Them Bones, them bones, them dry bones, now hear the word of the Lord!
As always, with a religious post, my opinion, and my opinion only.
Tonight, or last night, I guess, I had the opportunity to attend a Book of Mormon Symposium in Independence, as part of the choir. It was a gathering of the various churches that believe the Book of Mormon. The concluding speaker was Robert Millet, Dean Emeritus of Religious Studies at Brigham Young University, and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints He was very good, and spoke of conversion, and how it is an on going process.
The speaker that most impressed me was Patrick McKay, who was recently called as an Apostle in the Restoration Branch of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (RLDS). He spoke of "Witnessing with the Book of Mormon" His message was very powerful. He felt that we need to get back to leading with the Book of Mormon in preaching the gospel to others.
So, some background, and what does the title have to do with what I am writing about?
No doubt, some will recognize a line from a children's rhyme. It comes from Ezekiel in the Old Testament, Chapter 37. The vision presented to Ezekiel was the resurrection, and that he would restore Israel to its place. Verses 16-17 are very curious. (KJV)
16. Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions.
17. And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.
Ezekiel is referring to scripture with the term stick.
The stick of Judah refers to the Bible. I believe that the stick of Ephraim refers to what is now known as the Book of Mormon. So what is this book, and why is it important?
I could write pages to describe the Book of Mormon. but simply put is its subtitle: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is a history of a branch of Israel that was led to the Americas at the time of the fall of Jerusalem, about 600 BC. It also relates the visit of the Resurrected Christ to them after his mission was complete in Israel. It was translated by Joseph Smith, through the power of God.
My point is not to argue with anyone of the truthfulness of the book. I would say that it does NOT replace the Bible. It is a second witness of the Son of God, and His resurrection. If you are curious, then read the book! Follow the counsel in the Book of Moroni, chapter 10:
4. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
Curious? if you want a Book of Mormon, you can get it a couple of ways.
1. Go to mormon.org Two young men in ties and white shirts will drop it off, and offer to share a message. Don't want the visit, but maybe still want the book?
2. PM me, and I will be glad to get you a copy. You will miss out on those called to preach the Gospel, but I get it.
I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. It truly is a second witness of Jesus Christ. These things I know because I followed Moroni's counsel.
Oh, and singing was pretty spectacular too. I so miss singing with such faithful people.
Tonight, or last night, I guess, I had the opportunity to attend a Book of Mormon Symposium in Independence, as part of the choir. It was a gathering of the various churches that believe the Book of Mormon. The concluding speaker was Robert Millet, Dean Emeritus of Religious Studies at Brigham Young University, and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints He was very good, and spoke of conversion, and how it is an on going process.
The speaker that most impressed me was Patrick McKay, who was recently called as an Apostle in the Restoration Branch of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (RLDS). He spoke of "Witnessing with the Book of Mormon" His message was very powerful. He felt that we need to get back to leading with the Book of Mormon in preaching the gospel to others.
So, some background, and what does the title have to do with what I am writing about?
No doubt, some will recognize a line from a children's rhyme. It comes from Ezekiel in the Old Testament, Chapter 37. The vision presented to Ezekiel was the resurrection, and that he would restore Israel to its place. Verses 16-17 are very curious. (KJV)
16. Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions.
17. And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.
Ezekiel is referring to scripture with the term stick.
The stick of Judah refers to the Bible. I believe that the stick of Ephraim refers to what is now known as the Book of Mormon. So what is this book, and why is it important?
I could write pages to describe the Book of Mormon. but simply put is its subtitle: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is a history of a branch of Israel that was led to the Americas at the time of the fall of Jerusalem, about 600 BC. It also relates the visit of the Resurrected Christ to them after his mission was complete in Israel. It was translated by Joseph Smith, through the power of God.
My point is not to argue with anyone of the truthfulness of the book. I would say that it does NOT replace the Bible. It is a second witness of the Son of God, and His resurrection. If you are curious, then read the book! Follow the counsel in the Book of Moroni, chapter 10:
4. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
Curious? if you want a Book of Mormon, you can get it a couple of ways.
1. Go to mormon.org Two young men in ties and white shirts will drop it off, and offer to share a message. Don't want the visit, but maybe still want the book?
2. PM me, and I will be glad to get you a copy. You will miss out on those called to preach the Gospel, but I get it.
I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. It truly is a second witness of Jesus Christ. These things I know because I followed Moroni's counsel.
Oh, and singing was pretty spectacular too. I so miss singing with such faithful people.
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