentage; being sons and daughters of God.

To think and ponder this truth, with faith will surely allow us to feel of destined purpose and rights. The Quorum of Twelve Apostles has shared "Of all the titles of respect and honor and admiration that are given to deity, He asks us to address Him as; Father.".

In the Book of Mormon, it was revealed unto the wise King Benjamin by an angel this same truth. This King went on to share a prophesy of Christ, quoting the angel he related "And lo he (meaning Christ) cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name" (Mosiah 3:6). The phrase "cometh to his own" further testifies of this truth we are children of our heavenly father, who begat us spiritually in the beginning. The Book of Mormon would also emphasize that we are also to become children of Christ, in the sense that He becomes the father of our spiritual rebirth, through His atoning sacrifice and our adherence to His gospel (see Mosiah 5:7). Who fortunate we are to know that as sure as the Sun shines bright, or time is endless; we are forever to be loved and known by He who loves us perfectly, for we are His.

                 Why We Are:
When considering the Savior's interaction with the penny, it was really an invitation to remind us of who we are, but also invitation to act- being the "why" in our being here.

As children of God, why do we settle or succumb to the forces that would attack that very core of our existence? Every time we are tempted or mislead, it is the objective of the devil to cloud our vision of who we are and thwart our efforts to become who the Lord would want us to become, thus preventing our eventual return to our Heavenly Home. If I truly am a son of God, I would hope that be on the fore front of my mind, thus becoming the very heart of my determination to become like my Father; this truly is a rendering unto God.

King Benjamin taught, "render unto him all that you have and are" (Mosiah 2:24). This amazing principle, is invitation to not just give of ourselves, but actually- give ourselves to the Lord; and  see what amazing things will become of it. This process is of the rendering to God all that we are is also known in scripture as, putting off the natural man.

For we know that "the natural man is an enemy to God" (see Mosiah 3:19). Internalizing this a little more, I have learned that as we embrace the natural man, we are giving/ depicting/ becoming, that which would demean our very being and our divine within. The superficial and shallow tendencies of mortality-- to yield unto those carnal desires, close us off from the possibility of reaching our full potential, as paid for by our Savior.

The Book of Mormon offers a chance for us to get that "whiff" of who we are by this beautiful comparison-- "Unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ...and becometh as little child, submissive, humble, patient, full of love and willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." (Mosiah 3:19). It would make sense that we are to become as little child, seeing we are the children of our Father. As we turn away from those attributes contrary to those of Christ our character becomes at-one with His, our very hearts become open to the who we truly are and where we truly belong.

The prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon asked those of his people, "have ye been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" (Alma 5:14).

Really this is why we are here. We have come here to through a mortal refining pursuit, receive His image in our countenance,meaning change our hearts. This change of heart creates with us a tangible power that makes the simple fact of being a children of God more than mere fact, to a living state of being.

Christ told his disciples to not be afraid, because he had overcome the world. He himself learned to put off the natural man, and in our efforts to draw unto Him through His gospel and making sacred covenants with Him, we to will receive this power.

I remember as a missionary, one of the things I loved most was while walking in the Saviors shoes- applying His opportunity to change my heart; I was able to feel His healing power and rely on those attributes in moments of need. I recall sometimes I would look in the mirror and I would see a different person, in a way that was almost familiar; for I was becoming what I had been taught to become, long ago by my Father in Heaven. Now this has become my hope and purpose of my life; for I am not perfect at it but I promise this rendering is worth it, truly the happiest one can be in this life. When we look in the mirror we can ask ourselves, "Unto to whom am I rendered?". Doing So alows us to more fully keep our covenants and grow closer to God.

As we are of God, and strive to develop his image in ourselves, a full rendering of who we are- we will come to see the Savior's influence and power in our lives. The heart of my motivation for this rendering was founded upon the truth that when the Savior paid the price for my mistakes and my lack of understanding; paid the price for me to be even as He is. Think of that; the check has already been paid off, never to return or bounce- He took it upon himself the consequences of our rendering to lesser things, out of pure love. Even more, He paid the price to allot us time to grow with Him, so that His grace may accompany our short comings step by step.

I prayerfully yearn that my heart will continue to turn to He, of whom I am. That I can develop His countenance in my face; in my entire being. For if we do so the prophet Mormon promised "when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." While I have long way to go, I know that through the grace of the Lord, we can be even as He is- returning home as joint heirs in the Kingdom of God. I pray we joyfully try and render line upon line as we go through this mortal journey- and thus be full of purpose, full of life, and full in Christ.

For further study on this principle please consider the following sources-
- Ponder the Path of Thy Feet: By Thomas S Monson (LDS.org)
- 3 Nephi 11-14 (Book of Mormon)
- I am trying to be like Jesus (Primary Hymnal).


{Images provided through Google Pictures and Paintings being Property of the LDS Gospel Library}

For the Benefit of the World; For He Loveth the World

For the Benefit of the World; For He Loveth the World
By: Jacob Sok

About two years ago I was sitting puzzled, in a tiny run down house inside a rough suburb of Lima. I a fairly new missionary still without mastery of the new language I was learning, and still without much understanding of the culture; was trying my best to participate in a discussion with my companion and a woman we had just recently met. As we talked I remember being able to follow the overarching ebb and flow of the conversation, yet was still missing a good 70% of the legitimate dialogue. Towards the end of our conversation the woman, with the most sincere look of inquisitive tension; looked at us and asked .... a question that I could not understand. I did what only any green missionary could do and took my best guess and responded by just testifying of Jesus and His love. My companion in support went through to answer her question. Not thinking much of it, I eventually forgot about the brief conversation and it would not be till later that I would ac actually come to learn what she had said.

In little words, she had asked "Are we punished" meaning; are we forgotten? Oh how wish I could go back most emphatically and lovingly shout as appropriately as possible "heck no!!!!!". (Probably a good thing the language was a slight barrier, as to avoid me testifying with slang). Nonetheless my hope is to simply share why I have absolute confidence that we are not forgotten.

I welcome, and have cherished my many associations with friends of many different faiths. I believe we should stand together in the causes we hold dear. I also pray that we many in mutual respect, permit on occasion, room for spiritual envy,  in a non-covetous way; recognize the beauty of sincere and humble discipleship world wide. With that respect being observed, I would hope that I may share with you, a simple and brief testimony that I have obtained by the hand of the Lord.

I stand today humbled but a dear piece of truth, given to me by my Father in Heaven, that has absolutely been the root of the many blessings in my life. That truth being: I know that in petition to the prayer of a humble boy in the Spring of 1820, God the father issued the long awaited and foretold Restoration of the Gospel in its fullness- through the work of modern day prophets.

When I say prophet, I speak no ordinary minster nor pastor. No hierarchal clergyman, or standard believer. While I reignite the much good these men preform all throughout the worlod I wish to specifically testify of the calling of Prophet, according to divine revelation and priesthood ordination.

Since the beginning of time we know that the Lord has chosen prophets, what are ordained servants elected by Him, to administer the principles and authoritatively preform  the sacred ordinances of His gospel. Time after time prophet after prophet, the Lord stretched for His hand to the earth.

A passage in the Book of Mormon, states "the Lord God worketh not in darkness."(2 Nephi 26:23).
Prophets have alway headed each dispensation in order to make clear the doctrine and make plain the will of the Lord. This being said, as God has always abided by eternal law; He respects our agency. The prophets of every generation have faced opposition and persectuion. The enticing lies of the evil
one, have always puffed up the hearts of men and caused disarray and curroption of truth. This is defined by apostasy.

The most devastating and recent phase of apostasy took place shortly after the martyrdoms of the original twelve apostles, whom were ordained prophets seers and revelators. Until that is in the spring of the year 1820 when young humble by the name of Joseph Smith was found conflicted in his tender age of 14, with questions of the soul. His search for divine guidance was instilled drop by drop from goodly parents, a mass exposure to conflicting ideologies, and a desire to be right with God.

Upon much study and prayer, he came across a verse of scripture in the New Testament, Book of James. In the first chapter and faith verse, "If any of ye lack wisdom, let him ask of God". He said no scripture had come with greater force to any being, as had that one to his at that time. After much pondering and internizling, he was led to do as directed; ask of God.

Joseph, in a quiet grove knelt in prayer, to inquire of the Lord for the welfare of his soul. In response a pillar of light decended upon him which he described as being above the brightness of the sun, in which he saw two beings whom he also described as being beyond description. God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, came down to not only put at ease the tender feelings of this young boy; but to also enter in a new dispesiation. Through time and crafting of the Lord Joseph was prepared taught and ordained to the Holy Priesthood of God, as a Prophet in this dispensation known as the Fullness of Times. Through this miraculous restoration the Gospel of Jesus Christ was brought back to the earth and God once again spake through a chosen and ordained leader.

Much has been said for good and bad about Joseph Smith. While my words do not even begin to do justice the retell of this most sacred event; I wish to be able to express today simply that God loves and this evidence in His calling of prophets for our time. For this very work, and Gospel is still under the direction of Prophets Seers and Revelators.

The Book of Mormon prophet Nephi testified of the Lord saying, "He doeth nothing save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him." (2 Nephi 26:24)

The changing values of modern society, wars and rumors of wars, disease and conflict are ever present. I testify that God is truly at the helm of a great and marvelous work on behalf of those He loves. A modern day apostle, Elder Gary Stevenson said, "God's marvelous compensation for living in perilous times, is that we also live in the fullness of times" (October, 2015).

While I pray and remain sure that time will permit me  further discussion and testimony on the subject of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ, in these latter days; I wish only to present this absolute truth- that God truthly watches out for us, for He is engaged in our lives. His promises are being fulfilled. Though we live in troubled times, He has not left us comfort-less.

I will support and encourage all men of faith. We need more unity in the world, especially amongst the religious communities. However, I make one slight distinction when it comes to the presiding ecclesiastical leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; I sustain them as Prophets of the Lord. I do not do this as tradition, nor as a blind assumption. I do this because I have felt the reality of their calling from God and of Him.

What blessing to have council, commandments and teaching for our day. I wish to close by inviting any who may read this to hear teaching for our day and age from such apostolic sermons. Please watch the following video-- as you do so with an open mind, Mormon or not- I promise that truth will emanate from these special witnesses of the Savior. God Lives and He Loves Us- We are not forgotten: which is the Testimoy of all His Prophetic voices.

*As published By the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints- Told by: Elder David A Bednar:



For further study on this topic please consider the following sources:
- Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration (Film: LDS.org)
- Chosen to Bear Witness of My Name (Elder David A Bednar)