In my early 30’s, I was told by a Branch President, Russ Johnston, “Never compromise your testimony, your joy in what God has shown you and you know to be true.” I became carefree and resolute under the anti-Mormon rhetoric I was often exposed to in the work place. Fast forward to today… I recently was ‘shut down’ when I tried to share my convictions (testimony) and explain what I knew to be true and why. I was told with bristling conviction, ‘you can’t know that, no one can’. There is no point in going on when confronted with such a responce. But I can say it here:
The Lord has revealed to me a personal witness that the teachings and doctrine brought forth through the Prophet Joseph Smith by God and Jesus Christ are true and the same gospel Christ taught among men during His earthly ministry. All such teachings and counsel are from pure sources designed by Him to lift and elevate any who will listen. I testify also that, with this conviction, I find myself at a higher plane of personal peace and purpose, receiving blessings, with increased perspective and energy to be ‘up and doing’ for Him. I know that Christ’s teachings become more innate in my nature when I willingly live them. It truly is God’s ‘Plan of Happiness’. I have lots of personal weaknesses which facilitate a closer relationship to Christ; I learn to seek Him more often — with increased vulnerability and faith. I know He is the Father of my salvation because of His atonement. He bought me with His blood. Without Him it would be impossible for me to sustain a path of correct eternal purpose and destiny. No amount of rhetoric from the world, from false, man made philosophies, from misinterpreted scripture, can take away the fact that His way is ‘delicious to my soul’ and the only way home to Heavenly Father. I say this in His holy name, even the name of Jesus Christ, my Master, amen.
A wonderful opportunity for you! Just as in ancient times the leading brethren of the ‘former-day saints’, taught, and strived to live Christ’s pure teachings, so we today have opportunity to learn at the feet of those truly called of God (Prophets, Twelve Apostles and Seventy) to provide strong counsel, pure teachings against Satan’s ‘shouts’ of having an alternate, more fun, easier way Thus as increased wickedness hastens the pace towards Christ’s second coming, we are blessed to hear instruction this weekend and then have such counsel (to read) close at hand for the next six months until the next conference… and beyond.. There are two general sessions on Saturday and two on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. mdt. One extra session for Priesthood is on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. Link: General Conference, April 2016. These sessions are for all; the Women’s session was last weekend and can be seen by clicking the same link above.
