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)