Hello everyone! My name is Ottavio and I'm a full time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. If I said "Mormons" would it make it any more familiar? Yes, I'm a Mormon!
There are many things Mormons are very well known for. Perhaps you might have heard of the wonderful Mormon Tabernacle Choir, or you might have seen one of the 141 operating temples the Church has all across the globe. Maybe one of your neighbors is a Mormon, or maybe you're a Mormon yourself (in which case I commend you for the excellent choice!). Well, one of the unique features of the LDS Church is that we are led by living prophets and apostles.
Have you ever wondered why? The Prophet Joseph Smith said it best: "We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth." (Articles of Faith 1:6). So the reason why we have apostles and prophets is pretty simple: we believe that the organization Christ left on earth (the Church He founded) 2,000 years ago was valid back then and is still valid now.
Do you ever stop and think of how important it is to have prophets and apostles in these modern days? I said that Joseph Smith was a prophet. How do we know that? Well, he left quite a detailed account of how and when God the Father and Jesus Christ called him to be a prophet, and he translated the Book of Mormon (something he just couldn't have accomplished without the help and power of God). "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." said the Savior, and that pattern of recognizing a prophet by their fruit (their teachings, their lives) still works today.
I'd spend hours just talking about Joseph Smith and his divine call, but I think it would be just as useful and informative to focus on modern-day, living prophets' teachings. Each week I'll post and comment one of the latest talks given by different living prophets and apostles, thus helping myself (and hopefully some of you out there) realize what a great blessing it is to have inspired people who deliver those messages God would have us hear. Those talks I'll post have all been given during one of the General Conferences of the LDS Church -- an event that happens twice a year (first weekend of April and October).
You are all welcome to post comments with your thoughts and personal insights.
I know that as we apply the teachings of modern-day prophets and apostles (which all come down to Jesus Christ and His teachings) our lives will be blessed. We'll be able to see the world around us with different eyes and we'll have a stronger capacity to serve those around us.
Bye for now!
-Ottavio
Thomas S. Monson (the man in the middle) is the current Prophet of God.
The two men with him are his councillors.
The two men with him are his councillors.
Great questions listed here! These are important things to think about. Thank you for sharing!
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