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VIEW TESTIMONY
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POSTED BY:
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sisterhatch
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DATE:
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16.05.2008 |
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SUBJECT:
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My first shared testimony |
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LOCATION:
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South Portland, United States
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First things first! I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church of Christ. That it is set up the way Christ himself wanted. I know that there is a god and he is our heavenly father. He loves us so much and wants us to strive to be our best to return to him in the celestial kingdom. God has been and always will be there for each and every one of us. God knows each of us personally and knows what we can handle, when we were in hards times he was there with us. He sends the holy spirit to be with us and guide us.I know the Holy Spirit, the third member of the Godhead, has testified these things to me, with strong confirmations. I know Christ is the Only Begotten Son of our Heavenly Father and that he is our brother. He was sent by our heavenly Father to make it possible for us to become perfect, for no unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God. He laid down His life for my sake, that I may achieve Eternal life, through Him. He suffered for the sins of all mankind, even mine, as well as my every affliction.
I have always known that there was a higher power and we were here for a purpose. I went to church (Christian) when I was younger with my Gram but it never amounted to anything. The other kids told me I was wrong all the time because I believed that god and Jesus Christ were two separate beings. I thought I was the only one, they being the same person just didn't make sense to me. I stopped going to church when I entered into middle school. I was growing up, and didn't think I would need the gospel at all.
When I was 14 I went to a girls camp in Vermont with one of my new friends called Camp Joseph. I knew it was religious but didn't care, it got me out of my house for awhile. This is where someone gave me my first Book of Mormon. Years went by and I never once started to read what I know know to be very important. It took me 6 years to open it. At the time of when I started reading it my sister had just got engaged to a guy I knew back in High School. He was a Latter Day Saint. Since I lived with my sister I was reintroduced to the whole gospel thing....I told then to leave me be and don't try to tell me any of it, for I didn't want to hear it. However my sisters soon to be husband wouldn't give up. he gave me a new copy of the Book of Mormon but I just set it on my book shelf. A couple months later I had moved out. I was away for school, and on my birthday I was alone. No one called, No one showed, it made me feel like no one cared. As I sat in my room I looked around and something caught my eye. It was the book of Mormon. As I read I felt something inside my heart, it just made sense to me. I didn't dare tell my sister or her husband at that moment. I just kept reading and wondering and praying. i got to the point where I knew what I had to do, so I went to church. Every one was happy to see me, and were surprised that I came alone. I wasn't afraid, I knew its what I should be doing. As soon as I walked in I felt the spirit, it overpowered me and I became more aware of this being the true church. After a few weeks of meeting with the Elders, I count deny the knowledge that I had of this church. I knew the Book of Mormon to be the word of god and jesus did come to America. That this church was set up by Christ and Joseph Smith restored it.
I know that this testimony I have now is possible because god revealed himself to a young farmer boy named Joseph. He was the first prophet after the restoration of the gospel, and through him we know more of Gods plan and our eternal life ahead of us. I know Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon. I know that this book is the most correct and true book on Earth this day, because it was translated through revelation and not through the word of man. That even in the bible, the Book of Mormon was mentioned. And I know that even though Joseph Smith was killed we have a new prophet. And gods words are continued to be revealed by them, the prophets. I know God's Word is still being revealed. God has ordained further prophets, for he doesn't want us to be lost again with out the keys to eternal life. Today that leadership comes from the Prophets, Seers, and Revelators, which I sustain with true faith in them and in the lord. And there is a living prophet of God today, his name is Thomas S. Monson. At this recent conference when we sustained him, I had just recently gotten baptized. I knew that he was a prophet of god, however I still needed my confirmation. I prayed the whole week for the answer to my question: Is Monson really our new prophet?....I prayed and prayed right up till General conference and when we stood to sustain him I got my answer from the spirit. At that moment i had no concern on if he was our prophet. He hold the power to act in gods name. without him the keys he holds would be gone.
The priesthood, is amazing. I know with all my heart that the priesthood is needed and with out it no one would be able to be baptized or blessed with the holy spirit.I know that it was by the power of the priesthood that I was able to be baptized!!! that when I was cleansed in the water I came out alive in Christ. I know that by repenting, and choosing to enter into this covenant with the Lord that my sins were forgiven, I can live on with my life forgetting my past not having guilt with in me and a shameful mind of doing wrong. And I know that as a woman I can not be a priesthood holder, but I am ok with that. We have our roles to play in this life, we are important too. For with out us woman the world would seize to exist:) I know also that the day I was blessed with my companion the holy spirit, it was the priesthood holders that were able to give it to me. With out these keys, we would not be able to return to our father in heaven.
Returning to our father is what I strive for everyday. I do my best to live my the commandments and word of wisdom and to be Christ like. However, even though I am not perfect, our Saviour Jesus Christ has made it possible and for him I am thankful!! And by the Latter Day Prophets we know that we can live eternally with our family. This is such a wonderful thing to look forward too!
I am so greatful to have found the true Gospel and that Joseph Smith decided to go and ask of god. And that the Gospel was restored to the earth so that we can again have the way to return to out father in heaven. I love this church and I love everyone within it.
I love Jesus Christ and our heavenly Father, and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
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