https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Pamela&feedformat=atom MormonWiki - User contributions [en] 2024-03-28T11:28:17Z User contributions MediaWiki 1.29.1 https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Mormon_Doctrine_-_An_Introduction&diff=14218 Mormon Doctrine - An Introduction 2007-12-03T22:45:52Z <p>Pamela: New page: MORMON DOCTRINE - An Introduction The word 'doctrine' in the dictionary is identified as being: &quot;something taught as the principles or creed of a religion…a rule, theory, or principle o...</p> <hr /> <div>MORMON DOCTRINE - An Introduction<br /> <br /> The word 'doctrine' in the dictionary is identified as being: &quot;something taught as the principles or creed of a religion…a rule, theory, or principle of law.&quot;1 This website will explain through numerous articles what Mormon Doctrine is. It will also clarify those misconceptions that seem to attach themselves to every religion, group or idea. <br /> In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Savior says: &quot;And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom. Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand.&quot;2<br /> <br /> The gospel of Jesus Christ is our Father in Heaven's plan of happiness. His purpose is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Our Heavenly Father's greatest desire is to have every one of His children find peace and happiness in this life and to return to Him. He knew that we could only progress to a certain point without the experience of mortality. In order to become more like Him, we had to receive a physical body. <br /> <br /> Because of His love for us, the Plan of Salvation or the Plan of Happiness was provided for each of His children. Our life on earth is a part of His plan – we must each gain a body, and we must each learn, grow, and find joy. Throughout this earth life there will be hard times, lonely times and frightening times. But through it all our Heavenly Father is there. He sorrows when we suffer and He rejoices when we do what is right. He is ready to give each of us comfort, peace and guidance through sincere prayer.<br /> <br /> The Mormon doctrine is intended to help those in search of salvation to gain that knowledge of our Father in Heaven and his laws, without which each of us cannot gain an inheritance in the celestial kingdom. <br /> <br /> We cannot be saved in the Lord's kingdom without the knowledge of God and his laws. It is then imperative and obligatory for each of us to study, ponder, and pray about the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation. It is only then that we begin to apply the true doctrines of the gospel and can continue on our way to one day returning to live with our Father in Heaven and our elder brother Jesus Christ. <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Webster's New World Dictionary&quot;; 1988<br /> 2 &quot;Book of Mormon&quot;, Doctrine and Covenants 88:77-78</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Lamb_of_God&diff=13763 Lamb of God 2007-11-02T19:22:01Z <p>Pamela: New page: Christ is the &quot;Lamb of God&quot;, which, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, &quot;…[took] away the sin of the world.&quot;1 He is the Redeemer of the World, the One who works out the infinite a...</p> <hr /> <div>Christ is the &quot;Lamb of God&quot;, which, through the [[Atonement of Jesus Christ]], &quot;…[took] away the sin of the world.&quot;1 He is the Redeemer of the World, the One who works out the infinite and eternal atonement. <br /> <br /> As a Lamb, he was sacrificed for men, and salvation only comes because of the shedding of his blood.2 Those who gain eternal life will have done so by accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ and being baptized by the proper priesthood authority and who have taken on the [[covenants]] in the holy [[Temple]] of God; those who have repented and made themselves &quot;clean in the sight of God&quot;, and who continually strive each day to live a life worthy of the Savior's presence in eternal life. When each has done all that the Savior has asked, then through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, He will make up the difference. <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Holy Bible&quot;, John 1:29<br /> 2 &quot;Book of Mormon&quot;, Mosiah 3:18</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Malachi&diff=13761 Malachi 2007-11-02T18:57:06Z <p>Pamela: New page: The name Malachi means 'my messenger', a suitable name for this prophet; and is the last book in the Old Testament written historically. Malachi prophesied to Judah after the prophets ...</p> <hr /> <div>The name Malachi means 'my messenger', a suitable name for this [[prophet]]; and is the last book in the Old Testament written historically. Malachi prophesied to Judah after the prophets Haggai and Zechariah and may have been a contemporary of Nehemiah. His book was written about four hundred years before the birth of [[Christ]] around 430 B.C. This was nearly one hundred years after the Jews began returning from Babylon to the land of Israel.<br /> <br /> The Jews of the [[Old Testament]] had no prophets after Malachi that we know of, but the descendants of Father Lehi in the Western Hemisphere (Nephites) had numerous prophets right up to the birth of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the [[Book of Mormon]]. <br /> <br /> Malachi admonished the people for their lack of [[faith]] in the Lord's promises. Many of the Jews had hoped that God would more vividly display his power by freeing them from Persian rule and allowing them to reclaim a kingdom. After one hundred years from the time they returned to their homelands, the Jews were still under Persian control. Many Jews became disheartened and did not work as hard to live a religious life, believing that God had forgotten or abandoned them so being righteous didn't really matter.<br /> <br /> Malachi's message addressed these circumstances. He taught about the restoration of [[priesthood]] sealing power, [[marriage]] and divorce, and [[tithes and offerings]]. He also prophesied regarding a messenger who would precede the [[Second Coming]] of the Savior. The principles taught by Malachi can apply to every time in history, since people in all ages are tempted to be halfhearted in their religion.</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Zechariah&diff=13760 Zechariah 2007-11-02T18:36:14Z <p>Pamela: New page: Zechariah was from a priestly family in the tribe of Levi. He was born in Babylon and returned to Jerusalem about 538 B.C. with the Jews who were allowed to return from Babylonian captivit...</p> <hr /> <div>Zechariah was from a priestly family in the tribe of Levi. He was born in Babylon and returned to Jerusalem about 538 B.C. with the Jews who were allowed to return from Babylonian captivity. The name Zechariah means, &quot;the Lord (Jehovah) remembers.&quot; Zechariah was called to be a prophet about 520 B.C., which means he lived about the same time as Haggai, the Prophet, and Ezra, the priest. <br /> <br /> Like Haggai, Zechariah encouraged the people to continue rebuilding the [[temple]]. But he also encouraged them to re-establish their personal spiritual lives. The book of Zechariah contains dramatic prophecies of [[Christ's]] earthly ministry along with latter-day events as the gathering of Israel, the final great battle, and the [[Second Coming]]. <br /> <br /> Several of the messages Zechariah received from the Lord were in the form of visions. In Zechariah 1-6, he records the eight visions the Lord gave to him about the house of Israel: <br /> <br /> 1)A vision of horses, which teaches about the merciful way the Lord will deal with Jerusalem (1:7,17).<br /> <br /> 2)A vision of four horns and four carpenters, which is about the powers (horns) that scattered Judah and what will happen to these powers (1:18-21).<br /> <br /> 3)A vision of the man with a measuring line (a surveyor), which testifies of the Lord's protective power over his people (2).<br /> <br /> 4)A vision of the high priest, which symbolizes how Judah can overcome Satan and be cleansed through the power of [[Jesus Christ]] (3:8).<br /> <br /> 5)A vision of a lamp stand and olive trees, which symbolizes how the Lord would give power to his people by his Holy Spirit (4). <br /> <br /> 6)A vision of a flying scroll, which taught that those who were dishonest in the land were condemned (5:1-4). <br /> <br /> 7)A vision of a woman in a basket, which testifies that wickedness, would be removed from the people (5:5-11). <br /> <br /> 8)A vision of four chariots, which symbolizes spreading the Lord's power over the whole earth (6:1-8).</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Zephaniah&diff=13757 Zephaniah 2007-11-02T18:02:13Z <p>Pamela: New page: The book of Zephaniah in the Old Testament was written sometime between 639-608 B.C. The first verse of Zephaniah identifies him as a descendent of King Hezekiah, a righteous king of J...</p> <hr /> <div>The book of Zephaniah in the [[Old Testament]] was written sometime between 639-608 B.C. The first verse of Zephaniah identifies him as a descendent of King Hezekiah, a righteous king of Judah who lived approximately one hundred years before the book was written. Zephaniah prophesied in the days of King Josiah, another righteous king in Judah, which means he lived about the same time as Habakkuk, Micah, and the young Jeremiah. <br /> <br /> Zephaniah's message was a dismal message of divine retribution for the wickedness of Judah and the surrounding nations. In chapter 2 verse 3 he warns, &quot;Seek ye the <br /> [[Lord]]…; seek righteousness, seek meekness; it may be ye shall be hid [protected] in the day of the Lord's anger.&quot;<br /> <br /> The book of Zephaniah has two major points: The day of the Lord. The Lord will come in judgment upon people caught up in sin and hypocrisy. This truth was relevant to the nation of Judah in Zephaniah's time as well as to the wicked in all ages, especially those living at the time of the Second Coming. And, [[restoration]] and purification. God will draw to himself and purify people who humble themselves in the midst of his judgments.</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Habakkuk&diff=13756 Habakkuk 2007-11-02T17:47:28Z <p>Pamela: New page: Habakkuk was a prophet of Judah. The date in which he prophesied is uncertain, but it was probably during the reign of Josiah or of Jehoiakim in the years of 663-612 B.C. And it was d...</p> <hr /> <div>Habakkuk was a [[prophet]] of Judah. The date in which he prophesied is uncertain, but it was probably during the reign of Josiah or of Jehoiakim in the years of 663-612 B.C. And it was during a time when Assyria was the most powerful nation in the Middle Eastern world. <br /> <br /> The book of Habakkuk in the [[Old Testament]] is unique, in that it contains a record of Habakkuk's own discussion with the Lord.' In chapter 1, the prophet complains that his outcries against wrongdoing in Judah remain unheard by God; but he is assured that punishment by the Chaldeans is close at hand. This raises the problem as to why the pure and holy God should use for the working out of his purposes such a sinful nation. Chapter 2 supplies a solution to the problem: the Chaldeans themselves will come under judgment. And chapter 3 contains a lyrical poem, describing the coming of [[Jehovah]] to judge and to deliver his people.'1 The closing of the book of Habakkuk closes with a beautiful psalm of praise. <br /> <br /> Principles that are worth noting and pondering are: though even the faithful struggle to comprehend all of his ways, the Lord has promised to make his mysteries known to those who diligently seek him; the Lord will punish the wicked in his own time and in his own way; the Lord sometimes allows the wicked to punish or destroy each other; and, the Lord expects his [[covenant]] people to live according to the light they have received.<br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Holy Bible&quot; Bible Dictionary, Habakkuk</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Nahum&diff=13755 Nahum 2007-11-02T17:30:09Z <p>Pamela: New page: The book of Nahum in the Old Testament is a book of prophecy of God's judgments upon Nineveh. The prophet Nahum prophesied in Judah sometime between 663-612 B.C. His entire written m...</p> <hr /> <div>The book of Nahum in the [[Old Testament]] is a book of prophecy of God's judgments upon Nineveh. <br /> <br /> The prophet Nahum prophesied in Judah sometime between 663-612 B.C. His entire written message prophesies of the destruction of Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria. <br /> <br /> The Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel about 721 B.C. and carried its people into custody. From that time on the Assyrians were a steady threat to the survival of Judah as well. Nahum's prophecy of the destruction of Assyria, written in Hebrew poetry, must have been a source of hope and comfort to the people of Judah. <br /> <br /> Nineveh had received a warning to repent through the prophet Jonah more than one hundred years earlier, in which they did [[repent]] and were spared by the Lord. However, by the time Nahum's ministry, Nineveh had become wicked again and this time would not escape the [[Lord's]] judgment. <br /> <br /> Nahum's prophecies about the destruction of Assyria are relevant to the world today and at the time of the [[Second Coming]].</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Micah&diff=13754 Micah 2007-11-02T16:45:53Z <p>Pamela: New page: The book of Micah in the Old Testament was written from approximately 740-697 B.C. The prophet Micah prophesied during the reigns of King Jothan, Ahaz, and Hezekiah and prophesied abou...</p> <hr /> <div>The book of Micah in the [[Old Testament]] was written from approximately 740-697 B.C. The prophet Micah prophesied during the reigns of King Jothan, Ahaz, and Hezekiah and prophesied about the same time as Isaiah. <br /> <br /> Micah lived in a small town in southern Judah, which may have explained his familiar tone in writing and his compassion for the less fortunate. His message was to both Israel and Judah and alternates between warnings of coming judgments and promises of future redemption. Chapters 1-3 Micah declares judgments against Israel (Samaria) and Judah (Jerusalem). Chapters 4-7 Micah [[prophesies]] of the latter-day gathering and redemption of the house of Israel. However, the one vital point made in the book of Micah is his remarkable prophesy of the birth of the [[Messiah]].</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Jonah&diff=13753 Jonah 2007-11-02T16:26:31Z <p>Pamela: New page: The book of Jonah in the Old Testament is the only book in the Prophets section that mainly records what ensued in the prophet's life instead of recording his revelations and proph...</p> <hr /> <div>The book of Jonah in the [[Old Testament]] is the only book in the Prophets section that mainly records what ensued in the prophet's life instead of recording his [[revelations]] and prophecies. <br /> <br /> Jonah is the son of Amittai and came from Gath-hepher in the region of Zebulun, three miles northeast of Nazareth. Jonah prophesied the victorious movement of Jeroboam II to return Israel to her original borders after years of subjection to Damascus in about 788 B.C. Jonah is however known best for his mission to the people of Nineveh and his experience with the whale. <br /> <br /> Jonah testified of the Lord's justice to the people of Nineveh, and his prayer and testimony of the Lord's mercy from the belly of the whale. The events in Jonah's life also testify powerfully of the Lord [[Jesus Christ]]. The Savior referred to his own death, burial, and [[resurrection]] as 'the sign of the prophet Jonah' and warned those of his own generation that the people of Nineveh, who believed Jonah's warning, would stand as witnesses against them.1 <br /> <br /> Principles that were taught then are principles that can be heeded in this latter day are: we cannot hide from the Lord, with the Lord's help, one righteous person can work miracles and, God loves all his children and wants them to be saved. <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Holy Bible&quot;, Matthew 12:39-41, Luke 11:29-30</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Obadiah&diff=13734 Obadiah 2007-11-02T15:44:23Z <p>Pamela: New page: The name Obadiah means 'servant of Jehovah' and was a common name in Old Testament times. Nothing is known of the personal history of Obadiah except what is written in the book that be...</p> <hr /> <div>The name Obadiah means 'servant of Jehovah' and was a common name in [[Old Testament]] times. Nothing is known of the personal history of Obadiah except what is written in the book that bears his name. The book of Obadiah is the shortest of all the books in the Old Testament and was probably written about 586 B.C. shortly after the destruction of Jerusalem.<br /> <br /> When a foreign power attacked Jerusalem, the Edomites helped defeat the Jews and steal their property. Obadiah prophesied of Edom's destruction because of the cruelty they inflicted toward Judah and of Israel's eventual salvation upon Mount Zion. Obadiah was privileged to see this vision of the salvation of Israel and other important events of the latter days. <br /> <br /> Two important principles that Obadiah wrote about is that pride and wickedness leads to destruction and we each can help in the Lord's [[plan of salvation]] by performing [[temple]] work for those who have passed on.</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Amos_(Biblical)&diff=13709 Amos (Biblical) 2007-11-01T18:02:51Z <p>Pamela: </p> <hr /> <div>Amos was a shepherd and a native of Tekoa, which was 12 miles south of Jerusalem. He was a prophet who prophesied in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah and Jeroboam II, king of Israel. This was a time of virtual wealth and peace in Israel and Judah. However, all did not share in this prosperity. Some became very rich through disrespect to the laws of the Lord while others became poorer. In addition, most of the nation, including the kings, participated in idol worship, and very few were keeping the [[commandments]]. <br /> <br /> Amos was called to be a [[prophet]] during this time and bore the message of destruction that was soon to come on the disobedient and the idolatrous. The book of Amos is a compilation of the prophet's teachings that are well organized and articulate. <br /> <br /> His message was powerful in teaching the people then, and those today, of applying the [[gospel]] principles in our lives, and about the judgments of God upon the proud.</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Joel&diff=13708 Joel 2007-11-01T17:45:47Z <p>Pamela: New page: Joel was a prophet who probably lived sometime between 850-740 B.C., however, it is not certain. We know very little about the prophet Joel. It is not likely that the Joel who wrote th...</p> <hr /> <div>Joel was a [[prophet]] who probably lived sometime between 850-740 B.C., however, it is not certain. We know very little about the prophet Joel. It is not likely that the Joel who wrote this book is the same Joel mentioned somewhere else in the [[Bible]]. Because Joel did not state the nations of Assyria or Babylon, it is hard to tell when he wrote. He seemed to be familiar with the country of Judah, so we can just assume that he preached there. <br /> <br /> Joel's message centers around what he calls the 'day of the Lord'. We know that the 'day of the Lord' refers to a day or time of judgment when the Lord delivers rewards and punishments. And while we usually refer to the Second Coming as the day of the Lord, there are other days of the Lord. For example, when Israel was conquered by the Assyrians that was the day of the Lord's judgment on Israel. On an individual level, the day of the Lord may be the day a person dies. However, if we refer to the 'day of the Lord' in our latter day application, we usually regard to it as the Second Coming of [[Jesus Christ]]. In the [[Book of Mormon]], [[Moroni]] told [[Joseph Smith]] that a passage in Joel 2:28-32 would 'soon' be fulfilled.1 <br /> <br /> As we read and study the book of Joel there are three important principles to read and ponder: 1) Terrible wars, desolations, and natural disasters will destroy those who are ripe in wickedness prior to and at the [[Second Coming]] of Jesus Christ; 2) We must turn to the Lord in preparation for his Second Coming; 3) Great spiritual and physical blessings will come to the righteous during and after the destructions coupled with the Second Coming. <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Book of Mormon&quot;, JS-H 1:41</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Hosea&diff=13707 Hosea 2007-11-01T17:24:27Z <p>Pamela: New page: The book of Hosea in the Old Testament is sometimes referred to, along with Joel through Malachi, the 'minor prophets'. They are called 'minor' because their books are much shorter tha...</p> <hr /> <div>The book of Hosea in the [[Old Testament]] is sometimes referred to, along with Joel through Malachi, the 'minor prophets'. They are called 'minor' because their books are much shorter than the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. The name Hosea is symbolic in that it comes from the same Hebrew root as Joshua, which is the Hebrew name for Jesus. Hosea's name is fitting because his message can help us learn about and feel more deeply the power of the [[Atonement of Jesus Christ]]. <br /> <br /> Hosea's ministry took place approximately 755-715 B.C. He preached to the Northern Kingdom, which was conquered and carried away by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. The kingdom of Israel formed alliances with pagan nations, which made it easier for the people to embrace their customs. The people had grown increasingly wicked – especially in their worship of the idol Baal. This idolatrous religion was so wicked that they were even caught up in doing immoral acts as one part of the 'sacred' ceremonies. <br /> <br /> Because these practices were very odious to God, Hosea used many images and symbols to teach his message. For example, he used a husband, a father, a lion, a leopard, a she-bear, dew, and rain as symbols of the Lord. And he used a wife, a sick person, a grapevine, grapes, olive trees, a woman in childbirth, morning mist, and other symbols to represent Israel. <br /> <br /> Through studying the symbols and metaphors that Hosea uses to express his message, we can learn of God's love for his people and his willingness to forgive and not abandon them if they will return to Him. While studying Hosea, the following principles are vital in the [[gospel]] of Jesus Christ and in each of our lives: 1) Violating sacred [[covenants]] brings forth God's judgment; 2) The Lord loves his children and will accept and forgive those who [[repent]] and come unto him; 3) God's justice and mercy are evidences of his love for his children.</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Daniel&diff=13680 Daniel 2007-10-31T18:20:14Z <p>Pamela: New page: Contrary to the Lord's counsel through the prophet Jeremiah, the Jews had looked to Egypt for deliverance from the Babylonians. The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar, conquered the Egyptia...</p> <hr /> <div>Contrary to the Lord's counsel through the prophet Jeremiah, the Jews had looked to Egypt for deliverance from the Babylonians. The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar, conquered the Egyptians at Carchemish about 605 B.C. This conquest marked the beginning of the end of the Egyptian empire as a world power. Nebuchadenezzar sacked Jerusalem in about 597 B.C. and took many soldiers, artisans, and members of noble families, including Daniel, into exile. The Jews that remained behind rose up again, and in about 587 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar returned and destroyed Jerusalem and banished many more Jews into Babylon. <br /> <br /> The book of Daniel in the [[Old Testament]] is a record of events in the life of Daniel the [[prophet]] who served the people of Judah during their captivity in Babylon. Daniel is the author of this book and was a young man when the books begins and in his eighties when the book ends. This book demonstrates how to live the gospel even when those around us may not or when our circumstances make it difficult. It also prophesies of the triumph of the kingdom of God over all other powers and kingdoms in the world. The one central theme of the book of Daniel is that [[God]] has power over all the earth, both individuals and nations. <br /> <br /> Some key principles to look for in reading the book of Daniel are: 1) [[obedience]] to the Lord's [[commandments]] brings temporal and spiritual blessings; 2) Prophets have the power to prophesy of the future and to interpret signs and dreams; 3) Great moral courage is necessary to always choose the right; 4) The Church is the kingdom of God that has been established on earth in the [[latter days]]. This kingdom will grow and fill the world.</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ezekiel&diff=13679 Ezekiel 2007-10-31T17:46:59Z <p>Pamela: New page: When Jeremiah was teaching repentance in Jerusalem, Ezekiel worked with the people that were in Babylonian captivity. Ezekiel was taken to Babylon in about 597 B.C. when King Jehoiachin wa...</p> <hr /> <div>When Jeremiah was teaching repentance in Jerusalem, Ezekiel worked with the people that were in Babylonian captivity. Ezekiel was taken to Babylon in about 597 B.C. when King Jehoiachin was overthrown by Nebuchadnezzar and carried into captivity. It was there that Ezekiel received his call to be a [[prophet]] to the Jews.<br /> <br /> While there, Ezekiel tried to help his people understand that their captivity was a result of their wickedness. His message was a warning of judgment and of mercy that left no doubt of the Lord's anger nor of his desire for the people's [[repentance]]. We find in the book of Ezekiel that God is in control and desires that all of His children come unto Him. <br /> <br /> There are six key messages in the book of Ezekiel in the [[Old Testament]]: 1) Ezekiel's call and commission to be a prophet; 2) Prophecies condemning the sins of the people in the land of Israel, especially in Jerusalem, culminating in the fall and capture of Jerusalem by the Babylonians; 3) Prophecies calling the Jews in Babylon to repentance; 4) Prophecies concerning the destruction of the countries surrounding Israel who were their enemies – mainly Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt; 5) Prophecies about the gathering of Israel and other events in preparation for the [[Second Coming]] of the Savior, and; 6) A description of Ezekiel's vision of a [[temple]] being built in Jerusalem at some future time and the manner of worship within. <br /> <br /> &quot;Ezekiel was a man of many visions and spoke much about the future restoration of Israel and the glory of the millennial reign of the Lord. The authenticity of his writings are specifically confirmed by latter-day revelation, as in Doctrine and Covenants 29:21.&quot;1<br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Holy Bible&quot;, Bible Dictionary – Ezekiel</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Lamentations&diff=13667 Lamentations 2007-10-30T21:01:15Z <p>Pamela: New page: The word lamentations means weeping or crying with great sorrow; it was common in ancient Judah to compose and sing lamentations about departed friends or relatives who had died. This book...</p> <hr /> <div>The word lamentations means weeping or crying with great sorrow; it was common in ancient Judah to compose and sing lamentations about departed friends or relatives who had died. This book contains the lamentations that Jeremiah wrote in poetic form, which expressed his feelings of despair over the fate of Jerusalem, the [[temple]], and the people of Judah. Nearly every other prophetic book in the [[Old Testament]] contains laments, but Lamentations is the only book that consists entirely of this literary form. <br /> <br /> Numerous principles are taught in the book of Lamentations and worth pondering and using in daily lives. 1) We cannot sin without consequences, 2) Heeding false [[prophets]] is often easier than heeding true ones, 3) Thinking the powers of the world can help you escape God's punishment is foolish, 4) Sinners who are punished often think [[God]] is unfair, 5) True remorse usually comes only after some amount of suffering, 6) Hope comes from acknowledging our sins, 7) Because of God's love and mercy, there is a time of [[forgiveness]] and renewal for all who [[repent]].</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Jeremiah&diff=13666 Jeremiah 2007-10-30T20:33:36Z <p>Pamela: New page: The book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament took place from approximately 626-586B.C. and is the longest book in the Bible. Jeremiah was a Levite from Anathoth, a town a few miles no...</p> <hr /> <div>The book of Jeremiah in the [[Old Testament]] took place from approximately 626-586B.C. and is the longest book in the [[Bible]]. Jeremiah was a Levite from Anathoth, a town a few miles northeast of Jerusalem in the tribal territory of Benjamin. He was one of several [[prophets]] whose ministry was during King Josiah's reign, and which continued on through King Zedekiah for the next forty years.1 <br /> <br /> During Jeremiah's ministry, the Babylonians dominated the Assyrians and became the great world power. The leaders and people of Judah worried that Babylon would also conquer their small nation, so for protection they attempted to form an alliance with Egypt. At this particular time, Jeremiah warned the nation to [[repent]] and seek deliverance from the Lord instead of from Egypt or any other country.<br /> <br /> In a series of attacks over many years, the Babylonians captured many Jews from their promised land and took them into Babylon. Among those taken away were the prophets Daniel and Ezekiel. We can also read in the [[Book of Mormon]] of Lehi and his family being warned to flee Jerusalem to escape the destruction that would soon happen at the hands of the Babylonian army. It can be noted as well, that Lehi's family brought with them records that contained prophecies of the prophet Jeremiah.2<br /> <br /> Jeremiah was called to minister among a people from whom there was little hope because of their refusal to repent. He found idolatry, heathen religious practices, and children being sacrificed to Baal-Moloch, immorality and unrighteousness. Jeremiah was surrounded on all sides by almost total apostasy; he continued to testify and admonish the people to repentance, but to no avail. <br /> <br /> The key to the book of Jeremiah is the importance of listening to the prophet and repenting. This counsel is just as important today as it was in Biblical times. <br /> 1 &quot;Holy Bible&quot;, 2 Kings 22-23<br /> 2 &quot;Book of Mormon&quot;, 1 Nephi 5:13</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Isaiah&diff=13554 Isaiah 2007-10-25T16:09:25Z <p>Pamela: New page: Isaiah was the son of Amoz and a prophet in Jerusalem from approximately 740-700 B.C. His religious and political influence took place during the reign of Hezekiah in whom Isaiah was t...</p> <hr /> <div>Isaiah was the son of Amoz and a [[prophet]] in Jerusalem from approximately 740-700 B.C. His religious and political influence took place during the reign of Hezekiah in whom Isaiah was the chief advisor. At this time, the Assyrians conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The Southern Kingdom of Judah, where Isaiah lived, was under homage to Assyria and also faced destruction. They were spared, however, because Judah's King Hezekiah obeyed Isaiah's counsel. Isaiah warned Judah that they must continue to [[repent]] or they would also be destroyed by Babylon, not Assyria. <br /> <br /> Isaiah is quoted more often in the [[New Testament]] than any other prophet. There are at least three reasons why the book of Isaiah is of great importance to the reader. First, the [[Savior]] gave a [[commandment]] to search the words of Isaiah thoroughly.1 Second, the [[scriptures]] quote Isaiah more than any other prophet. The writers of the Book of Mormon quoted or paraphrased 35 percent of the book of Isaiah. The Doctrine and Covenants makes approximately one hundred references to Isaiah by either quoting, paraphrasing, or interpreting its teachings. At the time Christ visited the Nephites after his [[Resurrection]], Jesus told the people they should &quot;search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.&quot;1 These additional references to other books of scripture give clarification or additional insight into the meaning of Isaiah. The third reason Isaiah's message is so important for us it that it centers on [[redemption]] through Jesus Christ, whom the prophet saw.2 <br /> <br /> One major responsibility for a prophet is to [[testify]] of the Savior. Appropriately for Isaiah, since the meaning of his name is &quot;Jehovah saves&quot;. <br /> <br /> Isaiah was a prophet of God, as well as a gifted writer and poet to the tribes of Israel. For this reason, his writings can be difficult to understand when translated from Hebrew into other languages. Through the use of images and symbols, Isaiah effectively taught his message. The reader must read beyond these and other images to understand the feelings and principles Isaiah wrote about. <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Book of Mormon&quot;, 3 Nephi 23:1<br /> 2 &quot;Holy Bible&quot;, Isaiah 6:5; &quot;Book of Mormon&quot;, 2 Nephi 11:2</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Song_of_Solomon&diff=13553 Song of Solomon 2007-10-25T15:35:49Z <p>Pamela: New page: This book called the Song of Solomon in the Old Testament is sometimes referred to as the Canticles in Latin or the Song of Songs in Hebrew. Whether Solomon is actually the author is d...</p> <hr /> <div>This book called the Song of Solomon in the [[Old Testament]] is sometimes referred to as the Canticles in Latin or the Song of Songs in Hebrew. Whether Solomon is actually the author is doubtful. The [[Joseph Smith]] Translation contains the note that &quot;the Song of Solomon is not inspired scripture&quot; due to its romantic content. Both Jews and Christians have at times been reluctant to accept it into the canon of [[scripture]] because of this. <br /> <br /> However, the book does have beautiful phrases and lyrical prose, which is often quoted in non-religious literature. The book has been permitted in the Bible due to its allegory of God's love for Israel and/or of the [[Church]].</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ecclesiastes&diff=13552 Ecclesiastes 2007-10-25T15:25:21Z <p>Pamela: New page: Ecclesiastes means 'one who convenes an assembly' and it is sometimes translated 'preacher'. The book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament, along with Job and Proverbs is sometimes ref...</p> <hr /> <div>Ecclesiastes means 'one who convenes an assembly' and it is sometimes translated 'preacher'. The book of Ecclesiastes in the [[Old Testament]], along with Job and Proverbs is sometimes referred to as the wisdom literature, and which includes teachings that show the advantage of wisdom over foolishness.<br /> <br /> As one reads Ecclesiastes, it must be understood that the central theme of the book is that the author believes that this life is all there is. It is not until the last chapter that he admits that he really does believe that life continues after [[death]], and that because life goes on forever, life has no lasting meaning or happiness unless we [[serve]] [[God]] and prepare for the [[Judgment]] – where all that seemed temporary will be seen for what it really is. (The author uses the word 'vanity' which is interpreted as 'temporary and not satisfying).1 He records in Ecclesiastes 12:13, &quot;Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his [[commandments]]: for this is the whole duty of man.&quot;</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Proverbs&diff=13551 Proverbs 2007-10-25T15:07:32Z <p>Pamela: </p> <hr /> <div>The book of Proverbs in the [[Old Testament]] is considered to be the third of the poetic books – with Job and Ecclesiastes being the other two. Each book contains less material recognized as divine [[revelation]] and more attributed to human wisdom. The definition of a proverb is: a short saying that teaches proper and moral behavior. Thus as you read you will find practical advice for living one's religion and conducting oneself in a proper and honorable way. <br /> <br /> We know that Solomon spoke many of the proverbs as is recorded in I Kings 4:32. Proverbs 1:1 says that Solomon is the author of all the proverbs, but there are others mentioned throughout the book. <br /> <br /> Throughout the [[New Testament]] we find that the [[Savior]] used proverbs in his teachings.1 And proverbs are found throughout the Old Testament as a source of inspiration, counsel, and direction to the reader. These proverbs apply to the life of our day. By substituting ancient comparisons with modern ones, we often find its wisdom to be as appropriate today as it was then. <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Holy Bible&quot;, Luke 4:23; John 16:25</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Proverbs&diff=13550 Proverbs 2007-10-25T15:04:41Z <p>Pamela: New page: The book of Proverbs in the Old Testament is considered to be the third of the poetic books – with Job, Psalms and Ecclesiastes being the other three. Each book contains less materia...</p> <hr /> <div>The book of Proverbs in the [[Old Testament]] is considered to be the third of the poetic books – with Job, Psalms and Ecclesiastes being the other three. Each book contains less material recognized as divine [[revelation]] and more attributed to human wisdom. The definition of a proverb is: a short saying that teaches proper and moral behavior. Thus as you read you will find practical advice for living one's religion and conducting oneself in a proper and honorable way. <br /> <br /> We know that Solomon spoke many of the proverbs as is recorded in I Kings 4:32. Proverbs 1:1 says that Solomon is the author of all the proverbs, but there are others mentioned throughout the book. <br /> <br /> Throughout the [[New Testament]] we find that the [[Savior]] used proverbs in his teachings.1 And proverbs are found throughout the Old Testament as a source of inspiration, counsel, and direction to the reader. These proverbs apply to the life of our day. By substituting ancient comparisons with modern ones, we often find its wisdom to be as appropriate today as it was then. <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Holy Bible&quot;, Luke 4:23; John 16:25</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Psalms&diff=13526 Psalms 2007-10-22T18:08:16Z <p>Pamela: New page: The book of Psalms in the Old Testament is a collection of sacred poems that are praises and prayers to God – hence the title of the book in Hebrew means 'praises' and the Greek tran...</p> <hr /> <div>The book of Psalms in the [[Old Testament]] is a collection of sacred poems that are praises and prayers to God – hence the title of the book in Hebrew means 'praises' and the Greek translation is 'songs'. Some of the most beautiful and important words about the Messiah, [[Jesus Christ]] are written in the book of Psalms. In addition, some of the Psalms are wholly about the law, the [[temple]], nature, or historical events. <br /> <br /> Keep in mind that most poetry is written in the language of emotion in which feelings are uttered. To convey themselves, the authors often use symbolic language and may exaggerate. In addition, they may also try to express their feelings or impress their audience by using some kind of pattern or rhythm.<br /> <br /> Most of the poems in Psalms were written as songs and were intended to be sung with a stringed-instrument accompaniment. In this period of history, singing was a part of temple [[worship]] services and public events, such as funerals, [[marriages]], and other celebrations. <br /> <br /> Many of the psalms do recognize their author such as, King David, Moses, Solomon, Asaph (David's musician), and Levite priests (the sons of Korah). But there are many that are anonymous. <br /> <br /> The book of Psalms is quoted more times in the New Testament than any other Old Testament book. The Hebrews divided the 150 psalms into five separate books. In today's Bible they would be divided as such: 1) Psalms 1-41; 2) Psalms 42-72; 3) Psalms 73-89; 4) Psalms 90-106; 5) Psalms 107-50. At the end of each division, the break is marked with a doxology, or formal declaration of God's power and glory. The last Psalm is itself a doxology, using the Hebrew Hallelujah, or 'Praise ye the Lord', at its beginning and end, as well as the word praise eleven other times.</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Job&diff=13200 Job 2007-10-11T17:06:37Z <p>Pamela: New page: Although we know very little about Job, he more than likely lived during the time of the patriarchs of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Job is the first of the books in the poetry or writings se...</p> <hr /> <div>Although we know very little about Job, he more than likely lived during the time of the patriarchs of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Job is the first of the books in the poetry or writings section of the [[Old Testament]]. Most of the book is written using poetic language and deals with two critical questions of life: why do righteous people suffer, and what motivates righteous people to choose righteousness? It is a book, which can help strengthen us during times of trial and tribulation by reminding us of God's purpose for our suffering. <br /> <br /> The book does not entirely answer the question as to why Job suffered pain and the loss of his goods. It does make it clear that affliction is not necessarily evidence that one has sinned. The book suggests that affliction, if not for punishment, may be for experience, discipline, and instruction.1<br /> <br /> Important lessons can be learned from Job. A few being, that Satan is real, he is on earth and he is allowed to tempt us, but if we resist his influence and follow the Savior, he cannot have power over us; we can understand the [[plan of salvation]] and the atoning sacrifice of [[Jesus Christ]] can help us understand and better bear the trials and hardships of mortality; we should lift, comfort, and strengthen those who suffer; if we do what is right, our trials will be our greatest blessings; and, God's knowledge and power are eternal. The mortal, limited mind cannot grasp the infinite mind of God. <br /> <br /> 1 Holy Bible, Bible Dictionary, Job</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Esther&diff=13199 Esther 2007-10-11T16:17:52Z <p>Pamela: New page: The book of Esther in the Old Testament took place in approximately 460-30B.C.during a time when many Jews were in Persia and tells how Esther's courageous actions saved her people fro...</p> <hr /> <div>The book of Esther in the [[Old Testament]] took place in approximately 460-30B.C.during a time when many Jews were in Persia and tells how Esther's courageous actions saved her people from destruction. We find that Esther did not write the book, but her complete story is found in the book. <br /> <br /> Esther lived about the same time as Ezra and Nehemiah. Although the book of Esther comes after Nehemiah, the events in Esther actually occurred about thirty years before the events in Nehemiah. <br /> <br /> At this particular time Persia ruled over Judah as well as those captive Jews who remained in Babylon. The Persian ruler Ahasuerus decided to divorce the queen because she refused to show her beauty to the people and the princes. Esther, who was the adopted daughter of Mordecai and a Jew, was chosen as the queen's successor on account of her beauty. Haman, chief man at the king's court, hated Mordecai, and having cast lots to find a suitable day, obtained a decree to put all Jews to death. At great risk to Esther, she revealed her nationality and obtained a reversal of the decree.1 The Jews people today still celebrate this wonderful event with a holiday they call 'Purim.' <br /> <br /> The story of Esther and her great [[sacrifice]] teaches how one person can positively affect the course of a nation. <br /> <br /> 1 Holy Bible, Bible Dictionary, Esther</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Nehemiah&diff=13197 Nehemiah 2007-10-11T15:40:42Z <p>Pamela: New page: In the earliest Hebrew manuscripts the book of Nehemiah was a continuation of the book of Ezra, and is the latest period of any of the historical books in the Old Testament. It covers ...</p> <hr /> <div>In the earliest Hebrew manuscripts the book of Nehemiah was a continuation of the book of Ezra, and is the latest period of any of the historical books in the [[Old Testament]]. It covers the history of the Jews from about 446-405B.C. Because of its autobiographical technique, it would suggest that Nehemiah may have been the author. <br /> <br /> Nehemiah, meaning 'comfort of the [[Lord]]', was a Jew who held the position of 'cupbearer' to King Artaxerxes of Persia. This meant that his responsibility was in protecting the king's food and drink from poisoning. Because of his loyalty and dedication to the King, he acquired a royal commission permitting him to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. While there, Nehemiah served as governor for twelve years and then returned to Babylon, where he remained for some time before returning again to Jerusalem. <br /> <br /> The book of Nehemiah is divided into four sections: Nehemiah's first visit to Jerusalem, and the rebuilding of the walls in spite of much opposition; religious and social reforms; lists of names, and account of the dedication of the wall, and Nehemiah's second visit after 12 years' absence, and his further reforms.1<br /> <br /> We can glean the following principles in reading the book of Nehemiah: the Lord blesses all who repent and [[faithfully]] come unto him; become anxiously engaged in a good cause and actively oppose evil; study the [[scriptures]] and in so doing, [[faith]], courage, and inner peace will abound; and, we defile the [[Sabbath]] when we buy or sell on the Lord's holy day. <br /> <br /> 1 Holy Bible, Bible Dictionary, Nehemiah</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ezra&diff=13196 Ezra 2007-10-10T22:04:23Z <p>Pamela: New page: In the initial Hebrew manuscripts, the books of Ezra and Nehemiah in the Old Testament were one book and a continuation of 1 and 2 Chronicles. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah are the la...</p> <hr /> <div>In the initial Hebrew manuscripts, the books of Ezra and Nehemiah in the [[Old Testament]] were one book and a continuation of 1 and 2 Chronicles. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah are the last two historical books of the Old Testament and cover the period from approximately 540B.C. to 430B.C. The book of Ezra is named for its main character, but it does not identify him as being the main author. Ezra apparently wrote some of the book or the original writer quoted directly from a record Ezra wrote because in the last four chapters, Ezra speaks in the first person.<br /> <br /> Ezra was a [[priest]] and a descendant of Aaron, the brother of [[Moses]]. He was also known as a scribe who studied, wrote, and taught the [[scriptures]] a great deal. Some have called Ezra the 'father' of modern Judaism because of his emphasis on studying the law (the scriptures).<br /> <br /> There are three major returns to Jerusalem described in the book of Ezra: one approximately 538B.C. under the direction of Zerubbabel, a second approximately 465-25B.C. under the direction of Ezra, and the third 444B.C. under the direction of Nehemiah.<br /> <br /> Ezra led the Jews at a time when they began centering their lives more on becoming a church rather than a nation. The two main focuses in the book of Ezra are the: stressing the importance of the [[temple]], and the significance of the law, or the sacred records we call the scriptures. Ezra stresses the reason that we are earth is to love, obey, and [[serve]] the Lord. However, to be successful we must: [[fast]] and [[pray]] to gain the Lord's help, seek to [[marry in the covenant]], and confess and [[repent]] of our sins.</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=2_Kings&diff=13168 2 Kings 2007-10-10T15:57:20Z <p>Pamela: New page: The book of 2 Kings in the Old Testament is the fourth and final book in the series of books that relates the history of the Israelites during the time they had kings - the others bein...</p> <hr /> <div>The book of 2 Kings in the [[Old Testament]] is the fourth and final book in the series of books that relates the history of the Israelites during the time they had kings - the others being 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 Kings. As was conveyed in the synopsis of 1 Kings, both 1 and 2 Kings in the Hebrew text were one book. <br /> <br /> Second Kings is a record of the fall and conquest of the Northern Kingdom, which is Israel, and the Southern Kingdom, which is Judah. We know that this division took place from about 850B.C. to 560B.C. <br /> <br /> The Assyrians conquered the kingdom of Israel and took most of the people north to Assyria. After this 'scattering' of the ten tribes of Israel, there is no record of what happened to them, except for a reference which is acknowledged in the [[Book of Mormon]] that says the [[Savior]] visited some of them.1 They are now known as the lost ten tribes of Israel. <br /> <br /> The book also acquaints us with the prophets Elijah, Elisha, and Isaiah. It then ends with the account of the Babylonians conquering the kingdom of Judah and carrying the people away captive into Babylon. This captivity occurred approximately between 605-587B.C. These accounts of destruction and captivity fulfilled the prophetic warnings of Moses and Samuel.2<br /> <br /> 1 Book of Mormon; 3 Nephi 17:4<br /> 2 Old Testament; Deuteronomy 8:10-20, 1 Samuel 12:14-15, 24-25</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=1_Kings&diff=13145 1 Kings 2007-10-09T22:13:22Z <p>Pamela: New page: First and second Kings is a continuation of 1 and 2 Samuel in the Old Testament, and commonly referred to as the third and fourth book of Kings. When the Hebrew text was written, 1 and...</p> <hr /> <div>First and second Kings is a continuation of 1 and 2 Samuel in the [[Old Testament]], and commonly referred to as the third and fourth book of Kings. When the Hebrew text was written, 1 and 2 Kings was one book called the Kings; and then later on, the Greek translation of the Old Testament divided Kings into two books which continued on to the later versions of the [[Bible]]. <br /> <br /> Both 1 and 2 Kings contain the history of Israel's kings from the ministry of Samuel to the Babylonian captivity. It is not known who wrote Kings, but whoever did write it, the books were compiled from records that are no longer available – such as the book of the acts of Solomon, and the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel and Judah. <br /> <br /> So, we refer to 1 Kings as the third book in the group of four books that tells the history of Israel during the time they were ruled by kings. First Kings begins with Solomon being chosen as king after David and covers approximately 120 years of history and ends with the story of Ahab - one of the most wicked kings in Israel's history. <br /> <br /> The story of Solomon is also told in the first half of 1 Kings – first as a leader of Israel at a time of extraordinary success, and later as a spiritually fallen leader who led his people down the same path. By the end of this leaders reign, Israel experienced a spiritual and temporal decline, which resulted in the division of Solomon's kingdom within a year of his death. <br /> <br /> The second half of 1 Kings explains Israel's divided kingdom and relays the history of how the political leaders kept the [[covenants]] they made with God. However, the key focus is on the kings who were most notable in either keeping or not keeping the covenants and on the [[prophets]] who preached to them. Great lessons of good and bad examples can be learned in 1 Kings.</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=2_Samuel&diff=12983 2 Samuel 2007-09-29T15:39:20Z <p>Pamela: New page: As noted in the title of the book, 2 Samuel is referred to as the &quot;Second Book of the Kings&quot;, in which David becomes that King. It is unclear who wrote 1 and 2 Samuel since Samuel died bef...</p> <hr /> <div>As noted in the title of the book, 2 Samuel is referred to as the &quot;Second Book of the Kings&quot;, in which David becomes that King. It is unclear who wrote 1 and 2 Samuel since Samuel died before the end of 1 Samuel. <br /> <br /> The first ten chapters in 2 Samuel records David's rise to the peak of his power and popularity and at the same time his struggle to unite Israel and bring it to power as well. Early in David's life he was anxious to do what was right, but as events occurred, David's life takes on a tragic turn. <br /> <br /> In listening to the Lord and doing what He asked can bring about more than what we ever thought possible. David had to learn this lesson sometimes with great sacrifice and suffering for himself and for those he loved and cared for.</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=1_Samuel&diff=12972 1 Samuel 2007-09-28T18:29:24Z <p>Pamela: New page: Both 1 and 2 Samuel take their name from the prophet Samuel, who is the major character. He may have written some of it, but not all, since an account of his death is found in chapter 25 o...</p> <hr /> <div>Both 1 and 2 Samuel take their name from the prophet Samuel, who is the major character. He may have written some of it, but not all, since an account of his death is found in chapter 25 of 1 Samuel. <br /> <br /> In the Hebrew Bible, 1 and 2 Samuel are combined into one book called 'Samuel.' The Greek version of the Bible separated it into two books, which has continued to the present day. And, the King James Version calls 1 Samuel 'The first Book of the Kings' which is an appropriate title since it describes the anointing of Israel's first king – Saul.<br /> <br /> Samuel, meaning name of [[God]], was the son of Elkanah and Hannah and was born in answer to his mother's fervent prayers. Samuel became a great [[prophet]] and judge of Israel in which he restored the law and order and established regular religious worship in the land. <br /> <br /> As well, this book describes the ministry of a prophet to the kings of Israel, so it is considered the story of a nation – that being Israel. The Israelites rejected the Lord's counsel to trust in him and to be ruled by judges and prophets and they instead asked for a king. It covers the time from Samuel's birth to Saul's death, which is estimated at being 1010B.C. <br /> <br /> During this particular time the tribes of Israel became somewhat united for the first time since the days of Moses and Joshua. This unity came under the first kings of Israel, who were anointed by Samuel.</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ruth&diff=12970 Ruth 2007-09-28T16:54:41Z <p>Pamela: New page: Ruth, meaning friend and companion, is the eighth book in the Old Testament. Even though the book is quite small, it is filled with powerful lessons of faith, devotion and charity. T...</p> <hr /> <div>Ruth, meaning friend and companion, is the eighth book in the [[Old Testament]]. Even though the book is quite small, it is filled with powerful lessons of faith, devotion and charity. <br /> <br /> The story of Ruth took place during the period of the judges in Israel, at a time when there was peace between the Israelites and the Moabites. It is interesting to know that David who was king of Israel and the Lord [[Jesus Christ]] are Ruth's descendants.<br /> <br /> Ruth was not an Israelite by birth. She married Boaz who was an Israelite of the tribe of Judah who lived in Moab during the famine. Through Boaz, she was converted and was fully accepted as an Israelite. From the book of Ruth there is great knowledge to be learned of her faith as a convert to the true gospel. We can also learn the love and mercy the Lord extends to those who desire it, even if they have grown up outside of the covenant. <br /> <br /> The story of Ruth is a wonderful account of individual goodness and how it can survive in a wicked world. Throughout the book Ruth displays the ability to make good decisions and face challenges with courage. <br /> <br /> Ruth later married again and became woman of some wealth, entered into the [[covenant]] of [[marriage]] again, and had children. One of the greatest stories ever told is the story of love and devotion from Ruth to Naomi.</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Judges&diff=12925 Judges 2007-09-27T16:33:38Z <p>Pamela: New page: The book of Judges in the Old Testament is the name that was given to a period of history between Joshua and Saul, extending over some 200 years, and was marked by turmoil, idolatry, a...</p> <hr /> <div>The book of Judges in the [[Old Testament]] is the name that was given to a period of history between Joshua and Saul, extending over some 200 years, and was marked by turmoil, idolatry, and foreign power. It tells the history of Israel between the death of Joshua and the selection of Samuel as a [[prophet]]. <br /> <br /> Although it is difficult to date this era of the judges, it is estimated that it began between 1250 and 1000B.C. One reason it is difficult to make a chronology of the book of Judges is that after the tribes broke away to possess their lands, tribal loyalty replaced national unity.<br /> <br /> 'Judges' refers to leaders in the tribes of Israel who were chosen by [[God]] or the people to deliver the Israelites from their enemies. These judges were not actual judges, but were more like military leaders who dealt with issues of the law. The people looked to these judges as heroes whether they were evil or righteous. Each judge written about in the book usually represented only one tribe or region of the Promised Land; as a result, some of the judges could have ruled concurrently. While the book of Judges contains stories from Israelite history, the stories do not necessarily appear in historical order and are not complete in relating Israelite history. <br /> <br /> After the Lord led the Israelites into their [[promised land]] with miraculous power, they did not continue to progress in their faith and commitment. They did not drive out all of the Canaanites and even adopted some of their evil practices. Consequently, the children of Israel lost their unity and broke up into tribes and families, which continually caused a cycle of apostasy. The people were blessed by God and then forgot him and became involved in practices that He prohibited. One vital consequence of their sin and wickedness was loosing the Lord's protection against their enemies, which led them to bondage. Again, after their sincere humility and repentance, the Lord delivered them and they prospered again. Twelve times in the book of Judges this cycle took place over and over again. <br /> <br /> The book of Judges is a teaching in [[faith]] – we learn that exercising faith has always appeared to many as being more difficult than relying on things more immediate such as material objects. Many times over men have fallen under the power of Satan and lost their faith. Instead of trusting in the Lord, they have put their hope in the 'arm of flesh' and in 'gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know.' (Daniel 5:23) – in other words idols.</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Joshua&diff=12885 Book of Joshua 2007-09-26T18:22:05Z <p>Pamela: New page: The book of Joshua in the Old Testament is so named not because he is the author, but because he is the primary figure in it. More than likely, Joshua probably wrote or supervised most...</p> <hr /> <div>The book of Joshua in the [[Old Testament]] is so named not because he is the author, but because he is the primary figure in it. More than likely, Joshua probably wrote or supervised most of the writing in this book. However, he could not have written all of it since the book also tells about his death and burial. <br /> <br /> In Hebrew, the word Joshua means, 'the Lord saves' or 'the Lord gives the victory.' The name Joshua translated from Greek to English means 'Jesus' -an interesting symbolism since the book of Joshua is the record of Joshua leading the children of Israel into the Promised Land, and [[Jesus Christ]] leads us into the 'promised land' of [[eternal life]]. <br /> <br /> The book of Joshua can be divided into three main parts: 1) The conquest of Canaan which is covered in Chapters 1-12, 2) The division of the land among the tribes of Israel covered in Chapters 13-22, and, 3) Joshua's final instructions and testimony before his death covered in chapters 23-24. <br /> <br /> The victories made by the Israelites in order to obtain the Promised Land were only made possible because of the Lord. It is a book, which testifies that the Lord does fulfill the promises He makes to His children. The Lord had [[covenanted]] that Abraham's descendants would attain possession of the land of Canaan. Even though the Israelites never possessed all of the land promised to Abraham because of their disobedience, Joshua's era was the first time Abraham's descendants actually ruled in the land of Canaan. <br /> <br /> This book gives numerous accounts of how the children of Israel fulfilled the covenants of the Lord by killing and conquering their enemies of war. There is always speculation in how the Lord can give us a commandment regarding killing others, and then tell those same people to destroy the entire population of certain cities. We cannot possibly understand God in all things, but we do know the following through the book of Joshua: the events in the book of Joshua occurred at a time when nations fought in the name of their god. Almost every account in the books of Joshua and Judges shows how the Israelites won their battles in some miraculous way, helping both the Israelites and their enemies know that the Lord had won the battle, not any man. In addition, the Lord did not allow Israel to become rich through capturing the wares of the people they conquered as is stated in Joshua 7.The Lord often reminded the Israelites that the land belonged to Him and it was given to them for their use as His people. <br /> <br /> The lesson learned is that the destruction of wicked and idolatrous nations is one way the Lord may punish His people. Therefore, when the Lord commanded the Israelites to drive out or destroy the Canaanites, he was doing what was most beneficial to all involved, based on the conditions. The wickedness of the Canaanites had reached their peak insomuch that they were willing to kill the [[prophets]] and the followers of Christ. When the wickedness in a society is so prevalent that the righteous cannot live the life the Lord has asked them to do, then the Lord mercifully destroys the society from the earth for the sake of future generations. We learn that from the story of Noah and the Flood. <br /> <br /> One of the most important things we can learn from the book of Joshua is that of strictly abiding by the Lord's instructions and [[commandments]]. Our ways are not God's ways, and because of our limited understanding of God's ways, we are not always able to see things from His point of view.</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Deuteronomy&diff=12857 Deuteronomy 2007-09-20T16:56:12Z <p>Pamela: New page: Deuteronomy is the final book of Moses in the Old Testament. The events that occur in this book took place approximately forty years after the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt....</p> <hr /> <div>Deuteronomy is the final book of Moses in the [[Old Testament]]. The events that occur in this book took place approximately forty years after the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt. Due to their lack of faith in the prior thirty-nine years, all the Israelites who were adults at the time they left Egypt died in the wilderness; all except for Moses, Joshua, and Caleb.<br /> <br /> The word Deuteronomy means 'repetition of the law'. The book contains the three last discourses of [[Moses]], which he delivered in the plains of Moab just before his death or translation. Moses knew that he would not enter the Promised Land with the rest of the people, but he was given the opportunity to instruct and counsel them before he left. <br /> <br /> The book of Deuteronomy is called the second law because it contains Moses' summary of the Mosaic code. The first discourse found in chapters 1-4 is a 'remembering' of Israelite history. Moses told the people numerous times to remember or not forget certain important teachings that would help them to remain [[faithful]]. <br /> <br /> The second discourse which is found in chapters 5-26 has two separate parts: 1) the [[Ten Commandments]] and a practical exposition of them, which is found in chapters 5-11 and, 2) a code of laws, which forms the basis of the entire book found in chapters 12-26. The first group of laws speaks of the ritual of religion and begins with a command to destroy all idolatrous objects of worship in Canaan; only one vital place for worship of Jehovah was acceptable. The group of laws dealing with administration of justice and the regulation of private and social rights finishing out these chapters.<br /> <br /> The third discourse in chapters 27-30 contains a solemn renewal of the [[covenant]] and an announcement of the blessings of [[obedience]] and the curses upon disobedience; in chapters 30-34, an account of the delivery of the law to the Levites, Moses' song and last blessing, and the departure of Moses.<br /> <br /> Because of its vital importance and the teachings therein, Deuteronomy is quoted over a hundred times in the New Testament.1 <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Holy Bible&quot;, Bible Dictionary, Deuteronomy</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Numbers&diff=12848 Numbers 2007-09-19T17:24:12Z <p>Pamela: New page: The book of Numbers in the Old Testament is so named because it contains the scriptural history of the Israelites while they traveled in the desert between Mount Sinai and the edge of ...</p> <hr /> <div>The book of Numbers in the [[Old Testament]] is so named because it contains the scriptural history of the Israelites while they traveled in the desert between Mount Sinai and the edge of the Promised Land. The book covers thirty-eight of their forty years in the wilderness and explains why God kept them in the wilderness for so long. <br /> <br /> It also is so named because it records the two censuses taken of the people of Israel. Both censuses counted the men who were prepared for battle, since Israel would need to claim the Promised Land only by bloodshed. However, those responsible for the first census failed because of their disobedience. It was not until the second census that Israel was faithful enough to succeed. <br /> <br /> Along with instructions that were to be a part of the law of Moses and the order in which the Israelites were to camp and march, the Lord speaks to Moses over 150 times in the book of Numbers. The book is more commonly called 'Bemidbar' in Hebrew, which means &quot;In the wilderness&quot;, which describes the setting of the book. <br /> <br /> The book of Numbers is divided into three sections: Chapters 1-10 contains instructions and preparations for the march from Sinai; Chapters 11-21 contains the history of Israel's sojourn in the wilderness; and Chapters 22-36 contains an account of what happened on the east side of the Jordan River. <br /> <br /> Very significant and inspiring stories are rendered from the book of Numbers; stories which contain murmuring, complaining and rebellion of the children of Israel and even some of Moses' closest friends and family members. When one reads, we find that the [[Lord]] was far beyond patient with the children of Israel. He shows time and time again of His unconditional love and His great desire to see the children of Israel obey. The Lord did give the children of Israel the opportunity to enter the land of promise about a year after they left Egypt, but because of their murmuring and rebellion, they lost the opportunity. They had a [[prophet]] that spoke for God and numerous times refused to heed his counsel.</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Leviticus&diff=12843 Leviticus 2007-09-18T20:44:00Z <p>Pamela: New page: Leviticus is the third of the five books of Moses in the Old Testament. Leviticus means 'having to do with the Levites.' God chose the tribe of Levi to take care of and work in the tab...</p> <hr /> <div>Leviticus is the third of the five books of Moses in the [[Old Testament]]. Leviticus means 'having to do with the Levites.' God chose the tribe of Levi to take care of and work in the tabernacles, and to help the rest of the house of Israel perform ordinances therein. <br /> <br /> Since the children of Israel were not spiritually ready for the [[Melchizedek Priesthood]] and its ordinances, the Lord prepared them under the [[Aaronic]] or Levitical Priesthood and gave them the Law of Moses. <br /> <br /> The book of Leviticus is basically a 'handbook' of how to function in the Levitical Priesthood and how to administer the sacrificial ordinances of the law of Moses. It contains detailed instructions concerning different kinds of sacrifices and religious practices which may seem strange to those in the modern world. Looking past those practices however, we can learn the hidden truths about sin, repentance, forgiveness, holiness, and the [[Atonement]] of [[Jesus Christ]]. <br /> <br /> The most important theme in the book of Leviticus is the process of becoming holy. It is interesting to note that the word holy, or a word that is synonymous with it, such as sanctify, is listed over 150 times in Leviticus. Leviticus expresses what one must do to become holy, such as first becoming clean and free from the effects of sin and justified before God. Holiness is more than being clean; it includes the process of becoming godlike in character. <br /> <br /> The organization of the book states a pattern of spiritual development for all: Chapters 1-7 describes various kinds of sacrifices that the people were to make. These sacrifices embodied the Savior and his atoning sacrifice; Chapters 8-10 explains the requirements placed upon the priests for them to be worthy to perform the sacrifices; Chapters 11-15 explains various laws concerning cleanliness and uncleanliness, stressing its importance. These laws demonstrated the need to be clean personally, as [[families]], and a people; Chapter 16 is the spiritual culmination of all the laws of cleanliness. It gives directives concerning the great and refining sacrifice offered each year on the Day of Atonement.</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Exodus&diff=12842 Exodus 2007-09-18T17:10:03Z <p>Pamela: New page: The book of Exodus is the second of the five books of Moses in the Old Testament and is the Greek word meaning departure. Whenever one mentions Exodus, it always has reference to the L...</p> <hr /> <div>The book of Exodus is the second of the five books of Moses in the [[Old Testament]] and is the Greek word meaning departure. Whenever one mentions Exodus, it always has reference to the Lord delivering Israel out of Egyptian bondage.1 <br /> <br /> Exodus consists of two main divisions – historical and legislative. Historically, we learn about the cruelty of the Israelites in Egypt under the rule of kings, the history of [[Moses]] – his birth, his calling as a prophet, and the miracle of leading the children of Israel out of Egypt. We learn about the exodus itself along with the institution of the Passover, the consecration of the firstborn, the departing and March of the Red Sea, the destruction of Pharaoh's army, the giving of the quails and the manna, and the observance of the [[Sabbath]]. <br /> <br /> Legislatively, we learn how the Lord leads his people by raising up prophets to teach and lead them, by giving them His law or His commandments, by inviting them to enter covenants to keep that law, and by giving them [[temples]] where they can receive covenants and more totally worship Him. <br /> <br /> There are three stages in which the book of Exodus can be divided: a nation enslaved, a nation redeemed, and a nation set apart. With the unification of the religious and political life, the Israelites were consecrated to the service of God. <br /> <br /> What can we gain from reading Exodus? The Lord gave these commandments to the Israelites then and they still apply to today. We can know that through [[faith]] the Lord has and will lead His people by raising up prophets to teach and lead them today, as he did for the Israelites. The Lord invited all to come unto Him and enter covenants to keep the commandments. Just as He provided temples for the Israelites where they could receive covenants and more fully worship Him, he provides Holy Temples today where we can receive covenants and prepare ourselves for [[eternal life]]. The Lord promises us that if we are true and faithful to the commandments He has set forth for us, we will be able to enter His presence. <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Holy Bible&quot;, Bible Dictionary - Exodus</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Genesis&diff=12824 Genesis 2007-09-17T23:02:59Z <p>Pamela: New page: Genesis is the Greek word meaning origin or beginning. It is in the book of Genesis that we find numerous accounts of beginnings, such as the 'creation of the earth, the placing of ani...</p> <hr /> <div>[[Genesis]] is the Greek word meaning origin or beginning. It is in the book of Genesis that we find numerous accounts of beginnings, such as the 'creation of the earth, the placing of animals and man thereon, the introduction of sin, the revelation of the gospel to Adam, the beginning of tribes and races, the origin of various languages at Babel, and the beginning of the Abrahamic family leading to the establishment of the house of Israel.'1 <br /> <br /> The book of Genesis is the first of five books written by Moses and covers a period in history that is approximately twenty-five hundred years. The formation of the book contains several genealogies, some of which are: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. <br /> <br /> We can also note that the book of Genesis is the original birthplace of all theology. It contains ideas of both God and man, of righteousness and judgment, of accountability and judgment, of responsibility and moral government, of failure and hope, which are read through the rest of the [[Old Testament]], and which prepares the way for the mission of Christ.<br /> <br /> Probably the most important point that Genesis makes is the introduction of the [[Plan of Happiness]] given by a loving Father in Heaven. This plan was, and is, to help His children receive a physical body, be tested and tried, and develop divine attributes. We also come to understand the role the Savior had in the Creation and its divine purpose.2<br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Holy Bible&quot;, King James, Bible Dictionary - Genesis<br /> 2 &quot;Holy Bible&quot;, Genesis 1-2</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Young_Women&diff=12759 Young Women 2007-09-14T16:06:10Z <p>Pamela: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Brigham Young]], the second President and [[Prophet]] of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints founded the Young Women's organization in 1869. It was originally known as the Young Ladies' Department of the Cooperative Retrenchment Association. Concerned for his daughters in a changing world, President Young declared the following to them: &quot;I desire them to retrench from extravagance in dress, in eating and even in speech. The time has come when the sisters must agree…to set an example worthy of imitation before the people of the world…There is need for the young daughters of Israel to get a living testimony of the truth. We are about to organize a retrenchment Association, which I want you all to join, and I want you to vote to retrench in…everything that is not good and beautiful, not to make yourselves unhappy, but to live so you may be truly happy in this life and in the life to come.&quot;1<br /> <br /> In 1877, the organization's name was changed to the Young Ladies' National Mutual Improvement Association. And then in 1880, the first general presidency of the organization under the direction of then President and Prophet [[John Taylor]] was formed, with Elmina Shepard Taylor as the first general president. Today, there continues to be a General Young Women Presidency, which oversees all the Young Women in the world. <br /> <br /> As long as there is one young woman in a ward, there is a Young Women's Organization. The leadership comes from the adult women in each ward. Leadership can range from only the Young Women President to a complete presidency with a President, two counselors, and secretary. In larger wards, along with the presidency, there can be three more leaders, called advisors, which help with various activities. As the number of young women increases, so can the need for leadership<br /> <br /> The Young Women's program is for young ladies ages of 12-18. The sole purpose of the Young Women's program is to help each to 'come unto Christ'. By following the Savior's example and teachings, each young woman can: 'solidify her testimony of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel; fulfill her mission on earth, and return to live with her Heavenly Father.'1<br /> <br /> The Young Women's organization meets on Sundays during the ward's worship services for spiritual and uplifting lessons, which prepare each girl for eternal life. Activities during the week are planned and prepared that prepare each young woman for life. An important part of the Young Women's program is to teach girls to lead. Each girl is provided with numerous opportunities in which to plan, prepare and help other young women to 'come unto Christ'. All activities that are planned should create a feeling of unity and a sense of belonging which strengthens and supports the family unit. <br /> <br /> Since the organization was formed, each young woman has been given the opportunity to make and achieve goals. In 1915, the Church established its first award program for girls. In 1920, all young women were called &quot;Beehives&quot; and were arranged in groups of &quot;Swarms&quot;, and their leaders were called &quot;Bee Keepers&quot;. 'Each girl was required to memorize the Spirit of the Hive, the Beehive motto: &quot;On my honor each day I will have faith, seek knowledge, safeguard health, honor womanhood, understand beauty, know work, love truth, taste the sweetness of service, feel joy.&quot; There were three ranks in the program: Builders in the Hive, Gatherers of Honey, and Keepers of the Bees. To achieve each rank, girls were required to fulfill 14-16 foundation requirements and 36 additional requirements of their own choosing. At one time there were 373 requirements to choose from. Here are a few sample requirements: 1) Care successfully for a hive of bees for one season and know their habits. 2) Sleep out-of-doors or with wide-open windows. 3) During three consecutive months, abstain from candy, ice cream, <br /> commercially manufactured beverages, and chewing gum. 4) Clear sagebrush, etc. off of a half acre of land. 5) Care for at least two kerosene lamps daily. 6) Without help or advice, care for and harness a team of horses at least five times; drive 50 miles in one season. 7) Identify 12 kinds of lace and tell the reasonable price and appropriate use of each. 8) During two weeks, keep the house free from flies or destroy at least 25 flies daily.<br /> <br /> In the 1960's, the requirements changed. 1) Strive to get your full nine hours beauty sleep each night this month. Make it a habit. 2) Increase your self-confidence by acquiring a good posture (sitting, standing, and walking.) 3) Politeness in all things is the mark of a lady. Practice at home being considerate and polite. Learn to accept directions graciously. 4) Conscientiously try to improve. 5) Make dinner hour joyous by improving table manners for the entire family. 6) Look for something beautiful every day for two months.' 2<br /> <br /> Due to changing times, the requirements have changed over the years. However, the goals of helping each young woman gain a testimony of the Savior [[Jesus Christ]] and His gospel, the goal of learning to improve oneself, and the goal of making the world a better place through service. <br /> <br /> Today, each young woman is given a Personal Progress booklet as she enters young women. It contains the goals she is to accomplish in each of the values of faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works, and integrity. As she advances through the young women program, she will set goals where her parents and leaders can help her achieve each one. Activities will be planned to help her: 1) Know that she is a daughter of God 2) Rely upon the [[Holy Ghost]] <br /> 3) Develop personal religious behaviors, such as prayer, scripture study, obedience to commandments, and service 4) Keep her [[baptismal covenants]] and prepare and qualify for [[temple covenants]] 5) Develop talents and skills that prepare her for her future roles 6) Establish a pattern of step-by-step progress through her life.<br /> <br /> The Young Women Theme today is: <br /> We are daughters of our [[Heavenly Father]], who loves us, and we love Him. We will &quot;stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places&quot; as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are: Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge,Choice and Accountability, Good Works, and Integrity.We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values, we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, <br /> and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.As each girl recites this theme and achieves the goals set forth in the Personal Progress program, she will know and understand her place in our [[Heavenly Father's plan]]. She will have set a pattern for life – a life that will bring her much joy and happiness for the future. <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Keepers of the Flame&quot;, Peterson,Gaunt; 1993<br /> 2 &quot;lds.org&quot;</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Young_Women2&diff=12751 Young Women2 2007-09-13T16:01:47Z <p>Pamela: New page: Brigham Young, the second President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints founded the Young Women's organization in 1869. It was originally known as the Young ...</p> <hr /> <div>[[Brigham Young]], the second President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints founded the Young Women's organization in 1869. It was originally known as the Young Ladies' Department of the Cooperative Retrenchment Association. Concerned for his daughters in a changing world, President Young declared the following to them: &quot;I desire them to retrench from extravagance in dress, in eating and even in speech. The time has come when the sisters must agree…to set an example worthy of imitation before the people of the world…There is need for the young daughters of Israel to get a living testimony of the truth. We are about to organize a retrenchment Association, which I want you all to join, and I want you to vote to retrench in…everything that is not good and beautiful, not to make yourselves unhappy, but to live so you may be truly happy in this life and in the life to come.&quot;1<br /> <br /> In 1877, the organization's name was changed to the Young Ladies' National Mutual Improvement Association. And then in 1880, the first general presidency of the organization under the direction of then President and Prophet [[John Taylor]] was formed, with Elmina Shepard Taylor as the first general president. Today, there continues to be a General [[Young Women]] Presidency, which oversees all the Young Women in the world. <br /> <br /> As long as there is one young woman in a ward, there is a Young Women's Organization. The leadership comes from the adult women in each ward. Leadership can range from only the Young Women President to a complete presidency with a President, two counselors, and secretary. In larger wards, along with the presidency, there can be three more leaders, called advisors, which help with various activities. As the number of young women increases, so can the need for leadership<br /> <br /> The Young Women's program is for young ladies ages of 12-18. The sole purpose of the Young Women's program is to help each to 'come unto Christ'. By following the Savior's example and teachings, each young woman can: 'solidify her [[testimony]] of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel; fulfill her mission on earth, and return to live with her Heavenly Father.'1<br /> <br /> The Young Women's organization meets on [[Sundays]] during the ward's worship services for spiritual and uplifting lessons, which prepare each girl for eternal life. Activities during the week are planned and prepared that prepare each young woman for life. An important part of the Young Women's program is to teach girls to lead. Each girl is provided with numerous opportunities in which to plan, prepare and help other young women to 'come unto Christ'. All activities that are planned should create a feeling of unity and a sense of belonging which strengthens and supports the family unit. <br /> <br /> Since the organization was formed, each young woman has been given the opportunity to make and achieve goals. In 1915, the Church established its first award program for girls. In 1920, all young women were called &quot;Beehives&quot; and were arranged in groups of &quot;Swarms&quot;, and their leaders were called &quot;Bee Keepers&quot;. 'Each girl was required to memorize the Spirit of the Hive, the Beehive motto: &quot;On my honor each day I will have faith, seek knowledge, safeguard health, honor womanhood, understand beauty, know work, love truth, taste the sweetness of service, feel joy.&quot; There were three ranks in the program: Builders in the Hive, Gatherers of Honey, and Keepers of the Bees. To achieve each rank, girls were required to fulfill 14-16 foundation requirements and 36 additional requirements of their own choosing. At one time there were 373 requirements to choose from. Here are a few sample requirements:1)Care successfully for a hive of bees for one season and know their habits 2)Sleep out-of-doors or with wide-open windows 3)During three consecutive months, abstain from candy, ice cream, commercially manufactured beverages, and chewing gum 4)Clear sagebrush, etc. off of a half acre of land 5)Care for at least two kerosene lamps daily 6)Without help or advice, care for and harness a team of horses at least five times; drive 50 miles in one season <br /> 7)Identify 12 kinds of lace and tell the reasonable price and appropriate use of each<br /> 8)During two weeks, keep the house free from flies or destroy at least 25 flies daily<br /> <br /> In the 1960's, the requirements changed; some of them were:1)Strive to get your full nine hours beauty sleep each night this month.Make it a habit 2)Increase your self-confidence by acquiring a good posture (sitting,standing, and walking.)3)Politeness in all things is the mark of a lady.Practice at home being considerate and polite.Learn to accept directions graciously 4)Conscientiously try to improve 5)Make dinner hour joyous by improving table manners for the entire family 6)Look for something beautiful every day for two months.' 2<br /> <br /> Due to changing times, the requirements have changed over the years. However, the goals of helping each young woman gain a testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and His gospel, the goal of learning to improve oneself, and the goal of making the world a better place through service. <br /> <br /> Today, each young woman is given a Personal Progress booklet as she enters young women. It contains the goals she is to accomplish in each of the values of faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works, and integrity. As she advances through the young women program, she will set goals where her parents and leaders can help her achieve each one. Activities will be planned to help her: 1)Know that she is a daughter of God 2)Rely upon the Holy Ghost 3)Develop personal religious behaviors, such as prayer, scripture study, obedience to commandments, and service 4)Keep her baptismal covenants and prepare and qualify for temple covenants 5)Develop talents and skills that prepare her for her future roles<br /> 6)Establish a pattern of step-by-step progress through her life.<br /> <br /> The Young Women Theme today is: We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. We will &quot;stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, <br /> and in all places&quot; as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are: Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, and Integrity.We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values, we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred [[covenants]], receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.<br /> <br /> As each girl recites this theme and achieves the goals set forth in the Personal Progress program, she will know and understand her place in our [[Heavenly Father's plan.]] She will have set a pattern for life – a life that will bring her much joy and happiness for the future. <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Keepers of the Flame&quot;, Peterson,Gaunt; 1993<br /> 2 &quot;lds.org&quot;</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Ancestors&diff=12705 Ancestors 2007-09-11T17:26:14Z <p>Pamela: New page: &quot;On April 3, 1836, the prophet Elijah came to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple. He conferred upon them the sealing power of the priesthood, making it possible for fam...</p> <hr /> <div>&quot;On April 3, 1836, the prophet Elijah came to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple. He conferred upon them the sealing power of the priesthood, making it possible for families to be sealed throughout the generations. In conferring this power, he fulfilled the prophecy that the Lord would send him 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers.'&quot;1<br /> <br /> It is believed in the [[Mormon Church]] that all must have the opportunity to hear the gospel and to accept or reject it, whether they are dead or alive. Many ancestors that have passed on did not have that opportunity. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the true gospel and because of its validity and the joy and happiness it brings into members lives, they naturally want others to share in that joy and happiness. This is the motivation by which members search out the information on their deceased ancestors. The responsibility of doing [[family history]] work lies with each individual. Each member has three basic responsibilities: 1) Receive the temple ordinances for oneself and help immediate family members receive them; 2) Hold a current temple recommend and attend the temple as frequently as circumstances allow; <br /> 3) Gather family history information so that each ancestor can receive the blessings of the temple.<br /> <br /> &quot;Life does not end at death. When we die, our eternal spirits go to a spirit world, where we continue to learn while we await the Resurrection and Final Judgment.&quot;2 The restored gospel is preached to those who died without receiving it in mortality. Many of those in the spirit world will accept the gospel, but without a body they cannot accept the ordinances necessary for eternal life. The main purpose of family history work is to acquire names and other genealogical information so that temple ordinances can be performed in behalf of deceased ancestors. In other words, performing saving work for others that they cannot do for themselves. <br /> <br /> The family unit does not end at death – it continues beyond the grave. That is why it is vital to research, record, and complete the [[temple work]] for each individual, so that families can be together forever. <br /> <br /> Covenants are made at [[baptism]] and in the Mormon temples with the authority of God. These covenants are promises between an individual and Heavenly Father, where God sets specific conditions, and He promises to bless us as we obey those conditions. All the ordinances that are performed in the Mormon Church are accompanied by covenants. <br /> <br /> These covenants in the Temple are done by worthy members of the Church and they are done in behalf of their ancestors, who again, may accept or reject these covenants in the spirit world. <br /> <br /> Before the work can be done, each ancestor must be identified correctly. For many years, the Mormon Church has gathered genealogical records from all over the world. Through the work of many volunteers, this information is available at family history centers across the world. Salt Lake City is one of the largest genealogical societies. Familysearch.org is another resource, which provides genealogical information. <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;True to the Faith&quot;, 2004, pg 61-62; Doctrine and Covenants 110:14-16, Malachi 4:5-6<br /> 2 &quot;Familysearch.org&quot;</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Easter&diff=12678 Easter 2007-09-10T19:14:12Z <p>Pamela: </p> <hr /> <div>Easter in the Latter-day Saint Church (Mormons) is a time for members to turn their attentions to the infinite and eternal atonement of Jesus Christ. <br /> <br /> &quot;Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.&quot; (Luke 24:39) Those who hated the Savior and crucified Him believe that they had put an end to him forever. However, this was the Son of God and through His death came the Resurrection and the assurance of eternal life. <br /> <br /> Latter-day Saints (Mormons) believe in the literal resurrection of the body. &quot;…Jesus died upon the cross…His spirit was literally and actually separated from His body…and it was only by the power of God that it could be again brought to life. We believe that we shall in very truth die, and that the spirit – that immortal part of man, which existed before the body was framed, and which shall exist and continue to live after that body has gone to decay, that spirit shall take upon itself again this tabernacle of earthly element, immortalized, however, and destined to serve it as a fit garment through all eternity.&quot;1<br /> <br /> Through His suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross, no mortal can truly understand the agony in which the Savior bore. Those who loved Him, looked to Him for guidance and who were taught at His knee, now lowered Him from the cross and laid His body in a sealed tomb. He taught them of His forthcoming death and Resurrection, but they did not totally understand. Now they only felt hopeless and disconsolate.<br /> <br /> With the passing of the Jewish Sabbath came a new day, a day that was to be the Lord's Day – Easter Day. Saddened and fearful that the Lord had been taken, Mary ran to the Disciple Simon Peter. <br /> &quot;[The disciples] came running, and their fears were confirmed. Disconsolate, they looked and then “went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. <br /> Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.<br /> Jesus saith unto her, 'Mary'. She turned herself, and saith unto him, 'Rabboni; which is to say, Master.'<br /> Jesus saith unto her, 'Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.'<br /> She who had loved Him so much, she who had been healed by Him, was the first to whom He appeared. There followed others, even, as Paul declares, up to 500 brethren at one time<br /> Now the Apostles understood what He had tried to teach them. Thomas, on feeling of His wounds, declared, 'My Lord and my God.'&quot;2<br /> <br /> It is through this great event, that we understand the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God and who, by His eternal power overcame death. He is the Redeemer of the World and who gave His life for each one of us. He is our comfort when death strikes a loved one or our own imminent death. We can know that the mortal body and spirit will again reunite and have the opportunity for eternal life because of the great sacrifice our Savior made. <br /> <br /> A wonderful hymn that is sung in Latter-day Saint congregations states it fully:&quot; I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me; Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me. I tremble to know that for me he was crucified; that for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died. Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me, enough to die for me! Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!&quot;3 <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Conference Report, Apr 1912, pg. 124-26<br /> 2 &quot;Holy Bible&quot;; John 20:2,10-17,28; I Corinthians 15:16, 55<br /> 3 &quot;Hymns&quot; I Stand All Amazed&quot;, pg.193</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Easter&diff=12677 Easter 2007-09-10T19:13:20Z <p>Pamela: </p> <hr /> <div>Easter[[Link title]] in the Latter-day Saint Church (Mormons) is a time for members to turn their attentions to the infinite and eternal atonement of Jesus Christ. <br /> <br /> &quot;Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.&quot; (Luke 24:39) Those who hated the Savior and crucified Him believe that they had put an end to him forever. However, this was the Son of God and through His death came the Resurrection and the assurance of eternal life. <br /> <br /> Latter-day Saints (Mormons) believe in the literal resurrection[[Link title]] of the body. &quot;…Jesus died upon the cross…His spirit was literally and actually separated from His body…and it was only by the power of God that it could be again brought to life. We believe that we shall in very truth die, and that the spirit – that immortal part of man, which existed before the body was framed, and which shall exist and continue to live after that body has gone to decay, that spirit shall take upon itself again this tabernacle of earthly element, immortalized, however, and destined to serve it as a fit garment through all eternity.&quot;1<br /> <br /> Through His suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross, no mortal can truly understand the agony in which the Savior bore. Those who loved Him, looked to Him for guidance and who were taught at His knee, now lowered Him from the cross and laid His body in a sealed tomb. He taught them of His forthcoming death and Resurrection, but they did not totally understand. Now they only felt hopeless and disconsolate.<br /> <br /> With the passing of the Jewish Sabbath came a new day, a day that was to be the Lord's Day – Easter Day. Saddened and fearful that the Lord had been taken, Mary ran to the Disciple Simon Peter. <br /> &quot;[The disciples] came running, and their fears were confirmed. Disconsolate, they looked and then “went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. <br /> Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.<br /> Jesus saith unto her, 'Mary'. She turned herself, and saith unto him, 'Rabboni; which is to say, Master.'<br /> Jesus saith unto her, 'Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.'<br /> She who had loved Him so much, she who had been healed by Him, was the first to whom He appeared. There followed others, even, as Paul declares, up to 500 brethren at one time<br /> Now the Apostles understood what He had tried to teach them. Thomas, on feeling of His wounds, declared, 'My Lord and my God.'&quot;2<br /> <br /> It is through this great event, that we understand the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God and who, by His eternal power overcame death. He is the Redeemer of the World and who gave His life for each one of us. He is our comfort when death strikes a loved one or our own imminent death. We can know that the mortal body and spirit will again reunite and have the opportunity for eternal life because of the great sacrifice our Savior made. <br /> <br /> A wonderful hymn that is sung in Latter-day Saint congregations states it fully:&quot; I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me; Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me. I tremble to know that for me he was crucified; that for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died. Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me, enough to die for me! Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!&quot;3 <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Conference Report, Apr 1912, pg. 124-26<br /> 2 &quot;Holy Bible&quot;; John 20:2,10-17,28; I Corinthians 15:16, 55<br /> 3 &quot;Hymns&quot; I Stand All Amazed&quot;, pg.193</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Easter&diff=12676 Easter 2007-09-10T19:09:16Z <p>Pamela: New page: EasterLink title in the Latter-day Saint Church is a time for members to turn their attentions to the infinite and eternal atonement of Jesus Christ. &quot;Behold my hands and my feet, th...</p> <hr /> <div>Easter[[Link title]] in the Latter-day Saint Church is a time for members to turn their attentions to the infinite and eternal atonement of Jesus Christ. <br /> <br /> &quot;Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.&quot; (Luke 24:39) Those who hated the Savior and crucified Him believe that they had put an end to him forever. However, this was the Son of God and through His death came the Resurrection and the assurance of eternal life. <br /> <br /> Latter-day Saints (Mormons) believe in the literal resurrection[[Link title]] of the body. &quot;…Jesus died upon the cross…His spirit was literally and actually separated from His body…and it was only by the power of God that it could be again brought to life. We believe that we shall in very truth die, and that the spirit – that immortal part of man, which existed before the body was framed, and which shall exist and continue to live after that body has gone to decay, that spirit shall take upon itself again this tabernacle of earthly element, immortalized, however, and destined to serve it as a fit garment through all eternity.&quot;1<br /> <br /> Through His suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross, no mortal can truly understand the agony in which the Savior bore. Those who loved Him, looked to Him for guidance and who were taught at His knee, now lowered Him from the cross and laid His body in a sealed tomb. He taught them of His forthcoming death and Resurrection, but they did not totally understand. Now they only felt hopeless and disconsolate.<br /> <br /> With the passing of the Jewish Sabbath came a new day, a day that was to be the Lord's Day – Easter Day. Saddened and fearful that the Lord had been taken, Mary ran to the Disciple Simon Peter. <br /> &quot;[The disciples] came running, and their fears were confirmed. Disconsolate, they looked and then “went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. <br /> Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.<br /> Jesus saith unto her, 'Mary'. She turned herself, and saith unto him, 'Rabboni; which is to say, Master.'<br /> Jesus saith unto her, 'Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.'<br /> She who had loved Him so much, she who had been healed by Him, was the first to whom He appeared. There followed others, even, as Paul declares, up to 500 brethren at one time<br /> Now the Apostles understood what He had tried to teach them. Thomas, on feeling of His wounds, declared, 'My Lord and my God.'&quot;2<br /> <br /> It is through this great event, that we understand the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God and who, by His eternal power overcame death. He is the Redeemer of the World and who gave His life for each one of us. He is our comfort when death strikes a loved one or our own imminent death. We can know that the mortal body and spirit will again reunite and have the opportunity for eternal life because of the great sacrifice our Savior made. <br /> <br /> A wonderful hymn that is sung in Latter-day Saint congregations states it fully:&quot; I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me; Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me. I tremble to know that for me he was crucified; that for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died. Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me, enough to die for me! Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!&quot;3 <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Conference Report, Apr 1912, pg. 124-26<br /> 2 &quot;Holy Bible&quot;; John 20:2,10-17,28; I Corinthians 15:16, 55<br /> 3 &quot;Hymns&quot; I Stand All Amazed&quot;, pg.193</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Purpose_of_Life&diff=12630 Purpose of Life 2007-09-07T17:19:04Z <p>Pamela: New page: As we venture in this life, all of us at one time or another have asked, 'What is my purpose in life?'. We can break that question down into three separate questions – that being, Where ...</p> <hr /> <div>As we venture in this life, all of us at one time or another have asked, 'What is my purpose in life?'. We can break that question down into three separate questions – that being, Where did I come from? Why am I here? and Where am I going? They are questions that each human being ask sometime during his mortal life here on earth. Many times these questions are asked when one has had some illness or death in a family. We each want to know that when we leave this life, that there is more than what we know now. We also want to know what is the purpose of this life? what am I to learn and, what am I to do that is worthwhile? <br /> <br /> All of the answers to these questions are deep inside each one of us. We are the offspring of a loving Father in Heaven who loves us and who has not left us alone to wonder in the wilderness on our own. Just as our earthly parents want the best for us, so does our Heavenly Father and Mother. We lived with them long before we came to this earth, we were taught at their knees, and we were sent to earth at this time for a purpose. <br /> <br /> With the light of Christ born with us, we can each pray and ask for the answers that we so desire to know. The Lord does not leave us stranded – He is there is answer every question that plagues us. Those answers may come through a burning in our heart, through a family member, a friend, or someone we don't even know. Our responsibility is to open our hearts and minds to the answers the Lord wants to give us and to truly listen. <br /> <br /> Our Father in Heaven provided for us a plan in which to follow. He is the creator of that plan. It is designed for man's progress and ultimate salvation and exaltation.<br /> <br /> Heavenly Father is the Father of our spirits. We are his literal children and we lived with Him before we were born. We are not like Him however, and we cannot be like Him and enjoy all the blessings that He enjoys without the experience of living with a mortal body on this earth. <br /> <br /> We live in a world where we are bombarded by numerous messages from numerous people and churches. How do we tell what is truth and what is <br /> not? The Apostle Paul predicted centuries ago that, &quot;The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.&quot; (2 Timothy 4:3-4)<br /> There is no need for confusion. The answers to our questions regarding the purpose of this life have been given to us in the scriptures. <br /> <br /> In Abraham 3:26 it states that we learned about the plan of salvation before we were born and which is referred to as our first estate. &quot;And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.&quot; <br /> <br /> We lived as spirit children with our Father in Heaven and we made certain steps of progression to prepare for the opportunity of housing our spirits with our earthly bodies. We learned that our Father held a council to explain the purpose of earth life. We each had the opportunity to accept or reject the plan of salvation. We each had our free agency! The plan consisted of each having the opportunity of working out his own salvation on earth, with God's help. <br /> <br /> Jesus Christ and Satan each had a plan in which to help us return to our Heavenly Father. Satan's plan was to force all to return, where Christ's plan was to teach us how to follow the plan and let us have our free agency. Christ was chosen as the leader! He would teach us how to follow the plan and He would be the One to redeem us from sin and death. &quot;Behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved Chosen from the beginning, said unto me – Father, they will be done, and the glory be thine forever.&quot; (Moses 4:2) <br /> Because we chose the Savior's plan, we are here in our second estate. When we accepted the plan and its conditions, we earned the right to come to earth. <br /> <br /> We each have been given two purposes for life on this earth; to gain a body of flesh and bones, and to have experiences that we could not gain any other way. We are each having experiences that test us to see if we will do all the things the Lord has commanded us to do. These commandments are culminated into the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ. <br /> Every principle and ordinance given to us helps prepare us to return to our Heavenly Father and become more like Him. <br /> <br /> Because of the Savior Jesus Christ, all of this is made possible. 'He is the center of the plan of our Heavenly Fathers. It was He who provided the ransom for all mankind. He came to earth as our Savior and Redeemer; Heavenly Father sent His Son Jesus Christ to overcome the Fall of Adam and Eve; He overcame the obstacle of physical death for us by giving up His own life. When He died on the cross, His spirit became separated from His body. On the third day His spirit and His body were reunited eternally, never to be separated again.' 1<br /> <br /> Our life on earth is limited. There will come a time when each of us will die and where the spirit and body will be separated at death. However, because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we will all be resurrected, whether or not we were good or evil. Death is not the end, only a doorway in which each of us will pass. Through the resurrection, our body and spirit will be reunited. We will then have a perfect, immortal body of flesh and bones that will never experience pain or death again. The glory we achieve in the next life will be contingent on our choices in this life. It is only through the Atonement and our obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ that we can return and live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ once more. <br /> <br /> After the Resurrection of the Savior, the Apostles went and preached this message to the people. Christianity started to spread through many of the lands. But, as time went on, the Church grew into a great apostasy in which the succession of the priesthood was broken. The authority to act in the name of God for spiritual ordinances had ceased to exist on the earth. <br /> <br /> Modern day Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley stated: &quot;Somehow, in that long season of darkness, a candle was lighted. The age of Renaissance brought with it a flowering of learning, art, and science. There came a movement of bold and courageous men and women who looked heavenward in acknowledgment of God and His divine Son. We speak of it as the Reformation. And then, after many generations had walked the earth – so many of them in conflict, hatred, darkness, and evil – there arrived the great, new day of the Restoration. This glorious gospel was ushered in with the appearance of the Father and the Son to the boy Joseph [Smith]. The dawn of the dispensation of the fullness of times rose upon the world. All of the good, the beautiful, the divine of all previous dispensations was restored in this most remarkable season.&quot;<br /> <br /> Following the First Vision given to Joseph Smith, the sacred record of the Book of Mormon was delivered to the Prophet. This book brought forth a new witness, a second witness of the Lord Jesus Christ and His mission to the people of the earth. <br /> <br /> The Book of Mormon Prophet Amulek testified: &quot;And now, my brethren, I would that, after ye have received so many witnesses, seeing that the holy scriptures testify of these things, ye come forth and bring fruit unto repentance. Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you. For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.&quot; (Alma 34:30-32) <br /> <br /> The Father loves each of His children – there is none excluded from his love and from His plan. He desires for each of His children to return to Him. <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;The Plan of Salvation&quot;, Perry, Nov 2006, pg 69-72</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Dating&diff=12618 Dating 2007-09-06T18:01:10Z <p>Pamela: New page: Youth in the Mormon Church are taught to wait until at least the age of 16 to begin dating and to date only those who have high moral standards. On a date, each is responsible to help ...</p> <hr /> <div>Youth in the [[Mormon Church]] are taught to wait until at least the age of 16 to begin dating and to date only those who have high moral standards. On a date, each is responsible to help each other preserve their standards and to protect each other's honor and virtue. Mormon Prophet Spencer W. Kimball stated it this way: &quot;In proper [dating] the partners must recognize that their first responsibilities are to encourage each other in righteous behavior and to sustain and support each other in righteous desires and ambitions. The young man will do anything to protect the young lady’s purity. Each partner will unselfishly seek the best for the other while they learn to know each other well.&quot;1<br /> <br /> &quot;For the Strength of Youth&quot;, a Church publication for young men and women ages 12-18, it states: &quot;Do not date until you are at least 16 years old. Dating before then can lead to immorality, limit the number of other young people you meet and deprive you experiences that will help you choose an eternal partner.&quot; <br /> <br /> Continuing on with President Kimball's statement: &quot;If young people [date] one another without being sexually involved, they can more objectively determine whether they should proceed further or whether they should part and seek other more compatible companions. Tragically, [dating] is often misused today by those who either live together for sexual privileges or by those who [date] hastily and marry foolishly. In either situation the purposes of [dating] are not realized and the couple’s morality is corrupted. The world may countenance premarital sex experiences, but the Lord and [the Mormon] church condemn in no uncertain terms any and every sex relationship outside of marriage, and even indecent and uncontrolled ones within marriage.” 1<br /> <br /> Youth have been counseled that dating should not be without supervision. Sometimes dating can be a barrier between youth and their parents. However, the involvement of parents is vital; in that communication and setting boundaries needs to be understood by both parents and youth. Parents do not come with a parenting handbook, which tells them what to say and how to act in every situation, especially when their children begin dating. It is mainly a do-it-yourself project, which takes communication and understanding from parents and youth alike. Each side requires patience and knowledge that each will make mistakes. Praying as a family before a teen leaves on a date brings the spirit and love, as well as recognition that each other's thoughts and prayers will be with the other while apart. <br /> <br /> 1 &quot;Faith Precedes the Miracle&quot;, Kimball, 1972, pg.175</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Christmas&diff=12460 Christmas 2007-08-31T20:50:19Z <p>Pamela: New page: Christians throughout the world celebrate Christmas on December 25th as an annual church festival and as the traditional day of our Savior's mortal birth. Modern scripture1 states, and Mor...</p> <hr /> <div>Christians throughout the world celebrate Christmas on December 25th as an annual church festival and as the traditional day of our Savior's mortal birth. Modern scripture1 states, and Mormons believe, that the Savior was born in the spring. However, they observe the Savior's birth when, more than at any other time of year, the world unites to remember this most sacred event and where it is evident the Savior's teachings of love, charity, self-sacrifice, and tolerance are put into practice. <br /> <br /> Mormons believe that without Christ there would be no Christmas and without Christ there cannot be true happiness. This is the ideal time to ponder the true meaning of Christmas and to center attentions on the true doctrine of His birth as the Son of God, an event that allowed Him to work out the infinite and eternal atonement. <br /> <br /> Christmas trees, stockings, gifts and greeting cards are believed to add to the beauty of the Christmas season. However, when such is too time consuming and expensive, it can detract from the spirit of Christmas. If left to the last minute, it can often relay rapidity and confusion to Christmas observance. Church leaders caution members that holiday shopping, decorating, and festivities should not be all consuming that they forget or vaguely remember the reason for Christmas. Gifts should reflect the same spirit of love and concern, as did those of the Wise Men who presented the first gifts to the baby Jesus.<br /> <br /> The Mormon Church encourages its members to draw their families close together, show concern for neighbors, renew old friendships and show acts of Christ like love by giving, and celebrating the birth of our Savior. <br /> <br /> 1 Doctrine and Covenants 20:1</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Abortion&diff=12455 Abortion 2007-08-31T17:40:32Z <p>Pamela: </p> <hr /> <div>In view of today's common practice of abortion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) opposes an elective abortion. For more than a century, the First Presidency of the Mormon Church has warned against this evil. They have repeatedly counseled the members and non-members to not be a part of this devastating practice. This includes submitting to, performing, encouraging, paying for, or arranging for an abortion. If any member has encouraged an abortion in any way, they would be subject to Church discipline. One of the Lord's greatest commandments reads: &quot;Thou shalt not…kill, nor do anything like unto it.&quot;1 <br /> <br /> Having chosen to act in where a conception has occurred cannot be undone. The choice was made to act, which now involves a minimum of three lives. In or out of marriage, abortion is not an individual choice. <br /> <br /> The Mormon Church recognizes that there may be rare cases in which abortion may be warranted – cases which involve pregnancy by incest or rape; when the life or health of the mother is judged by a experienced medical doctor to be in serious danger; or when the fetus is known by an experienced doctor to have severe defects that would not allow the baby to survive beyond birth. However, these are not automatic reasons for abortion. Even in these cases, the Church leaders counsel to consider an abortion only after consulting with their ward leaders and receiving a confirmation through prayer.<br /> <br /> &quot;When a child is conceived out of wedlock, the best option is for the mother and father of the child to marry and work toward establishing an eternal family relationship. If a successful marriage is unlikely, they should place the child for adoption.&quot;2<br /> <br /> 1 Doctrine and Covenants 59:6<br /> 2 &quot;True to the Faith&quot;, 2004, p.4-5</div> Pamela https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=MormonWiki_Articles&diff=12408 MormonWiki Articles 2007-08-30T16:56:11Z <p>Pamela: </p> <hr /> <div>The following articles seek to offer information regarding the beliefs, doctines, policies, and members of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (commonly referred to as the Mormon Church or simply the Mormons). Articles are organized by topic and the same article may be found under different topics. Since this is a wiki, articles are frequently being added and modified. We sincerely hope the following articles will be helpful in learning about the Church. <br /> <br /> '''Articles by Topic'''<br /> <br /> ==Baptism==<br /> [[Baptism]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Baptism by Immersion]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Baptism for the Dead]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon baptism|Mormon Baptism]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[First Principles of the Gospel]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Fullness of the Gospel]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Conversion]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Basic Beliefs==<br /> <br /> [[Atonement]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Agency]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Articles of Faith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Baptism]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Baptism by Immersion]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Beliefs of Mormonism]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Conversion]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Faith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Fall|Fall of Adam and Eve]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Family]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Fasting]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[First Principles of the Gospel]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Fullness of the Gospel]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Gift of the Holy Ghost]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Godhead]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[God]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Grace]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Great Apostasy]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Beliefs on human tragedy| Human Tragedy]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Jesus Christ]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sabbath|Keeping the Sabbath]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon law of chastity| Law of Chastity]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Scriptures]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Modesty]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon myths]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon myths 2]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon theology]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Plan of Salvation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Prayer]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Priesthood]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Repentance]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Resurrection]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Revelation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sacrament]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sacrifice]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sanctification]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Satan]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Second Coming]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Service]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Inside Mormon temples|Temples]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Teachings of Joseph Smith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Ten Commandments]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Three-fold mission of the Church]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Tithing]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[What do Mormons believe|What Do Mormons Believe]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Abortion]]<br /> <br /> ==Beliefs about Life and Death==<br /> [[Baptism for the Dead]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Celestial marriage|Celestial Marriage]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial Kingdoms]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Creation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Death]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Divinity]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Exaltation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Family History]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Foreordination]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Beliefs on human tragedy|Human Tragedy]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Last Judgment]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Millennium]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mortality]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Plan of Salvation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Pre-Mortal Life]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Resurrection]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Spirit World]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Salvation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Book of Mormon Topics==<br /> [[Book of Mormon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Mormon archaeology]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Mormon evidences|Book of Mormon Evidences]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Mormon DNA]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Mormon geography|Book of Mormon Geography]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Mormon Places]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Mormon Characters]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Translation of the Book of Mormon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Jesus Christ]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Who is Mormon|Prophet Mormon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Angel Moroni]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Nephi]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Nephites]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Lamanites]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Jaredites]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Cumorah]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Zarahemla]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Golden Bible]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[The Golden Plates|Golden Plates]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Brass Plates]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Iron Rod]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Liahona Compass]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Seer Stones]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Tree of Life]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Urim and Thummim]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Joseph Smith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Oliver Cowdery]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Martin Harris]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[David Whitmer]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Scriptures]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon books|Mormon Books]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Cumoms]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Church History: Overview==<br /> [[Mormon history|Mormon History Main Page]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[New York Period]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Ohio Period]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Missouri Period]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Nauvoo and the Martyrdom]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Westward Migration]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Utah War]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Post-Civil War Persecution]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Stability and Growth]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[International Growth]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Contemporary Developments]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Church History: Miscellaneous Topics==<br /> [[Adam-ondi-Ahman]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Battle of Crooked River]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Box Elder Tabernacle]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Carthage Jail]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Colonization of the West]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Far West]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[First Vision]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Gathering]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Great Apostasy]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Handcart Companies]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Haun's Mill]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Independence, Missouri]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Journal of Discourses]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Kanesville Tabernacle]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Kinderhook plates]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Kirtland Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Liberty Jail]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Magic Valley]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Martin Harris Farm]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Martyrdom of Joseph Smith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Battalion]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Pioneers]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Population|Mormon Populations Today]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Trail]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mountain Meadows massacre|Mountain Meadows Massacre]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Museum of Church History and Art]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Music and the Spoken Word]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Nauvoo]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Nauvoo Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[New Jerusalem]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Ogden Utah History|Ogden Utah]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Palmyra]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Perpetual Emigration Fund]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Peter Whitmer Home]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Polygamy]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Quetzalcoatl]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sacred Grove]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Salt Lake Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Translation of the Book of Mormon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Wentworth letter]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Winter Quarters]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Zion's Camp]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Joseph Wakefield]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Calves Wilson]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Burr Riggs]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Church Leaders: Current==<br /> [[Bonnie D. Parkin]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Boyd K. Packer]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Dallin H. Oaks]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[David A. Bednar]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Dieter F. Uchtdorf]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Henry B. Eyring]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[James E. Faust]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Jeffrey R. Holland]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Joseph B. Wirthlin]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[L. Tom Perry]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[M. Russell Ballard]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Richard G. Scott]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Robert D. Hales]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Thomas S. Monson]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Russell M. Nelson]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[H. David Burton]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Charles W. Dahlquist]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Church Leaders: Past==<br /> [[Barbara B. Smith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Belle S. Spafford]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[David B. Haight]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[David Whitmer]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Eliza R. Snow]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Emma Hale Smith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Heber C. Kimball]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Martin Harris]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Neal A. Maxwell]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Newel K. Whitney]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Oliver Cowdery]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Parley P. Pratt]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sidney Rigdon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Jesse Knight]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Samuel Williams]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Church Leadership and Callings==<br /> [[Bishop]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Choosing a Prophet]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Deacons]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Elder]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[General Authorities]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Home Teaching]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Leadership in the Church]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Callings]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon leadership|Mormon Leadership]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon president|Mormon President]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon prophet|Mormon Prophet]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Nursery]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Patriarch]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Presiding Bishop]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Priests]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Primary]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Relief Society]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Roles of a Bishop]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Teachers]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Visiting Teaching]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Young Women]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Patriarch to the church]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Church Programs and Organizations==<br /> [[Church Educational System]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Education]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Brigham Young University]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Church Magazines]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Ensign Magazine]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Liahona Magazine]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[New Era Magazine]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Friend Magazine]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Relief Society]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sunday School]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Primary]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mutual]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Family History]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Family History Library]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Family Search]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[General Conference]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Church Welfare Program]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Provident Living]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Finances|Church Finances]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Debt Reduction]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Overcoming Debt]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Employment Programs]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Humanitarian Efforts]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Family Services]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Welfare Cannery]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Distribution Centers]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon missionaries|Missionary Program]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Missionary Training Center]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Tabernacle Choir]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Three-fold mission of the Church]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Music and the Spoken Word]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Perpetual Education Fund]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Polynesian Cultural Center]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Temple Square]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Conference Center]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Museum of Church History and Art]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Pageants]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Hill Cumorah Pageant]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Miracle Pageant]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Perpetual Emigration Fund]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Church Structure==<br /> [[Church Organization]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Relief Society]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Young Women]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Primary]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sunday School]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Nursery]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mutual]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Ward]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Wards]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Stake|Stakes]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Presidency of the Seventy]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Signs of the True Christian Church]]<br /> <br /> ==Controversial Topics==<br /> [[Adoption]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Antimormon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Anti-Mormon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Priesthood| Blacks and Women in the Priesthood]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Mormon archaeology]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Mormon DNA]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Mormon evidences|Book of Mormon Evidences]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Changes to Temple Ordinances]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Ex-Mormon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Gay]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Homosexuality]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Kinderhook plates]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Living Hope Ministries]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon law of chastity|Sexuality and the Law of Chastity]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mountain Meadows massacre|Mountain Meadows Massacre]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon cult]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon garments|Mormon Underwear]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon temple|Mormon Temples]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon myths]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon myths 2]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon women]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormonism and Christianity]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormonism vs. Christianity]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormonism cult]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Out of Mormonism]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Polygamy]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Reorganized (RLDS) Church]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Same-sex attraction|Same-Sex Attraction]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Stem cell research|Stem Cell Research]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Strangite]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[The Church of Jesus Christ]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Translation of the Book of Mormon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon garments]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Adam - God Theory]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Education==<br /> [[Church Educational System]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Education|Education Facts]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Brigham Young University]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Business College]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Seminary]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Bellota A Roble Project (Acorn to Oak)]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Famous Mormons==<br /> [[Famous Mormons]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Thurl Bailey]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Bob Bennett]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Rob Bishop]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Chris Cannon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mike Crapo]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[John Doolittle]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Eni Faleomavaega]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Jeff Flake]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Arnold Friberg]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Orrin Hatch]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Dean Heller]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Jim Matheson]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[J. Willard Marriott]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Yukihiro Matsumoto]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Buck McKeon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Dale Murphy]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Hugh Nibley]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Harry Reid]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mitt Romney]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Charles Roscoe Savage]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mike Simpson]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Gordon Smith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Steve Young]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Fundamental Principles==<br /> [[First Principles of the Gospel]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Fullness of the Gospel]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Faith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Repentance]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Baptism by Immersion]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Gift of the Holy Ghost]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Gender and Cultural Issues==<br /> [[Adoption]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Evergreen International]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Exodus International]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Gay]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Homosexuality]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Same-sex attraction|Same-Sex Attraction]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==General Church Information==<br /> [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Latter-day Saints]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Three-fold mission of the Church]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Demographics|Church Demographics]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Church]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon cult|Mormon Cult]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Finances|Mormon Finances]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon myths|Mormon Myths]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon theology|Mormon Theology]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Population]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Tabernacle Choir]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormanism]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormonism]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormonism and Christianity]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormonism vs. Christianity]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormonism cult|Mormonism Cult]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Anti-Mormon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Ex-Mormon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Out of Mormonism]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==The Godhead==<br /> [[Godhead]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Heavenly Father]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Jesus Christ]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Atonement of Jesus Christ]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Crucifixion of Jesus Christ]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Savior]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Messiah]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[The Living Christ]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Holy Ghost]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Holy Spirit]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Gift of the Holy Ghost]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Divinity]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Foreordination]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Humanitarian Aid==<br /> [[Service]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Humanitarian Efforts]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Church Welfare Program]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Debt Reduction]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Overcoming Debt]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Employment Programs]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Family Services]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Welfare Cannery]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Provident Living]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Jesus Christ==<br /> [[Jesus Christ]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Atonement of Jesus Christ]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Crucifixion of Jesus Christ]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Messiah]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Savior]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Second Coming]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Millennium]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[New Testament]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Quetzalcoatl]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[The Living Christ]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Godhead]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Divinity]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Foreordination]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormonism and Christianity]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormonism vs. Christianity]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sacrament]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Joseph Smith==<br /> [[Joseph Smith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Joseph Smith, Jr.]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Emma Hale Smith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[First Vision]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sacred Grove]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[The Golden Plates]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Urim and Thummim]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Translation of the Book of Mormon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Kirtland Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Liberty Jail]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Martyrdom of Joseph Smith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Carthage Jail]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Mormon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Articles of Faith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Lectures on Faith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Teachings of Joseph Smith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Literature==<br /> [[LDS Scriptures]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Scriptures]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon books|Mormon Books]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Mormon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Holy Bible]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Old Testament]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[New Testament]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Doctrine and Covenants]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Pearl of Great Price]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Abraham]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Lectures on Faith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Journal of Discourses]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Standing for Something]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Church Magazines]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Ensign Magazine]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Liahona Magazine]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[New Era Magazine]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Friend Magazine]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Living Magazine]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Proclamation to the World|The Family: A Proclamation to the World]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[The Living Christ]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[For the Strength of the Youth]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Marriage and Families==<br /> [[Adoption]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Celestial marriage|Celestial Marriage]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Family]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Family Home Evening]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Family Home Evening 2]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Family Services]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Weddings]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon law of chastity|Law of Chastity]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormonism and Marriage]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Plan of Salvation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Plural Marriage]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Proclamation to the World]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Scrapbooking]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Service]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Missionary Work==<br /> [[Mission]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon missionaries|Missionaries]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Missionary Training Center]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Couple Missionaries]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Every Member a Missionary]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Returned Missionary]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Senior Missionaries]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mission Reunions]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mission farewell and homecoming]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Convert Retention]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Demographics]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Population]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Three-fold mission of the Church]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Conversion]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Mormon Life and Culture==<br /> [[Beehive house]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Bellota A Roble]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Caffeine]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Conversion]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Demographics|LDS Demographics]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Downtown Rising]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Education]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Every Member a Missionary]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Family Home Evening]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Family Home Evening 2]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Fasting]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Food Storage]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[General Conference]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Keeping a Journal]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Latter-day Saints]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon law of chastity|Law of Chastity]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Bookstores]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Games]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Living Magazine]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Radio]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Rings]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Sermons]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Living in the Latter-days]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mission Reunions]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Modesty]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon garments|Mormon Garments]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Handicraft]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Holidays]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Idioms]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon jokes]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Music]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon myths|Mormon Myths]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Politics]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Terminology]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon undergarments|Mormon Undergarments]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Provident Living]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sabbath|Sabbath Day Worship]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sacrament Meeting]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Scrapbooking]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Service]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Stake|Stakes]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Testimonies]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Tithing]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Wards]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Word of Wisdom]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Zion]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Plan of Salvation==<br /> [[Plan of Salvation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Proclamation to the World]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Pre-Mortal Life]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Divinity]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Satan]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Creation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Adam and Eve]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Fall|The Fall]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Agency]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Foreordination]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mortality]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Dispensation|Dispensations]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Family]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Beliefs on human tragedy|Human Tragedy]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Death]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Atonement of Jesus Christ]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Savior]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Spirit World]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Second Coming]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Millennium]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Resurrection]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Last Judgment]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sons of Perdition]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Salvation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Exaltation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial Kingdoms]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Priesthood==<br /> [[Priesthood]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Priesthood Authority]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Priesthood Power]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Laying on of Hands]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Ordinances]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Patriarchal Blessings]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Deacons]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Teachers]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Priests]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Elder]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Bishop]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Roles of a Bishop]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Patriarch]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[General Authorities]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon prophet|Prophet]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon women|Women and the Priesthood]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Prophets==<br /> [[Mormon prophet|Prophets]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon president|Church President]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Choosing a Prophet]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Quotes from the Prophets]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Foreordination]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Joseph Smith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Brigham Young]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[John Taylor]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Wilford Woodruff]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Lorenzo Snow]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Joseph F. Smith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Heber J. Grant]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[George Albert Smith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[David O. McKay]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Joseph Fielding Smith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Harold B. Lee]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Spencer W. Kimball]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Ezra Taft Benson]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Howard W. Hunter]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Gordon B. Hinckley]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Scriptural Topics==<br /> [[Abrahamic Covenant]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Adam and Eve]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Agency]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Angel Moroni]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Anger]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Mormon Characters]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial Kingdoms]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[City of Enoch]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Creation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Cumorah]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Death]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Dispensation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Exaltation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Faith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Fall|Fall of Adam and Eve]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Fasting]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[The Golden Plates|Golden Plates]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Grace]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Iron Rod]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Jaredites]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Kolob]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Lamanites]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Last Judgment]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Liahona Compass]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Millennium]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mortality]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Nephi]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Nephites]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[New Jerusalem]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Plan of Salvation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Prayer]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Pre-Mortal Life]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Who is Mormon|Prophet Mormon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Repentance]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Resurrection]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Revelation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sabbath]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sacrament]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sacrifice]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Salvation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sanctification]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Satan]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Second Coming]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Seer Stones]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sons of Perdition]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Spirit World]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Ten Commandments]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Tithing]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Tree of Life]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Urim and Thummim]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Word of Wisdom]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Zarahemla]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Zion]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Scriptures==<br /> [[LDS Scriptures]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon books|Mormon Books]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Scriptures]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Mormon]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Mormon evidences|Book of Mormon Evidences]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Mormon DNA]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Mormon geography|Book of Mormon Geography]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Golden Bible]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[The Golden Plates|Golden Plates]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Holy Bible]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Old Testament]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[New Testament]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Doctrine and Covenants]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Pearl of Great Price]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Abraham]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Articles of Faith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Jasher]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Book of Revelation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Social Topics==<br /> [[Birth control]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Body Piercing]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Circumcision]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Depression and Anxiety]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Divorce]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Euthanasia]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Family finances]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Suicide]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Temples==<br /> [[Baptism for the Dead]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Changes to Temple Ordinances]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Celestial marriage|Celestial Marriage]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Inside Mormon temples|Inside Mormon Temples]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Weddings]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon endowment|Mormon Endowment]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon garments|Mormon Garments]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Temples]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon undergarments|Mormon Undergarments]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Temple endowment|Temple Endowment]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Temple Square]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Chronological List of Temples]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Geographical List of Temples]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> '''Historic Temples'''<br /> <br /> [[Kirtland Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Nauvoo Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Salt Lake Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[St. George Utah Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> '''Temples in the United States'''<br /> <br /> [[Albuquerque New Mexico Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Anchorage Alaska Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Atlanta Georgia Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Billings Montana Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Birmingham Alabama Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Bismark North Dakota Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Boise Idaho Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Boston Massachusetts Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Bountiful Utah Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Chicago Illinois Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Columbia River Washington Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Columbia South Carolina Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Columbus Ohio Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Dallas Texas Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Denver Colorado Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Detroit Michigan Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Draper Utah Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Fresno California Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Houston Texas Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Harrison New York Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Idaho Falls Idaho Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Jordan River Utah Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Kona Hawaii Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Laie Hawaii Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Las Vegas Nevada Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Logan Utah Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Los Angeles California Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Louisville Kentucky Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Lubbock Texas Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Manhattan New York Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Manti Utah Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Medford Oregon Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Memphis Tennessee Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mesa Arizona Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Monticello Utah Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Nashville Tennessee Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Newport Beach California Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Oakland California Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Ogden Utah Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Orlando Florida Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Palmyra New York Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Portland Oregon Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Provo Utah Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Raleigh North Carolina Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Redlands California Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Reno Nevada Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Rexburg Idaho Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sacramento California Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[St. Louis Missouri Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[St. Paul Minnesota Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[San Antonio Texas Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[San Diego California Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Seattle Washington Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Snowflake Arizona Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Spokane Washington Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Twin Falls Idaho Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Vernal Utah Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Washington D.C. Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> '''Temples Around the World'''<br /> <br /> [[Aba Nigeria Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Accra Ghana Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Adelaide Australia Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Apia Samoa Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Asuncion Paraguay Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Bern Switzerland Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Bogota Colombia Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Brisbane Australia Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Buenos Aires Argentina Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Campinas Brazil Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Caracas Venezuela Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Cardston Alberta Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Cebu Philippines Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Ciudad Juarez Mexico Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Cochabamba Bolivia Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Colonia Juarez Chihuahua Mexico Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Copenhagen Denmark Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Curitiba Brazil Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Edmonton Alberta Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Frankfurt Germany Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Freiberg Germany Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Fukuoka Japan Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Guadalajara Mexico Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Guatemala City Guatemala Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Guayaquil Ecuador Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Halifax Nova Scotia Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Hamilton New Zealand Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Helsinki Finland Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Hermosillo Sonora Mexico Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Hong Kong China Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Johannesburg South Africa Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Kiev Ukraine Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Lima Peru Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[London England Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Madrid Spain Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Manila Philippines Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Melbourne Australia Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Merida Mexico Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mexico City Mexico Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Monterrey Mexico Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Montevideo Uruguay Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Montreal Quebec Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Oaxaca Mexico Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Panama City Panama Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Papeete Tahiti Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Perth Australia Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Porto Alegre Brazil Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Preston England Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Recife Brazil Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Regina Saskatchewan Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[San Jose Costa Rica Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Santiago Chile Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[São Paulo Brazil Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Seoul Korea Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Stockholm Sweden Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Suva Fiji]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sydney Australia Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Taipei Taiwan Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Tampico Mexico Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Tegucigalpa Honduras Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[The Hague Netherlands Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Tokyo Japan Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Toronto Ontario Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Tuxtla Gutierrez Mexico Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Vancouver British Columbia Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Veracruz Mexico Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Villahermosa Mexico Temple]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Women in Mormonism==<br /> [[Mormon women|Mormon Women]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Relief Society]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Visiting Teaching]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Young Women]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Personal Progress|Young Women Personal Progress]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mormon Handicraft]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sheri L. Dew]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Barbara B. Smith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Belle S. Spafford]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Bonnie D. Parkin]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Eliza R. Snow]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Emma Hale Smith]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Zina D. H. Young]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Julie Bangerter Beck]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Susan W. Tanner]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Cheryl C. Lant]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> ==Youth and Children==<br /> [[Duty to God]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Eagle Scout]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Especially for youth|Especially For Youth]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Faith in God Program]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[For the Strength of the Youth]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Friend Magazine]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Modesty]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mutual]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[New Era Magazine]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Nursery]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Personal Progress]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Primary]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Scouting]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Scripture Mastery]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Seminary]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Young Women]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> <br /> == Personal Experiences and Testimonies ==<br /> The following articles are available for use, but should not be changed from what is shown here. If you have your own personal experiences that you would like to share with others, please contact Giuseppe Martinengo (gmartinengo@moregoodfoundation.org) for additional information.<br /> <br /> * [[There Was No Question]] (Giuseppe Martinengo)<br /> * [[What a Christmas!]] (Alan Osmond)<br /> * [[A Mormon missionary's dream]] (John Tvedtnes)<br /> * [[Land of miracles]] (John Tvedtnes)<br /> * [[To Coach|To Coach: Believing is Swimming]] (Brad Larsen)<br /> <br /> ==General Conference Talks==<br /> These talks cannot be reproduced without permission.<br /> * [[Beware of Pride]] (President Ezra Taft Benson)<br /> * [[Joseph, the Seer]] (Elder Neal A. Maxwell)<br /> * [[Mormon Should Mean &quot;More Good&quot;]] (President Gordon B. Hinckley)<br /> * [[Tender Mercies of the Lord]] (Elder David A. Bednar)<br /> * [[The False Gods we Worship]] (President Spencer W. Kimball)<br /> <br /> ==Short Definitions and Dictionary==<br /> [[active|Active]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Adversary]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Age of Accountability]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Auxiliaries]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Baptismal Covenant]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Bishopric]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Brethren]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Brother]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Chapel]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Commandment]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Confirmation]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Consecrate]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Convert]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Counselor]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Covenant]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[CTR]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Cultural Hall]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[D&amp;C]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Excommunication]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Fall of Adam]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Families Can Be Together Forever]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Fast]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Gathering of Israel]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Genealogy]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Gold Plates]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Gold plates|Gold Plates 2]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Gospel]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Gospel Essentials Class]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Hathaway Brook]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Hell]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[High Council]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[House of Israel]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Humility]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Fireside]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Inspiration]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Intellectual reserve]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Investigator]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Ishmaelites]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Jacobites]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Josephites]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Lds|LDS 2]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[LDS Gems]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Lemuelites]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Mercy]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Opening Exercises]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Ordinance]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Parable]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Pass along cards]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Personal Ancestral File]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Preside]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Presidency]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Prophecy]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Proxy Baptism]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Pulpit]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Quad]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Restitution]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sacred]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sharon, Vermont]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Single Adults]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sister]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Spirit of the Lord]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Stewardship]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Susquehanna River]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Sustain]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Temple Recommend]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Thousand]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Throne of grace]]&amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Transgression]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Trinity]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Twelve Tribes]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Vicarious Work]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Worthy Member]] &amp;nbsp;·<br /> [[Young Single Adults]] &amp;nbsp;·</div> Pamela